Illfracombe Golf Club

Perched high above the North Devon coast, this clifftop course delivers some of the most dramatic golfing views in England. The 18-hole layout winds through heathland and coastal terrain, with several holes playing directly along the cliff edge where the Atlantic stretches endlessly beyond the fairways.

Golfers of all abilities will find plenty to challenge them here, though the coastal winds can turn even straightforward holes into proper tests of skill. The signature holes running parallel to the sea are absolutely stunning, but bring extra balls - the ocean has claimed plenty over the years. On a clear day, you can see across to Wales from the higher tees.

Families staying at nearby parks like Hele Valley or Watermouth Valley will find this a decent option for golf-mad relatives, though it's hardly a beginner-friendly course. The terrain can be quite hilly and the rough unforgiving. Allow at least four hours for a round, longer if you're stopping to admire the views.

What sets this course apart is its location rather than its design - you're playing golf on some of Devon's most spectacular coastline. The clubhouse offers reasonable food and the locals are friendly enough. Worth checking their website for visitor rates and tee times, as they can get busy during summer months when the holiday parks are full.