Royal West Norfolk Golf Club

The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club sits just outside King's Lynn, one of England's oldest golf courses with a proper pedigree stretching back centuries. If you're a golfer, this is the sort of place that matters - links-style course, established credentials, the kind of club that takes itself seriously without being stuffy about it.

You'll need to be a member or have an introduction from one to play here, which does mean it's not a casual drop-in situation. That's the trade-off with private clubs. The course itself is challenging, with the characteristic East Anglian flatness working against you wind-wise more often than you'd like. Eighteen holes takes the better part of four hours, obviously, and you're looking at proper golf rather than a fun family outing.

For golfers staying in the area - and there's no shortage of glamping options nearby like Wild Luxury or The Norfolk Brickyard within a few miles - getting a game here would be the highlight. Non-golfers needn't bother. There's nothing to see from outside the gates, no visitor facilities to speak of, and you can't just turn up for a walk or a look around.

Best visited during the season when conditions are at their peak, though Norfolk's weather is unpredictable enough that you're always gambling. If you're serious about your golf and have the connections, it's worth the effort. If you're just after a pleasant stroll with clubs, there are more welcoming courses nearby.