England’s Historic Golf & Stately Homes

England’s Historic Golf & Stately Homes is a short golf blog post that combines two destinations into an excellent adventure.

After the great response that I had to my recent Scotland & Ireland Historic Golf & Castles posts, I have been asked to do an England version.
England has many castles, but it also has some magnificent stately homes too and so I have combined both of them into this blog post.

So, without further ado, let me get started, and I am going to start with my home city of Leeds because it is full of big guns.

Leeds, England

Moortown Golf Club

Starting with the best of them, Moortown. Designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1909 and home of the 1929 Ryder Cup.
At just over 7000 yards, the course is a great test of golf. The signature hole is ‘Gibraltar’, the Par3 10th hole at just over 170 yards.

Alwoodley Golf Club

Another fantastic MacKenzie track, which was designed in 1907. Like Moortown, each year, it holds the Open Championship Qualifying Rounds.
A Heathland course where each hole is better than the next. A must-play when visiting the city of Leeds.

Templenewsam House

A magnificent stately home that was built in the 1500s. The home of Lord Darnley (husband to Mary Queen of Scots), who was the father of James 1st.
Woodland walks, large ponds and amazing Rhododendrons and Home Farm can all be visited daily.

Harewood House

Built in the 1760s, this magnificent house was designed by Robert Adam. It was built for the Lascalles Family, who still own it today.
A superb house with lots to see and do, and the gardens are the fault of Capability Brown.

Southport, England

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club

A superb golf course that starts with a Par 3. Lytham has hosted the Open Championship 11 times and the Ryder Cup twice over the years.
This is a must-play course for all golfers. The course was built in 1897 and was bestowed with its ‘Royal’ title in 1926. A great course!

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

This course is awesome. Built in 1897, Birkdale has hosted 2 Ryder Cups, 10 Open Championships and will host the 2026 Open Championships too.
The clubhouse has had a full refurbishment and is now much more visitor-friendly. I can’t wait to go back and play this again.

Rufford Old Hall

A fine example of a Tudor house, which also has a beautiful garden and an excellent tea room for refreshments.
Open every day, from 11:00 til 16:30, except Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Lytham Hall

One of the few houses mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Lytham Hall is open every day except Saturdays.
Discover a magnificent history of the Benedictine Monks up to the lease of the property to the Heritage Trust

Sandwich, England

Royal St George’s Golf Club

Another Royal golf club, on my list. This was built in 1887 and has hosted the Open Championship 15 times due to it being such a fantastic links.
At just over 7200 yards, it is a beast of a course. I have to admit that I have not played here before, but it is on my list.

Walmer & Kingsdown Golf Club

This course has some stunning views, because it’s located on top of the White Cliffs of Dover.
It is a James Braid design and is a must for all golfers visiting the area. A real joy due to its family atmosphere.

Walmer Castle & Gardens

Built by Henry VII, on top of the White Cliffs of Dover and used by HM The Queen Mother, the castle is a wonderful place to visit.
Beautiful gardens await, as well as a fantastic Glasshouse Cafe for refreshments.

Deal Castle

Constructed in 1539, it was built as a coastal artillery castle by Henry VIII. You can still explore the battlements and see the original stained glass windows.
Open 7 days a week and offers amazing views.

Newquay, England

Trevose Golf Club

The course was established in 1925 and designed by Harry Colt. The club has hosted the Brabazon Trophy and European Senior Tour events.
At over 7140 yards, the course is a great test and the perfect example of Links golf due to its position to the sea.

Perranporth Golf Club

This truly is a hidden gem of the South West and a course not to be missed. It may not have a name, but it has everything else.
A James Braid classic that is a fabulous links course to play. It is not the longest, but it is a test like no other.

Caerhays Estate

A beautiful castle with an excellent garden that holds the impressive National Magnolia Collection.
At around 200 years old, it’s not the oldest, but it still has everything that you expect to see at a castle.

Pencarrow House & Gardens

A very special place to visit because Pencarrow House has been in the hands of the same family for over 500 years.
Don’t forget to visit the gardens too and have refreshments at the Peacock Cafe.

Birmingham, England

Forest of Arden – Arden Course

The Arden Course was designed by Donald Steel. It is a stunning Woodland course because the back 9 is set in a deer park.
They have hosted many European Tour events in the past, and the hotel and spa are second to none because of a recent revamp.

Little Aston Golf Club

This is the best ‘hidden gem’ in the whole of England because it’s the best Parkland course by far. Designed by Harry Vardon, the course opened in 1908 and is a fantastic golf course.
It has held many tournaments over the years and is a joy to play. Don’t miss this one out when visiting the area.

Dudmaston Hall

A stunning 17th-century country house that has an extensive history. The inside is breathtaking, as well as the grounds.
Stop off at the Orchard Tea Room for some light bites or check out the hidden book shop in the old stables because it’s awesome.

Maxstoke Castle

They say you should save the best till last, so here it is. Built in 1345, this castle has stayed intact ever since, which makes it very unusual.
It is privately owned, and it’s also still a family home and rarely opens to the public. Tours can be arranged in advance, if you are lucky.

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