Rushcliffe Golf Club

The moment you swing into Rushcliffe Golf Club, you know you're in proper golfing country. This is a serious course near Loughborough where the fairways are well-maintained and the challenge is genuine - not a par-3 pitch-and-putt, but a full eighteen holes that demands proper respect. The course sits in pleasant Nottinghamshire countryside, with enough undulation to keep things interesting without being punishing.

If you're a golfer, you'll want to get here. Beginners might find it a touch humbling, but that's half the appeal. A round here takes a solid four hours or so, depending on the pace of play ahead. The club has that old-school feel - nothing flashy, just good turf and decent conditioning.

Where it fits into a holiday depends entirely on your priorities. If you're bunking off to Wolds Wine Estate for some glamping and vineyard time, Rushcliffe makes a natural day out if golf's your thing. Five miles isn't far, so you could easily slip in a morning round before heading back for afternoon tasting and evening glamour. The contrast works: eighteen holes in the morning, then wine and recline by evening. Non-golfers in your party might balk at this arrangement, mind. Give them fair warning. Contact the club directly about membership requirements, green fees, and whether you can just turn up - these details matter and change seasonally.