1 Night, 2 Rounds
Bulbury Woods is a 6,000 yard parkland course on the outskirts of Bournemouth, and it's one of those places where straight hitting beats trying to overpower the card. The fairways are framed by trees for much of the round, so if you're spraying it off the tee you'll be pitching out more often than you'd like.
It's a really enjoyable layout for a mixed-ability group because it doesn't rely on length to defend itself. There are plenty of dog-legs that ask you to pick a sensible line, shape a shot if you've got it, or simply take less club and keep it in play. The standout moment comes at the par-5 9th where you get a cracking look towards the Purbeck Hills and across Poole Harbour before you get back to the job in hand.
Off the course, the modern clubhouse works well for societies and group days, with a large outdoor patio looking over the 18th, a fully licensed bar and a restaurant that leans into local produce. Bulbury Woods is part of the Hobourne Group, who also run Crane Valley Golf Club nearby, so it's an easy one to pair up if you're building a short Bournemouth break.
Groups of eight or more can add food packages, and there's also a simulator you can hire for nearest-the-pin or long-drive competitions after your round. The location puts you handy for the coast and Bournemouth's bars and restaurants, with Purbeck views framing the course throughout.
Who is this for?
Golfers planning a Bournemouth short break who want a parkland test that prioritises accuracy, plus strong clubhouse facilities for groups.
Who is it best for?
Societies and mixed-ability groups, plus mid-to-high handicappers who play their best golf when they keep it in play.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
At 6,002 yards Bulbury Woods looks manageable on paper, but it plays best when you treat it like a placement course rather than a driving contest. The tree-lined corridors tighten your angles and the dog-legs make you think about where you want your next shot from, not just how far you can hit it.
A good tip here is to pick a club you trust off the tee and stick with it. Keeping the ball on the short grass gives you far more chances to take on pins, and it takes the big numbers out of play. Miss the fairway by a yard or two and you can find yourself blocked out quickly, which is where course management really matters.
The greens have a strong reputation locally and are usually a highlight of the round. They're consistently firm and true, so if you're on the right line with your approach you'll have plenty of birdie chances. The flip side is that they'll punish a loose short game, so it's worth spending a few minutes on the practice green before you tee off.
The par-5 9th is the hole everyone remembers. Take a second on the tee to enjoy the view across the Purbecks and Poole Harbour, then focus on position. It's a dog-leg that rewards a smart first shot and a tidy lay-up more than a hero line through the corner. Get your angles right and you'll have a short iron in, but force it and you'll be scrambling.
If you're travelling as a group, the clubhouse set-up is a big plus for a post-round drink and a bit of banter, and the simulator is a fun add-on if you want to run a quick competition before heading into Bournemouth for the evening.
Include Bulbury Woods on your next Bournemouth golf break and pair it with Crane Valley for an easy two-course trip.
Tom
✓14 Apr 2026
A good course for a mixed group of players.
Edward
✓24 Mar 2026
Great course, well kept and very enjoyable.
Dave
✓27 Oct 2025
Mark
✓18 Sep 2025
Excellent, hidden gem, we will return again.
Dan
✓8 Sep 2025
Great greens and a decent layout
Lee
✓13 Aug 2025
Lovely little course, starts of fairly easy and then each gets better with some great positioning play holes.
Andrew
✓29 Jul 2025
Buggy needed again.
Gary
✓10 Jun 2025
Excellent course although rain spoilt day.
Gordon
✓1 Jun 2025
Dan
✓20 May 2025
We would never visit here again even if it were that last golf course on earth, the clubhouse was ok though and the head pro was very helpful.
