Royal North Devon Golf Club
England's oldest golf club (1864), offering a raw, authentic links challenge with sheep on fairways and historic charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Royal North Devon Golf Club
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
England's oldest golf club (1864), offering a raw, authentic links challenge with sheep on fairways and historic charm.
"A spectacular experience in every way: beautiful, challenging, historic, quirky, and lots of fun. "
Book Ahead Online
Secure your tee time easily via their website, especially during busy periods.
Embrace the Wind
Be prepared for challenging winds; they can significantly impact your game.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Oldest Course in England
Step onto the hallowed grounds of England's first golf club, established in 1864. A true links test with a rich heritage.
Raw Links Challenge
Experience a natural, windswept links course where sheep often share the fairways. Embrace the challenge!
Historic Holes with a View
Play holes that have challenged golfers for over a century, with some offering stunning sunset views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History and the Elements
Navigating the Quirky Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Book Ahead Online
Secure your tee time easily via their website, especially during busy periods.
Embrace the Wind
Be prepared for challenging winds; they can significantly impact your game.
Watch for Sheep!
Sheep are common residents on the fairways, adding to the unique charm.
Quirky Course Features
Look out for large hole number signs and sleepers in bunkers – they're part of the fun!
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead Online
Secure your tee time easily via their website, especially during busy periods.
Embrace the Wind
Be prepared for challenging winds; they can significantly impact your game.
Watch for Sheep!
Sheep are common residents on the fairways, adding to the unique charm.
Quirky Course Features
Look out for large hole number signs and sleepers in bunkers – they're part of the fun!
Friendly Welcome
Visitors often report a very friendly welcome and good pace of play.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Royal North Devon for its rich history, authentic links challenge, and friendly atmosphere. While some find the course 'raw' and quirky with less defined holes, many appreciate its unique character and excellent value. The challenging winds and natural landscape contribute to a memorable golfing experience.
"Played Royal North Devon as part of the NCG Devon tour. My expectations were tempered by the photos and reviews I had seen beforehand. The course is raw with little definition on some holes. So much so, that there are large signs with hole numbers visible from some tees to give you an idea as to where to hit. The course is bisected by an access road which can slow play down whilst waiting for cars and pedestrians. Once you get into the round it is great fun. A bit quirky with huge sleepers in the front of bunkers (that you get relief from), but it still retains its place in the UK & Ireland Top 100."
Adrian Rudge
"Great place to play as a visitor , really friendly welcome, good online booking and relatively quick pace of play. Very iconic course, in good condition and lots of "raw" original features."
Gary Robinson
"I’ve been to the area many times before but never played the course. Managed to get a round in over summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. Some tough holes made much harder if the wind is blowing. Lovely links course in excellent condition."
Alex Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Royal North Devon Golf Club is located in Westward Ho!, North Devon. The nearest major town is Bideford. Visitors often drive, and the club is accessible via local roads. Public transport options are limited, so a car is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors at the Royal North Devon Golf Club. It's advisable to check their official website for any specific parking instructions or potential charges during events.
The nearest airports are Exeter Airport (EXT) and Bristol Airport (BRS). From either airport, you would typically rent a car or arrange for onward travel to reach the club in North Devon.
Absolutely! Royal North Devon is part of a fantastic cluster of links courses in the South West, including Saunton and Burnham & Berrow, making it ideal for a golf tour.
While public transport exists to the general Bideford area, direct access to the golf club can be challenging. It's best to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from the nearest town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees vary depending on the season and day of the week. Visitors can expect fees to be around £60, offering good value for a historic course. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, booking a tee time in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends, to ensure you can play. Online booking is available and straightforward.
The club typically opens early for golf, with tee times available throughout the day. It's advisable to check the club's official website for specific opening hours and the last tee-off times.
As the oldest golf club in England, Royal North Devon welcomes visitors. However, it's always good practice to be aware of any club etiquette and dress code requirements, which are usually detailed on their website.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, booking in advance or playing during off-peak times might offer better rates. Group bookings or golf tour packages could also provide value.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
It's a classic, raw links course known for its natural beauty and challenging play. Expect undulating fairways, pot bunkers, and the occasional sheep! It's considered quirky but retains its place in the Top 100.
