Daventry & District Golf Club

An 18-hole course that sits just outside Daventry, this is proper golf country in rural Northamptonshire. The layout rolls across decent parkland with enough trees and water hazards to keep you honest without being punishing. It's not championship standard, but it's the sort of course where a decent golfer can shoot a respectable round and a beginner won't feel completely humiliated.

The club welcomes visitors, though you'll want to phone ahead and check current green fees - they're often keen on weekday play. Allow around four hours for a full round. The course plays to just over 6,300 yards, so it's not a massive slog even if you're carrying your bag. Handicap certificates might be required depending on the day.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - EWE Glamping is particularly well-rated and only a short drive away - this makes a solid morning activity before heading into Daventry town itself. Steepleton Lodge is also close by if you fancy a couple of nights under canvas. It's the kind of course that fits nicely into a wider Midlands break rather than being a pilgrimage destination on its own.

The clubhouse does food and drinks, so you can make an afternoon of it. Not thrilling, but honest golf in pleasant enough surroundings.