Waterstock Golf Club

The drive out to Waterstock, just south of Aylesbury, takes you through proper Oxfordshire countryside - rolling fields and stone walls. The course itself is an 18-hole setup that sits well off the beaten track, which means fewer crowds but also a fair bit of advance planning needed if you're keen to play.

It's a members' club primarily, though visitors can usually arrange a round if you've got a decent handicap certificate and book ahead. The layout plays across open parkland with enough trees and water hazards to keep things interesting without being unfairly punishing. Nothing flashy - just solid, well-maintained golf in a quiet corner of the county.

Who gets the most from it? Serious golfers rather than casual hackers. If you're staying at Lashlake Barn just down the road, it's worth knowing about, though you'd want to confirm visitor arrangements before you arrive. The club runs a proper pro shop and there's a decent enough clubhouse for a post-round pint, though this isn't a destination course that justifies a trip on its own.

Allow a full four and a half hours for 18 holes - longer if it's busy. Green fees aren't cheap for visitors, so factor that into your budget. Ring ahead to check current visitor policy and handicap requirements. It's the kind of place that works best as part of a broader golf tour rather than a standalone outing.