Best golf courses in North West England

Whilst Scotland and Ireland might grab more of the headlines, for our money, England more than packs a punch when it comes to great golf. And nowhere is that more true than in the North West of the country – often known as England’s Golf Coast.

This stretch of coastline is home to some of the finest links courses on the planet, including multiple Open Championship and Ryder Cup venues. Expect dramatic dunes, ever-changing winds, and a pure test of traditional links golf. Don’t believe us? Check out some of the best golf courses in north-west England below!

Ranked 8th best golf course in England | Regular Open Championship venue Location: Southport, England | Designer: Fred Hawtree (and others) | Par: 70 | Yards: 7,156 | Founded: 1897

Why play here?

Royal Birkdale is widely regarded as one of the finest links courses in the world and is often considered the crown jewel of England’s Golf Coast. From the very first dogleg tee shot to the iconic closing holes beneath the Art Deco clubhouse, this is a course that delivers drama and memorability in equal measure.

What sets Birkdale apart is its balance. While it is a formidable test from the championship tees, it remains playable for a wide range of golfers thanks to its variety of hole lengths and scoring opportunities. The routing through towering dunes provides both challenge and shelter, making it one of the fairest tests in Open Championship golf.

“One of the best and fairest championship links courses in the world.” – Golf Digest

Highlight hole: 18th – A superb finishing hole framed by the iconic clubhouse.

Key features:

• Regular host of The Open Championship
• Natural dune-lined fairways offering protection from wind
• Exceptional course conditioning year-round
• Iconic Art Deco clubhouse

Bonus fact: Jordan Spieth’s dramatic 2017 Open Championship victory at Royal Birkdale included a wild drive onto the practice ground on the 13th hole - followed by an unbelievable recovery that helped him secure the Claret Jug.

Ranked 6th best golf course in England | Open Championship venue Location: Lytham St Annes, England | Designer: H.S. Colt (and others) | Par: 70 | Yards: 6,713 | Founded: 1886

Why play here?

Royal Lytham is a brutally honest test of golf and one of the toughest layouts on The Open rota. Unlike many links courses, it sits slightly inland, but make no mistake - its challenge is every bit as fierce, thanks largely to its infamous bunkering.

With over 200 bunkers scattered across the course, precision is everything. The opening par 3 immediately puts you under pressure, and from there, the test never relents. However, those who plot their way carefully around the course are rewarded with one of the most satisfying rounds in golf.

“A relentless and brilliant championship test.” – The Open

Highlight hole: 1st – A daunting opening par 3 that sets the tone instantly.

Key features:

• Over 200 strategically placed bunkers
• Rich Open Championship history
• Demands precision over power
• Firm, fast-running fairways

Bonus fact: Seve Ballesteros famously hit his ball from a car park here in 1979.

Top 100 World Course | Open Championship venue Location: Hoylake, England | Designer: George Morris (and others) | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,341 | Founded: 1869

Why play here?

Royal Liverpool, affectionately known as Hoylake, is one of the oldest and most respected clubs in England. Its layout combines flatter opening holes with a more traditional dune landscape as the round progresses, offering a varied and strategic experience.

The course demands thoughtful shot-making rather than brute force. On firm summer fairways, creativity becomes key - something famously demonstrated by Tiger Woods during his 2006 Open victory, where he relied heavily on a 2-iron.

“A thinking golfer’s links.” – Golf Monthly

Highlight hole: 3rd (1st in The Open) – A dramatic dogleg hugging internal out-of-bounds.

Key features:

• Historic Open Championship venue
• Strategic, firm-running links layout
• Mix of flat and dune-based holes
• Welcoming and walkable routing

Bonus fact: Rory McIlroy won The Open here in 2014.

Top 100 England | European Tour host venue Location: Southport, England | Designer: Fred Hawtree (and others) | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,029 | Founded: 1923

Why play here?

