Swings Golf in Meadow Lane, Nottingham

Tucked between Meadow Lane and the River Trent, Swings is a proper little golf hideaway on the edge of Nottingham city centre, and you will spot it by its big green windows and the flags outside. Inside, the bays run on TrackMan iO, a ceiling-mounted system that watches both the ball and the club, so every swing comes back with numbers on speed, launch, spin and carry.

What really stands out is how little you need to bring. Every bay comes stocked with a full set of new Cobra clubs in a tour bag, Pro V1 balls and bamboo tees, and there are left-handed sets too. That makes it an easy suggestion for a mixed group where only one or two people own clubs. You can still bring your own if you would rather play with what you know.

The pricing is refreshingly clear: a fee for the bay plus a small charge per player, with a VIP bay if you fancy marking an occasion. Darts is on offer as well, which helps when not everyone in the party wants to swing a club all evening.

For those with a competitive streak, Swings runs monthly Bullseye competitions with the chance of a grand final, and hosts the Faldo Virtual Series for young golfers aged 7 to 21. There are also lessons with a TPI-qualified professional, and memberships for regulars. Families are well catered for, as TrackMan includes playful games aimed at children.

Parking is limited to three bays at the front, but there is free two-hour street parking on Meadow Lane, and the Cattle Market car park is an option when there is no football on. Opening hours are not listed on the website, so it is worth checking the booking page before you set off.