Isle of Purbeck Golf Club

The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club sits just outside Swanage, commanding views across some of Dorset's most dramatic coastline. It's a proper links course, the kind where the wind genuinely matters and the sea keeps you honest. If you're not a golfer yourself, there's limited reason to stop - this isn't the sort of place that welcomes casual strollers or offers a clubhouse cafe for the curious. But if you play, or you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Ulwell or Swanage Bay View, it's absolutely worth investigating membership rates or green fees.

The course itself winds through heathland with the kind of elevation changes that make for exhausting but rewarding golf. A round here takes a proper four hours - not something to squeeze in between other activities. Beginners will struggle; it's designed for folk who know what they're doing.

Timing-wise, go during quieter midweek sessions if you can. Weekends get rammed. The weather matters enormously - spring and early autumn are your sweet spots, though honestly even winter can be playable down here if you don't mind the cold.

For a golf-focused park holiday in Dorset, this combines well with exploring Swanage's beaches and the Jurassic Coast walking trails. Just don't expect to roll up on a Saturday afternoon expecting a game. Book ahead, know your handicap, and bring waterproofs. The views are genuinely excellent, mind.