Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Derbyshire Dales

Golfing in the Peak District

Derbyshire Dales offers golfers something special: the chance to play against a backdrop of limestone dales, wooded valleys and open moorland. Courses here range from compact, friendly clubs on hillsides above market towns to expansive parkland and championship venues just beyond the district boundary. The terrain adds character and challenge, with elevation changes, sloping lies and variable weather testing every part of your game.

Golf tourism is also a growing part of the local visitor economy, with many holidaymakers combining a round with walking, dining and sightseeing. Here are ten of the best golf courses in and around Derbyshire Dales.

1. Matlock Golf Club

Matlock Golf Club is set on high ground above the town, offering panoramic views over the Derwent Valley. The moorland-style course features undulating fairways and natural hazards, rewarding accurate shot-making. Its welcoming clubhouse and established membership make it a cornerstone of local golf, and visitors are warmly received.

2. Bakewell Golf Club

Bakewell Golf Club is a charming hillside course overlooking one of the most famous market towns in the Peak District. Compact yet challenging, it features sloping fairways, small greens and stunning views across the Wye Valley. Its friendly atmosphere makes it popular with both members and visiting golfers exploring the area.

3. Ashbourne Golf Club

Located on the edge of Ashbourne, the gateway to Dovedale, Ashbourne Golf Club offers rolling terrain with fine views of the surrounding countryside. The course provides a good mix of holes that test both power and precision. Its proximity to the town makes it convenient for visitors staying in the southern Dales.

4. Sickleholme Golf Club

Near Bamford in the Hope Valley, Sickleholme Golf Club is renowned for its dramatic setting beneath the gritstone edges. The course features undulating fairways, mature trees and a meandering stream, creating a picturesque and strategically interesting layout. It is easily reached from Hathersage and the northern parts of the district.

5. Cavendish Golf Club

Cavendish Golf Club in Buxton was designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, the architect behind Augusta National. Its classic design, clever green complexes and moorland character make it a favourite among golf enthusiasts. Playing Cavendish offers a chance to experience golden-age course architecture in the Peak District.

6. Buxton and High Peak Golf Club

One of the oldest golf clubs in Derbyshire, Buxton and High Peak Golf Club sits at high altitude, offering bracing conditions and expansive views. The course features firm, fast-running fairways typical of upland golf, rewarding thoughtful course management. Its rich history adds to the appeal.

7. Kedleston Park Golf Club

Set within the historic parkland of the Kedleston estate, Kedleston Park Golf Club is one of the most prestigious courses in the county. Mature trees, water features and immaculate conditioning create a championship-standard experience. Its proximity to Derby makes it accessible for golfers from the southern Dales.

8. Breadsall Priory

Breadsall Priory is a hotel and country club offering two courses, the Priory and the Moorland, set within extensive grounds. It is ideal for golf breaks, combining quality golf with spa and leisure facilities. The variety of its courses suits players of all abilities.

9. Morley Hayes

Morley Hayes is a popular golf and hospitality venue offering an eighteen-hole course, a nine-hole course and a driving range. Its well-maintained layout and excellent practice facilities attract golfers of all levels, while the on-site restaurant and hotel make it a great destination for golf days.

10. Chesterfield Golf Club

Chesterfield Golf Club is a well-established parkland course with mature trees and rolling terrain, located a short drive from the north-eastern edge of the Dales. It offers a traditional members' club atmosphere and a course that rewards accuracy and solid putting.

What Makes Peak District Golf Unique

Golf in this region is defined by its landscape. Elevation changes mean club selection must account for uphill and downhill shots, while wind on exposed hilltops can transform how a hole plays. Moorland courses tend to drain well and play firm, while parkland venues offer lush conditions and tree-lined fairways. Weather can change quickly, so layered clothing and waterproofs are essential.

Trends in Local Golf

Golf participation has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, with more juniors and women taking up the game. Many clubs now offer flexible memberships, beginner coaching and nine-hole competitions to suit busy lifestyles. Sustainability is also rising up the agenda, with clubs managing land to support wildlife and biodiversity.

Tips for Visiting Golfers

Book tee times in advance, especially during summer weekends. Check dress codes and handicap requirements, and consider combining rounds at several clubs during a short break. Many courses offer twilight rates and society packages.

Final Thoughts

From the hillside charm of Matlock and Bakewell to the classic architecture of Cavendish and the parkland elegance of Kedleston Park, golf in and around Derbyshire Dales offers variety, challenge and some of the finest scenery in English golf. Whether you are a local member or visiting for a weekend, these courses deliver memorable rounds in a truly special setting.