Lakeside Ave,
Thorpeness, Suffolk IP16 4NH
Office
+44 (0)1728 452 176Pro shop
+44 (0)1728 454 926Fax
+44 (0)1728 453 868Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Christine Langford (PGA Golf Professional).The Course:
18 holes. Heathland course. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Rural countryside.
Designer:
James Braid
52.181438
1.606739
25 miles NE of Ipswich
Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel: this renowned Suffolk coast golf course (and onsite hotel), is located a few hundred yards inland from the sea. Rather than duneland in character, the layout is defined by an abundance of gorse and heather. Like neighbouring Aldeburgh, straight-hitting from the tee is a prerequisite to scoring well as you journey around this absorbing and challenging layout.
The back-nine, on this out-and-back "heathland" gem, gets the edge over the front-nine, with arguably the more interesting and testing golf holes. But throughout, don't think that the par of 69 translates into an easy-going layout.
You will need to drive the ball accurately to find the not overly wide fairways. Par and birdie opportunities should be grabbed with both hands if and when they occur, with only two par-5s in the layout and plenty of trouble in store if you are too far offline.
Pick of the holes: the long left-to-right doglegging par-4 18th is another fairly tight driving hole, with fairway bunkers left, right and centre to be navigated. Your approach shot into the green is framed by the iconic "House in the Clouds" and Thorpeness Windmill, one of the most memorable finishes in English golf.
Stay&Play at Thorpeness GC: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required.
Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire.
Limited
The towering "House in the Clouds" and next to it the Thorpeness Windmill, are two impressive structures that see you home at the par-4 18th hole. The unusual "house", was originally constructed as a cleverly disguised 30,000 gallon water tank. It served the village of Thorpeness, before it had a mains water supply.
The water tower was made redundant in 1977, and the main water tank removed. The towering structure was converted into a seven-storey dwelling, with five bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a staircase of 85 steps bottom-to-top. It is a Grade II Listed Building.
England's 97th best course (Golf World, 2025).
Thorpeness, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP16 4NH
+44 (0)1728 452 176
Visit websiteThe Thorpeness Hotel & Golf Club is situated in a peaceful location next to the Meare (fresh water lake) and 5 minutes’ walk from the beach. Offering traditional hospitality throughout the year and operating to the highest of standards, facilities include 36 spacious and comfortable bedrooms many of which have views of the Meare or the golf course.
Thorpeness
Aldeburgh.
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Aldeburgh; Thorpeness
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