Less than an hour from the centre of London, nestled in the River Eden Valley, is Hever Golf Club. Originally a short 9 hole course, Hever was extended in 1992 and now boasts 27 holes giving golfers a number of different permutations from which to make up their round.
The oldest course (the Princes) was opened in 1998 and here accuracy is much more important than length with water and trees waiting to catch wayward shots.
The two newer 9 hole loops, the Kings and Queens, are a nice contrast and feature a number of mammoth par fives - including the 644-yard 17th, where you'll be happy to get on in three.
A good idea is to make a day of it and fit in all 27 holes. Played the shorter course (the Princes) in the morning as a bit of a loosener, then after a spot of lunch headed out to play the main 18 where you can open your shoulders a bit more.
Best Hole: 13th 345 yards par 4. Affectionately referred to as 'the bastard 13th' by the locals, this dogleg left requires you to cross the water twice, avoiding the pond that runs the length of the fairway to the left.
Address: Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NP
Tel: 01732 700771
Green fees: Kings and Queens: Midweek £40, Weekend £60; Princes from £12
Restrictions: No visitors before 11am weekdays or before midday weekends
