Why Now Is the Time to Plan Your Visit to the North West of England
With Royal Birkdale preparing to host The Open in 2026, a rare window has opened on England’s Golf Coast—where three Royal Open Championship venues sit within striking distance of Liverpool, and tee times are still within reach.
Royal Birkdale photography by David Cannon
Every golf traveller knows the great pilgrimage routes: the Old Course at St Andrews, Augusta in April, the dunes of Bandon or Barnbougle. But few realise just how tightly the past, present and future of The Open are clustered along England’s north-west coast—and just how accessible they are from one of the UK’s most compelling cities.
Liverpool may not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a championship golf trip. And that’s exactly why now is the perfect moment.
With Royal Birkdale due to host The 154th Open in 2026, there is a narrowing window of opportunity. Tee times at Birkdale—one of England’s finest links and a jewel of the Open rota—are still available. But not for long. Players who act now can walk the same fairways as the greats, either side of the championship, with the course in near-identical condition.
It’s not just Birkdale. Within an hour’s drive of Liverpool, two other Open venues—Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St Annes—sit waiting. These are not distant detours. They’re part of a rare geographical triangle of major championship golf—the “Three Royals”, if you will—all playable within a few consecutive days from a single city-centre base.
Alongside them are Formby, Hillside and Southport & Ainsdale—top-ranked links with strong tournament pedigree and the kind of character that rewards repeat play. The routing of the trip requires no compromise. Six standout courses, played at the right pace, without ever needing to repack a suitcase.
And in between rounds: Liverpool. A city shaped by trade, soundtracked by The Beatles, and alive with football, food and independent spirit. A private walking tour reveals its layers—Georgian terraces, repurposed warehouses, dockside art, music venues that never lost their edge. Guests stay at the Titanic Hotel, a former rum warehouse turned refined retreat, just a short stroll from the best of the city.
During football season, the experience deepens. Matchday hospitality at Liverpool or Everton brings a different kind of theatre. The chants, the tension, the sense of place—it’s a window into a culture where sport still means everything.
This is a journey that blends world-class golf with real urban character. It’s rich in history, low on friction, and timed to perfection. The Open will return to Royal Birkdale soon. The ropes will go up. The cameras will follow. But before that — and just after — lies an opportunity few will act on, and fewer will forget.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are still available. But they won’t be for long.
Please note that Royal Birkdale will be closed between Monday 22nd June and the 26th July for The 154th Open Championship
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