A Golfer’s Guide to South Devon’s Best Fairways
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply fancy a round or two during your seaside stay, South Devon offers a stunning variety of golf courses – many within easy reach of The Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove. From dramatic cliff-top views over the sea to peaceful parkland layouts tucked among rolling countryside, each course brings its own charm and challenge.
This guide highlights the most popular golf courses across South Devon to discover, listed by proximity to Hope Cove, so you can plan a game that fits perfectly into your holiday. You’ll find details about each course’s facilities, style of play, visitor information, and what makes it worth the short drive. Whether you’re after a relaxed nine holes with a view or a full championship course experience, South Devon has a course that’s just right for you.
Choose The Cottage Hotel for accommodation and South Devon for golf! Our hearty full English breakfast will gladly set you up for a great day of play.
Thurlestone Golf Club
Distance from Hope Cove: 6 miles by road, 20 minutes drive, 1.8 miles on foot, 43 minute walk.
Thurlestone Golf Club is set along the coastline of Bigbury Bay in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the nearest place you can play golf to The Cottage Hotel.
The course is a blend of links and cliff-top terrain, especially in the early holes, giving golfers the opportunity to play close to the sea with stunning coastal views. In fact the south west coast path passes along the edge of the green. From various holes there are breathtaking views of the legendary Thurlestone Rock to the east, and over the Avon Estuary and Burgh Island to the west.
The front 12 holes run out along the headland, giving a near-true links feel, before the course returns inland for the finishing holes. Visit the club's website here: thurlestonegolfclub.co.uk.
When you're done playing golf, head to one of the many nearby beaches to relax or return to The Cottage Hotel for evening dining; which, when pre booked and included in your accommodation package, provides you with great value for money.
Bigbury Golf Club
Distance from Hope Cove: 10 miles by road, 30 minutes drive.
Perched on the cliffs above Bigbury Bay, this is very much a cliff-top terrain golf club offering dramatic sea views in multiple directions. Bigbury is one of the most beautiful courses in Devon. The fairways sweep across undulating land, with vistas not just of the coastline but also of Burgh Island, the Avon Estuary, and Dartmoor on clearer days.
The layout combines the challenge of coastal winds and variable terrain, making it engaging for all levels of golfer. It’s often described as “a holiday course” — not excessively harsh, but with character and natural beauty.
Expect breathtaking views from many holes, especially those edging the cliffs, and a sense of playing in wild but accessible terrain.
Bigbury welcomes members and visitors alike. You can play golf there as a visitor, though you should reserve a tee time in advance to avoid disappointment. A handicap certificate is generally preferred, and visitors may be asked to show one.
Green fees vary by season and time of day; it's common for rates to be higher in peak months and before midday. The clubhouse has a restaurant and bar, offering good facilities for post-round meals and refreshments. The club also provides equipment hire (trolleys, etc.) for convenience.
Because of its coastal setting, course conditions depend on weather: heavy rain or stormy winds may occasionally lead to temporary restrictions.
Dartmouth Golf and Country Club
Distance from Hope Cove: 16 miles by road, 32 minutes drive.
Set in 225 acres of beautiful South Hams countryside, the Dartmouth Golf and Country Club offers two excellent courses - the Championship Course and the Dartmouth Course. The Championship Course (one of the best golf courses around) is a full 18-hole layout designed to challenge serious golfers, while the shorter Dartmouth Course provides a relaxed 9-hole round suitable for beginners or those short on time.
Rolling fairways, tree-lined holes, and small lakes give the course a picturesque feel. You won’t get the cliff-top terrain of the coastal clubs, but the peaceful rural views across valleys and wooded slopes are equally breathtaking and the club is welcoming for all abilities.
Dartmouth Golf and Country Club welcomes both members and visitors, with flexible tee-time booking and a warm, professional atmosphere. Guests staying locally can play golf there year-round, and the course drainage allows for good conditions even in wetter months.
The on-site facilities include a hotel, spa, driving range, and pro shop, making it ideal for a day trip or even a full golfing break. Club hire, buggy rental, and tuition are available for visitors, and green fees are reasonable for the quality of the course.
This well-maintained golf course in Devon, England combines excellent amenities with a tranquil rural setting — perfect for anyone who wants to unwind on the fairway before heading back to the coast for dinner at The Cottage Hotel.
