The Ageas Bowl County Golf Club

The Ageas Bowl's golf course sits right beside Southampton's cricket ground, which means you're playing eighteen holes within earshot of one of England's major sporting venues. It's a proper working course - members and visitors both welcome - built on land that's had a sporting heartbeat for decades.

The course itself is fairly straightforward, nothing that'll humiliate a weekend golfer but with enough character to keep things interesting. You get decent views across Hampshire countryside, and the whole setup feels more intimate than some of the county clubs you'll find elsewhere. It's well-maintained, the greens are true, and the routing means you're never far from the clubhouse when you fancy a drink.

Visitors can book rounds through the club, though it's worth ringing ahead to check availability - this isn't a resort course with unlimited tee times. Green fees are reasonable for the South rather than bargain-basement, but you're paying for a proper club with proper facilities. Allow three and a half hours for a round, longer if you're in a slower group.

For a golf-focused break, it pairs well with Beechen Glamping just down the road - you'll get a comfortable base without the faffing about of a hotel. The location near Southampton also means you're close to other courses if you want to play a different layout each day. Cricket fans might time their visit to catch a match, which adds another dimension to the trip. Not essential, but a nice bonus.