Book Your 2026 Dorset Golf Break

Book Your 2026 Dorset Golf Break

Came Down Golf Club looks forward to welcoming you to West Dorset for your 2026 golf break. Our historic 18-hole downland golf course near Dorchester is kept in superb condition by our dedicated greenkeeping team.

Built on a chalk base with excellent drainage, the course plays beautifully year-round, offering a round that is both challenging and enjoyable. As you play, you’ll take in panoramic views across the Dorset countryside, the historic town of Dorchester and the coastal resort of Weymouth, making every hole memorable.

Came Down is known for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming everyone from experienced golfers to beginners returning to the game.

After your round, unwind in our cosy clubhouse, enjoy a hearty meal or drink, and take in the views. We also offer excellent practice facilities and PGA professional coaching to help you improve your game.

Keep reading to discover more reasons to choose Dorset for your next golf getaway.

Birthplace of the Ryder Cup

Founded in 1896, Came Down Golf Club near Dorchester combines classic course design with a remarkable place in golfing history. The downland course was originally designed by five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor and later refined by renowned architect Harry Colt, creating a layout that remains both challenging and enjoyable today.

Came Down is also closely linked to the birth of the Ryder Cup. It was here that Samuel Ryder, inspired by friendly matches with club member Ernest Whitcombe, first developed the idea for the famous competition between Great Britain and the USA.

When you play at Came Down, you’re quite literally walking in the footsteps of golfing history.

Came Down Golf Club Open Events 2026

We host a variety of 'Open' competitions throughout the year which are always popular and well supported.

Don’t miss out on these great events and the opportunity to make some golf buddies (or rivals!) – enter on our Open Competitions page:

·      Ladies & Mixed Coffee Morning & Golf: 22nd April

·      Junior Open: 26th April

·      Senior Open Texas Scramble: 13th May

·      Mixed Open Bowmaker: 5th July

·      Men’s Open: 30th August

·      Ladies Weekend Open 4BBB: 26th September

West Dorset Events 2026

Dorset always has such a varied events schedule, covering food, music, agriculture and more. 2026 is no exception – here are just a few to visit during your golf break:

Wessex Folk Festival – Weymouth Harbour, 30th – 31st May 2026

One of the most well-known folk festivals in the UK, this long-standing event attracts visitors from across the country. There will be two stages featuring local musicians, as well as trade stalls along the harbour, workshops and of course, the event’s signature Morris dancing throughout the weekend.

Dorset Sunflower Trail – Maiden Castle Farm, Dorchester, August 2026

Experience the beauty of vast sunflower fields in full bloom. Wander along picturesque trails with plenty of great photo opportunities.

Dorchester Cider Festival – Borough Gardens, 15th August 2026

Discover a diverse range of the region's finest ciders, complemented by great food and live music throughout the day in the relaxed atmosphere of the Victorian park.

Dorset County Show – Dorchester Showground, 5th – 6th September 2026

This annual event celebrates Dorset's rich agricultural heritage and rural life, featuring horse jumping, a dog show, a motorbike display, vintage vehicle parade, axe throwing and even a ferret race!

Dorset Sea Food Festival – Weymouth Harbour, 4th – 5th July 2026

The Dorset Seafood Festival returns to Weymouth Harbour in 2026 for a fantastic weekend celebrating the very best of local seafood. Free to attend, it’s an event not to be missed.

Attractions

Museums in Dorchester: Dorchester has a fantastic variety of museums, including the Dorset Museum, The Keep Military Museum and The Tutankhamun Exhibition, each showcasing the area’s fascinating history, archaeology and literary connections.

SandWold Weymouth: SandWorld’s incredible sand sculpture festival is home to breathtaking, larger-than-life creations crafted by talented sand sculptors from around the world. With hands-on activities, it’s a fun and creative all-weather day out for all ages!

Sculpture by the Lakes: nestled in 26 acres of beautiful countryside at Pallington Lakes near Dorchester, this tranquil sculpture park combines contemporary art with landscaped gardens, complete with an art gallery and café.

Abbotsbury Swannery: this unique attraction near Weymouth allows visitors to walk amongst the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans, offering a rare and intimate wildlife experience, especially during the spring and summer months.

Nothe Fort: this well-preserved Victorian coastal fort in Weymouth offers interactive exhibits, underground passages and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.

The Tank Museum: a must-visit for history enthusiasts, this museum near Wareham has an impressive collection of military tanks and exhibits on tank warfare, making it an exciting and educational visit for all ages.

Unique Experiences in West Dorset

Explore the Cerne Abbas Giant: take a hike to the iconic, ancient hillside figure near the village of Cerne Abbas and learn about its mysterious origins and significance.

Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunting: explore the beaches of Lyme Regis and Charmouth, famous for fossil hunting, where you can uncover ancient relics from when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Vineyard Tours at Furleigh Estate: take a tour of this renowned vineyard near Bridport that produces award-winning sparkling wines and enjoy wine tastings with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Explore the Jurassic Coast

For the adrenaline junkies, you can speed along the Jurassic Coast with Jurassic Jet Ski Tours in Weymouth to iconic spots like Durdle Door. For another exhilarating thrill, join Weymouth Bay RIB Charters for a powerboat tour of the bay or a cruise to Lulworth or Portland Bill. You may even spot a dolphin or two!

Explore the geological wonders of the Jurassic Coast via paddleboard or kayak at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks and Knoll Beach at Studland, and Kimmeridge Bay. If you don’t have your own watersports equipment, there are plenty of places along the Dorset coast that offer hire, tours and lessons.

If you’re more of a land explorer, hiking parts of the South West Coast Path lets you take in the dramatic scenery at your own pace. There are plenty of routes suitable for all fitness levels.

Or you can travel in style, with a private 4x4 guided tour across the Purbeck Hills and Jurassic Coast with Dorset Safari. Expect panoramic views of locations like Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, all accessed via off-road routes. You can enjoy homemade refreshments along the way and explore hidden gems like the abandoned village of Tyneham.

Where to stay

Dorset Cottage Holidays offer a fantastic choice of self-catering cottages that are perfect for golf society breaks here in Dorset. Each property provides the comfort of real living space, giving you the chance to relax and enjoy a true home from home after a great day on the course, exploring the coast or discovering local attractions.

All cottages come with the modern features you’d expect, including Wi-Fi, Smart TVs with Netflix, washing machines, central heating and fully equipped kitchens. Whether you’re visiting for a golf getaway or a longer break, these cottages make the ideal base to enjoy everything our beautiful county has to offer.

Browse Dorset Cottage Holidays.

With stunning views, fascinating history and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, we look forward to welcoming you to Came Down for your next golf break in West Dorset. Beyond the fairways, you’ll find plenty to explore, from renowned attractions and unique experiences to exciting local events happening throughout the year. Whether you're teeing off against the backdrop of the Jurassic Coast, exploring Dorchester’s rich heritage or soaking in the vibrant events scene, there’s something here for every visitor to enjoy.

Please get in touch to make an advance booking for your golf getaway, check out our society packages and discover the benefits of joining us as a member.