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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Fionn Davenport

On the Kent coast overlooking Sandwich Bay, Royal St George’s is England’s greatest links course. There are notable rivals, but this course beats them by virtue of its layout (broadly circular, like Muirfield), its natural landscaping and the sheer quality of its very best holes – the 4th (home to England’s deepest bunker), the steep, sandy 6th (aka Maiden) and the 15th, with its virtually symmetrical bunkers.

Host of 15 Open Championships – including the 2021 edition – this natural beauty is one of the world’s very best links courses. It’s a tough track for sure, with severely undulating fairways and a good score is well-earned, but its rewards are timeless.

Price from: £160
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The course is roughly a mile east of Sandwich. The course is open to visitors playing off 18 or better, weekdays only, and then on production of a handicap cert. No three- or four-balls are allowed in August.

When to do it

The course is open all year round, seven days a week, but the course is best played between March and September, when the weather is good and you can play off the fairways.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Pig at Bridge Place

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[17.8 miles]

A sexy, sophisticated bolthole with a fantastic restaurant, a stone’s throw from historic Canterbury. 

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Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[20.3 miles]

Built in the cathedral grounds, this sleek hotel is quiet, conveniently central and offers unrivalled views of the magnificent cathedral from your bedroom. 

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The Abode Canterbury

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[20.6 miles]

Sleekly-designed hotel in an excellent central location the heart of Canterbury, with great dining options. 

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House of Agnes

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[20.9 miles]

Wonderful, central 15th century house converted into a stylish boutique hotel with a gorgeous garden. 

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Canterbury

Kent, United Kingdom (UK)

A character-filled, historic and lively town rich in British history dating back to Roman times. The spectacular cathedral is the home of the Church of England.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Dover Castle

Dover , Kent , United Kingdom (UK)[16.7 miles]

Fascinating, well-preserved castle boasting bags of medieval history and secret wartime tunnels. Great for families.

Best for ages: 6+ | £24

Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury , Kent , United Kingdom (UK)[20.3 miles]

One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Britain, with stained glass windows dating back to the 12th century. Home of the Church of England, and the final resting place of Thomas Becket.

Best for ages: 18+ | £14

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Bucolic churchyard on a sunny day
Experience

St. Martin’s Church

Canterbury , Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[19.5 miles]

The oldest church in the English-speaking world, St. Martin’s is part Roman, part Saxon and part medieval, and has been a place of worship continuously for over 1,400 years.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Ruined abbey surrounded by grass
Experience

St. Augustine’s Abbey

Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[19.9 miles]

Originally created as a burial site for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, the ruins are a tranquil spot for a quiet walk or picnic, away from the hubbub of the busy High Street.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

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Old English pub on narrow street
Experience

Parrot Pub

Canterbury, Kent , United Kingdom (UK)[20.3 miles]

Pop in for a pint at Canterbury’s oldest pub; a cosy, firelit haunt that has been serving weary travellers – and construction workers on the nearby cathedral – since the 14th century.

Best for ages: 16+ | Free

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Close up of the roof and window of Tudor-style building
Experience

Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

Canterbury , Kent, United Kingdom (UK)[20.5 miles]

A museum, gallery, library and visitor centre all housed in an elegant, Grade II-listed building, with exhibits including prehistoric artefacts found in and around Canterbury and works by local artists.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Round-ups that include this experience