Ellesborough Golf Club

The clubhouse sits on a ridge above Aylesbury with views that stretch across the Chilterns, and the course itself is properly challenging - 6,400 yards of proper golf that demands respect from your swing. Ellesborough has been here since 1906, carved into rolling downland, and it's the kind of place where you'll see why membership waiting lists exist.

This isn't a casual nine-hole experience. The layout rewards accuracy over length, with tight fairways bordered by thick rough and greens that slope in directions that'll catch you out if you're not concentrating. Walking it takes a solid four hours, and you'll earn your post-round drink in the clubhouse.

Visitors can play as guests - you'll need to arrange this via the club or come through a reciprocal arrangement if you're a member elsewhere. It's a proper members' club, so show up ready to respect the dress code and pace of play. Summer rounds are excellent, though the course can get firm and tricky by August.

If you're staying at Orchard View Farm Camping just down the road near Aylesbury, this makes a solid day out, though you're three miles or so from the first tee. The views alone - even if you're not a golfer - make the drive worthwhile. For serious players with a handicap, it's worth the membership enquiry.