The Addington
The Addington is one of the great heathland courses of the London sandbelt, a J.F. Abercromby design from 1913 across rugged, ravine cut ground in Croydon. A par 69 of about 6,300 yards that plays far longer than the card, it is enjoying a renaissance under a careful restoration that is returning the heather to its inter war splendour.
Photo: The Addington Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
The Addington is one of the great heathland courses of the London sandbelt, a J.F. Abercromby design from 1913 laid out across rugged, ravine cut ground on the high ground of Croydon. Long a cult favourite among connoisseurs, it is enjoying a renaissance under a careful heathland restoration.
It is a par 69 of about 6,300 yards that plays far longer than the card, the routing crossing heather filled valleys and demanding bold carries from the tee. Abercromby called it his masterpiece, and the recent tree clearance and restoration by Clayton, DeVries and Pont is returning the course to the open, heathery splendour of its inter war prime.
The Addington at a glance
- Opened
- 1913
- Designer
- J.F. Abercromby
- Type
- Heathland
- Par
- 69
- Yardage
- About 6,300 yds
- Green fee
- From £100
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from The Addington Golf Club and leading databases. The course was designed by J.F. Abercromby and opened in 1913, a par 69 of about 6,300 yards, and is undergoing a restoration by Clayton, DeVries and Pont begun in 2020. Indicative 2026 visitor green fees run from around 100 pounds. Fees change by season, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The Addington is heathland golf of real drama, the holes plunging across heather clad ravines and climbing to greens perched on the high ground above Croydon. The famous carries off the tee, over valleys of gorse and bracken, give the round a thrilling, old fashioned character that few courses can match.
The par 3s are celebrated, none more than the long 13th, played across a deep valley to a distant green, often cited among the finest one shot holes in England. Abercromby routed the course to use every fold of the land, and the restoration has reopened the vistas and firmed up the heathland turf.
It is a thinking golfer's course, rewarding the bold and precise tee shot and punishing the timid. With the trees coming down and the heather returning, the Addington is once again among the most distinctive and rewarding rounds within reach of central London.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Members club that welcomes visitors Monday to Friday and after 2pm at weekends |
| Green fee | Indicative 2026 visitor green fees from around 100 pounds, with twilight and society rates available |
| Booking | Book through the pro shop in advance; all visitors must register before play |
| On the day | Walking heathland course; a handicap is advisable and a dress code applies |
| Getting there | Shirley, Croydon, in south London, about 20 minutes from East Croydon by road |
| Best months | April to October, with the heather at its best in late summer |
Green fees and access verified June 2026; figures change by season, so always confirm directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers base themselves in central or south London, with the Addington easily reached from East Croydon and the city. The course sits in leafy Shirley, a short drive from the rail links into town.
For a heathland focused trip, a base in the Surrey hills puts the Addington within reach of the wider sandbelt, pairing it with the classics at Walton Heath and St George's Hill. It is an ideal region to build a London heathland tour around.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Croydon and south London.
Build a Surrey heathland golf trip
We pair the Addington with the great Surrey and Berkshire heathland courses and book the lodging and tee times around your group. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
The Addington questions
Who designed The Addington and when did it open?
The Addington was designed by J.F. Abercromby and opened in 1913. Abercromby regarded it as his masterpiece.
What is the par and length of The Addington?
The Addington is a par 69 of about 6,300 yards, a heathland course that plays considerably longer than its yardage over rugged, ravine cut ground.
Is The Addington being restored?
Yes. A rolling restoration by Clayton, DeVries and Pont, begun in 2020, is clearing trees and returning the course to its original open heathland character.
Can visitors play The Addington?
Yes. Visitors are welcome Monday to Friday and after 2pm at weekends, with indicative 2026 fees from around 100 pounds. Book through the pro shop and confirm directly before booking.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.