Celtic Manor Golf Club

The moment you pull into Celtic Manor near Chepstow, you understand why this place hosted the Ryder Cup. Two championship courses spread across 400 acres of genuinely impressive grounds - the kind of landscape where golf suddenly makes sense, even if you're not usually bothered about the sport.

The Twenty Ten course is the star turn, designed by European Tour pro Ross Fisher and properly tested. The Wye course runs alongside it, slightly more forgiving but no pushover. Both demand focus and reward decent striking. The clubhouse sits high enough to command views across the South Wales valleys, which alone makes the place feel special.

Non-golfers can eat and drink there without playing - the restaurant's decent if unremarkable, the bar pleasant enough for a pit stop between rounds or activities. But frankly, this is for golfers, and proper ones at that. Casual players might find it intimidating and expensive. Handicap requirements apply for both courses, so you can't just turn up.

It's worth the drive from Chepstow town centre if golf's your thing. A full day with a round, lunch and drinks sets you back a fair bit, but the course maintenance is immaculate and the setting beats most UK tracks hands down. Nearby Penhein Glamping offers a more relaxed overnight option if you want to stay local and play twice.

Not a detour for non-golfers. For handicap golfers wanting a proper challenge in lovely surroundings, absolutely worth it.