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A well maintained fairway nestled with sand bunkers

England Golf Holidays

England golf breaks. The best England deals, courses & packages

Golf Breaks in England

England offers something that no other golf destination quite can. You’re playing where the game itself evolved, on courses that have tested champions for over a century, with a depth of golfing heritage that’s simply unmatched. From the wild links of Lancashire and Cumbria to the heathland masterpieces of Surrey and Berkshire, England delivers golf in its purest, most authentic form.

The variety is what surprises most visitors. You’ll find everything from proper seaside links that’ll test every club in your bag to elegant parkland layouts where mature trees and strategic bunkering define each hole. England’s golf courses range from the utterly traditional to the genuinely innovative, with enough quality spread across the country to fill multiple golf breaks. The accommodation options match this variety perfectly. Classic clubhouses with rooms overlook the 18th green at historic venues, while country house hotels near the Surrey heathland courses offer spa facilities and fine dining.

Coastal areas around the northwest feature golf hotels positioned between multiple championship links, and converted manor houses throughout the Cotswolds provide luxurious bases for exploring that region’s understated courses. England’s golf regions include the northwest coast with Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham, and Hillside, the Surrey and Berkshire heathland belt featuring Sunningdale, Wentworth, and Walton Heath, East Anglia’s links at Hunstanton and Brancaster, Yorkshire’s moorland and links courses including Ganton, and even hidden gems throughout Devon and Cornwall. You’re never far from a proper golf course here. International golfers typically fly into London Heathrow or Gatwick for southern courses, Manchester for the northwest links, or regional airports like Liverpool and Leeds Bradford depending on your itinerary. The motorway network makes multi-centre trips quite straightforward, though you’ll want to factor in reasonable driving times. England appeals to traditionalists who want to experience golf’s roots, groups seeking variety without changing countries, and anyone who appreciates courses that have been refined over generations rather than manufactured overnight.

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Best Golf Holiday Destinations in England

England’s golf regions each offer something distinct, from proper links golf on the northwest coast to refined heathland layouts in the Surrey sandbelt, and you can build your break around a single region or combine several if you’re staying longer. The variety of packages available means groups can focus on championship courses exclusively, mix in some hidden gems with the famous names, or create entirely bespoke itineraries that match your group’s ability and budget. Traditionalists will gravitate toward the Lancashire coast and its collection of Open venues, while those seeking variety might combine Surrey heathland courses with some of the classic parkland layouts nearby. East Anglia appeals to golfers who want authentic links experiences without quite the same crowds or costs, and Yorkshire offers something genuinely different with its moorland courses and strong regional character. Whatever your preference, England delivers depth, you’re not limited to three or four quality courses in any region.

The culture around golf in England differs from what you might expect. There’s formality at certain clubs, certainly, but there’s also genuine warmth once you’re through the door. The clubhouse traditions, the attention to course presentation, the understanding that golf should be played at a proper pace, these things matter here. The landscapes shift dramatically depending on where you’re playing. Lancashire’s links unfold across genuine duneland with the Irish Sea beyond, Surrey’s heathland courses weave through purple heather and towering pines, Yorkshire’s moorland layouts sit high with vast views across the dales. 

Weather varies considerably, you might get four seasons in one round or glorious sunshine for three days straight. That’s part of playing in England, you adapt and get on with it. The courses remain playable year round at lower elevations, though winter conditions can get soft. Families will find England works well because the golf regions tend to be near other attractions. The northwest coast puts you close to the Lake District, Surrey’s near London, Yorkshire offers market towns and countryside that non-golfers genuinely enjoy. Off course, you’ve got proper pubs, historic sites that actually matter, and countryside walks that clear your head between rounds.

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UK

The UK is one of the world’s most historic and diverse golf destinations, offering everything from legendary links along rugged coastlines to classic heathland and traditional parkland courses inland. Golf here is steeped in heritage and strategy, with layouts that reward creativity, control and course management. Off the course, the UK offers vibrant cities, charming towns and deep-rooted golfing culture, making it ideal for golfers seeking authentic experiences and world-renowned courses.

A well maintained fairway with with a deep sand bunker

Scotland

Scotland is the spiritual home of golf and one of the world’s most revered golf destinations. Golf here is defined by historic links shaped by wind, firm turf and centuries of tradition, alongside classic inland layouts and modern championship courses. Off the course, Scotland offers dramatic scenery, welcoming hospitality and deep-rooted golfing culture, making it ideal for golfers seeking heritage, challenge and a true sense of the game’s origins.

