The ultimate Nottingham golf tour: Championship courses & parkland gems

There’s something special about playing golf in Nottingham, it is a county steeped in history, surrounded by rolling countryside, and plenty to do off the course. I recently set out on a golf tour here and was impressed by the quality and variety of the courses and the lively city atmosphere.

If you’re after a UK golf break that combines tradition, scenery, and a vibrant city centre, Nottingham should definitely be on your list.

Playing Ramsdale Park was the perfect way to start our Nottingham golf tour. It was around a 3-hour drive from the Southeast. The course is set in beautiful rolling countryside with sweeping views over the Erewash.

The facilities are top-notch for a public venue too, with a friendly clubhouse, well-stocked pro shop, and one of the most extensive practice areas in the region, including a modern 25-bay driving range and short-game zone.

After warming up, we teed off on the Seely Course. The opening hole offers a welcoming start, a short 329-yard par-4. As I made my way through the round, the course really starts to shine, weaving through tall trees and rolling hills that make every hole feel both scenic and strategic.

The back nine is where Ramsdale truly shines. It is very hilly in parts, but the elevated tees and great views make every climb worthwhile. Holes like the par-5 13th and 15th perfectly showcase this: both play dramatically across rolling hills with stunning views.

The 13th’s undulating fairway and bowl-shaped green test your accuracy and course management. While the 15th’s elevated tee offers perhaps the finest view on the course, it is a true risk-and-reward par-5.

Finishing up on the 18th, a gentle dogleg with the clubhouse behind the green, was the ideal way to end the first round on our Nottingham golf adventure.

After a picturesque round of golf and a great lunch in the clubhouse, we headed into Nottingham city centre to check into our hotel, the Hilton Nottingham. The Hilton Nottingham is a stylish four-star hotel right in the heart of the city.

Its modern rooms, comfortable beds, and excellent leisure facilities, including a pool, sauna, and fitness centre, make it an ideal base for a golf tour. You couldn’t ask for a better location either, with Nottingham’s best bars, restaurants, and nightlife just a short stroll away.

We had an afternoon tee time on the second day, which left us plenty of time to make use of the hotel’s facilities and head out to explore the city centre. While walking around, you can really feel the city’s mix of history and modern energy, from its grand old buildings to the buzzing café culture and independent shops.

We arrived at Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) early, it was a short 30-minute drive from the centre. We were eager to make the most of the day at one of the UK’s top 50 courses. Before heading out, we spent some time on the excellent practice facilities, there was a spacious driving range with perfectly maintained turf bays and a short-game area. It’s the kind of setup that immediately puts you in the mood to play well.

After a solid warm-up, we headed to the clubhouse for a lunch overlooking the 18th green. Watching groups finish their rounds beneath the clubhouse terrace really builds the anticipation for your own tee time. It’s one of those moments where you can appreciate that you’re about to play somewhere truly special.

From the very first tee shot, the course opens up beautifully. The fairways wind through gentle valleys lined with heather and gorse, with tall pines and birch trees giving every hole its own distinct feel. The front nine is a great mix, some holes let you open up with the driver, while others demand a bit more accuracy and touch around the greens.

The 4th, for example, is a long par-4 that demands accuracy into an elevated green, while the 7th is a picture-perfect short hole that tempts and tests in equal measure. Each hole feels calm and natural, making it a very peaceful round.

Once you reach the back nine, you really start to see what makes Hollinwell so special. Elevation changes become more pronounced, and the views open up spectacularly across the Nottinghamshire countryside.

The 13th hole, a 241-yard par-3, is one of the most memorable short holes you’ll find anywhere. It is a dramatic 80-foot plunge from tee to green, surrounded by six bunkers that guard every possible miss. It’s as intimidating as it is beautiful, and finding the putting surface in one is a true highlight of the round.

The iconic 18th, a 460-yard par-4 that sweeps downhill towards the clubhouse, was one of my favourite holes. It’s a breathtaking view from the tee, and the hole demands both accuracy and nerve. Playing that final shot with the clubhouse terrace watching on is as thrilling as golf gets.

After finishing up at Hollinwell, we made our way back to the Hilton Nottingham to freshen up and unwind after a full day on the course. The hotel’s central location made everything easy, we were quickly ready to head out for dinner.

That evening, we chose Pitcher & Piano, one of Nottingham’s most unique spots, set inside a beautifully converted church. Enjoying great food and a few well-earned drinks in such a stunning setting was the perfect way to round off the day.

Our final round of the trip took us to Ruddington Grange Golf Club, a well-established parkland course just a 16-minute drive south of Nottingham. Set across less than a hundred acres, the layout makes brilliant use of the compact space, with tree-lined fairways, and a few well-placed water hazards.

It’s a welcoming club with a friendly atmosphere, and after a coffee in the clubhouse, we headed straight to the first tee for our last game of the tour.

The course flows neatly in two returning nines, meaning you’re never far from the clubhouse. The front nine offers a great mix of holes, with the 400-yard par 4 7th standing out as one of the toughest tests on the card. The back nine, however, is where the real challenge begins.

The 13th is the course’s most demanding hole, measuring 448 yards. It plays every inch of that yardage, with trouble down both sides and a tricky green that slopes away just enough to keep you honest.

The par-3 15th is another great hole, with a small bunker guarding the front right and water waiting just behind the green. The closing stretch brings the course’s water features fully into play, especially on the 16th and 18th, where ponds sit close to the greens, offering a great challenge.

After a fun and competitive round, we wrapped up our day with a drink on the clubhouse terrace, reflecting on a brilliant few days of golf in Nottinghamshire.

Day 1 – Arrival & Golf at Ramsdale Park

• Arrive in Nottingham and check in at the Hilton Nottingham (luggage can be stored if arriving before check-in).
• In the afternoon, head to Ramsdale Park Golf Centre (approx. 20 minutes away) for your first round, enjoying the rolling hills and scenic views across the countryside.
• Evening: Return to the hotel and head out for dinner at Pitcher & Piano, a stunning bar and restaurant set inside a converted church in the city centre.

Day 2 – Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell)

• After breakfast, travel to Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) (approx. 30 minutes from the hotel). Warm up at the excellent practice facilities before teeing off on one of England’s most highly regarded inland courses.
• Evening: Return to Nottingham for dinner and drinks in the city or relax back at the hotel.

Day 3 – Ruddington Grange Golf Club & Departure

• Enjoy breakfast and check out before heading to Ruddington Grange Golf Club (approx. 20 minutes away) for your final round - a classic parkland course with tree-lined fairways and water features.
• Afternoon: Post-round lunch at the clubhouse before travelling home.

Q: When is the best time to visit Nottingham for golf? A: Spring through early autumn (April–October) offers the best weather and course conditions. However, many courses remain in great shape year-round, and off-season rates can be fantastic value.

Q: Can I combine Nottingham with other nearby destinations? A: Yes! Many golfers choose to pair Nottingham with Derbyshire or Lincolnshire for a multi-destination golf break.

Q: How do I get to Nottingham? A: Nottingham is easily accessible by car via the M1, by train from major UK cities, and within an hour’s drive of East Midlands Airport.

Q: What else can I do in Nottingham after golf? A: There’s plenty to enjoy, from exploring Nottingham Castle, the Old Market Square, and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub, to sampling the city’s lively restaurant and nightlife scene. Sherwood Forest is also nearby for those who want a bit of history and nature.