Truro Golf Club

Eighteen holes of proper Cornish golf await just outside Shortlanesend, where the undulating fairways make the most of the county's natural terrain. Truro Golf Club has been testing players since 1936, and the course still feels refreshingly old-school compared to some of the flashier resort layouts you'll find elsewhere in Cornwall.

The elevated position gives you glimpses of the Fal Estuary on clear days, though don't expect coastal drama - this is parkland golf with mature trees and well-established greens that reward accurate play over power. Keen golfers will appreciate the challenge, particularly on the back nine where the holes doglegs through some lovely wooded sections.

Families staying at nearby parks like Carnon Downs or Trevarth Holiday Park will find this a decent option if dad (or mum) fancies a round while the kids are occupied elsewhere. The course isn't particularly beginner-friendly - those steep lies can be tricky if you're still working on your swing.

Expect to pay green fees typical of a decent club course, and it's worth booking ahead during summer months when the holiday crowds descend on Cornwall. Allow four hours for a leisurely round, longer if you're walking rather than taking a buggy up those hills.