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Discover the best golf & sightseeing destinations in the UK
The United Kingdom is a big diverse area, covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. There are so many amazing adventures to be had all around these lands that it’s not possible to cover them all. We will try our best to share snapshots of some of the possibilities for memorable trips, whether they are to iconic places like St. Andrews, Royal Birkdale, or Royal Portrush, or (in our minds) even better still, trips to places like Brora, Machrihanish, and Westward Ho! All of the Open Championship courses are here and open for play, to a certain extent. There is a vast collection of great heathland courses as well as Links, headland, and parkland.
There is something for everyone here. Visiting the Tower of London, The Giants Causeway or a distillery in the highlands or the imposing Caernarfon Castle are all rewarding and unique. We will break it down into regions, but there are no limits to the trip you chose, if it’s combining multiple areas together to sample a little of each, or take a deeper dive into one area… we can make it happen for you.
London and South East England
London is one of the great cities of Europe, with world-class museums, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and too many other sites to list. It is also in close proximity to dozens of top-flight golf courses. To the southwest of the city lies many of the best heathland courses in the world, like Sunningdale, Walton Heath, and St. George’s Hill, to name a few; while in this area, a visit of Windsor Castle should be on the agenda.
To the southeast, lies 3 of the Open Championship venues in England. Royal St. George’s is still being used these days for the event. Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s are both great courses to add to any itinerary in the region. Rye Golf Club, to the south of these courses, lies just outside of the charming walled city of Rye. Among the many things to see and do are the visit to the historic Canterbury Cathedral and the Cliffs of Dover.
Sample Itinerary around London & surroundings
- Day 1: Fly US – London
- Day 2: Private London City Highlights Walking Tour
- Day 3: Explore London sites
- Day 4: Play Sunningdale – Afternoon at Windsor Castle
- Day 5: Private Stonehenge and Costwolds Tour
- Day 6: Play Walton Heath and St George’s Hill
- Day 7: Play Swingley Forest – Afternoon at leisure
- Day 8: Private Transfer to Sandwich with stops in Canterbury and Dover Castle
- Day 9: Play Royal St George’s – Visit the White Cliffs of Dover
- Day 10: Play Royal Cinque Ports
- Day 11: Fly London – US
South West England
Another of the great links golf destinations of England resides in the southwest. Cornwall and Devon are full of enchanting places and courses to visit. Walk along the Jurassic Coast, take in the Unesco World Heritage sites in Bath, or the grand Exeter Cathedral. Cornwall, specifically, has a wide variety of delicious dishes, including pasties and various cheeses. Land’s End offers some of the most spectacular views, and lives up to its name!
Play the oldest golf course in England, Royal North Devon also known as Westward Ho!, after the town it abuts. One of the fun aspects of this lovely course is that it is laid out on common land shared with sheep, cows, and horses. Across the river Taw sits the beautiful and challenging Saunton Golf Club, featuring 36 holes of great links golf. Further west lies St. Enodoc, a quixotic links that will stay with you long after your round. Perranporth Golf Club is among the most underrated courses in all of England, definitely worth the drive.
Sample Itinerary in South West England
- Day 1: Fly US – London
- Day 2: Private Transfer to Bath with a stop at Stonehenge
- Day 3: Explore Bath
- Day 4: Private Day Trip to the Cotswolds
- Day 5: Play Burnham and Berrow
- Day 6: Explore Barnstaple
- Day 7: Play Royal North Devon
- Day 8: Play Saunton
- Day 9: Private Transfer to Rock
- Day 10: Play St Enodoc
- Day 11: Private Transfer to Exeter – Afternoon at leisure in Exeter
- Day 12: Fly London – US
Central and Northern England
There are many choices for a week filled with great golf and sightseeing experiences here. Visit the home of the Beatles, and tour the museum dedicated to them, along with many other landmarks from their career. You could take in a match at Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United. For the history buffs out there, you can take a walk along Hadrian’s Wall, the remnants of an ancient Roman wall whose remnants can be seen spanning the entire width of England!
If you were to stay only in Liverpool, you are within striking distance of three Open Championship golf courses; Royal Liverpool, Royal Lytham and St. Annes, and Royal Birkdale. They aren’t the only great links on this stretch of coastline. Hillside sits right next to Birkdale and plays through the same dramatic dunescape. Formby is another great links that is a bit unusual in that it plays through dunes, yet also plays through forest. Southport & Ainsdale has twice hosted the Ryder Cup and is a fun course as well.
To the east, near Leeds, lies the first design by Alister Mackenzie, Alwoodley, a wonderful example of his design ideals. Moortown is another of his classic designs. To the south and east lies Royal West Norfolk, one of the most charming links courses in the world.
