In this guide to the best UK golf tour destinations, we delve into the destinations which manage to combine incredible golfing experiences with great accommodation options for all budgets, coupled with plenty to see and do away from the fairways.
We look at the hotbed of quality golf courses in Scotland’s Ayrshire before exploring the top courses dotted around Yorkshire which we are more than familiar with here at Glencor Golf Holidays, then going across the Pennines to Lytham and Southport which is incredibly popular for a long weekend of golf, before finally profiling Norfolk which boasts some real quality in the likes of Sheringham, Royal Cromer, and Royal West Norfolk amongst others.
Whether you are looking to tick off some high profile and historical golf courses like Royal Birkdale or Dundonald Links or just fancy a weekend away with your mates, we can help you put together the perfect itinerary for your budget.
Best Destinations For A UK Golf Tour
Ayrshire
Ayrshire is a stunning region along the coastline in Scotland with beautiful links golf courses dotted along it.
We’ve picked out Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Golf Course as a must play if the budget can accommodate it – a host of The Open on four separate occasions and part of the competition’s current rota of host courses, Ailsa offers unbelievably scenic views as well as the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the greats, including Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson who had their famous ‘Duel in the Sun’ here in 1977. Another incredible golf course to consider for your itinerary on an Ayrshire golf tour is Royal Troon, which dates back to 1878 but re-designed in 1923 by James Braid yet still resembles his fantastic layout today.
If however you are looking for something more cost effective, then fear not as there are plenty of other exceptional places to play including Dundonald Links, Prestwick Golf Club and Western Gailes Golf Club.
There are numerous towns to stay in after you’ve finished on the fairways – you’ve got the historical golfing town of Troon, or alternatively Prestwick and Ayr, both of which are by the coast, or you can stay in-land at Kilmarnock. We have hotel options to meet all budgets – whether it’s a luxury once in a lifetime trip or just a weekend away with friends and somewhere to lay your head after a few beers in the local pubs, we can help. There are even options to stay in on-site accommodation, such as the lodges at Dundonald Links.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Trump Turnberry’s Ailsa Golf Course
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Explore the history of famous Scottish poet Robert Burns at the Robert Burns Museum – or take it a step further and embark on a guided tour around famous landmarks that shaped his upbringing. Sticking with the historical theme, you can visit any number of castles and country parks such as Dean Castle & Country Park, Dundonald Castle, Culzean Castle & Country Park, and Dumfries House
- Best Suited For: Small groups looking to tick off some historical golf course experiences and play links
East Lothian
With 22 courses in the region, there is something for everyone in East Lothian! It’s also home to some of the oldest golf courses in the world including Musselburgh Links as well as some of the best such as Muirfield which hosted the 2013 Open Championship that Phil Mickelson won ahead of Henrik Stenson.
There are plenty of others to check out which continue to offer incredible golf, such as Dunbar Golf Club, North Berwick Golf Club, and Guilane Golf Club amongst many others.
Accommodation options across the coastline are aplenty and can cater for all budgets. You can stay somewhere with golf on-site such as The Lodge at Craigielaw, or alternatively try the Marine North Berwick, a boutique hotel with stunning views of the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock.
If you are looking to fill your non-golfing days then we recommend venturing a short drive or train ride west across the coastline to the beautiful city of Edinburgh – the perfect place to spend your time when not on the fairways! Wander up the Royal Mile and around Edinburgh Castle, sample local whiskey on a tour, or just relax in the bars and coffee shops in between hitting the shops on Princes Street.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Muirfield Golf Club
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Take a day trip to Edinburgh to explore all those tourist activities such as visiting Edinburgh Castle, walking the Royal Mile, walk around National Museum of Scotland, or if you fancy an incredible view of the city then meander through Holyrood Park and climb Arthur’s Seat which offers views back over towards East Lothian! The perfect spot to try and find that lost ball you left in the rough…!
- Best Suited For: Small groups looking to tick off historic golf courses
Northumberland
Home to some spectacular links golf courses and stunning coastal views, Northumberland is the perfect golf trip destination for golf aficionados.
