Wildernesse Club

There's something about golf clubs in the Home Counties that feels properly established - and Wildernesse near Sevenoaks is exactly that. It's an 18-hole course that's been around long enough to know what it's doing, set across grounds that actually feel like you're getting away from things, even though you're only just outside town.

You'll need to be a member to play here, or you can get a day ticket if you know someone - it's not a public pay-as-you-go affair. The course itself is the main draw: decent length, well-maintained greens, and enough water hazards to keep you honest. It's the sort of place where serious golfers actually want to spend their time, which means the standard's decent and it won't feel like a novelty par-3 track.

If you're staying at one of the nearby country parks - Thriftwood or Gatehouse Wood are both under five miles away - and you're a golfer, ringing ahead to book a visitor round makes sense. Non-golfers, though? There's not much here for you. It's golf or nothing.

The grounds are pleasant enough to walk around the perimeter, but you're really here if you've got a handicap and some time to kill. Allow four hours minimum for a full round. Spring and autumn are cracking times to play - the course is in good nick and you're not battling summer crowds or winter mud. Check their website for membership rates and visitor day availability before you go - rules are fairly strict on this sort of thing.