20 top public golf courses and hidden golf gems in England - Golfers' Choice 2025

Discover the best public golf courses and hidden gems in England for 2025. Find scenic layouts and top-rated courses.
Seaton Carew GC
A view from Seaton Carew Golf Club.

Want to play the top public golf courses and hidden gems in England?

We have compiled the best public golf courses and top hidden gems in England thanks to YOU! Our annual Golfers' Choice lists analyze the ratings and reviews submitted by members of our community - golfers like you - throughout the previous year. We use GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's subcategory averages.

Courses must offer public access and have received at least two reviews in 2024 to be eligible for this year's list. Top heathland courses around London didn't receive enough reviews to be eligible, so next time you're playing Walton Heath and Sunningdale or the links that host The Open Championship like Royal Birkdale, Royal St. George or Royal Liverpool, be sure to leave a review.

If you want to play any of these courses listed below, hover your browser over the course photo and if tee times are available, you can click to book directly.

Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in England or any other future Golfers' Choice lists? Click here to review a golf course.

English golf courses reviewed in 2024: 814
Reviews of English golf courses in 2024: 9,821

  1. Seaton Carew Golf Club

    Hartepool, Hartepool
    Semi-Private
    4.9705882353
    39

    Green fee: $71-$155
    What they're saying: "Fantastic course in excellent condition after a weekend of bad weather. Always a pleasure to play Seaton." - pdswl1712

  2. Feldon Valley Golf

    Lower Brailes, Stratford-on-Avon
    Private
    4.88
    33

    Green fee: $65-$78
    What they're saying: "(We) arrived at the amazing Feldon Valley and made our way down to the pro shop. The man behind the counter/Golf Pro ... (I think his name was Tom) was extremely helpful and pointed us in the right direction. We only had a few hours of daylight so (he) showed us the holes that ended back at the clubhouse. The place looked amazing. The lodges and bar, restaurant and amenities were superb. We were expecting a very wet walk after all the rain but the course had held up extremely well. Most tees were understandably off mats, which was completely fine. Overall (it was) an excellent experience. (We) will be back again there very soon!!" - GolfPass Reviewer

  3. St. Mellion Golf Club - Nicklaus Course

    St. Mellion, Saltash
    Semi-Private/Resort
    5.0
    13

    Green fee: $52-$65
    What they're saying: "I) would absolutely recommend this course to anyone. What a joy (it is) to play. Everyone was lovely from start to finish. (It was) everything (to be) expected from the golf course." - GolfPass Reviewer

  4. Market Drayton Golf Club

    Sutton, Market Drayton
    Private
    4.7677224736
    47

    Green fee: $45-$78
    What they're saying: "(The) course (was in) very good condition." - GolfPass Reviewer

  5. Silloth on Solway Golf Club

    Silloth, Allerdale
    Semi-Private
    5.0
    11

    Green fee: $91-$142
    What they're saying: "(This course offers) unbelievable value for (the) money. (It) ranked 18th in England this year and it still feels underrated somehow. (The) greens were absolutely pure. (The) tee boxes are all immaculate. (The) layout is insane!! If you haven’t played (it) and love golf, get down here ASAP. The drive time is worth it." - BTA96

  6. Brancepeth Castle Golf Club

    Brancepeth, Durham
    Private
    4.3710784314
    148

    Green fee: $65-$97
    What they're saying: "If you're looking for a golf course that stands out in the North East, Brancepeth Castle Golf Club might just be the best around. The course is fantastic—challenging in all the right ways. The greens are quick and tricky. They're tough but in a good way that keeps you thinking. The fairways are in great shape, and the bunkers are exactly where they should be. It's a course that really tests your skills, so if you're a high handicapper, you might find it a bit tough, but that's part of the charm. The practice facilities are spot on, a driving range, nets, putting and chipping greens. The pro shop is well-stocked with everything from clubs to clothing, and the staff are very welcoming. Brancepeth Castle is also set to host the England Golf English Seniors Men’s Amateur Championship soon, which just goes to show how good this course really is. All in all, Brancepeth Castle Golf Club is a must-visit if you're in the area. It’s got everything a golfer could want—great layout, excellent conditions, and a challenge that keeps you coming back for more. Just be ready for a tough, but thoroughly enjoyable, round of golf!" - lambo2024

  7. Maxstoke Park Golf Club

    Coleshill, North Warwickshire
    Private
    4.5421796626
    64

    Green fee: $32-$52
    What they're saying: "The) greens are absolutely incredible and the course is genuinely very tidy. A good track and very challenging! (Holes) 17 and 18 are certainly two very hard holes to finish on. (I) highly recommend." - gk1985

