Westminster Park Municipal Golf Course

If you've got your clubs in the car and you're staying around Chester, Westminster Park is a solid municipal course that won't break the bank. It's an 18-hole layout run by Brioleisure, and it's the sort of place where you'll get a proper game without the stuffiness of a private members' club. The course sits on decent parkland - nothing dramatic, but pleasant enough for a few hours' play. Greens fees are reasonable for the North West, and you can book online through their website if you're planning ahead.

Golfers passing through on a park holiday will appreciate having this on the doorstep. Both Netherwood Touring Site and Birch Bank Farm Caravan & Campsite are within easy reach of Chester, making it straightforward to slot in a round before or after exploring the city itself. Families aren't particularly catered for here - it's strictly a golfers' outing - but if someone in your group fancies a morning on the links while the others do the shops or Roman walls, this works perfectly.

The course plays to a reasonable length and suits mid-handicappers more than absolute beginners or low single figures. Weekday mornings are your best bet for avoiding crowds. Allow four to four-and-a-half hours for a full round. Worth checking their website for current fees and booking requirements before you head out, as municipal courses can shift their rates seasonally.