Dartmouth Golf and Country Club
Dainton Park Golf Club
Distance from Hope Cove: 25 miles by road, 50 minutes drive.
Nestled between Dartmoor and Torbay, Dainton Park Golf Club offers a picturesque parkland layout with sweeping countryside views in every direction. The course is set within rolling Devon farmland, featuring mature trees, water hazards, and undulating fairways that keep the game interesting for golfers of all levels.
Although not on cliff top terrain, Dainton Park makes up for it with breathtaking views across the moors and lush valleys. The peaceful setting gives a relaxed, rural atmosphere, and the course design provides a nice balance of challenge and playability. The fairways are wide enough to be forgiving for holiday golfers, while the greens are maintained to a high standard all year round.
Dainton Park welcomes both members and visitors, offering a friendly environment for anyone looking to play golf in South Devon. The course is open year-round, thanks to good drainage and dedicated maintenance. Tee times can be booked online or by phone, and visitors are always made to feel at home.
Facilities include a modern clubhouse with a restaurant and bar that serve locally sourced food, a fully equipped pro shop, and a driving range for practice before your round. Equipment hire is available, and golf buggies can be reserved in advance.
For guests of The Cottage Hotel, Dainton Park Golf Club is a great choice for a relaxed day of golf surrounded by the natural beauty of Devon, England. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself on a longer course or simply enjoy a leisurely round in peaceful countryside, Dainton Park is a top pick in the region.
Churston Golf Club
Distance from Hope Cove: 26 miles by road, 60 minutes drive.
Set above the Tor Bay coastline, Churston Golf Club offers sweeping views across the bay toward both Brixham and Torquay. The course was designed (or influenced) by Harry Colt, which lends it a classic, thoughtful routing.
Its layout mixes parkland and coastal elevation changes, and golfers often comment on the spectacular views from various holes — particularly where fairways overlook sea or valleys.
The terrain isn't sheer cliff-golf at every turn, but the proximity to the coast gives enough drama to the setting to make the round memorable.
Churston Golf Club welcomes both members and visitors, making it a great choice for anyone looking to play golf while staying in South Devon. This well-maintained golf course in Devon, England, is open to visitors throughout the week, though it’s always best to book a tee time in advance to guarantee your slot. A handicap certificate may be requested, but confident holiday golfers are generally welcome to play, depending on the club’s schedule and course conditions.
The course is known for being playable year-round, thanks to its excellent drainage and sheltered location above Tor Bay. Even in wetter months, the fairways tend to stay firm, offering enjoyable rounds in most weather conditions. The coastal breeze can make play more challenging on exposed holes, but it’s part of what makes the course so rewarding.
After your game, the modern clubhouse provides everything you need to relax — from a pro shop and changing rooms to a comfortable bar and restaurant serving freshly prepared meals. Whether you’re visiting for a quick round or a full golfing day out, Churston Golf Club offers an authentic South Devon golfing experience with friendly hospitality and views across the coast.
Torquay Golf Course Devon
Distance from Hope Cove: 29 miles by road, 60 minutes drive.
Torquay Golf Club is a classic parkland layout set in lush Devon countryside, yet close enough to the coast to benefit from sea breezes and views. From various vantage points on the course, you can take in sweeping panoramas across Lyme Bay to the east and Dartmoor tors to the west. The tree-lined fairways and mature landscaping give it a polished and sheltered feel, especially on the more inward holes.
While it doesn’t sit directly on cliffs like some courses, its blend of gentle elevation changes and strategic positioning offers a compelling and comfortable golfing experience. The mix of open holes and those framed by woodland gives variety across 18 holes.
Torquay Golf Club is open to both members and visitors, so guests staying near Hope Cove can absolutely play golf there. Visitor tee times can usually be booked in advance (often 7 days ahead or more). The course is maintained to a high standard, with well kept greens and fairways that hold up well even after rain. While exposed holes can feel the wind, most holes are fairly sheltered thanks to mature tree clumps and hedging.
Because it’s situated in Devon, England, the climate is mild enough that Torquay tends to offer year-round playability—except in extreme weather closures. In wetter seasons, some tee or fairway restrictions might apply, but overall the drainage is good, and the course remains playable most of the year.
The clubhouse offers full facilities: a pro shop, locker rooms, bar and restaurant services, ideal for relaxing after your round. Whether you’re an early tee time or an afternoon game, Torquay provides a solid option for your golfing itinerary in South Devon.