Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Burnley

Golf in and Around Burnley

Burnley's location on the edge of the Pennines gives local golfers access to some spectacular scenery. Within a short drive, players can enjoy exposed moorland courses with sweeping views of Pendle Hill, sheltered parkland layouts lined with mature trees, and friendly municipal courses ideal for beginners. The area's golf clubs are known for their welcoming atmosphere, reasonable membership fees and strong junior sections.

Weather plays a big role in local golf. Pennine courses can be windy and wet, which rewards accurate ball striking and good course management. Many clubs have invested in improved drainage and winter greens, making year-round play more enjoyable. This guide brings together ten of the best golf courses in and around Burnley.

The Top 10 Golf Courses

1. Burnley Golf Club

Burnley Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in the area, with a history stretching back to the late nineteenth century. Its moorland course offers panoramic views across the town and surrounding hills. Firm fairways, natural undulations and exposure to the wind create a genuine test for golfers of all abilities, while the clubhouse offers a warm welcome afterwards.

2. Towneley Golf Course

Set within the grounds of historic Towneley Park, Towneley Golf Course is a popular municipal course that is ideal for beginners, families and casual golfers. The parkland setting, affordable green fees and relaxed atmosphere make it a great introduction to the game, and there is also a shorter course for those building confidence.

3. Nelson Golf Club

Located a short drive from Burnley, Nelson Golf Club offers an elevated moorland course with breathtaking views towards Pendle Hill. The layout demands accurate driving and thoughtful approach play, and the club is known for its friendly membership and well-kept greens.

4. Marsden Park Golf Course

Marsden Park Golf Course in Nelson is a parkland course popular with golfers seeking good value. Its mixture of tree-lined holes and open fairways suits a wide range of abilities, and it is often praised for its pace of play.

5. Clitheroe Golf Club

Clitheroe Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the finest parkland courses in Lancashire. Situated in the beautiful Ribble Valley, it offers mature trees, well-bunkered greens and a championship-quality layout that has hosted notable amateur events. It is well worth the short journey from Burnley.

6. Colne Golf Club

Colne Golf Club offers a scenic moorland-style course with rolling terrain and wide views over the Pendle area. Its friendly clubhouse and competitive membership fees make it a firm favourite with local golfers.

7. Accrington and District Golf Club

Accrington and District Golf Club combines moorland and parkland characteristics, offering a varied and challenging round. The course is known for its natural beauty and has a strong reputation for maintaining excellent playing conditions.

8. Whalley Golf Club

Whalley Golf Club sits on the slopes above the pretty village of Whalley in the Ribble Valley. Its parkland course offers stunning views across the valley and is a pleasant, accessible round for golfers of most abilities.

9. Great Harwood Golf Club

Great Harwood Golf Club provides a well-maintained course with a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. It is a good choice for golfers who enjoy a traditional club experience without excessive formality.

10. Prairie Sports Village Driving Range

While not a full golf course, the driving range at Prairie Sports Village in Burnley deserves mention as an essential practice facility. Golfers of all levels use it to work on their swing, and it is a popular place for beginners to take their first lessons.

Trends in Local Golf

Golf in Lancashire has enjoyed a revival in recent years, with more people taking up the game for fitness, fresh air and social connection. Clubs have responded with flexible memberships, twilight rates and beginner programmes. Technology is also shaping the game, with launch monitors, GPS rangefinders and simulator bays helping golfers analyse and improve their performance. There is a growing emphasis on inclusivity too, with more women's and junior sections and taster sessions for newcomers.

Benefits of Playing Golf Locally

• Regular exercise across varied terrain, often walking several miles per round.
• Stunning scenery across the Pennines and Ribble Valley.
• Strong social networks through club competitions and events.
• Affordable membership compared with many other parts of the country.
• Opportunities for business networking in a relaxed setting.

How to Choose the Right Course

Consider your ability, budget and how often you plan to play. Beginners may prefer shorter, forgiving parkland courses, while experienced golfers often enjoy the challenge of exposed moorland layouts. Visiting as a guest or booking a society day is a great way to test a course before committing to membership. Ask about practice facilities, coaching availability and the social calendar.

Final Thoughts

Burnley and its surrounding towns offer a rewarding mix of golf courses, each with its own character. From the historic moorland fairways of Burnley Golf Club to the manicured parkland of Clitheroe and the accessible municipal holes at Towneley, there is something for every golfer. Green fees, membership options and visitor policies change regularly, so check current details with each club before planning your round.