Westonbirt Golf Course

Westonbirt Golf Course sits on rolling Wiltshire countryside a few miles outside Stroud, and it's a proper pleasant round if you're the type who takes your clubs on holiday. The layout winds through farmland with decent views across the Cotswold edges - nothing spectacular, but solid enough for a morning's golf without the fuss of somewhere more manicured and expensive.

It's a members' club primarily, though visitors can usually get a game if you ring ahead or sort arrangements through your accommodation. Allow three to four hours depending on how well you're swinging. The rough can be unforgiving after rain, and the greens can get tricky in summer when they dry out.

Families with golfers will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere compared to championship courses. It's not worth a detour purely for golf unless you're already staying nearby - there are better courses if you're making a special trip. But if you're camped at Burton Hill or glamping at Whychurch Farm and fancy a round, it's convenient and unpretentious.

Best in late spring or early autumn when the course plays fair and the weather doesn't swing between soggy and baked. Call ahead to confirm visitor rates and availability - opening hours and fees aren't fixed online, which is typical for a small country club.