REGION GUIDE
Golf in East Anglia
East Anglia’s golf is quiet, unspoilt and full of character. The North Norfolk coast is lined with classic links and clifftop courses, while Suffolk adds heathland gems and one of the most famous nine-hole courses in the world.
Big skies, empty beaches, nature reserves and historic market towns make it a relaxing place for a golf break, and Cambridge is close by.
Top 10 must-play courses
- Brancaster (Royal West Norfolk): A timeless links reached by a road that floods at high tide.
- Hunstanton Golf Club: A championship links running through the dunes beside the Wash.
- Royal Cromer Golf Club: Clifftop golf with a lighthouse beside the course.
- Sheringham Golf Club: Rolling clifftop holes high above the North Sea.
- Aldeburgh Golf Club: Gorse and heather heathland near the Suffolk coast.
- Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club: Often called the best nine-hole course in the world.
- Woodbridge Golf Club: Classic Suffolk heathland.
- King’s Lynn Golf Club: A Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas design, and a fine inland contrast to the Norfolk links.
- Thorpeness Golf Club: James Braid heathland beside the seaside village of Thorpeness.
- Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club: The Martello course, a traditional links at the mouth of the River Deben.
The top 10 at a glance
| Course | Type | Par | Yards | Architect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brancaster (Royal West Norfolk) | Links | 71 | 6,478 | Holcombe Ingleby |
| Hunstanton Golf Club | Links | 72 | 6,763 | James Braid |
| Royal Cromer Golf Club | Clifftop | 72 | 6,544 | Old Tom Morris, later James Braid |
| Sheringham Golf Club | Clifftop | 70 | 6,456 | Tom Dunn |
| Aldeburgh Golf Club | Heathland | 70 | 6,916 | John Thomson and Willie Fernie |
| Royal Worlington & Newmarket Golf Club | Heathland | 35 | 3,115 | Tom Dunn, later Harry Colt |
| Woodbridge Golf Club | Heathland | 70 | 6,469 | – |
| King’s Lynn Golf Club | Parkland | 72 | 6,605 | Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas |
| Thorpeness Golf Club | Heathland | 70 | 6,311 | James Braid |
| Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club | Links | 72 | 6,422 | Tom Dunn, later Henry Cotton |
Getting there
Stansted is the main international airport, about an hour from Suffolk and around two hours from North Norfolk. Norwich has a regional airport, and Cambridge is a natural place to start.
Where to stay
Barnham Broom near Norwich offers golf and accommodation on site, and the coast is full of characterful inns and country hotels. Our tours can recommend the best base for your group.
When to go
East Anglia is one of the driest parts of England, so golf is good from spring through autumn. The links can be breezy, which is part of the fun.
Golf courses in East Anglia
Golf tours in East Anglia
Frequently asked questions
What are the best links courses in Norfolk?
Royal West Norfolk at Brancaster and Hunstanton are the headline links, with Royal Cromer and Sheringham offering spectacular clifftop golf.
Which airport is best for golf in Norfolk and Suffolk?
Stansted is the main international gateway. Norwich Airport is useful for Norfolk.
Is East Anglia good for a golf trip?
Yes. It combines classic links and heathland with quiet roads, good value and some of England’s driest weather.
Ready to plan your trip?
Tell us where and when you would like to play, and we will put you in touch with a trusted tour operator.