There are so many good courses to pick from, one of which is Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course which offers views of both the castle and Embleton Bay. Dating back to 1900 and a James Braid design, this is definitely one to add to your itinerary!
Another course we highly recommend and boasting a 130+ year history is Goswick Golf Club. Like Dunstanburgh, this is also located by the coast offering a true links experience. This is regularly rated by Golf World and National Club Golfer as one of the top tracks to tee off in the UK as well as being a regional qualifying venue for The Open Championship – most recently in 2023.
Alternatively, if you prefer your golf couse to be on-site at your hotel then check out the popular Slaley Hall which offers two 18-courses on-site as well as a Spa, or if you are looking to visit Northumberland in style then try the luxurious five-star Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf And Spa which has 18-holes on-site.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Goswick Golf Club
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: There is so much history to explore in Northumberland! There are numerous castles littered up and down the coast – make sure you visit Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, or you could head to the north of the county and walk some of Hadrian’s Wall
- Best Suited For: Small groups looking for bucket list golf course experiences with a links style, cracking boutique hotels and fantastic local pubs to unwind in after the fairways
Harrogate
Harrogate has fast become a popular destination for a golf tour in Yorkshire. With a cluster of quality golf courses and just a 30 minute drive to both York and Leeds, this spa town has all the ingredients for a fantastic golf weekend away on the fairways with friends.
Rudding Park Golf club is an 18-hole course on the edge of town, with a popular hotel and Spa facility on-site. Designed by Martin Hawtree, this track is a well crafted parkland course which will test any golfer’s ability. This is one to consider playing when you visit North Yorkshire!
The other course we really like is Pannal Golf Club – created in 1906, this incredible 18-hole course meanders through moorland and heathland to create a fantastic experience. The luxurious clubhouse is well worth visiting for a hard earned post round pint too!
Beyond Pannal and Rudding Park, you have other courses too which can suit all budgets and skill levels.
Harrogate is home to a number of bars and restaurants, all walking distance from each other in the pretty town centre, plus there is a direct train to both Leeds and York should you fancy a change of scenery one evening or for somewhere with more nightlife, especially during the week.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Pannal Golf Club
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Relax and unwind in these fully restored Victorian Turkish baths on your day off before heading up the road to Bettys Café Tea Rooms for a cup of Taylors tea and a fat rascal!
- Best Suited For: Small/medium sized groups looking for scenic golf courses within a short drive with good quality pubs and restaurants within walking distance from accommodation
Leeds
Popular with larger groups looking for vibrant nightlife, Leeds seems to tick the box – whether you are looking for some good quality old school pubs or you are on a stag do looking for late night bars and nightclubs, you’ll find something for everyone here.
There are plenty of accommodation options around the city centre which will cater for all budgets – these include Holiday Inn Express City Centre, Clayton Hotel, and Hilton Hotel Leeds. Or you can base yourself a few miles out of the city centre and stay at Oulton Hall Hotel & Spa with its on-site golf courses – it’s around 20 minutes by taxi to the city centre making it perfectly accessible for a night out.
Most of the top golf courses are in the North Leeds region – within a few miles of each other you have Moor Allerton, Sandmoor, Alwoodley, Scarcroft, and Moortown.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Moortown Golf Club
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Leeds is renowned for great nightlife so head out into the city for drinks, however if that isn’t your scene then Royal Armouries Museum is the perfect place for history buffs as well as a nice scenic walk by the river from the city centre
- Best Suited For: Medium/large sized groups looking for great golf and lively nightlife
York
Although it is the home of Glencor Golf Holidays, we are definitely not being biased when we say York has everything you need! Well located for those looking to drive or getting the train, you will find this is a popular choice for golfers looking for the perfect blend of quality courses, a wide range of accommodation options, with plenty of pubs, bars, restaurants and things to see and do!
When it comes to golf courses, you have the excellent Fulford Golf Club close to the city centre which was the former host of the Benson and Hedges International Open between 1971 and 1989. Slightly further afield, situated in between York and Scarborough, is the beautiful Ganton Golf Club – a must play as this is a former Ryder Cup venue, hosting the prestigious tournament in 1949.