Sample Itinerary in Central & Northern England
- Day 1: Fly US – Manchester
- Day 2: Private Liverpool City Highlights Tour
- Day 3: Play Royal Liverpool
- Day 4: Private Beatles Tour
- Day 5: Play Formby – Play Hillside
- Day 6: Visit Southport
- Day 7: Play Southport and Ainsdale
- Day 8: Play Royal Birkdale
- Day 9: Play Royal Lytham & St Annes
- Day 10: Fly Manchester – US
Wales
Wales is a wondrous place, and full of charm. Visit one of the many beautiful castles like Cardiff, Conwy, Pembroke or Caernarfon. Explore one of the most beautiful places in the British Isles, Snowdonia National Park. Take in the sights in the capitol city, Cardiff and drive along the rugged and beautiful coastline. Enjoy some of the many culinary offerings such as Welsh cakes and Cawl (lamb stew). Alternatively, you could visit some of the prettiest villages in Wales such as Solva, Portmeirion, and Beddgelert, among others.
Wales has no shortage of great golf, especially its links courses. Royal Porthcawl is likely the most famous of them. It is a stern test of golf in a great setting. Celtic Manor was made famous by a recent Ryder Cup match. Pennard is known as the “links in the sky”, but don’t let the name fool you, this is one of the very best links in the country. Further to the north lies Aberdovey, an enchanting course written romantically about by the great Bernard Darwin. Royal St. David’s is definitely worthy of a round, with the finishing stretch being as fun as it gets on links land. It seems at every turn, there are small, fun courses definitely worth enjoying.
Sample Itinerary in Wales
- Day 1: Fly US – Cardiff
- Day 2: Explore Cardiff
- Day 3: Private Transfer to Porthcrawl and Vale of Glamorgan Tour
- Day 4: Play Royal Portcrawl
- Day 5: Play Pennard
- Day 6: Private Day Trip to the Gower Peninsula
- Day 7: Play Aberdovey
- Day 8: Private Day Trip to Snowdonia National Park
- Day 9: Play St David’s
- Day 10: Explore Bangor
- Day 11: Fly Liverpool – US
Edinburgh and South East Scotland
Edinburgh is a beautiful old city. The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle are great sites to visit. If you are lucky enough to be in town during the Military Tattoo you’re in for a treat. Gullane and North Berwick are really fun little cities you can enjoy as well, and they both seem to embrasse their golf! You can take a hike up Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views of Edinburgh. Sample some low country Whisky at Glenkinchie.
While in the area, there are several golfing experiences to savor. The most famous of them is The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, aka Muirfield. Although it is a very private club, they still allow some visitor play during the week. North Berwick Golf Links has very few peers when it comes to links golf, with many famous holes, including the Redan, made famous by the many template exemples throughout the U.S., and Pit, whose green is situated behind a low wall. Musselburgh Links is the oldest course in the world still playing on its original holes and a former Open Championship venue, which can be played with hickory clubs if you’re feeling nostalgic. Gullane possess’s three great links courses. And there are many, many other wonderful links courses, that you couldn’t tire playing.
Sample Itinerary in Edinburgh & surroundings
- Day 1: Fly US – Edinburgh
- Day 2: Private Edinburgh City Highlights Tour
- Day 3: Play Musselburgh – Afternoon Private Whisky Distillery Tour with tastings
- Day 4: Private Transfer to North Berwick
- Day 5: Play North Berwick
- Day 6: Play Dunbar
- Day 7: Cruise to Bass Rock and / or Isle of May
- Day 8: Play Muirfield
- Day 9: Play Gullane
- Day 10: Fly Edinburgh – US
South West Scotland and Islands
Explore The Ayrshire coast and enjoy the rugged natural beauty of it. Take a ferry out to the Isle of Islay, where, as many know, is the home of Islay malt whisky’s. With 9 working distilleries, Islay is a single malt lover’s dream. Drive on the long and winding road from Inverary down to Machrihanish. Yes, this is the road that Paul McCartney was singing about! Many of the islands off of the coast of Scotland offer breathtaking hikes over heather covered mountains.
There are three Open Championship venues on the Ayrshire coast. Prestwick, although no longer used as an Open venue, has hosted more than any other course, and one of the great rounds of golf in the world. Turnberry, for some, is the best of all Open venues, and the site of “The Duel in the Sun”, between Nicklaus and Watson. Troon is a stern test of golf and possesses one of the most famous holes in the world, the postage stamp. Machrihanish is another of the great Scottish links, and its remote location makes it just a little more peaceful and secluded than most other world-class courses of its quality. Further afield, on Islay sits The Machrie, a real charmer. Ardfin is a newer course that has gotten a lot of positive attention as being a world-class course and hotel.
Sample Itinerary in South West Scotland
- Day 1: Fly US – Glasgow
- Day 2: Private Transfer to Troon
- Day 3: Play Turnberry
- Day 4: Play Prestwick and/or Troon
- Day 5: Private Transfer to Machrianish
- Day 6: Play Machrianish
- Day 7: Play Machrianish Dunes
- Day 8: Private Transfer and Ferry Ride to Jura Island
- Day 9: Play Ardfin
- Day 10: Play Machrie, followed by a Private Islay Whisky Tour
- Day 11: Fly Islay – Glasgow – US
Eastern Scotland
Once you cross the Firth of Forth, from Edinburgh, every golfer knows where they are. The home of golf is within striking distance. St. Andrews evokes thoughts of Open Championship golf, of the Swilcan Bridge, The R&A clubhouse, Old Tom Morris. A visit here must be on every golfer’s wish list. Take a walk on the beach where they filmed scenes from Chariots of Fire. After a round on one of the courses, have a pint in the Dunvegan, where golfers have been ending their days in for years. A stroll through St. Andrews, visiting the cathedral ruins, paying respect to Old Tom, and a visit of the castle are also valuable experiences.
