North Norfolk has really varied countryside, and this is reflected in the golf courses of the area. From cliff-top to forest, there should be something to suit all preferences.
All require that players are competent and follow a suitable dress-code, and some require handicap certificates and membership of a home club.
Courses that don’t require a handicap certificate
Fakenham Golf Club 01328 855678
This is a 9-hole parkland course, located at the Fakenham racecourse. Visitors are welcome any time of the week. Advanced booking is recommended, but not always essential.
West Runton Links 01263 838383
This is a tight, hilly, 9-hole course, with views over the village and this attractive part of the Norfolk coast. Visitors are welcome at any time of the week, but advanced booking is advised. Through the winter months, the attached country-club hotel offers special lunch and golf day rates. The club often hosts a week of competitions in July which is open to visitors with official handicap cards.
Searle’s Golf and Country Club Hunstanton 01485 534211
This is another 9-hole course, built around natural features, most notably a river and reed beds. Advance booking is not essential but advisable at weekends.
Middleton Hall Golf Club 01533 841800
This is a bit of a trek, at 32 miles from the cottage, and is an 18-hole course in the middle of open countryside. A covered and floodlit driving range, putting greens, and practice areas are also available. The course is set in the grounds of a 17th century hall.
Royal Norwich
Boasts a 6 hole and an 18 hole course in a parkland setting, as well as full practice facilities.
Courses that require a handicap certificate.
Dereham Golf Club 01362 959900
A friendly club with a 9-hole course, which welcomes visitors on weekdays, and weekends after 2pm. Booking in advance is essential.
Swaffham Golf Club 01760 721621
Swaffham is an 18-hole course (expanded from 9 in 2001) in a woodland and heath land setting. Booking is advisable during the week, and at weekends guest access is usually restricted to guests accompanied by a club member.
Barnham Broom Golf Club 01603 759393
If you want to get the most out of a day on the greens, then Barnham Broom offers two 18-hole courses on one site. The valley course has many water features, and there is also a hill course. The club has its own practice facilities on site.
Courses that require a handicap certificate and membership of a ‘home’ club.
Sheringham Golf Club 01263 823488
Sandwiched between the sea and the North Norfolk Steam Railway, this 18-hole cliff-top course has some pretty fabulous scenery. Visitors’ access is restricted at weekends, and advanced booking is essential.
Royal West Norfolk Golf Club (Brancaster) 01485 210087
This 18-hole course has the unusual distinction that the club house cannot be accessed by car at high-tide, and both the 8th and 9th holes are affected by tides. The course is a typical links course, and runs between the sea and salt marshes. Advanced booking is essential and play is limited to 2 balls.