Blackthorn Wood Golf Complex

The driving range at Blackthorn Wood isn't going to win any beauty contests, but if you've got a golf swing that needs work, it does the job without faffing about. You get a decent spread of bays, proper floodlighting for evening sessions, and enough space to actually focus on your technique rather than feeling hemmed in by other golfers. The complex sits just outside Kettering, making it genuinely useful for holiday park visitors staying at Rural Relaxing or Get Lost In Nature rather than a wasted detour.

Golfers will find it practical - rent clubs if you've travelled light, buy a bucket of balls, and spend an hour working through your swing. It's not a championship course, and that's fine. The staff are helpful without being pushy, which matters when you're on holiday and just want to potter about.

Really, this works best for families with a golfer in tow. Kids under ten will get bored quickly, but teenagers with any interest in the game can chip away for a solid couple of hours. If you're staying nearby and the weather turns dodgy, it's a solid indoor-ish option that beats sitting in a caravan.

Allow an hour minimum, though most people drift toward two. Admission cost and exact opening times need checking with the complex directly - phone ahead rather than showing up hoping for the best. Evening sessions tend to be cheaper if budget's tight.