Where to Play Golf in England

The Best Regions for Your Golf Trip

When golfers turn to Haversham & Baker to plan a golf trip to England, the conversation often begins with a question: Where exactly should we play?

Unlike Ireland or Scotland — where the marquee courses are familiar and the regions more widely known — England is often a bit of a mystery. Most travelers are aware there’s excellent golf to be found, but the specifics of where to go and how to shape the itinerary are often less clear.

But like Scotland and Ireland, the best golf in England is highly concentrated in just a few regions. And as with those great destinations, the key to planning is to divide and conquer.

Most H&B travelers focus on one or two of the three standout regions: England’s Golf Coast, the Channel Coast, and the London Heathland.

This guide explores what each region offers — both on the course and beyond — so you can begin to shape an Expedition that suits your goals.

England's Golf Coast

For golfers looking to play one unforgettable links after another — with minimal transfer time in between — England’s Golf Coast is an ideal fit. This northwest corner of the country is home to three Open Championship venues, a deep bench of outstanding courses, and a golf-centric pace that's best suited for those who want to maximize every round.

Notable Courses

Royal Birkdale: Host to nearly a dozen Open Championships, this revered links delivers both pedigree and playability.
Royal Liverpool: A storied venue that's crowned Bobby, Tiger, and Rory as champions, most recently hosting The Open in 2023.
Royal Lytham & St Annes: A test of precision and patience, set inland among red-brick homes and daunting bunkers.
Formby, Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, Wallasey: This supporting cast could headline anywhere else, and our Members often cite them as the favorites in the area.

The Good Life

This region is best suited for golf-focused travelers. Tourists looking to fill multiple days with off-course activities may find the area a bit lacking by comparison.

That said, Liverpool makes for an excellent day away from the course. From exploring Beatles history and contemporary museums to dining along Bold Street or taking in a live session at The Cavern Club, there’s no shortage of options for those seeking a dose of the Good Life.

Many H&B travelers stay in Southport, a practical home base with easy access to nearly every course in the region. While the town may not evoke the same charm or energy as places like St. Andrews or Killarney, its convenience is tough to beat. Being able to unpack once, settle in, and play six or more exceptional links — all within a relatively short drive — is part of what makes this region so appealing for golfers.

What to Expect

England’s Golf Coast is ideal for groups who want to minimize logistics and maximize golf. It’s where world-class courses are just a short ride away, and the focus stays on what brought you here in the first place: the game and the camaraderie that comes with it.

Golfers on a trip to England's Golf Coast

The Expedition led by Peter Dunne from Onwentsia Club at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.

London Heathland

When it comes to golf near London, the inland courses found in the Heathland offer a different kind of golf experience. Firm, fast, and masterfully routed through towering pines and heather-lined fairways. This region is home to four World Top 100 golf courses, and its proximity to both London and Heathrow makes for an exceptionally smooth journey.

Notable Courses

Sunningdale Old & New: One club, two Top 100 courses. That's what awaits at Sunningdale Golf Club, leading to one of the best experiences in the game.
Swinley Forest: A Harry Colt gem known for its understated charm and mystique.
St. George's Hill: Another Harry Colt masterpiece that rounds out the quartet of Top 100 courses near London.
Walton Heath, Berkshire, The Addington: Additional Heathland masterpieces that will round off your itinerary in style.

The Good Life

The London Heathland offers an abundance of the Good Life. Most of our Members stay at Fairmont Windsor Park, where five-star hospitality is paired with world-class amenities. Windsor Castle is nearby, along with Hampton Court Palace.

Many Expeditions opt for a day or two in London to enjoy the famous sights either before or after the golf portion of their itinerary. And with Heathrow just minutes away, arrival and departure are as simple as it gets.

What to Expect

The Heathland is an ideal fit for groups seeking both world-class golf and a dash of the Good Life. It can be experienced on its own, or paired seamlessly with the Channel Coast for a weeklong mix of inland and links. Best of all, as a standalone Expedition, you can do it all without ever changing hotels.

TJ Wyld, PGA and the members of Bull's Bridge Golf Clut at Sunningdale.

Channel Coast

Southeast England and the coast of the English Channel offers a quieter, more understated links experience. The golf along the Channel Coast is every bit as storied as the rest of the country, and includes three current or former hosts of The Open. And yet, the region remains curiously under-traveled.

Notable Courses

Royal St. George's: 15-time host of The Open, Royal St. George's offers one of the finest overall experiences in England.
Royal Cinque Ports: Two-time host of The Open and a favorite among those in search of pure links golf.
Prince's: Host of the 1932 Open and the 2030 Walker Cup. Gene Sarazen famously introduced the world to the sand wedge here.

The Good Life

Beyond the fairways, the Channel Coast offers some of England's most notable options for the Good Life. Tour Canterbury Cathedral, wander the paths above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, or explore the stories held within Dover Castle.

And when it’s time to unwind, The PIG at Bridge Place has quickly become a favorite accommodation choice for our Members: rustic elegance, cozy lounges, and a kitchen that takes "local ingredients" literally – much of the produce is grown right outside.

What to Expect

The Channel Coast works well as part of a larger itinerary, often paired with the London Heathland. It’s a perfect choice for golfers seeking storied courses without the crowds of better-known destinations.

Golfers at Royal Cinque Ports on a trip to England

The Expedition led by Dr. Ed Holland from Triple Crown Country Club at Royal Cinque Ports.

Why England?

For many H&B Members, England comes later. After the first pilgrimage to St. Andrews, or a sweeping tour through Ireland’s linksland, England often enter the "What's next?" conversation.

But here’s what we’ve heard time and again: “We should have done this sooner.”

England offers something rare in the world of golf travel — a blend of pedigree and discovery. The courses are exceptional, yet rarely overrun. The regions are compact and efficient, yet deeply varied in character. And while the country is home to more Top 100 courses than Ireland and nearly as many as Scotland, it still feels, in many ways, like a well-kept secret.

For private club members seeking their next great journey, England offers a chance to experience something familiar yet fresh, storied yet under-traveled.

All of which is to say: The question may not be if you should play golf in England, but why isn't it next on your list?