Royal West Norfolk
Norfolk, England
Royal West Norfolk Golf Club overview
Steeped in golfing history, Royal West Norfolk is a truly unique links experience with comfortable on-site lodging.
From making sure you time your arrival when the tide is out to teeing off alongside the stunning North Sea it is a memorable place. Sat inside the top 20 courses in the UK according to Top 100 Courses it is well recognised as a top course and definitely one worth giving a go.
Accommodation
Freshly refurbished in August of 2025, the Dormy Flat offers elegant on-site accommodation for members and guests seeking to maximise their experience. Located within the historic clubhouse, it combines understated comfort with classic coastal charm.
Large windows give uninterrupted views of the dunes and marshes, allowing guests to watch the tides roll in and out. The same tides that define the course itself. Its calm, timeless décor reflects the spirit of the club: refined, peaceful, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Golf Courses
Largely untouched from when it opened in 1892, Royal West Norfolk Golf Course, affectionately known as Brancaster, is one of the most authentic links experiences in the world. Its routing is dictated by the elements, the wind direction, tide, and weather all combine to ensure that no two rounds ever feel the same.
The outward nine plays with the prevailing wind, demanding precision to avoid the ever-shifting bunkers and firm, running fairways. The inward stretch, often into the breeze, is a true test of nerve and imagination, particularly the closing holes, where the sea and marsh press close on either side. The famed 8th and 9th, which may become islands when the tide rises, embody the club’s unique rhythm with nature.
Restaurant & Bars
The clubhouse is a cosy and characterful space, blending classic charm with warm hospitality. Inside, you’ll find comfortable lounges, a bar serving cask ales, wines and other drinks, and a restaurant offering home-cooked dishes and seasonal fare.
One of the highlights is the Smoke Room, with rich wood panelling and an inviting fireplace it is an ideal spot to unwind after your round. Upstairs, there’s a terrace overlooking the 18th hole and the ever-changing North Sea, where members and guests can enjoy drinks or a light bite while watching the action.
Location
Despite its remote feel, the course is easily reached from Norwich. From King's Lynn take the A149 coastal road east towards Hunstanton and follow signs for Brancaster. Once in the village, turn north down Beach Road and continue to the end. Here the clubhouse will await in all its beauty.
Nearby
Set along the stunning North Norfolk coast, Royal West Norfolk Golf Club is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and charming villages. Just steps from the clubhouse, visitors can enjoy Brancaster Beach, a wide expanse of sand dunes are perfect for a post-round walk.
History lovers can explore the remains of the Roman fort at Branodunum or visit the nearby harbour village of Brancaster Staithe, known for its sailing and local seafood.
Did You Know
Four Members of the Royal Family have captained the Club over the years, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Windsor and two Dukes of Kent.
Royal West Norfolk Golf Course
A truly unique test of links golf, Royal West Norfolk lies along the breathtaking North Norfolk coastline, offering sweeping views of the marshes. At high tide, parts of the course and even the road to it can vanish beneath the sea, isolating the course like an island, when the water recedes, the landscape transforms, revealing firm fairways framed by dunes and salt marshes.