In this article, you'll learn the following:
Given their vast green spaces and decidedly tranquil atmosphere, you may wonder how golf courses find a home in a sprawling city like London. But believe it or not, there’s an impressive selection of golf courses to choose from in the capital and beyond – including many excellent public transport links that make it easy to get there.
Whether you know your way around a set of clubs or mini golf’s more your thing, here are our top picks for the best golf courses in London and the South West.
Where to play golf in London
Richmond Park Golf Course
Norstead Pl, London SW15 3SA
richmondparkgolfclub.org.uk
Situated among the grandeur of London’s largest royal park, Richmond Golf Course is a great pick if you’re looking for London golf courses that are nice and central. With two vast and beautiful courses to choose from – including the historic Prince’s Course, opened back in 1923 – it’s easy to while away the hours in the blissful setting of Richmond Park Golf Course.
Pricing: ££
How to get there: The nearest station to Richmond Park Gold Course is Putney, which is a 20-minute bus journey from the clubhouse. Hop on the number 85 bus towards Kingston and ride until you reach Putney Vale Cemetery.
Hampton Court Palace Golf Course
Home Park, Dillon Cl, Molesey, Kingston upon Thames KT1 4AD
hamptoncourtgolf.co.uk
Keeping in with the theme of London’s famous royal parks, Hampton Court Palace Golf Course is another favourite among locals and tourists alike. Not only are its sprawling lawns and pretty meadows a sight to behold, but you can even expect to spot a few deer while traversing the 18 holes.
Pricing: ££
How to get there: the course is half an hour’s walk from Hampton Court station, but you can always take a 10-minute taxi ride instead.
Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
29 Camp Rd, London SW19 4UW
rwgc.co.uk
Proudly the third oldest golf club in England, Royal Wimbledon’s rich history makes it a legendary location for a round of golf. With its tight fairways and vibrant shrubbery, the course at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club makes for a challenge, perfect for if you see yourself as a bit of a pro.
Pricing: £££-££££
How to get there: From Wimbledon station, it takes around 25 minutes to walk to Royal Wimbledon Golf Club. Alternatively, hop on at the station’s Tube stop and ride for a couple of minutes via the eastbound District line. You’ll need to get off at Wimbledon Park.
Best crazy golf courses for families in London
While there’s lots to love about a day on the fairways, it’s not exactly family friendly. Crazy golf takes the basic principle of the game, downsizes it, and adds some super quirky touches and props to boot. Keeping things fun for all ages, you’ll truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to mini golf courses around London.
Putt in the Park, Battersea
Albert Bridge Rd, London SW11 4NJ
puttinthepark.com/courses/battersea-park
Wonderfully set at the heart of Battersea Park, Putt in the Park is an outdoor mini golf course perfect for all ages and abilities. Alongside the rest of your group, navigate your ball through slopes, tunnels and bridges and see who comes up tops! Once the game wraps up, why not round off your trip with a delicious wood fired pizza at the on-site restaurant?
Pricing: £-££
How to get there: Putt in the Park is just a 20-minute walk from Clapham Junction. If you’re not up for the walk, take a short bus journey to The Latchmere via the 344 towards Liverpool Street.
Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf
World of Golf, Beverley Way, New Malden KT3 4PH
jurassicencounter.com
Enter the world of the dinosaurs at Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf. Enormous, life size figurines of creatures long lost add a unique touch to this family friendly mini golf course. With 18 holes to try your hand at, the route takes in caves, waterfalls and moving dinosaurs, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Pricing: ££
How to get there: New Malden is the nearest station. It’s around a 20-minute walk away.
Plonk Crazy Golf, London Bridge (Borough Market)
Arches B, C, D & E, Montague Cl, London SE1 9DA
plonkgolf.co.uk/venue/borough-market
In search of an indoor golf course in London that’ll excite all ages? Then Plonk Crazy Golf in Borough Market ticks all the boxes. Located within the arches beneath London Bridge, the course’s cool hand-painted graffiti walls give it that urban, gritty, skate-park kind of vibe. The nine-hole golf course is priced from £5.50, and we recommend booking online prior to your visit.
Pricing: £
How to get there: From London Waterloo it takes 25 minutes to walk to Plonk Crazy Golf. You can also hop on the Tube’s Jubilee Line, travelling eastbound to reach London Bridge.
The best golf courses in the South West
Journey South West from the UK’s capital and there’s some seriously spectacular scenery to be explored. It’s no surprise then that you’ll find amazing golf courses here, just a couple of hours outside of the city. Here are some of the best golf courses across the South West region:
Portsmouth Golf Course
Crookhorn Ln, Widley, Waterlooville PO7 5QL
glendalegolf.co.uk/portsmouth-golf-course
With its stunning views of the South Coast, this scenic parkland course is the perfect place to practice your swing alongside friends or family. There are both membership and day visit options here, so you’re welcome to come along for a round even if you’re not a Portsmouth local.
Price: ££
How to get there: Cosham station is a 15-minute bus journey away from Portsmouth Golf Course. Catch the number seven bus towards Wecock and get off at the clubhouse entrance.
Queens Park Golf Course
Queens Park W Dr, Bournemouth BH8 9BY
queensparkgolfcourse.com/homepage.aspx
Looking for a challenge? The complex 18-hole golf course in Queens Park, Bournemouth, is the perfect place to put your tricks to the test and hone in on your golfing skills. There’s even an onsite café and bar offering delicious food and drinks. All in all, your trip to this former Championship course will be one to remember.
Pricing: £££
How to get there: The golf course is a 25-minute walk from Bournemouth station. If you’d like to save your legs for the fairways, catch the M1 bus towards Castlepoint and get off at St. Alban’s Church.
Clandon Regis Golf Course
Epsom Rd, West Clandon, Guildford GU4 7TT
clandonregis-golfclub.co.uk
A little outside of the peaceful town of Guildford, Clandon Regis Golf Course is known to be one of the friendliest golf clubs in Surrey. Whether you’re a member or a guest, you can make the most of the vast greenery and peaceful atmosphere of this 18-hole course, where you should also spot an abundance of local wildlife.
Pricing: ££
Guildford is the nearest station to Clandon Regis Golf Course. It’s a 12-minute bus journey away on the 463 towards Woking. After getting off at Crossroads Turn, you’ll then need to walk for 18 minutes to reach Clandon Regis.
With so many golf courses to try around London and the South West, it’s time to grab your clubs and get planning! Take a look at our flexible range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey and make the most of cheap train tickets to your chosen golf course by going off-peak. For additional discounts, check if you’re eligible for a Railcard. We could even save you money on things like hotel stays, dinners out and tourist attractions when you book online through us, thanks to the SWR Rewards scheme.
