Hovenden House Golf Course

Hovenden House Golf Course sits just outside Spalding, a proper 18-hole layout that appeals to golfers of all abilities rather than just the handicap brigade. The course winds through flat Lincolnshire countryside, which means you won't be huffing uphill between shots, but the greens demand accuracy - water hazards and bunkers are placed to catch the careless. Expect to spend a solid four and a half hours here if you're playing the full round.

This works brilliantly if you're staying at The Lawns Caravan & Camping site, only ten minutes' drive away, or the slightly more upmarket Delph Bank Touring Glamping park just down the road. Both sites cater well to golf-minded visitors, though families without club experience may find the rounds a bit lengthy for younger kids to enjoy.

The course has that understated East Midlands charm - well-maintained fairways, a clubhouse with a bar for post-round wind-downs, and the kind of local atmosphere where members chat about the going on the greens rather than flash their handicaps. Green fees aren't eye-watering, and twilight sessions offer decent value if you're flexible with timing. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, so book ahead then if you want to avoid the Saturday scramble.

Worth playing if golf is genuinely on your holiday agenda. Solo golfers or pairs often pair with others, so it's never antisocial. Just accept that Spalding's flatness means panoramic views aren't the draw here - the satisfaction comes from executing decent shots.