Royal Cromer Golf Club

Royal Cromer was granted Royal status by Queen Victoria and it's perched on a clifftop on the north-east corner of the Norfolk coastline, serving up big North Sea views from the moment you step onto the property. You're looking down over the sandy beaches far below, with the North Sea stretching out in front of you.

It's one of England's oldest courses and it sits in the historic seaside town of Cromer. You're only 40 minutes from Norwich, so it's easy to reach, and the rest of the Norfolk broads are within striking distance, with Sheringham and Hunstanton both close by.

The club has a big reputation for a warm welcome and the clubhouse is steeped in history. I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for old clubhouse history, and you could easily lose an hour here just browsing the photographs, trophies and club records.

The course itself plays as a proper clifftop test, with the wind a constant factor and the views a constant distraction. Fairways run along the cliff edge and through gorse-lined corridors, demanding accuracy off the tee and smart course management when the breeze picks up. The greens are typically firm and fast, rewarding well-struck approach shots and punishing anything short or wayward.

Who is this for?
A weekend Norfolk escape where you can play a proper old-school club, enjoy sea air and still be within easy reach of Norwich for food, pubs and a bit of life after the round.

Who is it best for?
Players who like links-style conditions without the full 'dunes and rumpled fairways' stereotype, and who don't mind the wind asking a few awkward questions off the tee.