Portal Golf and Country Club

Eighteen holes of proper parkland golf stretch across the Cheshire countryside, just outside Northwich. Portal Golf and Country Club offers the sort of rolling fairways and well-maintained greens that make for a decent round without breaking the bank or your handicap.

The course itself sits in that sweet spot between challenging and playable - mature trees line most holes, and there are enough water hazards to keep things interesting without being punitive. Club golfers will find it a fair test, while beginners won't spend half their day hunting for balls in the rough.

Families staying at nearby parks like New Farm Cheshire Holidays or Fishpool Farm Caravan Park will appreciate that this isn't one of those stuffy members-only places. The clubhouse does a decent line in post-round refreshments, though don't expect anything fancy.

Allow four hours for a full round, longer at weekends when it gets busy. The course plays well year-round, though spring and early autumn offer the best conditions. It's worth noting that while Portal may not have the prestige of some Cheshire courses, it delivers honest golf at honest prices - exactly what you want when you're on holiday and fancy a proper round without the fuss.