Enjoy championship golf, great nightlife & luxury resorts
The stunning South West of England is an exceptional destination for your next UK golf holiday, offering a diverse array of championship courses set against some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes. From dramatic coastal links in Cornwall and Devon, to some of the country's most acclaimed heathland tracks in Dorset, this region promises variety, charm, and year-round playability.
With easy access from across the UK and a reputation for great coastal views, the South West is ideal for both short weekend breaks and extended golfing adventures. Combining quality golf, memorable scenery, and great value, a golf holiday in the South West delivers an experience that’s as rewarding off the course as it is on it.
Why book a golf break in South West England?
- Play top-ranked links, heathland, and parkland courses
- Choose from charming countryside hotels or coastal resorts
- Easily accessible by car or by train from across the UK
- Discover scenic coastlines, historic towns, and local gastronomy
- Book now to earn loyalty Breakpoints & save on your next golf break
Experience a sensational golf break in South West England
South West England is a region that effortlessly blends stunning natural beauty with some of the most highly regarded golf courses in the country. From dramatic clifftop links to rolling heathlands and wooded parklands, this part of the UK offers a diverse golfing experience set against backdrops of golden beaches, moorland vistas, and charming countryside towns.
Whether you're chasing Open Qualifier layouts or uncovering scenic hidden gems, this is a golf holiday destination full of variety, character, and first-class layouts.
Travel tips for golfers visiting South West England:
- Best time to visit: May to October – for longer daylight hours, firm fairways, and warm, dry playing conditions.
- Top tip: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer great value and fewer crowds. It's worth noting that links and heathland courses drain well in winter if you want to save on green fees.
- Travel time: Approx. 2–3 hours by car from Bristol or Exeter; 4–5 hours from London, depending on location.
- Nearest stations: Varies by destination – Bodmin Parkway for Cornwall, Exeter St Davids for Devon, Bournemouth for Dorset.
- Transport: Car recommended for flexibility, several top courses are located in rural or coastal areas with limited public transport.
- Booking tip: Popular coastal clubs like St Enodoc and Trevose book up well in advance, reserve early, especially in summer.
Here are some of our favourite golf courses in South West England:
Church Course | St Enodoc Golf Club Architect: James Braid | Par: 69 | Established: 1890
One of England’s true links masterpieces, St Enodoc Church Course is perched above the Camel Estuary in Cornwall, offering dramatic sea views and a thrilling, undulating layout. With blind shots, deep bunkers, and firm fescue fairways, it’s a true test of links golf wrapped in jaw-dropping scenery. Earning a ranking of the 49th best golf course in the world according to Top 100 Golf Courses.
Travel tip: Don’t miss the 10th hole – the iconic St Enodoc Church sits alongside the fairway, adding a unique historical touch.
East Course | Saunton Golf Club Architect: Herbert Fowler | Par: 71 | Founded: 1897
Ranked as the 23rd best course in England by Top 100 Golf Courses, Saunton East is a classic links course set in the wild dunes of North Devon. It’s hosted numerous prestigious amateur events and is renowned for its consistent quality, fast greens, and strategic challenge.
Insider tip: Play both the East and West courses for a complete Saunton experience, they’re both superb.
Broadstone Golf Club Architect: Harry Colt | Par: 70 | Established: 1898
A heathland gem in the Dorset countryside, Broadstone is a beautifully flowing course carved through pine and heather. Designed by the legendary Harry Colt, it’s revered for its natural terrain, elevation changes, and serene setting.
Course tip: Be prepared for a variety of tee shots, positioning and strategy are key.
Parkstone Golf Club Architect: James Braid & Harry Colt | Par: 72 | Founded: 1909
Just minutes from the Bournemouth coast, Parkstone is a vibrant heathland course with sweeping views of Poole Harbour. Fast-running fairways, colourful heather, and a challenging back nine make it a firm favourite among those who love traditional English golf.
Good to know: Combine with nearby Ferndown and Broadstone for a superb Dorset golf trip.
Championship Course | Trevose Golf & Country Club Architect: Harry Colt | Par: 72 | Opened: 1925
With its spectacular Atlantic Ocean backdrop, Trevose offers one of the most scenic rounds in England. The championship course delivers a fun, breezy test of links golf, perfect for all skill levels. On-site accommodation and beach access make it ideal for golf groups and families alike.
Insider tip: Sunrise tee times here are unforgettable, bring your camera.
Nicklaus Signature Course | St Mellion International Resort Architect: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72 | Opened: 1988
This bold and dramatic layout was Jack Nicklaus’s first design in the UK and remains one of his best. St Mellion’s Signature Course winds through Cornish countryside with water features, tight doglegs, and elevated greens demanding precision and power.
Course tip: The 11th hole—a par-5 double dogleg—is a true risk-reward classic.
Popular golf resorts in South West England
Best golf courses in South West England
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Popular golf destinations in South West England
Picturesque scenery & fantastic accommodation
If you're planning a golf trip to South West England, you're in for a treat, both on and off the course. From dramatic coastal settings to countryside estates, the region offers a wide variety of golf-friendly accommodations designed to make your stay every bit as memorable as your rounds.
Best for all-in-one golf & leisure retreats Ideal for those who want golf, dining, and downtime all in one scenic location.
- The Dorset Golf & Country Club and Resort | Customer rating: 4.5 Nestled in a private 300-acre woodland estate, the Dorset Golf Resort is one of the most complete stay-and-play destinations in the region. Featuring 27 holes of championship golf, luxury Scandinavian-style lodges, and an inviting clubhouse, it's perfect for groups, couples, or corporate retreats. Enjoy a hearty breakfast, a scenic round, and a relaxing evening by the fire.
