Swing into spring: the best golf courses in the South West
Posted by Sophie Boyce on Updated on
State-of-the-art facilities and views to stir the soul
With its gently rolling hills, spectacular scenery and varied courses, the South West is a great destination for a golfing holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer indulging in a weekend away, booking in for a day’s tuition or curious to try something new, we’ve rounded up the best golf clubs in the South West.
Bigbury Golf Club
Owing to its wide fairways and fast greens, Bigbury is a popular golf club that’s challenged golfers of all abilities for many years. With dedicated greens, chipping zones and a full length practice ground, the club has an abundance of facilities for keen golfers and beginners, while golf days and junior coaching sessions will develop confidence and skill.
Also on site is an incredible sea-view clubhouse, bar and restaurant – with an expansive patio presenting the perfect excuse to dine al fresco in the warmer weather. A well-stocked bar and a menu of fresh dishes provide a lovely haven after a few testing rounds on the course.
Nearby properties: Avocet, Beachfront, Overcombe and Clifftop
Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
© Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
With panoramic views across Dorset’s iconic heathland, the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club features two courses of varying difficulty. With the Dene Course catering for beginners and the Purbeck Course for accomplished golfers, make a day of it with the Winter Warmers breakfast or stop by at the clubhouse for a twilight drink.
For a touch of fun in the summer months, don’t miss the family-friendly footgolf course. The full 18-hole course with views over Swanage Bay and Poole Harbour is a great alternative day out for competitive families.
St Enodoc Golf Club
© Neville Wootton via Flickr
The undulating terrain and challenging holes at St Enodoc Golf Club make it one of Cornwall’s most popular spots for the golfing elite. Perched high on golden dunes, the club overlooks the picturesque Camel Estuary and enjoys views of Padstow to one side and the glistening Atlantic coast to the other.
One of two courses designed by iconic Scottish golfer James Braid, the Church Course is regarded one of the West Country’s finest links layouts, threading its way between the dunes and boasting the biggest bunker in Europe, the cavernous ‘Himalaya’. While still challenging, the gentler 18-hole Holywell Course stretches over 4,000 yards, with a combination of par 3s and par 4s promising a great day on the green.
Nearby properties: Rosemain, Ferryside, Driftwood and Trehayl
Mullion Golf Club
Sitting high on the cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula, Mullion Golf Club is home to England’s most southerly course. The place to be for golf with a view, the 18-hole course is said to be the most thrilling and unorthodox, with the 11th tee hugging the cliff edge. While Mullion is a members’ club, visitors and societies can also expect a warm welcome, regardless of handicap.
Nearby property: Compass Point and Laflouder Thatch
Trevose Golf and Country Club
© Trevose Golf and Country Club
Catering for golfers of all standards, the award-winning Trevose Golf and Country Club is home to a myriad of prestigious sporting events, having hosted the McGregor Trophy and the English Men’s County Finals in recent years.
Perfect your swing in the state-of-the-art performance centre, where the latest launch monitors and video analysis systems plus eight covered practice bays await. For the humble novice, experienced golfers are on hand with daily tuition to help fine tune your technique, with one-to-one lessons and a custom golf club fitting service.
Nearby properties: Trelawn, Pentyak, Tater Du and Poldhu
Tiverton Golf Club
One of Devon’s finest parkland courses, Tiverton Golf Club eases golfers into their round with an 18-hole course boasting spectacular scenery. While smooth tree-lined slopes lead you towards the third hole alongside the Grand Western Canal, severe cambers and a tough middle section will see competitive spirits soar.
A spacious clubhouse boasting majestic views over the Blackdown Hills is available to members and visitors – with delightful one-off specials and an indulgent Sunday carvery to enjoy before or after a round.
Nearby property: Upcott Farm
Royal North Devon Golf Club
Founded in 1864, Royal North Devon is the oldest golf course in England, boasting 18 testing holes and a reputation as one of the country’s toughest links layouts. With a warmly welcoming clubhouse, restaurant and on-site golf museum, the club also has its own tailored coaching programme, making it a great spot for beginners to take up a new sport. Plus, a fantastic social calendar means there’s always an event to look forward to on and off the green – from live music to quiz nights.
For more sporting inspiration, visit our Golf Stays page or view all properties here.
Main image courtesy of © Trevose Golf and Country Club
Posted by Sophie Boyce
When she's not out for a roast by the coast, Sophie loves exploring with her husband and their golden retriever pup, Obi. She writes about all things Cornwall and is a strong believer that there’s no such thing as too many house plants.
