Golf breaks in North West England

From the dramatic coastlines of Lancashire to the rolling parklands of Cheshire, North West England offers a rich variety of top-tier golf destinations. Whether you’re chasing championship pedigree or classic countryside layouts with on-site hotels, we’ve highlighted some of the best golf courses in the region for your next golf break.

Royal Birkdale Golf Club Ranked No. 3 in England by Top 100 Golf Courses Hosted The Open Championship 10 times and the Ryder Cup in 1969

A jewel of England’s Golf Coast, Royal Birkdale is a pure championship links framed by towering dunes and sweeping coastal views. The immaculate layout is known for its strategic shot values and challenging wind conditions. Located in Southport, this is a must-play for golfers seeking pedigree and history.

Travel tip: Stay centrally in Southport to easily play Royal Birkdale, Hillside, and Southport & Ainsdale. All three are within a 10-minute drive and accessible via the Southport rail line from Liverpool or Manchester.

Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club Ranked No. 7 in England by Top 100 Golf Courses Hosted The Open Championship 11 times

Set just a short walk from the coast but built on an inland links landscape, Royal Lytham is renowned for its over 200 bunkers and punishing first hole. Located in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, it’s a mentally demanding course that rewards accuracy over power.

Travel tip: Consider staying in Lytham town centre or nearby Blackpool. Lytham Station is just a 10-minute walk from the clubhouse and offers direct connections via Preston.

Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake) Ranked No. 6 in England by Top 100 Golf Courses Host of The Open Championship in 2023 and 12 times prior

Founded in 1869, Royal Liverpool is one of the most storied courses in the world. Its firm, fast-running fairways and deep pot bunkers test every aspect of your game. The out-and-back layout runs along the Wirral coast before returning inland toward its famous clubhouse.

Travel tip: Base yourself in Chester or Liverpool for easy access to Hoylake via the Merseyrail Wirral Line. Hoylake station is just a short walk from the course. Combine with rounds at Wallasey or Heswall for a full Wirral tour.

Formby Golf Club Ranked No. 19 in England by Top 100 Golf Courses

Formby’s unique blend of links and pine forest makes it one of the most picturesque courses in England. Located in Formby, just north of Liverpool, the course is known for its tranquil setting and technical challenge. It frequently hosts R&A amateur events and offers a beautifully strategic layout.

Travel tip: Stay in Formby or Southport to pair this round with West Lancashire Golf Club or Formby Ladies, both within a short drive. Formby Station is under a mile from the course.

Hillside Golf Club Ranked No. 11 in England by Top 100 Golf Courses Adjacent to Royal Birkdale and features one of the finest back nines in golf

Long admired as one of the best courses never to have hosted The Open, Hillside is a pristine links layout known for its stunning back nine cut through sand dunes. It delivers an exceptional and underrated challenge for serious golfers.

Travel tip: Hillside is located next to Royal Birkdale and close to Southport & Ainsdale, making Southport the ideal base. All three are accessible by rail, with Hillside Station a 3-minute walk to the clubhouse.

Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club Former Ryder Cup host (1933, 1937) A historic links just minutes from Royal Birkdale and Hillside

This course may fly under the radar, but its championship past speaks volumes. Southport & Ainsdale combines rolling dunes, tight fairways, and a classic links feel. It’s a regular venue for Final Open Qualifying and beloved by links enthusiasts.

Travel tip: Easily reachable from Southport, and just steps from Ainsdale rail station. Consider a three-round itinerary of Birkdale, Hillside, and S&A - all playable without needing a car.

Travel tips for North West England

Getting there:

• By Car: Major roads such as the M6, M62, and M56 provide excellent access across the region, including Liverpool, Manchester, and Southport.
• By Rail: Direct train links from London Euston to Liverpool, Manchester, and Preston in under 2.5 hours. Many of the top courses along England’s Golf Coast are easily accessible via coastal rail lines with stations near the clubhouses.
• By Air: Fly into Manchester or Liverpool John Lennon Airport for easy access to most resorts and golf courses.

Best time to travel:

Late Spring to Early Autumn (May–September) is ideal, offering:

• Mild to Warm Weather: Expect 14–22°C, with coastal breezes on links courses.
• Longer Days: Play late rounds and enjoy scenic sunsets.
• Optimal Course Conditions: Summer months bring drier fairways and greens, especially important for links play.
• Many of the region’s links courses are playable year-round thanks to their sand-based construction and excellent drainage.