Everyone knows about Wentworth and Sunningdale, but England's real golfing treasures are often the courses you've never heard of. These hidden gems deliver exceptional golf without the premium price tag.
What Makes a Hidden Gem?
A hidden gem course offers:
- Outstanding course design and condition
- Beautiful setting or scenery
- Excellent value for money
- A warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Less crowded tee times
Our Top Hidden Gems
The South
Rye Golf Club, East Sussex - An Old Tom Morris design on the Sussex coast. Quirky, charming, and genuinely challenging. The back nine along the dunes is unforgettable.
Saunton Golf Club, Devon - Two stunning links courses on the North Devon coast. Often compared to Royal Birkdale but at a fraction of the green fee.
The Midlands
Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) - One of the finest inland courses in Britain. A heathland masterpiece that regularly appears in top-100 lists despite minimal publicity.
Little Aston, Staffordshire - A Harry Vardon design that's one of the best-kept secrets in the Midlands. Peaceful, beautifully maintained, and endlessly replayable.
The North
Silloth on Solway, Cumbria - A links course on the Solway Firth that Open champions have called one of the best in Britain. Remote, wild, and wonderful.
Alwoodley, Leeds - Alister MacKenzie's first design (before Augusta National). A heathland classic with strategic bunkering that rewards intelligent play.
Golf Experience Vouchers
Gift a round at a course they've never tried - Swyng vouchers are accepted at venues across England.
Why Gift a Hidden Gem Experience?
Gifting a round at a hidden gem shows genuine thought and golf knowledge. It tells the recipient: "I found something special for you." That personal touch makes the gift even more memorable.
Find Your Local Hidden Gem
More Hidden Gems Worth Playing
The South West
Burnham & Berrow, Somerset - A genuine championship links on the Bristol Channel coast. Host of countless amateur events, with testing dunes and superb greens. £50–£80.
Perranporth, Cornwall - Clifftop links with breathtaking Atlantic views. Remote, wind-swept, and utterly memorable. £30–£50.
East Anglia
Sheringham, Norfolk - A cliff-top course with views across the North Sea. Classic seaside golf without the premium price tag. £40–£60.
Royal Worlington, Suffolk - Often called the best 9-hole course in England. A hidden gem in every sense - short, strategic, and beautifully maintained. £40–£60.
Hidden Gem Summary
| Course | Region | Green Fee | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rye Golf Club | East Sussex | £80–£120 | Coastal links |
| Saunton Golf Club | Devon | £60–£100 | Links, two courses |
| Notts (Hollinwell) | Midlands | £60–£100 | Heathland |
| Little Aston | Staffordshire | £60–£90 | Parkland |
| Silloth on Solway | Cumbria | £50–£80 | Links |
| Alwoodley | Leeds | £60–£100 | Heathland |
| Burnham & Berrow | Somerset | £50–£80 | Links |
| Royal Worlington | Suffolk | £40–£60 | Inland (9 holes) |
For more well-known courses, see our best golf courses in Scotland guide.
Use our Gift Finder Quiz for a personalised recommendation, use our Venue Map to explore courses, or browse experience vouchers at swyng.co.uk.
Founder & Tour Professional
Sandeep Grewal is a former tour professional and the founder of Swyng. He personally handles every booking and redemption, using his competitive background to match you with the right course, lesson, or experience. About Sandeep →
