Nottingham City Golf Club

The golf course sits on the edge of Nottingham, a proper layout that rewards straight hitting and punishes the wayward. It's an 18-hole parkland track - nothing flashy, but honest golf in a setting that feels removed from the city despite being minutes away. The fairways are well-maintained and the greens hold their shape, which matters if you're actually trying to post a decent score.

This is for golfers, full stop. Whether you're a club member or a visiting player, you'll need to book ahead and have a handicap certificate or proof of ability. If you're dragging non-golfers along, they'll be bored within ten minutes - there's no clubhouse cafe worth lingering in, no spa, no reason to stay if you're not playing. Allow four hours minimum for a round, probably closer to five on a weekend.

It's a solid choice if you're based at one of the nearby lodges like Fairview Farm, about six miles out. Combine it with a round at Wollaton Park (the grand house and grounds are worth a morning) or a visit into Nottingham proper for the castle and city centre. The course is reasonably priced for visitors compared to some in the Midlands, but you'll want to check their website for current rates and availability before you plan your trip.