Oake Manor Golf Course

The first thing that strikes you about Oake Manor is how green everything is - the Somerset levels don't muck about when it comes to lush fairways. This is a proper 18-hole course just outside Taunton, the kind of place where you can actually enjoy a round without feeling like you're queuing for a tee time. The course winds through typical Somerset countryside, nothing flashy, just well-maintained greens and enough water hazards to keep you honest.

If you're a golfer staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Cornish Farm or Waterrow are both within easy reach - this is a cracking spot for a morning round. You won't need a handicap certificate for casual play, though it's worth calling ahead to check current rates and book a slot. Most rounds take around four hours, so plan accordingly. The course suits mid-range golfers best; beginners might find it a touch unforgiving in places, but it's not so difficult that a decent player can't post a good score.

The real advantage here is accessibility from the touring parks. You're looking at five to six miles from most of them, perfectly doable for a day trip without feeling like you're driving halfway across the county. It's not a championship layout or anything, but it's an honest course that respects your time and your scorecard. Summer mornings are best - the light's lovely and the course plays at its prettiest.