How to Book a Tee Time at Lullingstone Park

If this is your first round at Lullingstone Park, the booking part is simpler than the golf. Lullingstone is a public pay-and-play course set in the Darenth Valley near Chelsfield, just outside London via the M25 and A20, so you do not need to be a member to play. You can turn up and pay your green fee on the day, but for the 18-hole championship course, and for any weekend or group round, it pays to reserve a tee time first. This guide walks you through both ways to book, when to ring, how far ahead you can plan, and what to do if you arrive without a slot.

The two ways to reserve a tee time

There are two routes to a confirmed tee time at Lullingstone Park. The first is the phone: a quick call to the pro shop, which is the dependable option and the one most first-time visitors use. The second is online booking, which the course has been rolling out. Online slots come and go as the system is set up, so if you cannot see the day or time you want online, treat the phone as your primary route rather than assuming the course is full.

Option 1: Call the pro shop (the reliable route)

To book the 18-hole course, ring the pro shop on 01959 533793. The staff manage the tee sheet and will give you a confirmed time there and then. Have a few things ready before you dial so the call is quick:

• The date you want to play, plus a rough time window (for example "Saturday, around 9am" or "Wednesday afternoon").
• How many players are in your group, from one up to a fourball.
• Whether you want the 18-hole championship course or the 9-hole Valley course, so they book you onto the right tee sheet.
• Any extras you might want, such as the driving range or a bite at The Lodge afterwards.

When you ask, be clear about 18 versus 9 holes. Say something like "I'd like to book 18 holes for two players on Saturday morning." If you only have an hour or two, ask about the 9-hole Valley course instead, which is a gentler, quicker round and well suited to beginners. The Lodge, the on-site clubhouse, can be reached separately on 01959 532928 if you want to sort food or drink for after your round.

Option 2: Book online (where available)

Online tee booking is being added for Lullingstone Park, so depending on when you visit you may be able to pick a slot and pay your green fee from your phone or laptop. If an online booking option is live, you choose your course, date and time, then confirm. It is handy for quiet midweek rounds when you know exactly when you want to play. Because the online system is still being introduced, do not rely on it alone for a busy weekend or a group: if the slot you want is not showing, ring the pro shop on 01959 533793 and they will sort it. Full pricing and any live booking links sit on the Green Fees page.

How far ahead can you book?

As a pay-and-play course, Lullingstone Park is flexible. For a single round on a quiet midweek morning you can often book just a day or two ahead, or even play on arrival. For a weekend tee time, especially a popular mid-morning slot, ring as early as you can, ideally several days to a couple of weeks before, because those times fill first. The simple rule: the busier the slot you want, the further ahead you should book. If your date is fixed, such as a birthday round or a visit with friends, do not leave it to chance. Call the pro shop and lock it in.

Peak, off-peak, midweek and weekend

When you play affects both how easy it is to get a tee time and what you pay. Lullingstone Park sets its green fees by day and time, with the cheapest rates midweek and off-peak, and the price for the 18-hole round above that for 9 holes. The course does not publish a fixed figure here, and rates change with the seasons and special offers, so check the current price on the Green Fees page or confirm it when you call rather than relying on a number you read elsewhere.

• Midweek mornings and afternoons are the quietest and usually the cheapest, with the widest choice of tee times. Best for first-timers and anyone who wants an unhurried round.
• Weekend mornings are the busiest and the priciest. Book ahead and ring early in the week for a popular slot.
• Late afternoon and twilight slots can be good value and quieter, though check how much daylight you have, especially in autumn and winter.

If you are watching the cost, ask the pro shop directly: "When is your cheapest time to play 18 holes this week?" They book these slots every day and can point you to the best-value tee time around your schedule. For the full layout of each round, see the 18-hole championship course and the 9-hole Valley course.

Group and society bookings

Lullingstone Park welcomes societies and groups all year round, so a work day out, a stag round or a regular gathering of friends is straightforward to arrange. The booking is the same call to 01959 533793, just with a bit more notice. For a group, give the pro shop your headcount and date as early as you can so they can set aside a block of consecutive tee times and you all go out close together. It is also worth asking about group rates and arranging food at The Lodge for afterwards, which turns a round into a proper day out. For larger societies, the more notice you give, the easier it is to hold the times you want.

What to do on the day if you have not booked

Not pre-booked? You can still play. Lullingstone is pay-and-play, so head to the pro shop, pay your green fee and ask for the next available tee time. Midweek and off-peak you can often go straight out. At a busy weekend you might wait for a gap, which is exactly why ringing ahead is worth it for a popular morning. If the 18-hole tee sheet is full when you arrive, ask about the 9-hole Valley course, which is more relaxed and can usually fit walk-up players, or warm up on the driving range while you wait. The pitch and putt is another easy option if you have brought beginners along.

A quick recap before you call

Booking a round at Lullingstone Park comes down to one phone call. Ring the pro shop on 01959 533793 with your date, time, player numbers and your choice of 18 or 9 holes, and you will have a confirmed slot in a couple of minutes. Use online booking if it is live and the time you want is showing, lean on midweek and off-peak for the best value, and give plenty of notice for weekends and groups. For prices and any live online links, see the Green Fees page, and you can find directions and visitor details back on the Lullingstone Park Golf Course homepage.

Golf in England is governed by England Golf, which is a useful starting point if you are new to the game and want to understand handicaps and the rules before your first booked round.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a tee time at Lullingstone Park?

Call the pro shop on 01959 533793 to reserve a tee time on the 18-hole championship course. Tell them which day and roughly what time you want, how many players are in your group and whether you want 18 or 9 holes. Phone is the reliable route while online green-fee booking is being rolled out.

How far ahead can I book a tee time?

You can usually book anywhere from a day or two to a couple of weeks ahead. For a weekend morning or a group, ring as early as you can. For a quiet midweek round you can often book a day or two before, or sometimes simply turn up and play.

Do I need to book the 9-hole Valley course in advance?

The 9-hole Valley course is more relaxed, so you can often play without booking ahead, though it is still worth a quick call at busy times. Pre-booking is mainly aimed at the 18-hole championship course.

What does it cost to play 18 holes?

Pay-and-play green fees vary by day and time, with midweek and off-peak slots cheaper than weekend mornings, and the 18-hole round priced above 9 holes. Lullingstone Park does not publish a fixed price here, so confirm the current fee on the Green Fees page or by phone when you book.

Can I organise a group or society booking?

Yes. Societies and groups are welcome year round. Call the pro shop on 01959 533793 with your numbers and preferred date so they can set aside a block of consecutive tee times and talk you through group rates and catering at The Lodge.

What if I have not pre-booked when I arrive?

Walk into the pro shop and ask for the next available tee time. Off-peak and midweek you can often go straight out. At weekends you may wait for a gap, so for a busy morning it is better to ring ahead on 01959 533793.