Links and Luxury
Golf Breaks in Cornwall: Tee Off From the Headland
Cornwall has become one of the UK's best destinations for golf. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a stay-and-play break, Cornwall rewards every kind of golfer. And there's no better base than The Headland.
The Headland sits on the clifftop above Fistral Beach, overlooking the Atlantic, with Newquay Golf Club just a short walk across the grounds. Between rounds, there's an award-winning spa, the AquaClub and acclaimed restaurants.
Within 45 minutes you can reach some of the finest courses in England, including the ones we feature below.
The Golf Courses on Your Doorstep
Cornwall has around 50 golf courses. Here are the courses closest to The Headland, each worth a place on any golfer's itinerary.
Newquay Golf Club
Distance from The Headland: Approx. 2 minutes
Newquay Golf Club lies just outside the hotel grounds, making it easy to carry your bag from your bedroom to the first tee. The course sits next to Fistral Beach with Atlantic views from every hole. It's excellent for guests who want a convenient 18 holes before dinner.
Perranporth Golf Club
Distance from The Headland: Approx. 20 minutes
Designed by legendary Scottish golfer James Braid, Perranporth is one of Cornwall's best links experiences. The course sits above the beach with views of the North Cornish coast. Blind shots and Atlantic winds make it one of the most characterful and challenging rounds in England. It divides opinion, but those who love it love it completely.
The Headland also offers a dedicated Perranporth Stay & Play package, a one- or two-round break with breakfast included. See our Links Golf Breaks page for details.
St Enodoc Golf Club
Distance from The Headland: Approx. 30 minutes
The St Enodoc Course recently broke into the world's top 50 golf courses. Designed by James Braid, the course runs across the dunes beside the Camel Estuary, with enormous bunkers, and the famous 13th hole is played beside a 12th-century church.
Trevose Golf & Country Club
Distance from The Headland: Approx. 30 minutes
Set above Constantine Bay near Padstow, Trevose is a championship links course that has hosted top-level amateur events. Designed by Harry Colt, the course offers sweeping dunes, challenging bunkers and those signature North Cornish winds.
Trevose also has a Headland Course and a Short Course, making it a genuinely family-friendly option if some in your group are newer to the game. There's a driving range on site too.
Tehidy Park Golf Club
Distance from The Headland: Approx. 25 minutes
A contrast to the coastal links, Tehidy Park is a beautiful woodland parkland course near Camborne. Tree-lined fairways with a more sheltered setting make it a popular choice. It's a challenging, rewarding round for golfers of all levels and a peaceful change of scenery from the clifftop courses.
Other Courses Worth Noting
West Cornwall Golf Club (Lelant, approx. 45 mins) Founded in 1889, this is one of the oldest courses in the county, with spectacular views over St Ives Bay and the Hayle Estuary.
Falmouth Golf Club (approx. 50 mins) A par 70 parkland/clifftop course with stunning views across Falmouth Bay.
Why Stay at The Headland for Your Golf Break?
Location
The Headland is located above Fistral Beach in Newquay, with views across the Atlantic from many of its rooms. Newquay Golf Club is on your doorstep, and the main North Cornwall links courses are all within 45 minutes.
Five-star comfort
The Headland has individually styled rooms and suites, from Cosy Rooms to two-bedroom suites with separate sitting rooms and Atlantic views.
For groups, self-catering cottages sit within the hotel grounds, with their own hot tub options and easy access to all hotel facilities.
Spa and AquaClub
After 18 holes on a clifftop links, there's nothing quite like easing tired legs in the award-winning spa and AquaClub.
Facilities include indoor pools, a vitality pool, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, steam rooms and a full menu of spa treatments. The AquaClub alone has been praised in the national press as one of the finest hotel pool facilities in the UK.
Dining
The Headland is home to several dining options, including Restaurant RenMor and Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling, a Michelin-star restaurant from one of the UK's most acclaimed chefs.
Dog-Friendly
The Headland is fully dog-friendly; all rooms and cottages welcome dogs. If you’re looking to go on a golf trip with the family dog, The Headland is one of the most accommodating options in Cornwall.
Golf packages
The Headland offers dedicated golf packages, including the following:
- Tee by the Sea: One- or two-round stays with breakfast included, bookable as a hotel room or a cottage.
- Golf Spa, Stay and Play: Adds spa and dining credits to your golf break for the full luxury experience
When to Play Golf in Cornwall
One of Cornwall's advantages as a golf destination is its climate. The Gulf Stream keeps temperatures notably milder than much of the UK; frosts are rare, and many of the courses remain playable year-round.
Spring (March–May): The courses are in excellent condition, and visitor numbers are manageable. Some of the best value for golf breaks.
Summer (June–August): Long evenings and warm days, but the busiest period for both golf and the county generally. Book courses and accommodation well in advance.
Autumn (September–November): Many golfers' favourite season in Cornwall, as the crowds thin out. Excellent value.
Winter (December–February): Cornwall's mild winters mean play is often possible when courses elsewhere are closed.
FAQs Golf Breaks in Cornwall
What is the best golf course in Cornwall?
St Enodoc Golf Club is widely considered the finest course in Cornwall and one of the best links courses in England. Perranporth and Trevose are also exceptional links courses with strong national reputations. For parkland golf, Tehidy Park and Lanhydrock are highly rated.
Can beginners play golf in Cornwall?
Yes. Several courses near The Headland cater well to beginners and high handicappers. Newquay Golf Club is an excellent choice to start. Trevose also has a short course and driving range. The clifftop links like St Enodoc and Perranporth are better suited to established players, though visitors of all abilities are welcomed.
Is Cornwall good for golf year-round?
Yes, Cornwall's mild Gulf Stream climate makes it one of the most reliable golf destinations in the UK. The coastal courses rarely close due to weather.
Does The Headland offer golf packages?
Yes. The Headland offers dedicated golf packages, including Tee by the Sea (one- or two-round stays with breakfast) and a Golf Spa, Stay and Play package that adds spa and dining credits. See the golf experiences page for current availability and pricing.
Is The Headland dog-friendly?
Yes, The Headland is a fully dog-friendly five-star hotel. Dogs are welcome in all rooms and cottages, making it an ideal choice for golfers who don't want to leave their dog behind.
Ready to Tee Off in Cornwall?
Whether you're planning a weekend with a single round or a multi-day tour of Cornwall's best courses, The Headland has a package to match.
Browse our current golf breaks below or call the team on 01637 872211 if you'd like help planning something bespoke.
