Golfing in England

England has 1872 golf courses. Here’s a list of our top ten golf courses in England

1. Old Course at the Walton Heath Golf Club is situated in the leafy Surrey heathlands and is unique because of its history. Did you know that Winston Churchill was a member and played for over 50 years here? It’s known for its beautiful yet fascinating course.

Where to stay
Walton Heath is close enough to London to return after the 18th hole, cocktails and the use of our chauffeur-driven service back to the big city. Our edited choice of the Best Four-Star and Five-Star Hotels.

2. If you're looking for a challenge, then the Royal Birkdale Golf Club is for you. Located near the coast in Southport, you will play among the gorgeous valleys between towering dunes.

Where to stay
Royal Birkdale is only 18 miles from central Liverpool. Therefore it makes sense to transfer back after your day on the course and stay at one of our recommended hotels; The Shankly, The Titanic or the Hard Days Night.

3. Known as an English treasure, the Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s Golf Club is also situated in Southport and is bordered on the west by a charming railway line with Blackpool Tower looming in the background. Sometimes the sea breeze can be a bit of a downer, so ensure that your accuracy is at its best.

Where to stay
Sister hotel to The Stafford in London, The Northcote Hotel is a manor house hotel with Michelin Starred restaurant. The drive to Royal Lytham is 45 minutes, and it is an ideal stop en route to the glorious Lake District National Park, 30 minutes north. 

4. Renowned as Lincolnshire’s finest, the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa is established as one of the best inland golf courses in the UK. Interesting is that the English Golf Union has used it as their HQ since 1995. This course is most famous for its deep, testing bunkers, which means that accuracy is vital.

Where to stay
The Petwood Hotel sits on the edge of the Hotchkin golf course; it is the obvious choice. The house has stunning gardens and historical connections to when Lincolnshire was the "bomber county". Many Canadian, American and British service members were stationed here at various RAF bases during World War Two. 

5. The Royal Liverpool Golf Club is known for its flat, unprotected holes and corrugated holes laid out along the stunning shoreline. Here you'll find yourself participating in a real test of links golf.

Where to stay
Royal Liverpool Golf Club is 12 miles from central Liverpool. The transfer from central Liverpool is under 30 minutes. Stay at one of our recommended hotels; The Shankly, The Titanic or the Hard Days Night. 

6. Situated in the heathlands in the heart of Yorkshire, the Ganton Golf Club is known for its welcoming hospitality. This place is suitable for people who’d like to play a relaxing game as well as for people who’d like to test their skills.

Where to stay
The Star Inn, Harome is a fine gastropub with main house quirky rooms plus large modern barn style rooms. The Star is under 30 miles from Ganton Golf Club and perfectly located to tour York and the North Yorkshire Moors.

7. The Royal St. George’s Golf Club is known as a true British classic, tucked away in the dunes of the stunning coast of Kent. Here, every hole is different, which makes for a great golf course.

Where to stay
The "Pig" brand of hotels has produced a Kent Hotel, The Pig at Bridge Place. The building is a 17th-century manor house that has had the Pig treatment of subtle modernisation without losing character. The hotel is a short hop to historical Canterbury and Leeds Castle, plus only 30 minutes drive to Royal St George Golf Club.

8. The Wentworth Estate was the home The Duke of Wellington's relatives. The Duke defeated Emperor Napoleon at the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815. By 1922 the Wentworth Golf club was established, and the slick operation now offers accommodation.

Where to stay
Wentworth is close to London (1 hr 15 minutes drive); therefore, you have a huge choice of London's best four and five-star accommodation. However, you have plenty of options nearby, such as Great Fosters Hotel, the Tudor like small hotel set within 55 acres of lavish gardens. Great Fosters is a 15-minute drive to Wentworth. Alternatively, within 45 minutes of the course is Cliveden House Hotel, a jewel overlooking the banks of the River Thames.

9. When you think of St. Enodoc, you immediately think of the Cornish coast and its breathtaking ocean views. This place is a treat for playing a relaxing round of golf and putting your skills to the test.

Where to stay
The St Enodoc Hotel is a 15-minute walk to the golf club. Stroll back to the hotel for a spa treatment, relaxation and fine dining. Maybe a walk on the beautiful Rock beach or take the ferry to the gastronomic fishing village Padstow, just across the bay.

10. The Sunningdale Golf Club has a beautiful heathland layout with its Old and New course that both offer the opportunity for a great game of golf. The Old Course contains hills, heath, and woodland, which was considered unsuitable for playing in the past, now has a reputation as one of England's best inland courses.

Where to stay
Sunningdale is a mere 7 minutes drive to Great Fosters Hotel. But, again you have the choice of travelling a little further and staying at Cliveden House Hotel.