England has a huge number of golf courses and remarkable variety. You can play heathland courses among heather and pine in the south, championship-quality links on the northwest and southeast coasts, clifftop holes in the southwest and parkland golf in the countryside everywhere in between. Many clubs welcome visitors, particularly on weekdays. Here's how to plan a golf trip to England.
The main golf regions
The heathland belt (Surrey and Berkshire)
South-west of London, the sandy soils of Surrey and Berkshire are home to many classic heathland courses, with heather, gorse, pine and birch. They drain well and play firm, and many are within an hour of central London.
The Lancashire and Merseyside coast
The coast between Liverpool and Southport, and further north around Lytham St Annes, has a string of links courses among dunes, many of them historic championship venues.
The Kent coast
Around Sandwich and Deal, on the southeast coast, classic links run along the shore, with firm turf and sea breezes.
Norfolk
The north Norfolk coast has links and clifftop courses near charming seaside towns, with a quieter atmosphere.
Northumberland
The northeast coast has unspoilt links among castles and wide beaches, often with uncrowded tee sheets.
Devon and Cornwall
The southwest has clifftop, links and parkland courses with dramatic coastal scenery.
Parkland England
Across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the Home Counties, there are hundreds of parkland courses among mature trees and rolling countryside.
Comparing the regions
| Region | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Surrey and Berkshire | Heathland | Classic, strategic golf near London |
| Lancashire coast | Links | Championship links |
| Kent coast | Links | Classic links near London |
| Norfolk | Links and clifftop | Quiet coastal breaks |
| Northumberland | Links | Uncrowded, scenic golf |
| Devon and Cornwall | Clifftop and links | Coastal scenery |
Read links vs parkland courses.
When to go
- May to September: the main season, with long daylight.
- Spring and autumn: often good value and quieter.
- Winter: links and heathland courses drain well and are often playable; parkland can be wet. Read winter golf.
Visiting English clubs
- Visitor times: many private clubs welcome visitors on certain weekdays; weekends are often for members.
- Handicap: many clubs ask for a handicap certificate, sometimes with a maximum. Read the World Handicap System explained.
- Dress codes: often traditional, especially in the clubhouse. Read clubhouse etiquette.
- Trolleys and buggies: trolleys are common; buggies may be limited. Read walking vs riding a golf cart.
- Pace and formats: many clubs prefer two-balls or three-balls at certain times, and foursomes are a tradition at some clubs.
Playing tips
- Links: keep the ball low and use the ground. Read how to play golf in the wind.
- Heathland: heather punishes misses; take your medicine. Read golf trouble shots.
- Weather: pack waterproofs. Read our golf rain gear guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors play private golf clubs in England?
Many welcome visitors on weekdays, sometimes requiring a handicap certificate.
What is heathland golf?
Golf on sandy, inland ground with heather, gorse and pine; firm, well-drained and strategic.
Where is the best links golf in England?
The Lancashire coast and the Kent coast are the best known; Norfolk and Northumberland also have fine links.
When is the best time to play golf in England?
May to September, though many links and heathland courses are good all year.
The bottom line
England offers heathland, links, clifftop and parkland golf in a compact area. Book visitor times on weekdays, carry your handicap details, respect traditional dress codes and pack for the weather. For neighbouring destinations, read golf in Scotland and golf in Wales.