Hillside has long lived in the shadow of its famous neighbour, Royal Birkdale - but that’s changing fast. The back nine is widely considered one of the best stretches of links golf in Britain, weaving dramatically through towering dunes.

Recent renovations have elevated the front nine to match the brilliance of the closing holes, making Hillside a complete and unforgettable test. It offers championship-quality golf at a slightly more accessible price point than its Royal neighbours.

“One of the finest back nines in Britain.” – National Club Golfer

Highlight hole: 11th – A spectacular tee shot through towering dunes.

Key features:

• Exceptional back nine routing
• European Tour hosting pedigree
• Dramatic dune landscapes
• Improved and modernised front nine

Bonus fact: Hosted the British Masters on the European Tour.

Ranked in the top 25 courses in England Location: Formby, England | Designer: Willie Park Jr. (and others) | Par: 72 | Yards: ~7,000 | Founded: 1884

Why play here?

Formby offers something truly unique - a blend of links and woodland golf that evolves as your round unfolds. The opening holes are framed by pine trees, offering a sense of calm before the course dramatically opens up into rugged, coastal terrain.

As you move toward the sea, the wind becomes a factor and the challenge intensifies. The variety throughout the round keeps things fresh and engaging, making Formby a standout option for those seeking something different.

“A wonderfully varied and underrated links.” – Golf World

Highlight hole: 12th – A stunning links hole with coastal exposure.

Key features:

• Unique links/woodland combination
• Exceptional turf quality
• Hosts major amateur events
• Varied and evolving layout

Bonus fact: Frequently hosts The Amateur Championship qualifying.

Top 100 England Location: Blundellsands, England | Designer: C.K. Cotton & James Braid | Par: 72 | Yards: 7,016 | Founded: 1873

Why play here?

West Lancashire is one of the purest links tests in England. There’s little trickery here - just a straightforward layout that becomes brutally difficult when the wind picks up.

Its flat terrain and traditional design demand solid ball-striking and smart course management. When conditions are calm, scoring opportunities appear - but that’s rarely the case on this exposed stretch of coastline.

“As authentic a links test as you’ll find.” – Golf Monthly

Highlight hole: 9th – A classic risk-reward links par 5.

Key features:

• Traditional out-and-back links routing
• Strong coastal winds influence play
• Minimal elevation, maximum exposure
• Championship-level challenge

Bonus fact: One of the oldest golf clubs in England.

Ranked in the top 50 courses in England | Ryder Cup venue Location: Southport, England | Designer: James Braid | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,848 | Founded: 1906

Why play here?

Often overshadowed by its neighbours, Southport & Ainsdale delivers a slightly more quirky and varied golfing experience. Its mix of links and heathland characteristics creates a distinctive style not commonly found on England’s Golf Coast.

It’s a demanding course, particularly in the wind, but its character and playability make it a fantastic addition to any golf trip in the region. Read about our Southport golf tour review here.

“Underrated and endlessly enjoyable.” – National Club Golfer

Highlight hole: 16th – A challenging par 4 into the prevailing wind.

Key features:

• Hosted Ryder Cups (1933, 1937)
• Unique links/heathland hybrid
• Open Championship qualifying venue
• Walkable from neighbouring courses

Bonus fact: One of the few English courses to host multiple Ryder Cups.

Historic Links | Birthplace of Stableford scoring Location: Wirral, England | Designer: Old Tom Morris (and others) | Par: 72 | Yards: 6,649 | Founded: 1892

Why play here?

Wallasey combines a rich history with a fun and challenging layout. It’s best known as the birthplace of the Stableford scoring system, invented to make the game more enjoyable - and that spirit still shines through today.

The course offers stunning coastal views and plenty of memorable holes, including a dramatic and undulating closing stretch.

“A course steeped in golfing history.” – Golf Monthly

Highlight hole: 18th – A wildly undulating and unforgettable finishing hole.

