Barnham Broom Golf Club (Valley)

The 36-hole golf facility at Barnham Broom lies within 250 acres of lovely Norfolk countryside, between Norwich and Dereham. Apart from the two 18-hole layouts, there are three practice holes and a driving range to help golfers keep their game in shape.

There’s also a 46-bedroom hotel on site – featuring leisure and fitness options, in addition to a pool, sauna and steam room – and this residential development offers all-year round stay and play options for the likes of couples or golf society members on a weekend away.

The Valley course was first to appear here in 1977 and it’s a Frank Pennink design, with several of the holes routed around the flowing waters of the River Yare as it winds its way through the property. Extending to 6,483 yards from the back tees, the course plays to a par of 72.

The Hill course arrived a decade later and it’s a little gentler than its older stablemate. Trees are a little less mature so it’s not as tight off the tee and there are fewer water hazards, though its still measures a not inconsiderable 6,391 yards from the back markers for a par of 71.

Highlight holes on the Valley include the 416-yard 3rd – where the river cuts diagonally across the fairway, around fifty yards short of the putting surface – and the 137-yard 7th, which plays through a narrow chute of trees from an elevated tee position to the green.

On the back nine, the 300-yard 12th is a terrific short par four – doglegging left over water and up to a green that’s benched into a little rise – and the 344-yard 16th offers a great birdie chance late in the round as the fairway falls down and narrows towards the green.