  8. Manchester Golf Club

    Middleton, Rochdale
    Private
    4.652271035
    89

    Green fee: $65-$129
    What they're saying: "Well worth the money. (It is) just a very good golf course with great views and (it is) surprisingly peaceful being (so) close to Manchester. (I) would 100% recommend." - GrantM66

  9. Nizels Golf & Country Club

    Hildenborough, Tonbridge & Malling
    Private
    3.7335640138
    26

    Green fee: $32-$52
    What they're saying: "Played with a friend at 17:52 last night and managed to get 18 holes in easily. We were in by 21:20. Course was great. (The) clubhouse before (the round) was great. (The) food and drinks were great. (The) bar staff were great. Overall, I'd say it was great 🙂." - GolfPass Reviewer

  10. Halifax Golf Club

    Halifax, Calderdale
    Semi-Private
    4.6960784314
    110

    Green fee: $32-$52
    What they're saying: "A challenging and beautiful course. We turned up on captains day but all members were extremely welcoming. The course was immaculate and you need to think about each shot carefully as there are well placed gullies. The 17th is a very unique hole. (We) will definitely be back to play again despite the course being over an hour away." - csimmons30

  11. Retford Golf Club

    Retford, Bassetlaw
    Private
    4.6364
    11

    Green fee: $26-$39
    What they're saying: "Great course in good condition. Friendly, helpful staff and was made welcome by members on the course. Layout of the holes good with great scenery. Will definitely be going back and will be recommending to friends." - GolfPass Reviewer

  12. Heysham Golf Club

    Heysham, Lancaster
    Private
    4.8315529412
    16

    Green fee: $32-$75
    What they're saying: "Fantastic greens. Great pace. (I) wasn’t held up once. Highly recommended." - alrightccha360

  13. Lingdale Golf Club

    Woodhouse Eaves, Charnwood
    Semi-Private
    4.5863254393
    57

    Green fee: $39-$78
    What they're saying: "Considering the time of year the course was in great condition, with all greens running very very well and true surprisingly. (We were) playing off mats but the quality of them was great and didn’t affect the game (although maybe deeper holes are possibly needed for longer tees to fit). Overall (it was) a fantastic course and we would definitely return." - BrandonWalsh7

  14. Lewes Golf Club

    Lewes, Lewes
    Semi-Private
    4.2549019608
    31

    Green fee: $58-$71
    What they're saying: Three five-star reviews were submitted without comment in 2024.

  15. Elsham Golf Club

    Elsham, North Linconshire
    Private
    4.6916235294
    36

    Green fee: $65-$91
    What they're saying: Two five-star reviews were submitted without comments in 2024.

  16. St Austell Golf Club

    St Austell, Cornwall Council
    Private
    4.6470588235
    7

    Green fee: $32-$71
    What they're saying: "Nice interesting course. Very well presented. Very friendly and helpful staff. Easy access and good value for (the) money. (The) pro shop is excellent, too." - denveralan

  17. Radcliffe-On-Trent Golf Club

    Radcliffe-on-Trent, Rushcliffe
    Private
    4.2100840336
    17

    Green fee: $26-$39
    What they're saying: "(The) course was fully open on all (the) tee boxes and not hitting off fairway mats, either. (It was in) superb condition considering the time of year. (There were) not many areas where it was boggy at all. The course itself is a good challenge for anyone. There's plenty of dogleg holes making your tee shot crucial to set up for your shot into the green. Staff and other players there were all very friendly and welcoming. (I) will definitely be returning in the future and would recommend anyone to give it a try." - Jimmyg4

  18. Chevin Golf Club

    Duffield, Amber Valley
    Semi-Private
    4.775227164
    49

    Green fee: $26-$45
    What they're saying: "Fabulous course we played in a 4 ball. Everyone enjoyed it. (We) definitely will be back." - GolfPass Reviewer

  19. Cirencester Golf Club

    Bagendon, Cotswold
    Semi-Private
    4.9215686275
    18

    Green fee: $58-$75
    What they're saying: Two five-star reviews were submitted without comment in 2024.

  20. Holme Hall Golf Club

    Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire
    Semi-Private
    4.5244755245
    35

    Green fee: $52
    What they're saying: "(It was) our first time playing Holme Hall Golf Course, and we was impressed with how the course had been maintained. The greens were smooth and well kept. Also it was good to see staff members working on improving the bunkers.
    We will be returning 😊." - Dbowers63950

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,200 courses and written about golf destinations in 28 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and X/Twitter at @WorldGolfer.
Brooke Taylor is an intern for GolfPass and a senior at the University of Central Florida studying Entertainment Management, Digital Media, and Managing Sporting Events.

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20 top public golf courses and hidden golf gems in England - Golfers' Choice 2025
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