The Top Five Golf Courses in Britain

Britain is the home of golf and offers some of fabulous courses for those looking for a golf break in the UK. Today, golf holidays in Britain are more and more popular as the condition of courses improve and the welcome and service get better. Plus, there's no concern about exchange rates and delayed flights. The proximity of the courses also makes weekend golf breaks in the UK a great alternative for driving to France, Belgium or taking short flights. We count down the top five holiday courses for your pleasure on a UK golf break.

5. Hunstanton, Norfolk

A beautiful links course, Hunstanton is in the centre of a veritable pocket of gems - Brancaster, Royal Sherringham, Cromer....Plus, the weather and scenery are very kind and the quality of food and accommodation has rocketed over the last 10 years. A private club which welcomes visitors, it's tough and boasts some very difficult holes but the views and the way the course has been put together, make this course one not to be missed.

4. Royal St. Georges, Kent

If you are looking for a more challenging course, spend your UK golf break at Royal St. Georges. A links course, (and therefore offering a more challenging and rewarding game) Royal St. Georges has hosted the Open Championship on several occasions. It is surrounded by other good courses such as Princes, Deal and Littlestone. There are some lovely towns and the course is of the highest order. Carved out of dunes, you can contend with England's deepest bunker, tight fairways and slick greens. A real golfer's test for those wanting to test their mettle against one of Golf in the UK's most demanding courses.

3. Gleneagles

One of the world's finest resorts, Gleneages presents cuisine at the highest level, beautiful bedrooms and three famous courses. Of course, there are the glens to admire and whisky to savour too...As well as the impressive spa. The courses have hosted the biggest tournaments and are arguably the most beautiful inland courses in Great Britain - ancient trees, heathland, beautiful shrubs and very fine layouts. You're also not far from St Andrews and the airports of Edinburgh and Glasgow are within easy reach. A golf break of the highest calibre.

2. Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire

If ever there is a "hidden gem", this is it. Home to the English Golf Union, the Hotchkin course is highly-rated but under-played. A classic heathland, it hosted The English Amateur Trophy in 2008 (sponsored by GolfPlanet Holidays) and all the players rated it extremely highly. The much-respected Golf Digest magazine in USA also rates Woodhall Spa as the most under-rated course in the UK. With a great second course and choice of simple but charming accommodations, it's a great spot and it's not too far from the golf resort of Forest Pines too.

1. St. Andrews.

The World No.1 and why not - five super courses around the town, several more within 20 minutes' drive. It's brilliant. And iIn St Andrews, there's no such thing as a golf bore! There are five ways to get to play the Old Course and we know them all. Hotels are of high-quality too. But St Andrews can be done on a budget...Stay in a inn outside of town and concentrate on the lesser-known, but often equally good, courses and you've got a Champagne golf break for beer prices!