If you're looking for a destination that has everything - fantastic golf courses, great food, amazing hospitality then look no further than Dorset...
Dorset Golf has over 30 golf clubs and I took a visit last week to play three of them - Parkstone, Isle of Purbeck and Knighton Heath. All are ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Dorset. All three were heathland but the sea was not far away and sometimes in view.
Dorset is famed in literature for being the native county of author and poet Thomas Hardy and children's author Enid Blyton drew inspiration for many of her works from here. So, here's my story, giving you a flavour of what to expect if you follow in my footsteps.
Parkstone Golf Club
Background
One of the best known and finest courses on the South Coast. Parkstone Golf Club is a beautiful and mature heathland course set within mature pines, a wide variety of wildlife together with stunning panoramic views over Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island and the coastal downs of the Isle of Purbeck. Set within a few minutes drive from the vibrant towns and beaches of Poole and Bournemouth, Parkstone Golf Club strives to offer the highest quality in both golf and hospitality.
Golf
56 tees - 5,576 yards, Par 72, slope index 143
Parkstone has to be one of my favourite courses. It's a heathland course but has a links feel. Infact on the back nine you are less than 1/2 mile from the sea. But, you only see the coastline when you are stood on the 16th tee.
The terrain here is exciting. The undulating nature of the course provides descending drives and approaches to elevated greens. The course is always in majestic condition and although the masses of heather were not in bloom I can only imagine it looks stunning later in the year. However, getting out of the heather, if you are in there, is not easy.
The tee distances are now 63, 59, 56 and 50. We played the 56 (5,576 yards) as this was a similar distance to our home club. Interestingly, they have recently introduced 50 tees. These give the junior and beginner golfer a good introduction to the course and the Pink Ladies Academy run by W&G Ambassador, Alice Davies, is thriving.
There is a road running through the course so holes 1-6 are Clubhouse side. You cross the road to play 7-16. Then back across the road for the last two holes.
Favourite Hole - 16th
It's a tough back nine before you cross the road but the 16th is a treat. Par 3 129 yards with an elevated tee. What could possibly go wrong? Heather and gorse to the right, steep drop to the left. You have to be straight.
Isle of Purbeck Golf Club
Background
The Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, nestled in Dorset’s stunning Purbeck Hills, offers one of the most scenic and memorable golfing experiences in the UK.
Overlooking Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the English Channel, the course combines natural beauty with a true test of golf. Originally designed in part by Harry Colt, it blends classic design elements with dramatic elevation changes and coastal winds that demand both strategy and shot-making.
The 18-hole course is known for its undulating fairways, heather-lined roughs, and panoramic views from virtually every hole. The signature 5th hole is a standout, offering breathtaking sea views and a real challenge off the tee. With its relaxed clubhouse and welcoming atmosphere, the Isle of Purbeck is perfect for golfers seeking a blend of heritage, challenge, and tranquillity. It’s a course where nature and the game work hand in hand—ideal for both seasoned players and visiting golf lovers.
Golf
Red tees - 5,582 yards, Par 73, slope index 136
We probably didn't have the best day for views. Our round was sandwiched between heavy rain showers so the course wasn't looking its best. But it's a very interesting course with some tricky holes. You are also have to contend with winds in front and behind so club selection is paramount. Would love to go back when the weather is a little kinder!
Favourite Hole - 5th
Agglestone
I only found out after the round that the 5th is on top of a bronze age burial ground. An exciting hole with the approach to the green quite narrow and running at complete right angles to the fairway. Stay left! Click here to see the video.
Knighton Heath Golf Club
Background
Knighton Heath Golf Club in Bournemouth is a beautifully maintained 18‑hole heathland course spread across 90 acres of undulating high ground. It may be modest in length but offers a serious challenge through its narrow, pine‑lined fairways, doglegs, heather-lined roughs, and top‐tier greens—“arguably some of the best in Dorset”.
