Suffolk’s Top Golf Courses: Where to Tee Off

Whether you enjoy the sport or agree with Mark Twain that it ruins an otherwise perfect walk, we’re aware that many guests to our Barns and Barges for rent are keen to visit the best golfing locations in Suffolk. It was with this in mind that we assembled a list of our own personal favourites. 

Home to several top-quality golf courses, Suffolk presents a diverse and challenging layout for golfers of all abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, a budding amateur, or simply starting out, Suffolk’s golf courses provide the perfect setting for a round amidst some suitably picturesque landscapes. Here’s our selection of the best:

Positioned along Suffolk’s stunning Heritage Coast, Thorpeness Golf Club is one of the county’s most celebrated courses. Designed by the legendary James Braid back in 1922, this classic heathland course offers 18 holes of challenging, yet enjoyable, play. With its beautiful fairways, gorse-lined holes, and tricky bunkers, Thorpeness ultimately provides a stern test for golfers while treating them to beautiful coastal scenery at the same time.

The course’s proximity to the sea means that the wind can certainly be a factor, which no doubt adds to the challenge. The signature 3rd hole, with its elevated tee and sweeping views, is one of the most memorable on the course.

Ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the UK, Aldeburgh Golf Club is a must-visit for more serious golfers. Located just a stone’s throw from the coastal town of Aldeburgh, this historic club was established back in 1884 and boasts one of the best heathland courses in the country. The 18-hole Championship Course offers fast-running fairways, challenging bunkers, and plenty of natural hazards to ensure it presents a tough test for all golfers.

Aldeburgh is in many ways known for its no-nonsense approach to golf, with no par-5s on the course, creating a demanding layout that requires real accuracy and strategy. The firm, fast greens and natural terrain make this a true test of golfing skill. In addition to the Championship Course, the club also offers a 9-hole River Course, which is perfect for a more relaxed round.

For golfers seeking a more modern course with excellent facilities, Ufford Park Golf Course is a great choice. Located near to our Barns for rent in Woodbridge, this parkland course features 18 holes set in rolling Suffolk countryside. The course is known for its water hazards, particularly on the challenging 18th hole, which requires a nerve-wracking shot over a large lake. Nothing quite like a challenge, after all.

Ufford Park’s year-round playable greens, well-maintained fairways, and strategic layout make it a favourite among golfers of all abilities. The club also boasts a two-tier floodlit driving range, a putting green, and practice bunkers, allowing golfers to sharpen their skills before hitting the course.

Hintlesham Golf Club, located just outside Ipswich, offers a beautifully designed parkland course that combines mature trees, strategically placed bunkers, and several water features. This 18-hole course is known for its picturesque setting, with manicured fairways and scenic views of the surrounding countryside. 

The course provides a good challenge without being overly punishing, making it suitable for both beginners as well as more experienced players. Hintlesham’s clubhouse offers excellent dining options, perfect for unwinding after a round. The club’s welcoming atmosphere and well-kept course make it one of Suffolk’s most popular golf destinations.

Stoke by Nayland is home to two 18-hole championship courses: the Gainsborough and the Constable. Located in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this resort offers some of the most stunning golfing views on offer around Suffolk. Both courses are set among rolling hills, lakes, and mature woodlands, providing a perfectly well-rounded golfing experience.

The Gainsborough Course is particularly famous for its signature par-3 7th hole, which requires a shot over a lake to a well-guarded green. The Constable Course is slightly shorter but equally challenging, with narrow fairways and tricky greens.

With so many golfing spots to choose from, no matter what your ability, be sure to take a look at the current availability of our Barns and Barges for rent to ensure you’re returning to some of the most comfortable self catering accommodation on offer around Suffolk.