The Nottingham Heathland’s

Discover the Nottingham Heathlands: Three Outstanding Courses at the Heart of England

Nestled in and around the historic city of Nottingham lies a trio of exceptional heathland golf courses – each one offering a distinctive and unforgettable experience. The Nottingham Heathlands are home to Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell), Coxmoor, and Sherwood Forest – three of the finest inland layouts in the UK, and each steeped in history, challenge, and charm.

Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell): A Heathland Masterpiece

Often referred to simply as Hollinwell, Notts Golf Club is arguably the crown jewel of the Midlands and a true icon of the Nottingham Heathlands. Regularly ranked among the best courses in the country, this traditional heathland layout features rolling fairways framed by heather, gorse, bracken, and towering pines. Recent woodland clearance has opened up the vistas, allowing the natural beauty of the course to shine through.

Set deep within the Nottinghamshire countryside, the course evokes a sense of timeless English spirit. As poet Rupert Brooke once said, “there’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England” – and nowhere is that feeling more tangible than here at Hollinwell.

Too often overlooked in favour of more ‘fashionable’ names, Notts Golf Club is every bit the equal of the likes of Woodhall Spa. From the first glimpse of its iconic white clubhouse – complete with smoking chimneys and a menu of bacon rolls and teacakes – you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere special. Carved into a natural valley within Kirkby Forest, the undulating terrain delivers both beauty and a true test of golfing skill.

Coxmoor Golf Club: High Standards, Higher Ground

Just a short drive away, Coxmoor Golf Club stands proudly as another jewel in the Nottingham Heathlands collection. This par-73 layout offers a stern challenge, regularly hosting Open Championship qualifiers. Positioned nearly 600 feet above sea level, Coxmoor is often exposed to brisk northerly and easterly winds, adding an extra layer of difficulty for even the most seasoned golfers.

The club has strong credentials – Greg Owen and Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson are both honorary members – and recently celebrated its centenary. With immaculate conditioning, fast-running fairways, and a commitment to preserving its heathland character, Coxmoor deserves every bit of its growing reputation.

Sherwood Forest Golf Club: Heathland Golf in Legendary Surroundings

Set within the famous Clipstone Woods and part of the legendary Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Forest Golf Club is another outstanding example of Nottingham Heathlands golf. This traditional heathland layout features firm, fast fairways in the summer months and greens that are consistently among the best in the region.

The course winds its way through majestic rows of pine, birch, and oak trees, creating a natural and peaceful setting that belies the challenge ahead. Designed in part by the great Harry Colt and later enhanced by James Braid, this strategic track includes 94 well-placed bunkers and demands accuracy from tee to green.

Whether you’re a scratch player or a weekend warrior, surviving a round in Robin Hood country is no easy feat – but it’s certainly a rewarding one.

Why Visit the Nottingham Heathlands?

For any golfer seeking the best heathland experiences outside of Surrey and Berkshire, the Nottingham Heathlands offer an exceptional alternative. These three historic courses—Notts (Hollinwell), Coxmoor, and Sherwood Forest—combine elite design, stunning landscapes, and first-class conditioning, making the region a must-visit for any serious golfer.

TREVOSE, CORNWALL - MAY 24: The green on the par 5, 4th hole at sunset at the Trevose Golf and Country Club, on May 24, in Trevose, England. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)