Featured in this post
Trehayl
- Rock, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8 - 10
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Just minutes from the beach, Trehayl is a private dog-friendly paradise set in the heart of Rock. Recently renovated to the highest standard, the beautifully designed interiors, stunning coastal vistas and heated outdoor pool provide an unforgettable holiday backdrop.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3650
Compass Point
- Coverack, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 4
With transcendent views and a sunken cedar hot tub, this New England style beach house is anchored at the edge of the ocean. Sleeping up to eight guests, Compass Point transforms from airy summer aesthetic to cosy winter hideaway with ease. Dog-friendly and with Coverack Beach on your doorstep, it becomes the setting for seaside exploring and coast path trekking.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2850Short breaks from
£2550
Beachfront
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 8 - 10
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 3
A striking amalgamation of glass and wood, Beachfront is a Scandi-inspired beach house overlooking the water in Bigbury-on-Sea. Four serene bedrooms and a light, bright open plan living space meet an expansive front deck that's ideal for al fresco breakfasts, and just a minute's walk from sand and surf.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3250Short breaks from
£2850
Overcombe
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 5
From its heart-melting views over the iconic Burgh Island to its high specification kitchen and spacious living areas, Overcombe was made for blissful family escapes. Complete with five bedrooms and a wraparound deck, it’s a magical special occasion home, featured on Fantasy Homes by the Sea.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2250Short breaks from
£1850
Pentyak
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 12 - 14
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 5
One of the most sought-after holiday homes in North Cornwall, this family-friendly property affords shimmering sea views from almost every room. The open plan living and dining area is the perfect special occasion setting, while the den, treehouse and indoor slide provide endless fun for younger guests. Those hosting yoga retreats will love the dedicated studio that awaits at the end of the garden.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2950Short breaks from
£2550
Rosemain
- Rock, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 4
Set within three acres of Cornish countryside, Rosemain affords beautiful garden views, with two of its five cosy bedrooms featuring Juliet balconies. The perfect base for exploring Rock’s prestigious neighbourhood, it’s complete with a pretty farmhouse kitchen, a TV room and a bright and airy lounge opening onto the garden.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1650Short breaks from
£1450
Trelawn
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 4
A stone’s throw from Harlyn Bay Beach, this striking wood-clad hideaway enjoys a unique upside-down layout and flexible sleeping arrangements across five stunning bedrooms. Intricately designed to maximise quality time spent together, families will love the private hot tub area, high-tech media and games rooms, stylish interiors and sea views.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3950Short breaks from
£3750
Avocet
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 12
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 6
Overlooking the iconic Burgh Island from its enviable position on the South Devon coast, Avocet features six beautifully styled bedrooms, a bubbling hot tub and a large enclosed garden. Children will love playing on the lawn after dinner while adults relax on the sea-view swing set.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2995
Upcott Farm
- Dulverton, Somerset
- Sleeps: 12
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 6
A countryside haven for those hoping to get back to nature, Upcott Farm is located on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Enjoy sprawling country views, beautiful interiors, elevated balconies and two luxurious hot tubs.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2500Short breaks from
£2100
Tater Du
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8 - 10
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Located in the heart of Harlyn Bay and minutes from the beach, this Scandi-inspired home is an idyllic retreat for families and groups of friends year-round. Newly built and finished to the highest spec, Tater Du features four beautiful bedrooms, an irresistible outdoor hot tub and a sea-facing terrace.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2000Short breaks from
£1700
Driftwood
- Rock, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 2
Set in a quiet location just a short stroll from Rock’s buzzing town and sandy beach, enjoy the best of both worlds at Driftwood. Savour lazy mornings in the garden followed by lunch at Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners and a walk along the water. With modern interiors, spacious living areas and a suntrap terrace, this stylish home will be a year-round family favourite.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1850Short breaks from
£1600
Poldhu
- Harlyn Bay, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 4
Combining incredible architecture with sparkling sea views over Harlyn Bay, this spacious home was designed to bring families and friends together. With a hot tub, elevated lookout lounge and large grassy garden, enjoy a private paradise less than a five minute walk from the beach.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2400Short breaks from
£2100
Ferryside
- Rock, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10 - 12
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 5
Ferryside is an exceptional waterfront home with stunning estuary views. Sleeping up to 12 guests across six bedrooms, it’s a wonderful setting for special occasions and indulgent escapes. Set on the water’s edge in Rock, this stylish home is surrounded by beautiful beaches, exquisite restaurants and endless coastal walks. Step out onto the balcony to catch the first morning rays and sink into the sunken vitality pool for incredible Cornish sunsets.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£4950Short breaks from
£4550
Clifftop
- Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon
- Sleeps: 14
- Bedrooms: 7 i
- Bathrooms: 6
Settled above the waves amid the rugged Devon landscape, you’ll find this dreamlike retreat. Clifftop has been carefully renovated by VESP Architects into a true sanctuary, sleeping up to 14 guests. Home to panoramic ocean views over Challaborough Bay, it lends itself to spa breaks and family getaways, thanks to its seven bedrooms, direct coast path access, sea-view hot tub and sauna.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2950Short breaks from
£2550
Laflouder Thatch
- Mullion, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 4
Discover a thatched chocolate box cottage with sea views and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Sleeping up to eight guests on Cornwall’s south-west coast, Laflouder Thatch lends itself to family-friendly holidays and special celebrations with friends. Featuring an annexe, games room and pool house, this destination home sits a five-minute drive from Poldhu Cove and Polurrian Beach.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2450Short breaks from
£2150
