Macclesfield Golf Club

The 18-hole course at Macclesfield sits on proper rolling terrain just outside town, and it's the sort of place that rewards a decent swing without punishing you too harshly for a wayward shot. You're looking at a traditional parkland layout with enough trees and water hazards to keep things interesting, but nothing so brutal that you'll be hacking away for three hours.

Golfers of decent handicap will enjoy the challenge here. It's not a championship course, but it's well-maintained and the greens hold their shape. The club has that slightly old-school feel - the kind of place where people actually know each other's names. You'll get a proper welcome without the stuffiness of some private clubs.

Book ahead, obviously, and expect to pay green fees (day rates are usually reasonable for the standard). Most rounds take just over four hours, so plan accordingly if you're fitting it between other activities. Summer weekends get busy, so midweek or early morning is your best bet.

If you're staying at Kiss wood Cabins or Avona Escapes nearby, this works well as a morning activity before heading out to explore the wider Staffordshire countryside. It's not worth building a whole holiday around unless you're a serious golfer, but if golf's on your agenda and you're in the area, it's certainly worth the drive from Macclesfield town centre.