A Golfer’s Guide to the Ultimate England Trip

England stands as a premier golf destination, blending tradition, challenge, and scenic beauty across its storied fairways. Home to legendary Open Championship venues like Royal Birkdale and Royal St George’s, the country also boasts world-class golf resorts and countless hidden gems tucked away in its countryside. 

From the rugged links courses that hug the coastlines, to the tranquil parkland layouts and the distinctive charm of heathland tracks, England offers incredible variety for every type of golfer. 

With so much to explore, thoughtful planning is essential to make the most of your golfing journey and ensure you experience the very best this iconic destination has to offer.

Choosing the Right Destination

When planning a golf trip to England, choosing the right region is key. 

Premier Golf focuses on two top areas: the Golf Coast in North West England, famous for Open Rota links like Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool. Then there is London & the South East, where world-class resorts and classic heathland courses like Sunningdale combine with the energy of the capital.

England’s Golf Coast (North West)

One of the most iconic golf regions in England, known for its championship pedigree and stunning links courses along the coastline.

Must-Play Courses:

• Royal Birkdale – A multiple Open Championship venue, consistently ranked among the world’s best.
• Royal Lytham & St Annes – Famous for its challenging bunkers and rich history.
• Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) – One of the oldest links courses, hosting The Open in 2023.
• Hillside – Often considered a hidden gem, with a back nine as good as any in the world.
• Formby – A mix of links and woodland, offering a unique test of golf.

England’s Golf Coast is best known for golfers seeking a mix of Open Championship venues and top-tier links courses. It is also great for those looking for a traditional golf experience with classic British seaside charm. Easy access from the historic city of Liverpool provides the perfect base for your golf trip.

London & South East

A region rich in both links and inland courses, offering a mix of Open Championship history and pristine heathland golf.

• Royal St George’s – Host of The Open, offering a true championship links experience.
• Princes – A former Open venue, with 27 holes of stunning links golf.
• Royal Cinque Ports – A historic Open venue with a tough back nine.
• Sunningdale – One of the world’s finest inland courses, with Old and New courses.
• Swinley Forest – A highly exclusive course known for its charm and beauty.
• Walton Heath – A former Ryder Cup venue with a pure heathland experience.
• The Berkshire – Home to two fantastic courses (Red and Blue), among England’s best.
• St George’s Hill – A stunning, classic course set in picturesque Surrey countryside.

The London and South East region is best known for golfers who enjoy a blend of links and heathland courses. It is also perfect for those seeking a premium golf experience near London with easy access to the famous sights and attractions of England’s cultural capital city.

Accommodation Options

Choosing the right place to stay can elevate your golf trip from good to unforgettable. England offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every golfer’s taste and budget, from indulgent luxury to charming countryside comfort.

Stay & Play Resorts (Best for convenience)

For a hassle-free experience, consider staying at a golf resort, where accommodation and golf are bundled together. While England’s Golf Coast doesn’t have many on-site resorts, the London & South East region has excellent options.

• Pennyhill Park (Surrey) – A five-star golf and spa resort a short distance from London.
• Prince’s Golf Club (Kent) – On-site lodge accommodation near Royal St George’s.
• The Belfry (Midlands) – A legendary Ryder Cup venue with multiple courses and a luxury hotel.

Luxury Hotels & Country Estates (Best for premium experience)

If you’re looking for a high-end stay near top courses, there are several historic country estates and boutique hotels that cater to golfers:

• The Dormy House at Royal Lytham & St Annes – On-site accommodation at this historic Open Championship venue.
• Sunningdale’s Manor House Hotel – A luxurious option for those playing Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, or The Berkshire.
• The Grove (Hertfordshire) – A five-star hotel with a top-ranked inland course and excellent facilities.

Budget-Friendly Options (Best for Value Seekers)

For those prioritizing golf over luxury accommodation, there are plenty of charming B&Bs, chain hotels, and self-catering options near top courses:

• Southport (England’s Golf Coast) – A hub for affordable stays near Royal Birkdale, Formby, and Hillside.
• Sandwich (Kent) – Budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses near Royal St George’s and Princes.
• Liverpool & Manchester – Great for groups looking for nightlife and easy access to Royal Liverpool and the golf coast. The Titanic Hotel and The Pullman are two excellent options located in Liverpool’s docklands.
• Larger rental homes near major golf destinations (e.g., near Formby or Surrey) offer flexibility and cost-sharing benefits for groups.

Booking Tee Times & Green Fees

Teeing off at some of England’s legendary golf courses takes more than just showing up, especially if you’re eyeing iconic names like Royal Birkdale, Royal St George’s, or Sunningdale.

The most important step in planning is booking tee times in advance, especially high-demand courses like Royal Birkdale, Royal St George’s, and Sunningdale. Fortunately, Premier Golf will handle this step for you completely. 

