1 Night, 2 Rounds
Right, let's talk about Isle of Purbeck. Formed in 1892, it's one of those courses where the golf and the scenery are so intertwined you can't really separate them. Set high on the cliffs in Dorset, you're looking out across Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island, with the Solent and the Isle of Wight sitting on the horizon. If you like your golf with a proper "stop and take it in" moment, the view from the 5th tee is the one everyone talks about, and with good reason.
It's not just a pretty walk, either. Isle of Purbeck regularly appears in Golf World's Top 100 in Great Britain and it's also featured in Golf Monthly's Top 200 UK & Ireland list, which tells you what sort of test you're in for. It's a thinking golfer's place. The wind is always part of the puzzle and the par 3s, in particular, can play completely differently from one day to the next depending on direction and strength. The club has a strong competition pedigree and has been a favourite with visitors for generations, which speaks volumes about the quality of the layout and the welcome you'll get.
If you're planning a UK golf break and want something with history, views and a bit of bite, Isle of Purbeck is a cracking shout. Bring your camera, bring a few extra balls and don't be surprised if you spend as much time looking up as you do looking down at your line.
Who is this for? Golfers looking for a proper clifftop test where wind, angles and course management matter as much as ball-striking. Ideal for mates' trips and societies who like great views and a course with a bit of teeth.
Who is it best for? Mid-handicappers and better who enjoy strategic golf in the breeze, plus anyone building a Top 100 Great Britain tick-list.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
From the back tees the course tips out at just over 6,200 yards, but don't let that fool you. Between the elevation changes, sloping fairways and fast-running coastal wind, it's a proper test of control and course management rather than a driver-fest. The greens have plenty of movement, the bunkering is well placed and misses can finish a long way from where they first land.
The par 3s are the headline act. Each one asks a different question and the answer changes with the breeze, so you'll earn your 2s and 3s rather than collecting them. If you're trying to score, it's a day for picking smart targets, shaping the odd shot and accepting that "middle of the green" is sometimes the best play. I've played a lot of clifftop courses and the variety here, hole to hole, is what keeps you engaged all the way round.
A couple of handy first-timer notes. On the 9th, local knowledge is to favour the left side of the fairway to keep the out-of-bounds right out of the conversation. Coming home at 18, pay attention to the prevailing wind as you choose your club, because it can be deceptively quick into (or down) the breeze and the green is brisker than it first appears. The sloping fairways throughout mean you'll want to think about where your ball is going to finish, not just where it lands, especially if the ground is firm.
Off the course, the clubhouse is well worth a visit for a post-round pint and a bite to eat, with those big views still in play from the terrace. There's also a pro shop for essentials and souvenirs, plus practice facilities including a driving range, putting green and chipping area. Buggies, clubs and trolleys are available for hire, which is no bad thing when you're walking up and down a clifftop layout.
| Par | 70 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Harry Colt |
| Opened for play | 1892 |
| White | 6,295 yards | SSS 71 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 5,986 yards | SSS 69 |
| Red | 5,582 yards | SSS 73 |
Ian Mark
✓20 Mar 2026
A lovely course with some challenging but beautiful holes. We would definitely play here again and imagine the course plays harder when the rough is in full effect.
James
✓13 Nov 2025
We loved this course. Each of the four of us said we’d definitely come back again. We loved the holes, the scenery and the whole ambience of the place. Some great feature holes, particularly the Par 3s and 5s. We agreed that playing this course, unexpectedly and unplanned (see above), made it the highlight of our two day trip. We would all highly recommended Isle of Purbeck.
John
✓10 Oct 2025
Brian
✓21 Sep 2025
Very difficult strong winds and rain affected our enjoyment. But could see the course is well designed
Harvey
✓11 Sep 2025
Bill
✓15 Aug 2025
Lee
✓13 Aug 2025
Fantastic course with fabulous views over Poole harbour and the Bournemouth coast line. The fairways are generous, heather & fern all over the course which adds to its difficulty. The greens were superb and in tip top condition considering the very dry summer. The course is superbly laid out and takes you up, down, left & right with some great drop holes and very challenging tee shots. A very enjoyable day of golf but I’d say there are some long tee shots to get the fairway so 24 h/c and above will probably struggle, overall it’s an experience as much as a round of golf.
Christopher
✓6 Aug 2025
We have played IOP on many occasions over the past 15 years and whilst it is a fabulous golf course with spectacular views, the condition of the course leaves a lot to be desired!! Greens were ok but the fairways were very poor which is a real shame as this is such an iconic golf course. I was told by the sales consultant at YGT prior to booking this trip that a considerable amount of money had been invested into the course recently, no sign of that whatsoever and sadly the same tired look as in previous visits! I don’t think that we’ll be going back again, which is a shame.
Robert
✓8 Jul 2025
Good course with some great holes. But fairways suffering from lack of water, which meant with many blind shots balls running off into gorse and lost forever!!!!
Dan
✓20 May 2025
One of the finest courses we have ever played, the views were ethereal. Clubhouse and staff superb
8:15am onwards
Yes
Yes
There is complimentary car parking
