Frilford Heath Golf Course

Two championship courses sit side by side near Witney, and they've been there since 1908 - which tells you something about the quality of the land. Frilford Heath is properly serious golf, the kind of place where you'll see decent players testing themselves on courses that demand respect.

The Old Course is the main draw - a par 71 that winds through heathland with enough rough to punish a loose swing. The newer Red Course plays a bit shorter but doesn't let you off easy either. Both are open to visiting golfers, though you'll need to ring ahead and have a handicap certificate ready. Greenfield fees aren't cheap, but you're paying for consistently well-maintained greens and fairways that have hosted countless county tournaments.

This is strictly for people who actually golf. Non-players won't find much to do here beyond watching from the clubhouse, and even that wears thin after twenty minutes. For serious golfers, though, it's absolutely worth the detour from Witney - you're looking at a full day if you're playing a full round and having lunch.

If you're staying at Lincoln Farm Park Partnership just down the road, you could slot in a morning round without any bother. It's a solid option for a golfing break in Oxfordshire, though bring your A-game because these courses don't forgive sloppy shots.