“Just a fantastic venue. Golf course great, good food and brilliant accommodation” ~ Trusted customer
- St Mellion Estate | Customer rating: 4.4 A renowned venue and former European Tour host, St Mellion offers two top-tier courses, including the legendary Nicklaus Signature Course. The contemporary resort includes a luxury hotel, spa, health club, and fine dining options. It’s a brilliant base for anyone chasing championship pedigree in a countryside setting.
“As always, so impressed with everything about this place. Highly recommend!” ~ Trusted customer
- The Ashbury Golf Hotel | Customer rating: 4.4 A dream destination for groups and high-volume golf, Ashbury near Okehampton boasts a staggering 99 holes across five courses. With buffet dining, leisure facilities, and inclusive packages that are excellent value, it’s perfect for casual getaways, societies, or beginners keen to play as much golf as possible.
“Great food, great courses, good accommodation and world class scenery, we have already booked up for next year!” ~ Trusted customer
Best for stylish stays with golf & sightseeing breaks Great for golfers looking to mix time on the course with town life or regional exploring.
- Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall | Customer rating: 4.7 Overlooking St Austell Bay, Carlyon Bay blends clifftop luxury with traditional Cornish charm. The on-site championship course delivers stunning sea views, and the hotel’s spa, fine dining, and terrace bar offer a tranquil retreat after your round. Ideal for couples and those seeking a relaxing, scenic golf break.
“The best golf break ever.” ~ Trusted customer
- Bovey Castle, Dartmoor | Customer rating: 4.7 Tucked within Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Castle offers five-star luxury in a majestic manor setting. The course weaves through the moorland with breathtaking views, while the resort features elegant rooms, a lavish spa, fine dining, and country pursuits like archery and falconry. Perfect for romantic escapes or high-end golf retreats.
“One of the best hotels and golf courses I have ever been to. Simply fantastic” ~ Trusted customer
Want a bit more variety? Try a tailor-made South West golf tour
If you’d prefer to experience more of what the South West has to offer, why not build your own custom golf tour? With a mix of coastal, heathland, and parkland courses spread across the region, it’s easy to create a route that suits your game and your style.
A golf tour allows you to:
- Combine iconic courses like St Enodoc, Saunton, and Trevose
- Stay in varied accommodation from spa resorts to boutique hotels
- Customise your itinerary with golf, sightseeing, or spa time
- Add extras like vineyard tours, local food tastings, or trips to Bath, Exeter, or the Jurassic Coast
Looking to combine golf with a great night out? The South West offers the ideal setting. Choose a golf & nightlife tour and stay at great spots like Hilton Bournemouth or Hilton Garden Inn Bristol, perfect bases for enjoying both the fairways and the city buzz.
As the world’s No.1 golf tour operator, we’ll help you craft the perfect South West golf escape, whether it's a weekend getaway, a coastal road trip, or a celebration with friends.
You might be surprised by just how much incredible golf the South West has to offer, right here in the UK. With a wealth of top-quality courses set against dramatic coastlines and rolling countryside, this region truly spoils golfers for choice. Whether you're chasing championship links or hidden gems, South West England delivers variety, value, and unforgettable views in equal measure.
Head of UK & Ireland Sales
Golf travel tips for South West England
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Explore medieval villages & sandy seaside towns
Beyond the fairways, South West England offers a captivating mix of coast, countryside, and culture. From windswept clifftops and golden beaches to historic towns and bustling harbours, this is a region that delivers far more than just great golf.
Popular golf holiday types in South West England
- Golf & nightlife – Experience championship golf by day and enjoy vibrant nightlife by night, with welcoming pubs, local dining, and lively coastal atmospheres adding to the perfect golf break in the South West.
- Weekend golf breaks – With excellent travel links from London, the Midlands, and the North, the South West is ideal for a quick escape. Whether it’s a coastal retreat in Cornwall or a countryside stay in Devon or Dorset, you can pack in several high-quality rounds over a long weekend.
- Group golf tours – With varied course styles, welcoming clubhouses, and great accommodation options, South West England is perfect for society trips and golf groups. Tailored packages can include multi-round itineraries, transport, and even off-course experiences like spa access or vineyard tours.
- Midweek golf holidays – Enjoy quieter courses, better tee time availability, and exceptional value during the week. Resorts like The Ashbury, Carlyon Bay, and St Mellion often offer reduced rates and inclusive packages, perfect for a relaxed, crowd-free golf experience.
Beyond the fairways in South West England
- Padstow & Cornwall's Food Scene – A foodie’s paradise, Padstow is home to Rick Stein’s restaurants and numerous artisan cafes and pubs. Whether it’s a post-round fish supper or a scenic harbour lunch, it’s a must-visit while golfing in North Cornwall.
- Jurassic Coast (Dorset) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth to Studland Bay. Explore dramatic sea cliffs, fossil-filled beaches, and picturesque coastal walks—perfect for non-golfing partners or rest days between rounds.
- Dartmoor National Park (Devon) – Just a short drive from Bovey Castle, Dartmoor offers stunning moorland landscapes, wild ponies, and charming villages. Ideal for hiking, photography, or soaking up tranquil nature between rounds.
- St Ives & the Cornish Coast – A haven for art lovers and beachgoers alike. Visit the Tate St Ives, wander white-sand beaches, or enjoy a relaxing drink with views over the Atlantic. Perfect for a culture-filled day trip.
- Port Isaac & Doc Martin Country – Visit the filming location of the beloved TV series and explore this iconic fishing village with winding streets and dramatic ocean views. A charming stop when travelling between courses or accommodations.
- Local dining & pubs – From award-winning seafood restaurants to countryside gastro pubs and cosy inns, South West England is packed with culinary delights. Sample fresh crab in Salcombe, cream teas in Devon, or a pint of local ale after a round at Trevose.
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