Reasons to visit England

It’s no secret that England is one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. From its historic links along rugged coastlines to its world-renowned heathland layouts, the country is home to some of the game’s most celebrated courses and remains a firm favourite for golfers seeking tradition, quality and variety.

But it’s not just championship golf and famous venues that draw visitors. England golf holidays offer a rich mix of experiences beyond the fairways, from vibrant cities and lively nightlife to charming countryside and historic landmarks. Traditional pubs, modern dining and a deep-rooted sporting culture all add to the appeal, creating a well-rounded golf break both on and off the course.

Put simply, England is an exceptional golf holiday destination, so follow along below as we list the top reasons why you should book a golf trip to England.

England offers a rich variety of golf regions, each delivering a distinct experience.

• England’s Golf Coast - One of the UK’s premier links regions, home to a remarkable concentration of championship courses including Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Hillside and Formby, all set along a stunning stretch of coastline.
• Kent Coast - A historic links destination in the southeast, featuring world-renowned venues such as Royal St George’s and Prince’s Golf Club, offering traditional seaside golf rich in Open Championship heritage.
• Surrey & Berkshire - The heart of England’s heathland golf, known for iconic layouts like Sunningdale, Wentworth, Walton Heath and The Berkshire, combining pristine conditioning with timeless design.
• The Midlands - A central and accessible region offering high-quality parkland and resort golf, including The Belfry, famous for its Ryder Cup history and outstanding on-site facilities.

England is steeped in golf history, with a host of world-renowned venues that have shaped the game at the highest level.

Royal St George’s, Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool are regular fixtures on The Open Championship rota, offering the chance to play the same fairways as the game’s greatest names. The Belfry, home of the Brabazon Course, has hosted the Ryder Cup four times and remains one of the most famous tournament venues in the country.

Together, these iconic venues cement England’s reputation as one of the most historic and respected golf tournament destinations in the world.

England’s links courses are all about firm fairways, coastal views and that unmistakable seaside feel.

The main season runs from late spring to early autumn, when courses are in top condition, but golf here isn’t limited to just a few months. Areas in the south and southeast tend to enjoy milder weather, making them great options outside peak season too.

With natural drainage and coastal breezes keeping courses playable, links golf in England is something you can enjoy for much more of the year than you might expect.

Golf in England has a real sense of history to it, from classic clubhouses to traditions that have been part of the game for generations.

Many courses have stayed true to their original designs, so you’re playing the game much as it was intended, with all the character and challenge that comes with it.

It’s less about big resort setups and more about traditional clubs and a genuine connection to the sport. If you’re looking to experience golf in its purest form, England is hard to beat.

England is perfectly suited to group travel, with clusters of top courses located within easy reach of one another.

Regions such as England’s Golf Coast and Kent are ideal for golf tours, allowing you to play several outstanding courses in one trip.

There’s a great balance between championship tests and more playable layouts, catering to a range of abilities within a group.

England offers far more than just great golf, with a rich mix of culture, cities and scenic landscapes to explore alongside your rounds. Combine your trip with visits to world-famous destinations like London, Liverpool and Manchester, where you’ll find iconic landmarks, shopping, museums and a vibrant atmosphere day and night.

Beyond the cities, discover historic towns, castles and rolling countryside, from the charm of the Cotswolds to dramatic coastal scenery in Cornwall, all adding depth and character to your golf escape. The off-course experience is just as memorable, with traditional pubs, gastropubs and fine dining restaurants showcasing everything from classic British dishes to modern cuisine.

Whether you’re looking for lively nightlife or a more relaxed pace in picturesque surroundings, England offers the perfect balance to complement your time on the course.

England is well connected and easy to navigate, making it a hassle-free destination for a golf trip. Excellent transport links across the country, including motorways and rail networks, make travelling between regions straightforward.

Direct access via major airports such as London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, as well as a range of regional hubs, ensures convenient arrival from both the UK and overseas. In key golf regions, short transfer times between courses and accommodation allow you to maximise your time on the course. This ease of travel makes England ideal for both short breaks and longer, multi-region golf tours.

Best time to visit: England offers a long and varied golf season, with the best conditions typically found from May through to September. During these months, courses are at their peak, with firm fairways, fast greens and longer daylight hours ideal for extended rounds.

Spring and early autumn are also excellent times to visit, offering great course conditions with fewer crowds and good value. While winter golf is more weather-dependent inland, many of England’s renowned links courses remain highly playable year-round thanks to natural drainage and coastal conditions.

Booking tips:

• Book tee times early: England’s top courses, particularly Open venues and famous heathland layouts, are in high demand during peak season.
• Plan your routing: Group courses by region such as England’s Golf Coast, Kent or Surrey to minimise travel time and maximise rounds.
• Mix championship and hidden gems: Combine bucket-list venues with lesser-known courses to create a more varied and cost-effective trip.
• Stay close to the courses: Choosing accommodation nearby helps make early tee times and multi-round days more enjoyable.

Q: Is England good for a golf holiday? A: Absolutely. England is one of the world’s most historic golf destinations, offering a huge variety of championship courses, traditional clubs and diverse playing experiences.

Q: Can you play golf year-round in England? A: Yes. While peak conditions are in the summer months, many courses, especially links layouts, remain playable throughout the year.

Q: Which airport should I fly into? A: London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester are the main international gateways, with excellent access to key golfing regions across the country.

Q: Is England suitable for all skill levels? A: Yes. England offers a wide range of courses, from championship venues to more forgiving layouts, making it suitable for all abilities.

Check out our England golf holiday FAQs here!

A golf trip to England offers far more than just exceptional courses. From iconic Open venues and classic heathland layouts to vibrant cities, historic landmarks and scenic countryside, it delivers a truly well-rounded experience.

With its rich heritage, variety of courses and easy accessibility, England remains one of the most rewarding and authentic golf destinations in the world.