If you’re staying at The Pheasant Lodge and fancy a round, there are some lovely golf courses near Cartmel to choose from, as well as others further afield if you want to make a day of it.
Golf isn’t really my area of expertise, so for this guide I’ve called on my dad. He grew up here and has played plenty of courses around the area. These are the places he’d suggest if a friend was coming to stay.
There’s a good mix, from a flatter course near Grange-over-Sands to scenic rounds at Windermere and Kirkby Lonsdale. Some are within the Lake District, while others take you into the surrounding countryside or out towards the Cumbrian coast.
Golf courses near Cartmel: my dad’s recommendations
Grange-over-Sands Golf Club: for a flatter round close by
Grange-over-Sands Golf Club is a good place to start if you’re looking for golf near Cartmel without travelling too far.
One of the things my dad particularly likes about it is the relatively flat layout. If you’d prefer a round without too much walking up and down hills, it’s worth considering.
That doesn’t mean it’s an easy course, though. The club describes a layout with dog-legs and natural features that can catch out even experienced golfers. It welcomes visitors seven days a week but always check the website before visiting: Grange-Over-Sands Golf Club
Why we’d suggest it: A convenient local option, particularly for golfers who prefer a flatter walk.
Windermere Golf Club: for beautiful Lake District scenery
If you’d like your round to come with lovely Lake District views, Windermere is one my dad would recommend.
He describes it as a pretty, relatively short course, but a hillier one than Grange. It’s worth bearing that in mind if you’re deciding between the two.
The club is at Cleabarrow, near Bowness-on-Windermere, within the Lake District National Park. Visitors are welcome, and there’s a clubhouse where you can stop for a drink or something to eat afterwards. Windermere Golf Club
Why we’d suggest it: A scenic round if you want to play within the Lake District and don’t mind a few hills.
Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club: one of my dad’s favourites
Kirkby Lonsdale was one of the first places my dad mentioned when I asked where he’d take a friend to play.
The scenery is a big part of the appeal. The course is near Barbon in the Lune Valley – just outside Kirkby Lonsdale, with beautiful countryside all around. Although it’s within reach of a South Lakes holiday, it’s outside the Lake District, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
My dad also rates the driving range here, so it’s worth considering if you’d like to fit in some practice as well as a round.
The club has an 18-hole parkland course, a driving range and a short-game practice area. There’s also a clubhouse for food and drinks. Welcome to Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club I’ve eaten here with my family and it was delicious.
Why we’d suggest it: A family favourite for the scenery, with practice facilities to make more of your visit.
Carus Green, Kendal: for golf and practice facilities
Carus Green is another option my dad recommends, particularly for its facilities.
It’s on the edge of Kendal and has an 18-hole course, a driving range and a contemporary clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. It’s really modern and the club lounge has great views. My dad describes the course as relatively flat, making it another one to consider if you’d rather avoid a hillier round.
You don’t necessarily need to commit to a full round to enjoy a visit. The driving range gives you the option of a shorter practice session. I came here with my 8 year old son and we just turned up and bought balls for the range. Always good to check in advance though as I’m sure it can get busy.
Visitor tee times can be booked through the club’s booking system. carusgreen.co.uk
Why we’d suggest it: A good option if practice facilities and somewhere to eat afterwards are high on your list.
Bentham Golf Course: for a round beyond the Lakes
Bentham is another course my dad would include when planning a few days of golf in the area.
It’s in High Bentham, outside the Lake District, so think of it as a trip into the neighbouring Yorkshire countryside rather than a Lake District course.
The family-run, 18-hole course has rolling terrain and views towards Ingleborough and the surrounding hills. There’s also a driving range and a clubhouse. Bentham Golf Course
My dad suggested Bentham alongside Kirkby Lonsdale and Furness as a possible combination for a golf break, giving you a few different settings over the course of your stay.
Why we’d suggest it: Another scenic option if you’re happy to explore beyond the South Lakes.
Furness Golf Club: for a coastal round near Barrow
For something different from the inland courses, Furness Golf Club is on Walney Island at Barrow-in-Furness.
It’s one of the courses my dad suggested including in a golf weekend, especially if you want some variety rather than playing similar courses each day.
Visitors are welcome throughout the week, but check the requirements before booking. Furness Golf Club Old Links
Why we’d suggest it: A coastal option to add a different setting to your golf break.
Further afield: Seascale and Silloth
These are longer journeys from The Pheasant Lodge, so I’d treat them as dedicated golf days rather than nearby places to squeeze in a quick round.
Seascale Golf Club
My dad recommends Seascale if you’re happy to travel further for links golf on the west Cumbrian coast.
The course has views towards the Lake District mountains and out to sea. It welcomes visiting golfers and offers visitor bookings, practice facilities, a bar and catering. SEASCALE GOLF CLUB
It’s one to plan a day around, allowing plenty of time for the journey as well as your round.
Silloth on Solway Golf Club
Silloth is further north, beside the Solway Firth, and is another course my dad rates for a special golf outing.
It’s a links course set among dunes, with views across the Solway and towards the Lake District. Visiting golfers can book to play, but its location makes it a much bigger excursion from our part of the South Lakes. sillothgolfclub.co.uk
If you’re coming primarily for a golf holiday and enjoy exploring different courses, it’s one to have on your radar.
Can visitors play at these golf courses?
You don’t need to be a member of each club to play, but visitor arrangements vary.
Before setting off, check:
- Visitor tee times: Book ahead rather than assuming you can turn up and play.
- Handicap requirements: Some clubs ask for a current handicap certificate or other evidence of golfing experience.
- Green fees: Prices can vary by season, day and time.
- Course conditions: Wet weather can affect opening, trolley use and buggy availability.
- Food and drink: Check catering hours if you’re planning lunch or a meal after your round.
- Equipment hire: Ask in advance if you need clubs, a trolley or a buggy.
A quick call to the club is often the easiest way to make sure you’ve got everything covered.
Where to stay for golf courses near Cartmel
If you’re planning a golfing break, The Pheasant Lodge makes a comfortable base for exploring golf courses near Cartmel and further afield.
Grange-over-Sands is a useful local starting point. Windermere gives you a round within the Lake District, while Kirkby Lonsdale, Bentham and Furness offer different scenery beyond it.
And if some of your group don’t play, there’s plenty to enjoy around Cartmel and the South Lakes while the golfers head out.
The Pheasant Lodge sleeps six, with spacious rooms and somewhere comfortable to put your feet up afterwards. Whether you’re planning one round during a family holiday or a few days away with golfing friends, we hope my dad’s recommendations give you a useful place to start.
Hannah. Host at the Pheasant Lodge