A golf trip to the UK or Ireland offers more than just a game. Some courses overlook sweeping beaches and rugged coastlines, while others sit among rolling hills and mountains. With scenery like this, exploring the surrounding area can be just as enjoyable as a round of golf.
These five destinations feature coastal walks, interesting towns and beautiful countryside to explore between rounds. Whether you play regularly or only occasionally, there’s much to enjoy away from the course.
Playing Atlantic Links Beneath Benbulben in County Sligo, Ireland
Located on the edge of Sligo Bay, County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point is surrounded by sand dunes, open coastline and mountain views. Benbulben’s distinctive flat top rises to the north, while Knocknarea stands to the south. The links course follows the natural contours of the landscape, with views across the Atlantic and surrounding countryside.
After a round, follow the coastal walk through Rosses Point village, passing the Waiting on the Shore monument and enjoying views towards Blackrock Lighthouse. The nearby sandy beach is another pleasant place for a stroll, with the mountains providing a backdrop across the bay.
Rosses Point is around eight kilometres from Sligo town, where you can explore the pedestrianised streets, browse local shops and visit the historic Sligo Abbey. A short drive north leads to Drumcliffe Church, where W. B. Yeats is buried at the foot of Benbulben. These nearby attractions are also worth considering for anyone comparing Ireland golf packages, especially if there’s time for an extra day in County Sligo.
Playing the Open’s Most-Hosted Course in St Andrews, Scotland
St Andrews is a historic coastal town in Fife, known for its medieval streets, university buildings and long sandy beaches. Its famous Old Course has hosted The Open 30 times, more than any other venue. The fairways stretch across open linksland beside West Sands beach, with views towards St Andrews Bay and the town’s historic buildings. The Swilcan Bridge, near the 18th fairway, is one of the course’s best-known landmarks.
After a round, walk along West Sands beach or explore the town’s narrow streets, lined with independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs. Further along the coast, the ruins of St Andrews Castle overlook the North Sea, while the remains of the medieval cathedral offer a glimpse into the town’s religious history.
Much of St Andrews can be explored on foot, with many of the town’s main sights within walking distance of the course. The town is also a good base for exploring the East Neuk of Fife, where fishing villages such as Crail have old stone harbours, coastal paths and local seafood restaurants.
Playing Fairways Framed by Skiddaw and Blencathra in the Lake District, England
The Lake District is known for its rugged fells, peaceful valleys and lakes surrounded by mountain scenery. Just outside Keswick, near the village of Threlkeld, Keswick Golf Club sits in rolling parkland with views towards Skiddaw and Blencathra. The fairways follow the natural contours of the landscape, with mature trees and the surrounding mountains adding to the setting.
After a round, browse through Keswick’s shops and cafés before heading towards Derwentwater. A short walk along the lakeshore leads to Friar’s Crag, a viewpoint overlooking the water and the Borrowdale fells. If you have more time, continue along the shoreline or take a boat trip to see the surrounding scenery from the lake.
Keswick Golf Club is around three miles east of Keswick, so a car is useful for travelling between the course and town. Those choosing cottages in the Lake District can stay in Keswick or one of the nearby villages to explore the area between rounds. With several walking routes nearby, there’s plenty to enjoy on days when you’re not playing golf.
Playing Clifftop Tees on the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast has a varied landscape of sandy beaches, rocky headlands and steep cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. At Royal Portrush Golf Club, the Dunluce Links winds through large coastal dunes, with views towards the surrounding shoreline and offshore islands. On clear days, you can even see the distant Scottish coast.
Away from the fairways, there are plenty of places to explore. Whiterocks Beach is backed by pale limestone cliffs, while the nearby Magheracross viewpoint looks out towards Dunluce Castle and the Skerries. You can also spend time wandering around Portrush, stopping at its harbour, cafés and seafront.
Further along the coast, the Giant’s Causeway is known for its thousands of interlocking basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity. The surrounding coastal paths offer views of the unusual rock formations and the Atlantic beyond. Staying in Portrush gives you a convenient base for exploring these attractions between rounds.
Playing the Ryder Cup Course in Newport, Wales
Just outside Newport, Celtic Manor’s Twenty Ten Course sits among the wooded hills and rolling countryside of the Usk Valley. Built to host the 2010 Ryder Cup, the course features fairways bordered by trees, lakes and gentle slopes. The surrounding landscape gives this part of South Wales a different character from the exposed coastal links found elsewhere in the UK.
Away from the course, the nearby village of Caerleon is worth exploring for its Roman history. Stroll through the remains of an ancient amphitheatre, visit the Roman fortress baths and wander through the village’s streets before stopping at a local café. These historic sites offer an interesting glimpse into life in Roman Britain.
For a longer stay, Tredegar House on the outskirts of Newport is another worthwhile stop. This 17th-century mansion is surrounded by gardens and parkland, with historic rooms to explore inside. Caerleon is around ten minutes’ drive from Celtic Manor, while Tredegar House is approximately twenty minutes away.
Which fairway view would you play first?
Imagine playing a round with Benbulben rising behind you in County Sligo or looking towards the rugged fells surrounding Keswick. In St Andrews, medieval streets and sandy beaches are only a short walk from the course, while Newport has Roman ruins to explore after a morning at Celtic Manor.
There’s plenty to discover beyond the golf course in each of these destinations. When planning your next golf break, think about where you’d like to spend the afternoon once you’ve finished your round. After all, the best golf trips leave time for exploring, too.
