Warden Hills Course

The rolling Chalk downs just east of Dunstable hide a proper gem for golfers who like a challenge without the fussy formality. Warden Hills is a parkland course that makes proper use of the landscape - you're not just hitting balls across flat ground, you're negotiating slopes and contours that actually make you think about your next shot.

It's an 18-hole layout that works for most skill levels, though the undulating terrain means high handicappers will find themselves cursing the geography by hole twelve. The views across the Chilterns are decent, especially from the higher points on the course. Fairways are generally well-maintained, and the rough can be punishing if your game's off.

This is clearly a place for proper golfers rather than beginners learning to whack a ball. You're looking at a solid three to four hours here, depending on the pace of play ahead of you. The course sits about six miles from Merlin Farm Camping, which makes it worth considering if you're planning a week in the area - you could easily pair a round here with time at Whipsnade Zoo and walking the Chiltern Hills.

If you're staying locally and fancy a game, ring ahead to check their current rates and whether you need membership or if visitors are welcome. Summer weekends fill up fast, so going midweek gives you a better chance of a decent pace. The Dunstable area has enough going on that you won't be at a loose end when the clubs go back in the bag.