The difficulty can vary greatly with the wind. It's a challenging course, especially when the wind picks up, but the forgiving roughs make it enjoyable for a range of handicaps.
Yes, caddies are available and can significantly enhance the experience, offering local knowledge and adding to the grandeur of playing such a historic course.
The club offers a clubhouse with dining and bar facilities, a pro shop, and practice areas. Custom fitting services are also available.
Smart casual attire is generally expected on the course and in the clubhouse. Specific details on the dress code can be found on the club's official website.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the clubhouse at Royal North Devon Golf Club offers food and drink, providing a place to relax and refuel after your round.
Typically, clubhouses offer a range of options from light snacks to more substantial meals, often featuring local produce. It's best to check their menu or call ahead for current offerings.
It's advisable to book a table, especially if you are part of a group or visiting during a busy period, to ensure availability.
The nearby village of Westward Ho! and the town of Bideford offer various pubs and restaurants if you wish to dine outside the club.
Most clubhouses are accommodating of dietary needs. It's recommended to inform the staff when booking or ordering your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The 18th hole with the sunset is particularly stunning. The coastal views and the unique landscape with sheep also make for great shots.
Absolutely! The historic nature, coastal setting, and raw links character provide many picturesque opportunities for photographers.
Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos. However, always be mindful of other players and the pace of play.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful light for capturing the course's atmosphere and coastal scenery.
Drone usage is typically subject to strict regulations and requires permission from the club. It's best to inquire directly with Royal North Devon Golf Club beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 'quirky' nature of the course, with its large hole number signs, might also add a sense of adventure for younger visitors. Consider visiting during a less busy time, perhaps a weekday morning, to allow children to experience the atmosphere without the pressure of a crowded course. The clubhouse offers refreshments, providing a comfortable spot for breaks. If playing, ensure children are supervised and aware of golf etiquette, especially around the access road that bisects the course.
💰 Budget-Conscious Golfers
The club's modest pricing for such an iconic venue makes it a prime choice for golfers looking for a premium experience without the premium price tag. To maximize value, consider playing during the shoulder seasons or weekdays when green fees might be slightly lower. Booking in advance is key to securing your preferred time and potentially avoiding last-minute price fluctuations. The raw, natural beauty of the course means you're getting a true links experience that is priceless in its authenticity.
🏌️♂️ Golf Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Playing here means walking in the footsteps of legends like J.H. Taylor and experiencing a course that has largely retained its original character. The raw, authentic links challenge is a major draw. The windswept fairways, natural contours, and the presence of sheep create an immersive experience that many modern courses lack. The quirky features, such as the large hole number signs and bunker sleepers, add to its unique historical narrative.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Golfing History
Playing at Royal North Devon is akin to stepping back in time. The course is characterized by its raw, natural beauty, with sheep often seen grazing on the fairways, adding a unique pastoral element to the game. The landscape is windswept and undulating, typical of a true seaside links. While some holes might appear 'raw' with less definition, this is precisely the charm that attracts golfers seeking an unadulterated links experience.
The club's commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in its design and the overall atmosphere. It's not just a golf course; it's a living piece of golfing history. The proximity to other renowned links courses like Saunton and Burnham & Berrow makes it a cornerstone of any South West England golf tour.
Navigating the Quirks and Challenges
Another unique feature is the use of sleepers in front of bunkers. While seemingly unusual, these are part of the course's original design and provide a distinct challenge. Golfers are often granted relief from these sleepers, but they add an extra layer of strategic consideration to bunker play.
The wind is a significant factor at Royal North Devon. As a coastal links course, it is exposed to the elements, and a strong breeze can dramatically alter the difficulty of holes. Players are advised to be prepared for gusty conditions, which are integral to the authentic links challenge.
The Royal North Devon Experience for Visitors
The course itself offers a spectacular experience that is both beautiful and challenging. Its historic nature, combined with its quirky elements and the stunning coastal setting, creates a memorable round. Many visitors highlight the unmatched hospitality they receive, often enhanced by knowledgeable caddies who can share insights into the course's rich history.
For those looking to play a round that offers more than just golf, Royal North Devon delivers. It's a chance to connect with the roots of English golf, enjoy a unique course layout, and experience the warm camaraderie often found in traditional golf clubs.
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