Wollaton Park Golf Club

Wollaton Park Golf Club sits within the grounds of Wollaton Park itself, that vast green expanse just outside Nottingham where the Elizabethan hall commands attention from across the lawns. The golf course is a proper 18-hole affair set across parkland that's been welcoming players for generations, with tree-lined fairways and enough elevation change to keep things interesting without being backbreaking.

If you're a golfer staying at one of the nearby campsites - Holme Pierrepont or Bleinheim Farm are both within four miles - this is an obvious morning or afternoon slot. Non-golfers, though, might find themselves on the outside looking in; the park itself is free and worth wandering, but you won't get much sense of the club unless you're actually playing. A round will take a good four hours, so factor that into your day.

The setting's the real draw. Playing surrounded by Nottinghamshire countryside, with decent views across the park between shots, beats a soulless municipal course hands down. Whether you're a single-figure handicapper or someone who just enjoys whacking a ball around, the course holds up well.

Check in advance about membership requirements, green fees, and whether you can book as a visitor - you'll almost certainly need to call ahead rather than turning up on spec. It's not a destination course that'll change your life, but if you're lodging nearby and golf's your thing, it's a solid way to spend a few hours.