Thornbury Golf Centre

Thornbury Golf Centre sits just outside Wotton-under-Edge, a proper working golf course that welcomes both members and visitors without the stuffiness you might expect. The layout is straightforward enough - an 18-hole course with a driving range and practice facilities that actually get used rather than feeling like an afterthought.

It's frankly not a championship-level course, but that's the appeal. Golfers of mixed abilities won't feel out of place here, and the pace of play tends to be reasonable. The terrain rolls gently through the Gloucestershire countryside, which beats staring at manicured parkland for four hours. Green fees are modest compared to the big-name clubs, and you can usually book online without hassle.

This works best for casual golfers taking a week at Wixoldbury Farm Glamping nearby - a chance to get a round in without derailing the holiday. Families should know that while kids can play, the course expects proper golf etiquette, so it's not a novelty outing. Beginners benefit from the forgiving layout, though you'll want to book a lesson with the pro if you're picking up clubs for the first time.

Allow three to four hours for a full round. Aim for weekday mornings if you can - weekends draw the regulars and the course gets properly busy. There's a café on site, though don't expect Michelin-star sandwiches. The real win is spending an afternoon in decent countryside without pretentious club politics.