Ashford Golf Club

Ashford Golf Club is a proper 18-hole course that sits just outside the town centre, offering the kind of classic English golfing experience you'd hope for in Kent. The layout winds through mature trees and open fairways - nothing flashy, but genuinely well-maintained. If you're a golfer staying at Wildside Camping and Glamping, this is your closest serious course, about six miles north, and easily worth the drive.

You'll need to be a member or book as a guest - it's not a walk-up sort of place. That said, it's worth ringing ahead to see what their guest policy is, especially if you're staying nearby for a week or two. Expect to allow a full four-and-a-half hours for a round, longer if the course is busy. The standard is solid, greens are quick without being brutish, and there's enough variety in the holes to keep your attention.

This isn't a destination course on its own, mind - you're not flying to Kent purely to play Ashford. But if you're already in the area with your golf clubs and you've got a few days to fill, it's a genuine pleasure. The clubhouse is straightforward, the staff welcoming enough, and the walk is pleasant without being taxing. Families with non-golfing members might find the course a bit limiting - there's not much to do if you're watching from the sidelines - but serious players will find a proper day out.