More Than Just a Great Round: Why Golfers Love Visiting Dorset
When golfers plan a trip away, they're often looking for more than just an enjoyable course. The best golfing destinations combine great golf with beautiful scenery, delicious local food and plenty to do away from the fairways. That's exactly why Dorset has become one of the UK's favourite golfing destinations.
Home to the spectacular Jurassic Coast, charming historic towns, scenic walking routes and a wide range of courses across the county, Dorset is a great choice for a golfing staycation. Whether you're organising a society trip, a weekend away with friends or a relaxing break with your partner, Came Down Golf Club is ideally located between Dorchester and Weymouth to help you experience the very best of the county.
Stunning Coastline and Scenery
One of Dorset's biggest attractions is the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching for 95 miles, it's home to famous landmarks including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks and Chesil Beach.
After an early tee time at Came Down Golf Club, it's easy to spend the afternoon exploring the coastline. Relax on Weymouth's award-winning beach, take in the views at Ringstead Bay or wander around the charming harbour at West Bay. It's this combination of excellent golf and beautiful scenery that makes Dorset such a rewarding place to visit.
Take to the Water
Dorset's coastline isn't just for admiring from the shore. If you're looking to try something new after your round, Weymouth is a fantastic place for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and jet skiing. For a little more excitement, experience the Jurassic Coast on a speedboat RIB ride or slow the pace with a relaxing Coastal Vibes cruise from Weymouth Harbour. It's a great way to experience Dorset from a different perspective and add another memorable activity to your golfing getaway.
Explore Dorset's Historic Towns
One of the joys of visiting Dorset is discovering its charming towns, each with its own unique history and character.
Start in Dorchester, just minutes from Came Down Golf Club, where Roman roots meet literary heritage. Visit the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, browse independent shops and cafés, or explore Maiden Castle, Britain's largest Iron Age hill fort.
If you have time to explore further, don't miss:
Shaftesbury – home to the iconic Gold Hill and sweeping countryside views
Bridport – a lively market town known for its independent shops and arts scene
Sherborne – discover beautiful Sherborne Abbey and Sherborne Castle and Gardens
Wareham – a historic Saxon riverside town and gateway to the Isle of Purbeck
For something a little different, visit Tyneham Village, Dorset's famous abandoned village, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Sculpture by the Lakes, just outside Dorchester.
Walks That Rival the Fairways
If you enjoy stretching your legs after a round, Dorset is packed with scenic walking routes beyond the famous Jurassic Coast hotspots.
Alongside the classic walk between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, why not discover some quieter favourites?
Hardy's Monument – climb to this historic landmark and enjoy panoramic views across the Dorset countryside and Jurassic Coast.
Thorncombe Wood Nature Reserve – wander peaceful woodland trails that inspired Thomas Hardy and are rich in local wildlife.
Kimmeridge Bay to Clavell Tower – follow dramatic coastal paths with breathtaking sea views, fascinating geology and Clavell Tower overlooking the bay.
Osmington White Horse Walk – explore rolling countryside while taking in the famous chalk hill figure and sweeping views over Weymouth Bay.
Of course, golfers at Came Down don't need to venture far for beautiful scenery. Our elevated downland course offers panoramic views across Dorchester and the surrounding countryside, making every round as enjoyable for the scenery as it is for the golf.
A Food and Drink Scene Worth Travelling For
No golf break is complete without great food and Dorset has plenty to tempt every appetite. From our welcoming clubhouse, fresh seafood and cosy country pubs to award-winning vineyards, there's something to suit every occasion.
At Came Down Golf Club, the experience doesn't end on the 18th green. Our welcoming clubhouse overlooks Dorchester and the surrounding countryside, making it the ideal place to relax after your round. Whether you're joining us for breakfast, lunch or dinner on the terrace, our menu, created by clubhouse managers James and Nina, features freshly prepared dishes made with locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. With a fully licensed bar and breathtaking panoramic views, it's a destination in its own right and is open to everyone.
Some additional local favourites include:
Crab House Café, Weymouth – fresh oysters and locally caught seafood overlooking Chesil Beach
Rockfish, Weymouth – sustainably sourced seafood served on the seafront
The Sun Inn, Dorchester – a traditional country pub showcasing seasonal Dorset produce
Convivial Rabbit, Dorchester – a favourite for craft beer lovers
Langham Wine Estate – vineyard tours and award-winning English sparkling wines
Discover Dorset's Fantastic Golf Courses
One of Dorset's greatest strengths is the variety of golf on offer. From heathland layouts and traditional parkland courses to stunning coastal fairways, there's a course to suit every style of player.
If you're visiting Dorset for a golf break, why not make the most of it by playing more than one course?
Pair a round at Came Down Golf Club with a visit to:
Lyme Regis Golf Club – clifftop golf with spectacular Jurassic Coast views
Weymouth Golf Club – a picturesque parkland course
Wareham Golf Club – beautiful heathland golf surrounded by nature
Knighton Heath Golf Club – one of Dorset's finest heathland layouts
Crane Valley Golf Club – a challenging woodland course
Bulbury Woods Golf Club – a welcoming course near Poole
If you decide Dorset is your golfing home, Came Down Golf Club membership offers even more value through our reciprocal golf programme, giving members access to many of these courses and partner clubs across the South of England (subject to booking conditions).
The Dream Staycation Destination
From dramatic coastlines and historic towns to outdoor adventures and delectable local cuisine, Dorset offers everything you need for a memorable staycation. Spend your mornings on the fairways, your afternoons exploring the county's many attractions and your evenings unwinding with delicious food and warm Dorset hospitality.
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.
Make Came Down Your Dorset Golf Base
Situated in the heart of the county, Came Down Golf Club is the ideal starting point for discovering everything Dorset has to offer. Whether you're here for a single round, a golf society day or a longer break, you'll find outstanding golf alongside countless opportunities to explore, relax and experience the best of the county.
Book a visitor tee time and enjoy a day on our beautiful downland course before heading out to discover Dorset's coastline, countryside and historic towns.
If you have any questions about visitor bookings, membership, reciprocal golf or planning your visit, get in touch with our friendly team. We'll be happy to help you plan your golfing getaway and make the most of your time both on and off the course.