Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is in a prime location right next to Bournemouth Beach and Pier. Themed around the town’s smuggling history, the open air adventure golf course in Bournemouth has 18 holes with some challenges along the way. The course opened in July 2019.
The nearest car park to Bournemouth Pier is Bath Road South, however this is a popular car park with beach visitors. There are plenty of car parks in Bournemouth which are all nearby.
Prices and Opening Times
The adventure golf course is open all year round, with varying hours and longer opening times during the Summer months with longer daylight hours.
Current course prices are £10.60 for adults, £7.50 for children under 16 and £30 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children. A student discount of 20% is also available.
Booking isn’t essential, but advisable during busy periods as you may discover long waiting times.
Course Overview
Smugglers Cove adventure golf is the home of the crafty and cunning Moonshadow Gang whose infamous exploits challenge the King’s Customs Men on a mini golf adventure.
With 18 holes along the course, some will be more challenging than others. You’ll pass rocks, waterfalls, church ruins and gravestones along your way. The middle of the course is filled with water, so beware of losing your ball!
Throughout the year, there are often activities happening, such as during Half Terms and seasonal times of the year.
Our Review
Despite arriving a little late for our booking, we received a warm welcome. Grabbing our golf putters and uniquely coloured ball for each player, we set off to the first hole.
Visiting on a busy bank holiday with the sun shining, I was definitely expecting it to be busier than it was. Perhaps the best top tip is to book over the busy lunch period, and eat before or after.
Playing in a group of 6, we had all agreed we wouldn’t be too competitive! That didn’t last too long, however and we were all soon trying for a hole in one! Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf have a handy score card app, so much easier than pencil and paper. No adding up needed at the end of the game either.
On a hot day, there isn’t a lot of shade around the course we discovered. It’s also worth noting as you’re so close to the beach, you’ll catch the rays reflecting off the water as well.
The whole course took us around 45 minutes to complete. As the course was quiet, there weren’t any queues and we were only held up once during the whole course.
There are some very challenging holes dotted around some easier ones. Having to find the correct amount of pressure to propel the ball over a gap is funny to watch. Thankfully we didn’t lose any of our balls in the water, as there is a charge to replace them.
At the end of the course, there’s a nice photo opportunity with the backdrop of the course behind you, perfect for sharing your score with Smuggler’s Cove on social media.
Overall, this adventure golf course in Bournemouth is fun, and in a great location if you’re looking for things to do in Bournemouth.
You may also like to read – Mighty Claws adventure golf review