Golf might not seem like the most obvious activity amongst the mountains of the Lake District, but look to the western edges and the coast and you’ll find plenty of fantastic courses with spectacular views of the sea and the fells.
In between the Solway Coast and the Lake District National Park, the Melbreak Hotel has 4 golf courses within half an hour’s drive, and even more if you’re willing to travel a little further. It makes for the perfect relaxing activity if you’re visiting for a long weekend, or a nice active option for a meeting if you’re here on business. Let us know your thoughts on your favourite local golf club so we can continue making the best recommendations to other guests.
Workington Golf Club
18-hole | Par 72
Just a 5-minute drive from the hotel, Workington Golf Club is known for offering a nice challenge in both summer and winter. Founded in 1893, it was extended to 18 holes by James Braid in the early 1900s. Over 100 years later, the rolling parkland offers views framed by trees and challenges formed by rivers and well-bunkered greens, making this hidden gem a par 72.
Maryport Golf Club
18-hole | Par 70 (Men) or Par 71 (Ladies)
Right on the coast, Maryport Golf Club is a favourite thanks to its terrific sea and mountain views – both in the Lakes and in Scotland! Link golf meets parkland here, as the lines between countryside and course are blurred. There are a good variety of shots with streams, out-of-bounds boundaries, downhills, prevailing wind and gorse providing challenges.
Silloth on Solway Golf Club
18-hole | Par 72
After being something of a hidden gem for years, Silloth on Solway Golf Club has finally received the recognition it deserves and is now considered in the top 100 of England’s golf links. Founded in 1892, it has seen a number of adjustments and improvements throughout the years and is now a spectacular course amongst the dunes of the Solway Coast. Heather and gorse add colour to the landscape, with the usual view of mountains and sea distracting your eye from the tee. This one is a bit out of the way to get to, but well worth the effort.
Keswick Golf Club
18-hole | Par 71
Heading in-land now, we’re looking at a peaceful golf course within the Lake District itself. You won’t get coastal views at Keswick Golf Club, but you won’t have cause to complain with some of the most spectacular English mountain scenery surrounding you on all sides. At the foot of the fells, it can get a bit wet but is nonetheless very well managed, and you certainly shouldn’t be put off by a bit of water. It offers great value for money with lots of hills, making it a more challenging course than you might otherwise be used to.
Seascale Golf Club
18-hole | Par 71
Back to the coast, but this time a little further south, so expect a slightly longer drive from The Melbreak. Seascale Golf Club, though, is really quite amazing. You can get the train almost directly to its door (after a fabulous journey right along the coast) and will gasp at the views towards Eskdale in the Lake District. Though reasonably small, it fits in plenty of holes, challenges and terrain without ever feeling crowded. As it’s right next to the sea, there are often high winds to add extra challenge, but on a calm day there’s nowhere better to play.
Eskdale Golf Course
18-hole | Par 69
Henry Cotton, three-time Open Champion in the 1940s, was a big fan of Eskdale and even helped with some of its development, so that’s certainly an accolade for this Lake District golf course. Eskdale takes a very relaxed approach to golf, with no competitions, though it doesn’t skimp on the care and challenge. The parkland course is surrounded by mountains and relatively quiet, so makes for a nice and peaceful day.
St Bees Golf Club
9-hole | Par 33
This charming hillside course may be short but has alternative tees on most holes, so you can do the round twice with a bit of variation. The location is quite special, on a clifftop overlooking the sea and St Bees Head in the charming seaside village of St. Bees. A round at St Bees Golf Club is a nice addition to a day out in the local area.
Whitehaven Golf Club
18-hole | Par 70
Whitehaven Golf Club is the youngest course on our list (and in the whole of Cumbria). Founded in 2000, it’s an interesting, varied course with ponds, woodland, American-designed holes and, of course, inspiring mountain views. Its elevated position adds further challenges and the modern clubhouse is a popular place for a meal. There’s also a driving range for those just wanting to practise and perfect their swing!
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Book your golfing holiday at The Melbreak now, and have convenient access to all these courses and more. Short breaks and weeks are available.
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