Everyone knows The Old Course, the most famous course in the world, for good reason, but there are 6 other courses overseen by the Links Trust, and all good fun. Kingsbarns is a modern masterpiece, just outside of town. Lundin, Leven, Elie, Crail…. well you get the idea. There are so many great old links that deserve equal attention; only an hour away lies one of the most challenging golf courses on the planet, Carnoustie. Do not let that scare you away though, as it is also one of the world’s great courses. Further north outside of Aberdeen sits the venerable Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, with the lovely Murcar links abutting it. If you keep going, and want an adventure, you must play Cruden Bay. It is everything you can ask for in a course, great holes in big dunes, and some whimsical moments. It is impossible to list all of the great places to play and visit here.
Sample Itinerary in Eastern Scotland
- Day 1: Fly US – Edinburgh
- Day 2: Private Transfer to Elie – Afternoon at leisure
- Day 3: Play Elie Golf House
- Day 4: Play Dumbarnie
- Day 5: Play Crail
- Day 6: Play Kingsbarns
- Day 7: Private St Andrews City Highlights Tour
- Day 8: Play New Course
- Day 9: Play Old Course
- Day 10: Play Carnoustie
- Day 11: Fly Edinburgh – US
Northern Scotland
The highlands of Scotland are mythic and breathtaking. With legends of the Loch Ness Monster, the legendary highland distilleries, amazing national parks, and the striking castles, there is so much to see and do. A hike in the Cairngorms is a special experience. Visit Glenlivet, Macallan, or dozens of other distilleries. Take a cruise on the Loch Ness, who knows what you may see!
Royal Dornoch also has a mythic reputation, and is one of the great courses in the world. It is a stern challenge that will test you, yet is also among the more beautiful courses you will ever see. Dornoch is also the hometown of the legendary architect, Donald Ross. To the north of Dornoch lies Golspie and also Brora, which is a unique experience in the dunes with the local cows and sheep grazing. To prevent them from getting on the greens, there are electric fences protecting each one. Nairn is another great links that has been put to the test with a recent Walker Cup. Cabot Highlands is a modern links designed by Gil Hanse, and is about to break ground on a 2nd course, designed by Tom Doak. While driving through the highlands, a visit to Boat of Garten and Spey Valley are beautiful respites from the links courses, as they play through the hills and heather. There are plenty of great options to round out a great trip to the highlands.
Sample Itinerary in Northern Scotland
- Day 1: Fly US – Inverness
- Day 2: Private Inverness City Highlights Tour
- Day 3: Play Cabot Highlands – Afternoon Private Culloden Battlefield Tour
- Day 4: Play Nairn
- Day 5: Play Nairn Dunbar
- Day 6: Private Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Distilleries Tour
- Day 7: Play Royal Dornoch
- Day 8: Play Brora
- Day 9: Private Loch Ness Cruise
- Day 10: Explore the Isle of Skye
- Day 11: Hike The Old Man of Storr
- Day 12: First Class Jacobite Train – Stop in Fort William
- Day 13: Fly Inverness – US
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has so much to offer. Belfast is a lovely city that has survived much. There are many places to find a good time. A tour of the city is mesmerizing, that will leave lasting memories. On the northern coast lies an amazing site of natural beauty, The Giant’s Causeway. Visit the spectacular prehistoric site, Newgrange. A megalithic structure over 3000 years old. Take a tour of Bushmills distillery, the oldest distillery in the world.
The golf in Northern Ireland is exceptional in every way. Royal County Down is regarded by some as the best course in the world. It is a challenging course that will stay with you long after your round is over. Royal Portrush has 36 great golf holes, with its Dunluce course, recently hosted the Open Championship, and is among the very best links on the planet. Portstewart and Castlerock both have multiple courses and wind through some of the most dramatic dunescapes imaginable.
If you’re looking to spend some relaxing time playing a fun parkland course, the Nick Faldo designed Lough Erne is also an enjoyable day.
Sample Itinerary in Northern Ireland
- Day 1: Fly US – Belfast
- Day 2: Private Belfast City Highlights Tour
- Day 3: Play Royal Country Down
- Day 4: Private Day Trip to NewGrange
- Day 5: Play Ardglass
- Day 6: Play Royal Portrush
- Day 7: Private Day Trip to Bushmills with tastings, Giant’s Causeway, and Dunluce Castle
- Day 8: Leisure Day in Portrush
- Day 9: Play Castlerock
- Day 10: Play Portstewart
- Day 11: Fly Belfast – US
Check-out some of our favorite golf destinations in Europe
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