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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 22 March, 2022
Expert travel writer: Fionn Davenport

Above all, Sunningdale is elegant. It is a terrific test of golf, and couldn’t be more beautifully situated, in the Berkshire/Surrey sand-belt, surrounded by glorious pines and sturdy oak trees. The surfaces here are carpet-like and fast.

But it all comes together in its remarkable elegance, which is perhaps best appreciated on the elevated 10th. All around you is the history of the place: it was here that Bobby Jones shot his ‘incredible and indecent’ 66 in 1926 – before going on to win the Open Championship at Lytham by two shots.

Next to it is the ‘New Course’, which is almost as good; play them together and you’ve played the best 36 holes in England.

Price from: £275
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

The course is less than a quarter mile from Sunningdale Station, just off the A30. Men need a maximum handicap of 18 (24 for women) to play; handicap certs must be presented in the pro shop. Guests playing before 11.50am get breakfast as part of their tee time; there is a nice halfway house serving food at the 10th.

 

 

When to do it

The course is open throughout the year; it’s best played between April and September when the weather is best. Opt for an early-morning tee time to get out ahead of the crowds.

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

Bingham Riverhouse

London, United Kingdom (UK)[24.2 miles]

A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.

Official star rating:

Richmond Harbour Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)[24.5 miles]

A colourful and stylish ‘countryside retreat’ atop leafy Richmond Hill, overlooking the Thames and just 20 minutes from the city centre. Kew Gardens and Hampton Court are virtually next door.

Official star rating:

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

Windsor Castle

Windsor , Berkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.4 miles]

The largest working castle in the world, Windsor is steeped in 900 years of history and is the Queen’s favourite royal residence.

Best for ages: 10+ | £24

Mercedez-Benz World

Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom (UK)[11.8 miles]

A great day out for car enthusiasts, with Mercedez-Benz cars dating back 100 years, driving displays, F1 and Concorde simulators and racing experiences.

Best for ages: 5+ | Free | 5 hours

Hampton Court Palace

London, United Kingdom (UK)[20.6 miles]

England’s greatest Tudor estate and the former home of Henry VIII and his succession of wives, preserved for the public to explore.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25

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Thorpe Park

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The UK’s second biggest theme park (behind Alton Towers). Main attractions include The Colossus, Nemesis and Inferno rollercoasters and the UK’s fastest rollercoaster Stealth.

Best for ages: 4+ | £35 | 12 hours

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Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington, Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)[22.1 miles]

One of Britain’s best adventure parks, boasting thrilling rides, a sea life centre and an impressive zoo.

Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 1 day

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Round-ups that include this experience