Know before you go: self-drive golf in England

England splits neatly into two golfing worlds — the coastal links of the north-west and Kent, and the sandy heathland belt around London and the south — and a self-drive trip stitches them together beautifully. You will drive on the left on an excellent road network, though the cities (London especially) are best left to the trains. Here is the practical brief before you set off.

Driving on the left is the main adjustment for overseas visitors and settles within an hour; watch the roundabouts and the gearstick on your other side. Automatics are more common in England than in Ireland or Scotland, but they still go quickly in season, so book one ahead if you want it. As always, size up to an estate or mid-size SUV so four bags and four players fit with room to spare.

The one place to think twice about a car is London. Between congestion charges, the ULEZ emissions zone, dense traffic and costly parking, driving in the capital is more hassle than help — base yourself on the train network, play the Surrey and Berkshire heaths by car from just outside the city, and pick the car up when you head for the coast.

The motorway network is fast and comprehensive, and drive times are more predictable than on Irish or Scottish coasts — with one exception: anything near London or the M25 at rush hour. Plan transfers for the middle of the day, cluster your golf by region (the Lancashire coast, Kent, the Surrey heaths), and you will spend far less time in the car than the distances suggest.

Here is a welcome difference from the pure links coasts: on the great heathland coursesaround Surrey and Berkshire, buggies are more often available to hire, and the walking is gentler underfoot. The seaside links — Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham, Royal St George's and their neighbours — are a walking game in the traditional mould, where a trolley or a caddie is the way to play.

Caddies are available at the marquee links and worth it for the local lines; budget from around £60, more at the Open venues, plus a tip. On the heaths, most visitors simply walk or ride. Either way, book a buggy in advance in peak season — clubs hold only a handful.

Expect a smart golf dress code and a tidy standard in the clubhouse — many of the historic English clubs take this seriously, so pack a smart-casual outfit for the bar and dining room. Several of the championship venues ask visitors for proof of handicap and restrict visitor play to certain days, so carry a handicap certificate and check each course's access before you lock in flights. “Ready golf” and a brisk pace are expected everywhere.

England's weather is milder than Scotland's but no more reliable — pack waterproofs, spare gloves and a warm layer whatever the forecast, particularly for the exposed coasts. The heaths play firm and fast on their sandy soil for much of the year, which makes spring and autumn genuinely lovely; the links, as ever, come with wind as standard.

The Open venues and the famous heaths book well ahead for summer — three to six months for peak weekends — while May and September offer better value and easier tee times. Book the hardest-to-get courses first and build the rest around them.

England uses the pound sterling; cards and contactless work virtually everywhere, and the trains are excellent if you would rather not drive every leg. Tipping is modest away from caddies. Mobile coverage is strong nationwide.

With the logistics handled, plan the golf. Use the England trip planner, check when to go, and follow the 7-day itinerary. Then browse the best courses in England and read up on heathland golf, England's great contribution to the game.