A smooth green surrounded by sand bunkers

Wales

Wales is a characterful and underrated golf destination, offering a strong mix of classic links, heathland and parkland courses set against coastline, valleys and mountain backdrops. Golf here is natural and varied, with layouts that reward imagination and solid ball-striking without feeling overplayed. Off the course, Wales delivers welcoming hospitality, rugged scenery and a relaxed pace, making it ideal for golfers seeking quality golf with authenticity and value.

A well maintained fairway nestled with sand bunkers

Ireland

Ireland is one of the world’s great golf destinations, famed for its dramatic links courses set along wild Atlantic and Irish Sea coastlines. Golf here is natural and uncompromising, shaped by wind, dunes and firm turf that reward creativity and resilience. Off the course, Ireland offers welcoming hospitality, lively pubs and unforgettable scenery, making it ideal for golfers seeking authentic links golf with real character and atmosphere.

A smooth green surrounded by sand bunkers

Top 10 Golf Courses in England

From championship layouts to hidden gems, these are the courses every golfer should have on their list when planning a golf holiday in England.

Consistently ranked as the #1 course in England, this is a rugged and wild links that has hosted 15 Open Championships. It is famous for its massive “Himalaya” bunker and its natural, undulating fairways that provide a stern but fair test of links golf. For a stay that matches the town’s medieval charm, the The Bell Hotel in Sandwich is a historic coaching inn that serves as a popular hub for visiting golfers just two miles from the course.

Often cited by pros as the fairest of all the Open venues, Birkdale’s fairways wind through massive, towering dunes that frame every hole like an amphitheater. The Art Deco clubhouse is one of the most iconic sights in the sport. The ideal lodging is the Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, which offers a sleek, modern 4-star experience and serves as the perfect gateway to the broader “England’s Golf Coast.”

This is the home of England Golf and is widely considered the finest “inland links” in the country. It is famous for its deep, cavernous bunkers and its vast, open heathland landscape. For a quintessentially English stay, the The Golf Hotel Woodhall Spa is a grand Edwardian property located directly adjacent to the course, offering a charming, traditional base for your trip.

Host of the 2023 Open, “Hoylake” is a historic, flat links that demands exceptional ball-striking when the wind whips off the Dee Estuary. It is a course that rewards strategy and patience. For a nearby luxury base, the Hillbark Hotel & Spa is a stunning Tudor-style mansion located just 15 minutes away, providing five-star opulence and 3-AA Rosette dining.

Located on a high plateau, Walton Heath is an expansive heathland course that feels like a trip back in time. It is a former Ryder Cup venue known for its deep purple heather and firm, fast-running fairways. For an indulgent stay, Beaverbrook is a nearby Victorian estate turned luxury hotel that offers an atmosphere of Gatsby-esque glamour and world-class Japanese cuisine.

Arguably the most beautiful inland course in the world, the Old Course is a masterclass in heathland architecture. Its fairways are lined with towering pines and silver birch, and the turf is so perfect it feels like a carpet. You should stay at the Coworth Park (Dorchester Collection), a five-star country house hotel just 10 minutes away that offers palatial luxury and one of the finest spas in the country.

As a four-time host of the Ryder Cup, the Brabazon is the spiritual home of match-play golf in Europe. It is famous for the drivable par-4 10th and the dramatic water-guarded 18th. The only way to experience it is by staying on-site at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, which recently underwent a massive multi-million pound renovation to offer ultra-modern rooms and a legendary 19th-hole atmosphere at Sam’s Club House.

While it doesn’t sit directly on the sea, this is a true links course famous for its 170+ bunkers and its incredibly challenging finish. It is a dense, technical course that has seen some of the most dramatic finishes in Open history. You should stay at the on-site Royal Lytham Dormy House, which offers an exclusive, traditional experience allowing you to sleep just yards from the first tee.

This is one of the most “fun” and scenic courses in the UK, featuring a 13th-century church in the middle of the fairways and spectacular views over the Camel Estuary. It is a hilly, adventurous links that you will never forget. Stay at the St Enodoc Hotel, a boutique coastal retreat that overlooks the course and the sea, offering a relaxed but refined Cornish atmosphere.

Ganton is a unique hybrid of links and heathland, featuring massive bunkers and gorse-lined fairways. It has hosted the Ryder Cup, Walker Cup, and Curtis Cup, a rare triple crown that speaks to its quality. Since it is located in a quiet area, the best stay is at the Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club, which offers luxury log cabins and contemporary hotel rooms set in 120 acres of Yorkshire Wolds countryside.

