The Valley Course at Lullingstone Park: A Friendly 9-Hole Round
A short, welcoming par 33 in the Darent Valley, ideal for beginners, juniors and a quick round
The Valley Course is the Lullingstone Park golf shorter option: a 9-hole, par 33 course measuring 2,381 yards, laid out in the Darent Valley alongside the longer Championship Course. It is the course to choose when you want a relaxed round rather than a full 18 holes, and it is a genuinely friendly place to learn the game or bring a junior for their first proper outing.
Because Lullingstone Park is a public, pay-and-play venue rather than a private club, you do not need to be a member to play the Valley Course. You can simply book a tee time, turn up and play, which makes it well suited to newcomers who want to try golf without committing to membership or a long day out.
The course at a glance
- Holes: 9
- Par: 33
- Length: 2,381 yards
- Style: parkland, in the Darent Valley with views towards Lullingstone Castle
- Access: pay and play, no membership required
Who the Valley Course suits
A par 33 over nine holes is far less daunting than a full championship layout. Beginners get a real course to practise on without the pressure of a long round, juniors can complete nine holes while their concentration lasts, and more experienced golfers use it for a quick evening loop or to warm up before the longer course. It is also a sensible choice if you are short on time but still want to get out on grass rather than the range.
Valley Course or Championship Course?
The two courses at Lullingstone Park serve different moods. The Championship Course is the full 18-hole test at par 72 and 6,713 yards, while the Valley Course is the shorter, gentler nine. If you are unsure which to book, our guide to playing 9 holes or 18 holes weighs up time, cost and stamina, and the full guide to the Lullingstone Park courses covers both in detail.
Booking and green fees
Tee times for the Valley Course are booked in advance, and a nine-hole round is priced lower than the full 18, which is part of its appeal for a casual game. For current prices and how to reserve a slot, see our green fees, tee booking and visitor guide, and for what to expect as a non-member turning up to play, the pay-and-play visitor guide. You can also start from the Lullingstone Park Golf homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is the Valley Course at Lullingstone Park?
The Valley Course is a 9-hole course with a par of 33 and a length of 2,381 yards. It sits alongside the 18-hole Championship Course in the Darent Valley.
Is the Valley Course good for beginners?
Yes. A short par 33 over nine holes is far more approachable than a full 18-hole round, which makes the Valley Course a good place to learn, to bring juniors, or to play a relaxed game without a long time commitment.
Do I need to be a member to play the Valley Course?
No. Lullingstone Park is a public, pay-and-play venue, so you can book a tee time and play the Valley Course without membership.
How long does a round on the Valley Course take?
Nine holes typically takes around an hour and a half to two hours depending on how busy the course is and your pace of play, roughly half the time of a full 18-hole round.
Is the Valley Course cheaper than the Championship Course?
Yes. A nine-hole green fee is lower than the full 18-hole fee, which is one reason the Valley Course is popular for a quick or casual round. Check the current green fees on our booking guide for exact prices.