Key features:

• Birthplace of Stableford scoring
• Spectacular coastal views
• Challenging closing holes
• Rich golfing heritage

Bonus fact: Stableford scoring was invented here to speed up play.

Best time to visit The prime golf season runs from May to September, when you’ll get the best combination of weather and course conditions. That said, links courses here drain exceptionally well, meaning spring and autumn can offer superb value with fewer crowds. If you’re chasing a true links experience, a breezy October round isn’t a bad shout.

Getting there & around The region is incredibly well connected. Manchester and Liverpool airports are your main gateways, both within easy reach of England’s Golf Coast. One of the biggest advantages of this destination is how close the courses are - many of the top venues (Birkdale, Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale) are walkable or a short taxi/train ride apart, making it ideal for groups without a car.

Where to stay Southport is the most popular base for golfers, offering a range of hotels, bars, and restaurants within easy reach of multiple courses. For a quieter experience, consider staying on the Wirral Peninsula (for Wallasey and Caldy) or near Lytham St Annes for a more traditional seaside feel.

Booking tee times Many of the top courses - especially the Royal clubs - are in high demand. It’s smart to book several months in advance, particularly for summer dates. Some courses have restricted visitor days, so planning ahead isn’t optional if you want the best tee times.

Playing the courses Conditions can change quickly. Wind is the defining challenge here, so be prepared to adapt your game - low ball flights and creative shot-making will serve you well. Also, most courses are walking-only, so bring comfortable shoes and be ready for 18 proper links holes.

What to pack Layering is key. Even in summer, coastal winds can make it feel cooler than expected. Pack:

• Waterproofs (essential, not optional)
• Windproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Plenty of balls (you will lose a few…)

Q: Is North West England good for a golf trip? A: Yes - this is one of the best golf regions in the UK. You’ve got a dense cluster of world-class links courses, including multiple Open Championship venues, all within a small, easily accessible area.

Q: How many courses can you play in one trip? A: Realistically, 3 to 5 courses over a long weekend is ideal. Thanks to the close proximity of courses, you can even play 36 holes in a day without too much travel stress.

Q: Do I need a car? A: Not necessarily. One of the biggest advantages of this region is how accessible it is. If you’re staying in Southport, you can reach several top courses via train, taxi, or even on foot.

Q: Are the courses difficult? A: Yes - but in a rewarding way. These are true links courses, meaning wind, bunkering, and firm conditions will test every part of your game. That said, many courses (like Royal Birkdale) are considered more playable than others.

Q: Can high handicappers play these courses? A: Absolutely. Most courses welcome visitors of all abilities, though some may have handicap limits. Choosing the right tees and embracing the challenge is part of the experience.

Q: When should I book my trip? A: For peak season (May–September), aim to book 6-9 months in advance, especially if you want to play the marquee courses like Royal Birkdale or Royal Liverpool.

Q: Are there stay & play packages available? A: Yes - this region is perfect for golf packages, often combining accommodation in Southport with tee times at multiple courses. These can be more cost-effective and easier to organise than booking everything separately.

Q: What makes links golf different? A: Links golf is played on firm, fast-running coastal terrain, with fewer trees and more natural hazards like dunes and pot bunkers. You’ll need to play low shots, use the ground, and adapt to the wind - it’s a completely different (and addictive) style of golf.

From iconic Open Championship venues to hidden gem links, North West England stands shoulder to shoulder with the very best golf destinations in the world. England’s Golf Coast delivers an unbeatable combination of history, playability, and pure links challenge - all within a remarkably compact and accessible region.

Whether you’re ticking off bucket-list rounds at Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool, or discovering standout courses like Hillside and Formby, this is a destination that rewards every type of golfer. Add in easy travel, excellent accommodation options, and the ability to play multiple world-class courses in a single trip, and it’s easy to see why more golfers are turning their attention to this part of the UK.

If you’re looking for a golf trip that blends championship pedigree with variety and value, North West England should be right at the top of your list.