Julie Smith
26 March 2021
There are plenty of reasons to head to Cumbria: the magic of the Lake District mountains, welcoming pubs, picturesque lakes... we could go on, but some other jewels in the county's crown include its renowned golf courses.
Whether you’d prefer parkland gems set amid magnificent fells or wild and woolly links, then Cumbria has it all. The county even boasts Great Britain's “number one golf course for under £100” in Silloth-on-Solway. We have plenty of gorgeous holiday cottages handy for making the most of a golfing break in the lakes, so why not get planning? Of course, if your swing or your putting goes a little awry while you're playing, you can always blame the stunning surroundings for distracting you! Here's a little run down of ten of our favourites.
1. Windermere
Image credit: Lake Cumbria Tourism / Dave Willis
It would scarcely be possible to conjure up an image of a course prettier than Windermere. The scenery has less drama than some of the other courses in the county but its gently rolling mountain scenery is truly picturesque. It's worth playing early in the year before the bracken grows tall and while the rhododendrons are in bloom - it's just gorgeous! Aside from all this scenic beauty, it's got a lovely pro shop and excellent food in the clubhouse too!
Find your ideal golfing holiday cottage in Windermere.
2. Silloth-on-Solway
Of course, no Cumbrian golfing guide would be complete without a mention for Silloth on the Solway Coast. It's a regular feature on any list of Britain's best golf courses and it's easy to see why. In 2009 it was an R&A Regional qualifying course for the Open Championship so it's definitely one to test your skills. Looking out over the Solway Firth with views to the Lake District fells as well as to Scotland's southern peaks, it's a challenging course with a wonderful outlook. Heather and gorse pepper the course with seasonal colour while the gracious looking clubhouse offers a warm welcome. It's an easy drive from our cottages in the north-west of the county, but wherever you're staying in the Lakes it's worth booking a round here.
Take a look at our cottages along The Solway Coast.
3. Seascale
If you enjoy the challenges of links golf and appreciate a bargain, then Seascale will delight you. In fact, if you're a fan of Silloth's attributes then you'll adore Seascale, too! Rated in the top 100 golf courses in England and boasting stunning views of the Isle of Man as well as to the Lake District's mighty western fells, this really is a treat. There is also an industrial backdrop to the course, but your attention will be focussed on the challenges and quality of the holes. The clubhouse hosts highly regarded fish tasting evenings, which are well worth booking in advance. Any of our cottages in the Western Lakes and Ravenglass are perfectly situated for you to make the most of this well-kept secret.
4. Cockermouth
What a picturesque gem of a course you'll find here at Cockermouth! Designed by famed golf course architect James Braid and set high on a plateau looking down the gorgeous Lorton Vale with views to Skiddaw and Bassenthwaite, it has some tough but interesting holes to keep your attention on the golf and away from the views. Visitors to our self-catering cottages in Cockermouth are well placed to pop in for a round.
5. Keswick
Nestled in the majesty of the Cumbrian Fells at Threlkeld, the Keswick course is an absolute stunner. With a sliding scale of visitor green fees depending on the number of players and tee time, you can get a bargain round of golf in truly gorgeous surroundings. It's subject to some wild weather so come well prepared, but that goes without saying for all visitors to the Lakes! If the fantastic choice of outdoor shops in Keswick's town centre isn't enough for you, the pro shop at the golf club is excellent. We have a vast choice of cottages in both Keswick and Threlkeld that are within a stone's throw of this gorgeous course, so be sure to enjoy a round here during your visit.
6. Kendal
A wonderful course for the mountain goats among you, Kendal is one of the oldest clubs in England! Rated by The Guardian as having "The most magnificent and extensive views of any course in England" it's much beloved of visitors to the South Lakes. There’s something to challenge golfers of all abilities here and great food in the clubhouse as a reward for your exertions.
Browse our self-catering cottages around Kendal and the South East Lake District
7. Ulverston
This is a firm favourite for many Cumbrian golfers. It’s a parkland gem that proves a challenging but not impossible day out. Wonderfully picturesque with views over Morecambe Bay and the South Cumbrian Fells, it’s hilly and undulating but surprisingly easy on the legs! It's a very easy drive from many of our cottages in the south of the county and the Lakeland peninsulas, but worth a trip out from wherever you’re based in Cumbria.
8. Carlisle
Carlisle’s main course is a well-respected parkland jewel that has played host to the regional qualifying rounds for the Open Championship for several years. Challenging and requiring concentration - as you would hope from a course of its calibre! - it provides an excellent way to flex your golfing muscles if staying at one of our cottages in the north of the county or the Eden Valley. Beautifully tree-lined and boasting an excellent pro shop, it has something for everyone.
9. Penrith
Penrith is a fantastic haven for golfers in that it is blessed with an interesting and user-friendly 18-hole parkland course at Penrith Golf Club as well as an excellent training facility at Penrith Golf Centre. It’s an ideal place for seasoned golfers to hone their skills in all weathers and for beginners to get a taste for the game. Why not take the family along and try Footgolf?
Take a look at our holiday cottages around Penrith.
10. Eskdale Golf Course
If you’ve brought your clubs along while visiting one of our cottages in the Western Lakes, then it’s worth playing a round at the charming Eskdale Golf Course. Friendly and relaxed in feel and surrounded by beautiful scenery, it makes a delightful day out. The course borders the Muncaster estate so why not pay a visit to the castle or its beautiful grounds while you’re there?
See our cottages in Eskdale.
If you're a seasoned golfer, then you're probably familiar with Mark Twain's notion that golf is a good walk spoiled. Well, here at Sally's Cottages, we believe there's no such thing! Especially on one of Cumbria's many stunning courses!
To find your ideal holiday cottage in the Lake District and Cumbria, have a browse with our cottage search.
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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.