Best time to play golf in England

Late spring through early autumn gives you the most reliable conditions, with May, June, and September standing out as particularly good months. You’ll find courses in excellent condition, daylight lasting well into the evening during summer, and weather that’s generally cooperative if not always predictable. Temperatures from May through September typically range from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius, warm enough for comfortable golf without the heat becoming oppressive. April and October can be excellent if you’re flexible, the courses are quieter and rates often drop, though you’re taking more chances with weather. Summer brings the longest days and warmest temperatures, but also peak pricing and busier courses, particularly at the most famous venues. Links courses on the coast can play firm and fast in summer, bringing out their true character, while parkland and heathland courses further inland stay relatively lush throughout. Winter golf from November through February is perfectly possible at lower elevation courses, though you’ll need to accept shorter days, softer conditions, and the occasional washout. The upside is genuine bargains and empty courses.

Spring weather can be changeable but the courses come alive beautifully, and you’ll often find excellent value before the summer rush begins. If you’re planning to play the championship links, booking well ahead for summer is essential, they fill up months in advance. Shoulder seasons offer the best combination of course quality, reasonable pricing, and availability for most golfers.

A elevated green next to a water hazard
A well maintained fairway surrounded by a tree line
Overhead view of a smooth green surrounded by sand bunkers
A manicured green at the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort

How We Can Help

Comprehensive range of golf packages

We offer thousands of golf breaks across the UK and overseas, so there’s something for every player. From short weekend getaways to week-long trips, we match courses, accommodation and transfers to your schedule and budget. Tell us your dates and we’ll show you the best options.

Expert knowledge and support

You come first. Our team knows courses, travel logistics and local tips, so you get clear advice every step of the way. We handle bookings, tee times and special requests and we’re only a call or email away if you want to talk through the plan.

Exclusive access to prestigious courses

We secure your tee times at in demand courses, many of which are hard to book on your own. We arrange guest rounds, hospitality and on-course extras so you can enjoy the day without the hassle.

Customised itineraries

Tell us how you like to play and we’ll build your schedule around that. Whether you want coaching, group play or a relaxed social trip, we’ll organise transport, dining and tee times to suit.

Comprehensive range of packages

Choose from packages at different price points to suit solo players, couples or groups. We aim for straightforward booking, clear communication and quick fixes if plans change. If something isn’t right, we will put it right.

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Frequently asked England golf break questions

The championship links courses of northwest England top most lists, with Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham and St Annes, and Hillside representing links golf at its finest. Royal Birkdale has hosted numerous Opens and provides a proper examination from the back tees, while Hillside offers equally challenging golf at slightly lower rates.

London Heathrow and Gatwick serve as the main international gateways for southern England, providing excellent access to Surrey, Berkshire, and even courses along the south coast within two hours’ drive. Manchester Airport is ideal for the Lancashire coast courses, putting you within 45 minutes to an hour of Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham, and the other northwest links.

English weather deserves its reputation for unpredictability, but it’s rarely as bad as people assume. Summer temperatures from June through August typically sit between 18 and 23 degrees, occasionally warmer, with long daylight hours that allow for late afternoon rounds.

England is where much of modern golf was shaped and refined, and playing here connects you to that history in ways that are impossible to replicate elsewhere. The courses themselves evolved over generations rather than being designed and built in a single go, resulting in layouts that feel utterly natural to their landscapes. You’re playing where Opens were contested, where technique was developed, where the game’s traditions were established.

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Golf Holiday Facts

England attracts over 800,000 golf tourism visits annually generating approximately 950 million pounds for the economy

Golf tourism represents a significant and growing sector of England’s visitor economy, with overseas golfers and domestic visitors making dedicated golf trips throughout the year. The spending extends well beyond green fees, encompassing accommodation, dining, transport, and broader tourism activities, making golf visitors particularly valuable to regional economies.(1)

The Surrey and Berkshire heathland region contains the highest concentration of top 100 ranked courses in the world within a 30 mile radius

More than a dozen courses consistently ranked among the world’s best sit within easy reach of each other southwest of London, creating an unmatched destination for golfers seeking variety and quality.(2)

Northwest England's championship links courses have hosted over 50 Open Championships collectively

The stretch of coastline from Southport to Blackpool contains perhaps the finest concentration of championship links golf anywhere in the world, with Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham and St Annes, and nearby courses having tested the world’s best players across generations. Royal Birkdale alone has hosted The Open ten times, with famous victories across different eras showcasing how the course challenges golfers regardless of equipment evolution. Royal Lytham’s 11 Opens include some of the championship’s most memorable moments, while Hillside has hosted major amateur championships and professional events.(3)