Fancy a day on the fairways? A Championship Golf Course set in the ancient woods of Hamptworth on the edge of the New Forest National Park should do nicely – especially when it comes with an IG-fodder Clubhouse that’s just had a multi-million pound refurb. 

Set on the Wilts/Hants border, Hamptworth is renowned as one of the finest courses in the South of England. The woodland location means there’s a great array of forest lined fairways, winding paths and water hazards, which come courtesy of the River Blackwater winding its way through the course.

If you need a little more practice, you’re in luck – Hamptworth just opened up their brand new Driving Range, an all-weather facility with eight covered bays that’s equipped with TopTracer interactive screens and a state-of-the-art hitting surface from Huxley Golf. 

Total beginner? Lessons from Hamptworth’s team of PGA professionals (including Top 50 Golf Monthly coaches Katie Dawkins and Nathan Cooke) are available from £35 for 30 minutes, and women’s group lessons are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can even get the kids involved – Junior Golf classes are held every Sunday, and you can even sign up for Golf Camps during the school holidays.

All weather tennis courts await your aces and if croquet is your bag, there are five full-size lawns at Hamptworth, along with fully qualified coaches available for newbies or those wanting to up their game.

After you’re worn out from playing, come and collapse in Hamptworth’s super-elegant clubhouse. Having been recently dolled up in a huge makeover, it’s now replete with Art Deco-inspired features, velvet banquettes and statement lighting. Stop for a G&T at the sleek bar, or sip a coffee while you eat a slab of homemade cake. Food is served daily; there are slap-up breakfasts available for early birds, and Sunday roasts with all the trimmings available on the last Sunday of every month. Worth a trip alone, I reckon…