As well as these two cracking tracks, you can add the likes of York Golf Club and Sandburn Hall to your itinerary which also don’t disappoint and offer great value for money in our opinion.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Fulford Golf Club
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Despite being quite a small city, there is so much to do – explore the York Minster in the centre of town, meander down the narrow Shambles, brave a ghost walk around the city’s Roman walls, or visit the National Railway Museum. Alternatively, time your golf break with a meeting at York races for the ultimate sporting weekend!
- Best Suited For: Groups of any size looking for a combination of great restaurants and pubs, plenty of tourist attractions, and quality golf courses
Lytham
This region is best known for Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, an 18-hole course which was founded as far back as 1886, with the current course created in 1897. There are no fewer than 167 bunkers which surround the fairways and greens, making this a real challenge to play.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Lytham St Annes, irrespective of budget, many of which face towards the coast with beautiful views, and a five minute drive to Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.
If you want to visit a pretty coastal town and tick off one of golf’s iconic courses, this is the destination for you.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Go for a stroll on St Annes Pier which dates back to 1885, checkout Lytham Windmill which is a local landmark, or wander around Fairhaven Lake, one of Europe’s most important wildfowl locations – you can even hire a boat if you want to give the legs a rest!
- Best Suited For: Golfers looking to experience Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Course
Southport
On the map Southport is only slightly further south from Lytham but it is actually around a one hour journey by car as you follow the River Ribble inland towards Preston before coming down then driving back out towards the coast again and down.
Here you will find a cluster of some of the finest golf courses in England as well as a pretty coastal town with enough nightlife and evening entertainment to keep you occupied when you are away from the fairways.
If you want to make this a memorable golf tour, ensure you budget for a round at the prestigious Royal Birkdale! Granted, the green fee isn’t cheap but when you are playing a course which has hosted The Open Championships ten times then you know the experience is going to be unrivaled.
Beyond Royal Birkdale, there are still some fantastic courses to add to your itinerary! Jack Nicklaus is quoted as saying that some holes in Hillside’s back nine ‘are some of my favourites’ which is high praise indeed! Others to consider are Formby Golf Club, West Lancashire Golf Club and Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club.
We have a range of accommodation options which suit all budgets – so if you are picking bucket list courses, we have the hotel options to match or we can select quality hotels which help to balance the budget with the green fees on some of the top courses.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Royal Birkdale
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Check out Southport Marine Lake or the Botanical Gardens for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively grab some fish and chips and head for a walk along Southport Pier
- Best Suited For: Small to medium sized groups looking for bucket list golf course experiences with the appropriate budget to accommodate and some nightlife by the sea
Norfolk
For those looking to do a golf tour where you play multiple courses, Cromer is the most popular destination in Norfolk. This pretty seaside town is close to top courses such as Sherinham, the James Braid designed par 72 Hunstanton Golf Club, plus the excellent Royal Cromer Golf Club which sits proudly on the cliff top overlooking both the town and the coast and was a favourite of Oscar Wilde’s who said in 1892 that he finds Cromer ‘excellent for writing, but the golf even better’.
If you’d like to stay closer to Norwich and access potentially livelier nightlife, then perhaps consider Dunston Hall Golf & Spa which is home to an 18-hole par 71 golf course on-site.
- Our Must Play Golf Course: Hunstanton Golf Club
- Things To Do Away From The Golf Course: Explore the beautiful beaches along the coastal towns of Sheringham and Cromer
- Best Suited For: Groups looking for golf courses that have stunning coastal views and relaxing pubs in small seaside towns to unwind away from the fairways
How Glencor Golf Holidays Can Help You
Our experienced team of golf travel experts have stayed and played all across the UK, walking many of the very fairways featured in this guide. We have provided such great service for over a decade that we have been awarded a ‘10 Years of Excellence Trusted Service Award 2024’ by Feefo, the independent review company.
Let our team help you organise the perfect UK golf tour for you and your friends by calling Glencor Golf Holidays on 01904 406550 today.
