Weekend Golf Near London: Where to Play Without Breaking the Bank

The Problem with London Golf

Golf near London has a reputation for being expensive. And some of it is. But the idea that you need to spend £80 or more for a weekend round simply isn't true. There are loads of courses within an hour of central London where you can play 18 holes for a reasonable price, even on a Saturday or Sunday.

The trick is knowing where to look and being a bit flexible with your timing. Here's our guide to affordable weekend golf around the capital.

South of London

Pedham Place, Swanley (Kent)

Just off the M25 near junction 4, Pedham Place is about as convenient as it gets for south London golfers. The parkland course is well maintained, the green fees are reasonable, and you can usually get a weekend tee time without booking weeks ahead. It's nothing fancy, but it's honest golf at a fair price.

Weekend green fee: Around £25 to £35 for 18 holes

Broke Hill, Halstead (Kent)

A hilly parkland course near Sevenoaks with good views and competitive green fees. The layout is interesting and the hills give you a workout. It's popular with London golfers escaping the city for a few hours.

Weekend green fee: Around £25 to £35 for 18 holes

Surrey National, Caterham

A little higher on the price scale but worth mentioning because the quality is excellent for the money. The American-style layout with water features and big greens feels like a proper day out. Weekend rates are around £40 to £50, which is fair for what you get.

Weekend green fee: Around £40 to £50 for 18 holes

East of London

Top Meadow, Upminster (Essex)

One of the most affordable courses in the London area. Top Meadow is a straightforward course that won't intimidate beginners or bore experienced players. Weekend green fees are among the lowest around and the course has been improving steadily.

Weekend green fee: Around £15 to £25 for 18 holes

Stapleford Abbotts, Romford (Essex)

Three loops of nine holes give you 27 holes to choose from. The course sits on higher ground with decent views and, crucially, it drains well in winter. Weekend rates are competitive and you're only about 30 minutes from east London.

Weekend green fee: Around £20 to £30 for 18 holes

Channels Golf Club, Chelmsford (Essex)

A bit further out but worth the drive. Channels is a proper 18-hole course with good conditioning and fair green fees. The twilight rates in summer are particularly good if you don't mind teeing off mid-afternoon.

Weekend green fee: Around £25 to £40 for 18 holes

North of London

Wyboston Lakes, Bedfordshire

About an hour north on the A1, Wyboston Lakes has a well-designed course with affordable green fees. It's a popular society venue which tells you the value is there. The resort also has a driving range and short game area if you want to warm up properly.

Weekend green fee: Around £20 to £30 for 18 holes

Redbourn Golf Club, Hertfordshire

A parkland course near St Albans with a traditional feel and reasonable visitor rates. The layout is mature with established trees and some properly challenging holes. It's a step up in quality from a typical pay and play without the price tag of the premium Hertfordshire clubs.

Weekend green fee: Around £30 to £40 for 18 holes

West of London

Thorney Park, Iver (Buckinghamshire)

Close to the M25 and the M4, Thorney Park is a pay and play course that's easy to get to from west London. The green fees are very reasonable and the course is in decent shape. Not the most exciting layout in the world, but solid value for a weekend round.

Weekend green fee: Around £15 to £25 for 18 holes

Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire

A step up in quality with a parkland course set among mature beech woodland. The setting is beautiful and the course is well maintained. Weekend visitor rates are moderate and the whole experience feels like a proper escape from London.

Weekend green fee: Around £35 to £45 for 18 holes

How to Save Even More

Even at affordable courses, there are ways to stretch your budget further:

• Play twilight. Most courses drop their prices from mid-afternoon. In summer, you've got plenty of daylight to finish 18 holes even teeing off at 3pm or 4pm
• Book online. Some courses offer web-only discounts of 10 to 20 percent
• Go Sunday afternoon instead of Saturday morning. Sunday afternoon rates are often cheaper and the course is quieter
• Join a society. Group rates are almost always better than individual green fees. Browse societies near you on Golf Match UK
• Check for winter deals. Green fees drop significantly between November and March at most courses. Wrap up warm and save yourself 30 percent or more

The Bigger Picture

You don't need to be a member at a 2,000-quid-a-year club to play good golf near London. The courses on this list prove that affordable doesn't mean rubbish. Some of these layouts are genuinely enjoyable, well maintained, and offer a proper golfing experience for less than the price of a decent meal out.

The key is being willing to explore. Don't just play the same course every weekend. Mix it up, try somewhere new, and you'll find hidden gems all around the M25.

Find Affordable Courses on Golf Match UK

Browse courses near London on Golf Match UK and filter by green fee to find options that suit your budget. You can also check out courses in Essex, Kent, and Suffolk for even more choice. If you're looking for a playing partner for a weekend round, post an open game and see who's free.