Green fees vary widely by course and season. While championship courses command a premium (often £200+), twilight rates and mid-week discounts are available at many clubs, offering substantial savings if you’re flexible.

Prestigious clubs often enforce strict dress codes (collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, no denim) and may require proof of handicap, generally 18 or below for men and 24 for women.

Again, Premier Golf will manage all tee time reservations, green fee payments, and club-specific requirements. All you have to do is show up and swing.

Transport & Getting Around

Getting from one course to another is a key part of planning your golf trip, especially when you’re chasing tee times at several top clubs across a region. Here’s how to make travel smooth and stress-free.

Driver vs. Self-Drive vs. Public Transport

• Driver (Recommended)
  • Premier Golf provides drivers in luxury coaches or smaller minivans.
  • Highest cost, but the most convenient and effortless experience.
  • Removes any issues of driving on a foreign road, or limitations e.g. not drinking.
• Renting a Car (Best value option)
  • The best way to access multiple courses, especially on England’s Golf Coast or in Surrey/Kent.
  • Recommended for groups to split costs.
  • Automatic transmission cars may cost more, so book early if needed.
• Public Transport (Limited but Viable in Some Areas)
  • South East: Some courses like Walton Heath and Sunningdale are accessible by train from London.
  • North West: Royal Birkdale and Hillside are near Birkdale Station, with connections from Liverpool.
  • Taxis/Ubers: Useful for short distances but unreliable in remote areas.

Travel Distances Between Courses

• England’s Golf Coast: All courses (Royal Birkdale, Formby, Hillside, Royal Liverpool) are within a 1-hour drive of each other.
• London & South East: Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, Walton Heath, and The Berkshire are all within 45 minutes of central London.
• Kent (Royal St George’s region): Royal St George’s, Princes, and Royal Cinque Ports are all within 10 minutes of each other.

Extras, Experiences & Activities

A great golf trip isn’t just about the fairways — it’s also about soaking in the sights, flavors, and culture of England. Whether you’ve got a free afternoon or are planning a few days off the course, there’s plenty to discover beyond the 18th green.

Best Golf Clubhouse Dining & Bars

Some golf clubs in England have world-class clubhouses with excellent food and drink options:

• Sunningdale’s Clubhouse – Famous for its breakfast bacon rolls and classic post-round dining.
• Royal Birkdale’s Clubhouse – Traditional fine dining with views over the course.
• Formby’s Clubhouse – A hidden gem known for its pint of ale and seafood dishes.

Best Local Pubs & Restaurants Near Golf Courses

• The Sparrowhawk (Southport) – A golfer-friendly pub near England’s Golf Coast.
• The Sportsman (Seasalter, Kent) – Michelin-starred dining near Royal St George’s.
• The Hand & Flowers (Marlow) – A gastropub near Walton Heath & Sunningdale.

Sightseeing & Cultural Activities

For non-golfing companions or rest days, consider these top attractions:

• Liverpool (Near Royal Liverpool & England’s Golf Coast) – The Beatles Story, historic docklands, and vibrant nightlife.
• Canterbury (Near Royal St George’s & Princes) – Famous cathedral and medieval charm.
• Windsor (Near Sunningdale & The Berkshire) – Visit Windsor Castle and historic sites.

Spas & Wellness (For Relaxation After Golf)

• The Spa at Rockliffe Hall (North East) – One of the UK’s best golf & spa resorts.
• Pennyhill Park Spa (Surrey) – Perfect for golfers playing Walton Heath or Sunningdale.
• Formby Hall Spa (Near Royal Birkdale & Hillside) – A great option on England’s Golf Coast.

Packing & Preparation Tips

A well-packed golf bag and suitcase can make a huge difference, especially when playing multiple courses.

Golf Equipment & Clothing

• Waterproofs & Windproofs: Essential for English weather, especially on England’s Golf Coast and Kent’s links courses.
• Multiple Gloves: Rain gloves can be a lifesaver in wet conditions.
• Soft-Spike Golf Shoes: Required at most premium courses.

Other Essentials

• Power Bank: Many courses don’t have charging points, so a power bank is useful for GPS devices/phones.
• Adapter Plug: England’s power outlets use a 3-pin plug and require a converter for U.S. devices.
• Golf Towel & Umbrella: A must for links golf. A wind-resistant umbrella is highly recommended.
• Travel Insurance: Covers cancellations and lost luggage, especially for long-distance travelers.

Booking Insurance & Contingency Plans

• Check Refund Policies: Some courses allow rebooking if weather causes closures.
• Flexible Tee Times: Avoid booking courses back-to-back to allow for travel delays.
• Backup Course Options: Have alternative courses planned in case of bad weather (inland courses tend to be more playable in wet conditions).

England is a dream golf destination, offering legendary courses, stunning scenery, and rich tradition. From iconic Open venues to hidden countryside gems, it has something for every golfer.

Let Premier Golf handle the details, from tee times to travel, and book your ultimate England golf trip with ease.

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