Hadleigh, near Benfleet ★★★★★ 4.7 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,700 yards · Parkland/heathland Green fees £50–£75 · Visitors Mon–Fri & after 12pm weekends
Thorpe Hall is one of Essex’s finest parkland courses, a Harry Colt-inspired layout on the Essex Heaths with wide fairways, clever bunkering and some of the best greens in the county. It’s long enough to test good players but generous enough for mid-handicappers.
The course opens up on the back nine with big views towards the Thames. The 12th is a gorgeous par-3 over water and the 18th is a classic risk-reward par-5 finish. The Georgian clubhouse is beautiful and the food is excellent — try the Sunday carvery.
Pros
- Colt-style strategic design
- Immaculate presentation
- Stunning clubhouse and dining
- Friendly visitor welcome
Cons
- Wind can be brutal on the back nine
- Premium weekend fees