Since its earliest days on the eastern coast of Scotland, where players used sticks and pebbles to play, golf has been a favourite pastime in British culture – so much so that it was briefly banned in the 1400s as too many military men were golfing instead of training!
Thankfully, the ban was revoked in 1502 and since then golf has gone from strength to strength across the country and the world. And it’s no surprise that Tunbridge Wells, being a central location in the Garden of England, has some of the best golf courses in the country.
Whether you’re a golfing enthusiast or you still think a birdie has wings and bogies should be avoided at all costs, there’s something for every kind of golfer in and around Tunbridge Wells – which is why we’ve put together an itinerary for your next golf holiday in Tunbridge Wells.
Base yourself in Royal Tunbridge Wells or Lamberhurst to be close by to some of the finest fairways in the South East. Golf to your heart’s content during the day, then relax and unwind in beautiful, historic surroundings by night. The perfect recipe for a golf holiday!
So, grab your clubs, work on your swing, and let’s head to the fairway!
In this article:
- Golf Courses in & around Tunbridge Wells
- Where To Stay For Your Tunbridge Wells Golf Holiday
- Looking for non-golf adventures to add to your itinerary?
Golf Courses in & around Tunbridge Wells
The most important part of a golfing holiday is the golf course, of course! Tunbridge Wells has many to offer, all with unique beauty, unique courses and unique opportunities to work on your golf game!
The Nevill Golf Club, Royal Tunbridge Wells
If you’re looking for historic, The Nevill Golf Club has plenty of it. Over 100 years old, this 18-hole golf course is just 5 minute drive from the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells and is celebrated as one of the best-kept courses in the country. Not only that, The Nevill’s clubhouse serves food and drinks with a view of the 18th hole – the perfect place for golfers and non-golfers alike to enjoy a day out!
5-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 15-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about The Nevill Golf Club here.
Knole Park Golf Club, Sevenoaks
Fancy some deer-spotting with your golf? Set within 1,000 stunning acres of countryside, Knole Park Golf Club opened in 1924 and draws thousands of golfers for practice and competition every year to its 18-hole course – and is also home to ‘the finest deer herd in the South East’. Share the course with the deer before refuelling at The Clubhouse, with drinks and food served daily.
30-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 30-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Knole Park Golf Club here
Villa Golf, Blackham
A 9-hole family-run golf course set in the rural surroundings of a Sussex farm – there’s nothing more picturesque and peaceful than teeing off at Villa Golf! For the golfers, the course is quick yet challenging. For the non-golfers, the clubhouse bar is open all day long and serves light lunches too. Great for a family day out!
15-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 30-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Villa Golf here.
Sweetwoods, Edenbridge
A championship-standard golf course in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sweetwoods is an 18-hole Parkland course surrounded by nature. Described as “a test to players of all abilities”, the course features natural lakes on 9 of its 18 holes and Sweetwoods also has a driving range, academy and on-site hotel too.
20-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 30-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Sweetwoods here.
Lamberhurst Golf Club, Lamberhurst
“Lush fairways, fast greens and stunning views” – Lamberhurst Golf Club is nestled in nature, with wildflower meadows, views of the River Teise and a carefully-designed 18-hole course that works alongside the natural landscape. A course that’s deceptively challenging alongside The Pro Shop, Clubhouse with a bar, restaurant and events running all year round make this a must-visit on your golf holiday!
20-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 2-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Lamberhurst Golf Club here.
Holtye Golf Club, Edenbridge
Established by a group of local residents as the Liliput Golf Club in 1893, the now-named Holtye Golf Club has an impressive history and an impressive 9-hole course. With a driving range, bar and restaurant and fun challenges running all year round, Holtye is a great day out for low-handicap and newbie golfers alike.
20-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 30-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Holtye Golf Club here.
Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club, Wadhurst
Not one but two 18-hole golf courses are waiting for you at Dale Hill. Set in the hills and woodlands of East Sussex, Dale Hill is a lot more than just a golf course – there’s a pool, golf tuition, driving range, pro shop, restaurant, gym, sauna… you can even get married here. Dale Hill is a must-visit if you’re looking for an all-in-one location for a relaxing yet exciting golf holiday.
30-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 10-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club here.
Weald of Kent Golf Course, Headcorn
Undulating hills, lakes, bridges, bunkers – this 18-hole course set in the Kent countryside is a fun, challenging golf course for all abilities. The Waterside Restaurant & Bar overlooks the course and serves food daily, as well as a Sunday carvery too. With a pro shop on site too, Weald of Kent Golf Course ticks every box for golfers and non-golfers alike!
45-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 30-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Weald of Kent Golf Course here.
Chart Hills Golf Club, Biddenden
Newly-renovated and situated in 200 acres of woodland and lakes, Chart Hills Golf Club describes itself as “a first-class golfing experience” – and with an 18-hole course designed by pro-golfer Sir Nick Faldo, it definitely doesn’t disappoint. Chart Hills is the peak of luxury, with The Club Bar’s panoramic views of the course and fine dining offered by The Dining Room too.
45-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 25-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Chart Hills Golf Club here.
Hever Castle Golf Club, Edenbridge
Hever Castle Golf Club offers a stunning 27-hole course (9-hole and 18-hole) that caters to golfers of all levels. Play a round amidst the picturesque scenery of the mature grounds, enjoying a challenging yet inspiring game with small hills and ponds. Other facilities include a putting green, driving range, wellbeing facilities and restaurant with a lovely outdoor space to sit back and relax after your round. The golf course is located just 1 mile from Hever Castle so why not explore the historic estate and childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of VII and Mother of Elizabeth I.
26-minutes drive from Royal Tunbridge Wells. 40-minutes drive from Lamberhurst. Find out more about Hever Castle Golf & Wellbeing here.
Where To Stay For Your Tunbridge Wells Golf Holiday
After a long day on the course, a relaxing, comfortable hotel is a must for your golf holiday – and, whether you base yourself in Royal Tunbridge Wells or Lamberhurst, there’s plenty on offer!
Where To Stay In Royal Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Hotel
If visiting The Pantiles is on your holiday list (and it should be!), there’s nowhere better to stay than the Tunbridge Wells Hotel. Right on The Pantiles and steeped in beautifully restored history, it’s a great place for a break from golf.
Where To Stay In Lamberhurst
The Vineyard
A cosy, quaint pub and restaurant, The Vineyard is also home to four charming bedrooms that are designed with comfort in mind. A few steps from the much-loved restaurant and a stone’s throw from some of the best golf courses in Tunbridge Wells, The Vineyard’s a great choice for your golf holiday!
The Chequers Inn
Luxury, class, 15th-century style – The Chequers Inn is a newly renovated gem in the heart of Lamberhurst. Serving local seasonal produce (including a huge range of craft beer, if that’s your thing!) and offering a selection of lovingly-designed rooms, The Chequers Inn is the perfect cosy base to relax in after a long day of working on your handicap.
Scotney West Lodge
For the ultimate golf getaway, stay in the gatehouse of the historic Scotney Castle estate. The classic 2-bedroom house nestled in the grounds of the 14th-century moated castle gives you a taste of historic fused with modern, featuring ornate fireplaces, log burners, cosy bedrooms and all the amenities you could need after a long day of golf.
Looking for non-golf adventures to add to your itinerary?
There’s plenty of non-golf things to do in Tunbridge Wells, don’t you worry! Add an extra couple of days to your golf holiday and enjoy a taste of what the borough has to offer. Here’s some inspiration for you…