The layout features four varied par‑threes and strategically placed bunkers that test accuracy and course management. Knighton Heath is known for its first-class greenskeeping and recent irrigation upgrades, including a borehole installation for sustainability and pristine playing conditions.
I'd never even heard of this course before looking around for a third course to play. A real gem for golfers seeking a picturesque yet testing round in Dorset.
Golf
Red tees - 5,474 yards, Par 71, slope index 132
You will need to plot your way around the course which is heavily tree-lined with some narrow fairways. The greens are in superb condition and the course presents an excellent test of golf for players of all standards.
Only three Par 5s off the red tees but do not be deceived into thinking this is an easy course. There's some blind holes and strategic thinking needed. The 105-yard par 3 18th, stroke index 18 is a case in point. Looks easy but there's an enormous bunker in front and not much give either side. Take a bigger club than you think!
Favourite Hole - 13th
The 13th is the second hardest hole with an elevated tee and dog leg right. You can't see the green until you are down on the fairway so keep left to give yourself a second shot onto the hidden green
N.B. Best ever welcome from the Pro Shop. Later found he was a volunteer. Gave us an insightful overview of holes and condition of the course. Plus hazards to be aware of and on-course watering holes/ toilets. Well done that man! [Will find out his name]
Accommodation
We found a lovely place on the main route into Sandbanks. Set back off the main road with underground car parking.
This is what the website says: "Two luxurious, modern apartments in the same, purpose-built
block with opulent interiors in a prime coastal location."
We stayed in Cappella Flat 8. This first-floor accommodation consists of 2 bedrooms: master bedroom with super-king size (6′) bed and en-suite, second bedroom with 2 large single (4′) beds and smart TV. Comfortably sleeps 4 but up to 5 permitted via 1 additional child’s roll-out mattress provided. Underfloor heating throughout.
Modern well-equipped kitchen with integrated dishwasher. Open plan lounge/diner with smart TV, complimentary WiFi throughout. Intruder alarm and key code door entry (no keys required to take to the beach!). Low level plinth sensor lighting – convenient for night-time.
The underground car park allows you to keep golf clubs in the car safely. Although you can take them up to the apartment in the lift.
It's only a short walk down to the lovely beach and there's a bus service directly outside the apartment should you want to leave the car at home.
Dining/ Restaurant Recommendations
Poole, Bornemouth and Christchurch are awash with dining options. You have the some great restaurants at Sandbanks (Rick Stein, Lazy Jacks) and Canford Cliffs (Rockwater).
My favourites from the trip were:
Other activities
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island, resting in Poole Harbour, Dorset, is an enchanting blend of history, wildlife, and scenic beauty. At 1½ miles long, it’s the largest island in the harbour, owned by the National Trust since 1962 with its northern half managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust. This tranquil sanctuary boasts diverse habitats—woodland, heathland, salt marsh, and lagoon—supporting rare red squirrels (about 200 on the island), sika deer, peacocks, and over 20,000 visiting birds annually, like avocets, terns, and spoonbills.
Steeped in heritage, the island hosted Baden‑Powell’s first Scout camp in 1907 and still welcomes scouts, with commemorative trails and events. You’ll find charming coves, a 16th‑century castle, a church, walking trails, bird hides, and a café.
It's a perfect getaway after a few days on the golf course and a lovely ferry ride across Poole Harbour.
The verdict
This was a personal holiday with friends so all organised by ourselves. Dorset is a beautiful county and has a number of great golf courses and beaches so its a perfect golfing getaway for a couple of days or a week.
The hospitality shown by the courses was fantastic and all had female friendly facilities.
Wore our new 2025 W&G uniform courtesy of Pure Golf AND my 2024 fleece!
Thank goodness I took my Sabbot Headwear bobble hat - came in very useful for Isle of Purbeck!
It’s a ‘yes’ from me and I know the golf and trip will be enjoyed by Women & Golf readers.
If you would like to write about a trip you've made drop me a note.
Thought about taking the girls to Tarragona?
