Meyrick Park Golf Course

An 18-hole parkland course that sits just outside Christchurch, Meyrick Park Golf Course is the sort of place where golfers actually want to spend a morning rather than rush through. The layout winds through mature trees and open fairways - nothing dramatic, but proper pleasant. You're looking at a few hours minimum if you're playing a full round, though you can chip in a quick nine if time's tight.

This one's really for golfers. If you're not hitting balls, there's not much to keep you occupied, so it's not a family day-out kind of spot. But if your holiday party includes someone who needs their golf fix while staying at one of the nearby parks - Meadowbank Holidays, Oakdene Forest Park, or Haven Rockley Park are all within easy reach - then Meyrick Park solves that problem neatly. Green fees and exact opening times are best checked directly before you arrive, as details aren't always online.

The course works well as part of a Dorset break because the area's got enough going on beyond golf. Christchurch itself is worth a wander, and you're close enough to the New Forest for proper walks if the weather turns uncooperative. For non-golfers staying at your holiday park, frankly, you might use this as an excuse to explore elsewhere while your playing partner's on the course.