For a refined, decadent English lifestyle, south west London is impossible to beat. Long established as the capital’s most sought-after swathe of neighbourhoods, it's a veritable ocean of prestigious heritage and modern luxury. Richmond, Wimbledon, Barnes and Fulham are synonymous with a high standard of living, boasting stunning period properties, village-feel high streets, and plenty of green space. And, amid the gorgeous sweep of beautiful parks – some of them with ‘Royal’ status – there are genteel private members’ clubs and historic golf courses, unlocking a gateway to an exclusive social scene that is both subtle and sophisticated. Here is our guide to the very best in the area.
Richmond Golf Club
With the look and feel of a private country retreat, Richmond Golf Club is one of the hottest and most exclusive tickets in south west London. Set in the landscaped grounds of the Grade I-listed Sudbrook Park mansion, this parkland course boasts immaculate greens, gently undulating fairways, and a diverse catalogue of strategic challenges that favour golfers who channel precision over length and power. Amid majestic ancient trees – especially some towering chestnuts and oaks – walking the course is thrilling: on the edge of Richmond Park and overlooking Petersham Meadows, it provides a sense of tranquillity and escape, even though central London is just 30 minutes away. The Georgian clubhouse is a feast for the eyes with grand fireplaces, elegant wood panelling, and an expansive terrace that lends itself to post-round drinks at sunset. Black-tie dinners and long summer garden parties are a feature of its vibrant social scene.
Roehampton Club
This highly prestigious private members’ club sets the benchmark for exclusive sporting and social facilities in London, and is in fact one of the best country clubs in Europe. There is an effortless grace that permeates the atmosphere at Roehampton, although clearly an immense amount of work goes on behind the scenes. The club is laid out across 100 acres of meticulously kept grounds on the edge of Richmond Park, and the 18-hole parkland golf course is as impressive as the rest of the facilities – challenging, stimulating and characterful. The perfectly manicured croquet lawns also catch the eye, while racquet facilities are incredible – 30 tennis courts, including grass, clay, hard and indoor surfaces. The clubhouse offers excellent fine dining and inviting terrace bars while the gym, spa, and swimming facilities – both indoor and outdoor pools – are superbly indulgent. There is even an on-site florist. City professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs and diplomats are among the clientele at the exclusive Roehampton Club.
Royal Wimbledon Golf Club
Founded in 1865, Royal Wimbledon Golf Club is a bastion of sporting tradition and utterly interwoven into the fabric of English golfing heritage: it’s the third-oldest golf club in the country. Set on Wimbledon Common, the old 18-hole heathland course – redesigned by renowned architect Harry Colt – is celebrated for its classic English design. The course – a blend of narrow fairways, heather-clad roughs, and contoured greens – rewards ‘purist’ golfers who prioritise thoughtful shot-making. The clubhouse boasts atmospheric oak-panelled drawing rooms that house a lexicon of antique golfing memorabilia. A relaxing terrace overlooks the 18th green, with views stretching across the Common. Membership is by invitation only and highly selective; it’s regarded as one of the most exclusive golf clubs in all of England.
Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club
It was Prince George, the Duke of Cambridge, who established Royal Mid-Surrey in 1892 and its evocative royal connections continue to enhance the appeal of this fine club deep into the 21st century. Set within the sumptuous historic royal parkland of Old Deer Park – and only minutes from Richmond town centre, the River Thames, and Kew Gardens – Royal Mid-Surrey is a rare find, boasting two distinct 18-hole courses within the club. The JH Taylor Course – designed by five-time Open Champion J.H. Taylor – is favoured by low handicappers (nine or lower) and competitive players, who are better equipped to tame the strategic, links-like challenge. The Pam Barton Course serves as a satisfying contrast: perfect for casual players and mixed-ability groups, who can test their nascent skills over a gentler parkland layout – wider fairways and slower, more forgiving greens. Families in particular love this golf club – multi-generational activities are encouraged and cherished, while the junior section and high-tech coaching academies are positively thriving. Membership at Royal Mid-Surrey is selective but welcoming; this is a traditional private members’ club that respects its heritage, and moves with the times.
St George’s Hill Golf Club
Just beyond the official confines of south west London, lies a sparkling gem of a private member’s golf club. Situated in Weybridge, Surrey – a deeply affluent area of semi-rural towns and villages often known as London's 'stockbrokers belt’ – St George’s Hill Golf Club has one of the most stringent membership selection processes anywhere in the country, and for good reason. Regularly hailed as one of England’s most beautiful inland courses (as opposed to coastal), St George’s Hill is described by many who have played there as ‘golfing perfection’. The course was designed by Harry Colt in 1913, and features three sets of nine holes. ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ nines form the championship course, while the Green nine offers another majestic loop with a series of challenging elevation changes. The club is set within a private gated estate, amid vast and stunning grounds. The clubhouse is an Art Deco treasure; glamorous and decadent. Enjoying these divine environs, you’ll find City financiers, sports stars and aristocrats.
For sporting pedigree and elegant socialising, south west London’s golf and country clubs leave you spoilt for choice. With an array of exceptional facilities, historic clubhouses, and first-class courses – all of which are enveloped by nature’s timeless majesty – it would be a shame to limit your attention to just one of them.
