Stafford Castle Golf Club

You'll find Stafford Castle Golf Club just outside Stafford proper, and it's the sort of place that rewards a decent swing and punishes a sloppy one. The course sits on proper undulating terrain - none of that flat, forgettable stuff. Eighteen holes of genuine challenge, with water hazards that aren't just for show and fairways that demand accuracy rather than brute force.

Golfers will get the most from it, obviously. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Ladybirch Motorhome Park is closest at just two miles away - it's handy for a morning round before heading elsewhere in Staffordshire. The course itself isn't a walk in the park, but that's rather the point. Expect to spend a solid four to four and a half hours on the greens if you're playing the full eighteen.

It's the kind of course that works best if you've got your game together. High handicappers might find it frustrating rather than fun. The real appeal is in the course design - thoughtfully laid out rather than showy. Facilities are standard for a provincial golf club: clubhouse, bar, the usual bits.

You'll need to check ahead for visitor rates and booking procedures - it's not a public pay-and-play operation. Worth ringing to confirm you're welcome before making the trip from your holiday base. If golf's your thing and you're already in the area staying near Stafford, it's definitely worth the detour.