When The Open returns to Royal Birkdale in this month, the world’s greatest golfers will not be the only reason to head for England’s north-west coast.

For thousands of spectators planning their trip to the Championship, there is a chance to turn one of sport’s biggest weeks into something bigger: a stay that combines world-class golf, a vibrant city break, seaside charm and one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the country.

The message to visitors is simple.

Bunker down in Liverpool. Tee off in Southport.

Royal Birkdale will host The 154th Open from 12 to 19 July 2026, bringing golf fans from across the UK and around the world to Southport. But while the Championship will be the main event, visitors are being encouraged to look beyond the fairways and make the most of two very different destinations in one trip.

Liverpool offers a wide choice of hotels, restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, music venues and waterfront attractions, making it an ideal base for those travelling to The Open. From the Royal Albert Dock and the Three Graces to Bold Street, Castle Street, Hope Street, the Georgian Quarter and the Cavern Quarter, the city gives visitors plenty to enjoy before and after a day at the golf.

And getting from Liverpool to Southport could not be simpler.

Merseyrail services connect Liverpool with Southport and Hillside, placing visitors within easy reach of Royal Birkdale. During the busiest Championship days, enhanced services will run between Liverpool, Southport and Hillside at key times before and after the golf, helping spectators travel between the city and the coast.

The journey itself is part of the experience. Leaving Liverpool behind, the route opens out towards the coast, carrying visitors through one of the great golfing landscapes of the UK. Before long, the grandstands, galleries and unmistakable atmosphere of The Open await.

But Southport is far more than a Championship venue.

Visitors who take time to explore will find a classic seaside town with elegant streets, independent places to eat and drink, historic villages, open beaches and miles of protected coastline. Lord Street, with its Victorian canopies and cafés, is made for slow wandering. Marine Lake offers big skies and waterside views. Birkdale Village, Churchtown, Hillside and Ainsdale each bring their own character, from independent shops and restaurants to quiet corners close to the coast.

Beyond the town, the Sefton Coast stretches for 22 miles, with beaches, dunes, woodland and nature reserves creating one of the most distinctive landscapes in the region. It is the perfect contrast to the drama of Championship golf.

That is what makes The Open at Royal Birkdale so special. A day can begin with breakfast in Liverpool, continue with the world’s best golfers on one of the sport’s great links courses, and end with dinner by the water, a walk along the coast, or a night out back in the city.

Few sporting breaks offer that kind of balance.

For golf fans, Southport sits at the heart of England’s Golf Coast, home to some of the finest courses in the country. For families, couples and groups travelling together, there is plenty to enjoy away from the course too, whether that means museums and music in Liverpool, fish and chips by the sea, independent shopping, coastal walks or a longer summer break.

The Open lasts one week. The experience does not have to.

Visitors are being encouraged to extend their stay, explore more of the region and discover why this part of the north-west is one of the most rewarding places to visit in summer.

Come for the Championship. Stay for the city, the coast and the little adventures you find along the way.

Bunker down in Liverpool. Tee off in Southport.

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Travel information for visitors

The 154th Open takes place at Royal Birkdale from 12 to 19 July 2026.

Merseyrail services connect Liverpool with Southport and Hillside. A 10-minute service between Liverpool, Southport and Hillside will operate from 16 to 19 July at the busiest times before and after the golf. Frequencies vary outside these times.

Visitors are advised to check travel information before setting off.

Things to do during The Open

Visitors can explore Liverpool’s waterfront, Royal Albert Dock, museums, galleries, restaurants, shopping, music venues and nightlife.

In Southport, discover miles of spectacular coastline and Victorian architecture, with lively village neighbourhoods providing an abundance of independent cafes, restaurants, and bars. 

Visitors can also get involved in a special Golden Golf Ball trail celebrating The 154th Open’s return to Royal Birkdale. One lucky winner will receive the chance to play a four-ball on the Open Championship Course at Royal Birkdale Golf Club with three friends. To enter, visitors need to explore all five participating locations (Hillside, Birkdale, Ainsdale, Churchtown and Southport), find the Golden Golf Balls and scan the QR codes along the way. Those taking part are also encouraged to snap a photo at one of the locations and share it using #SouthportOpenForAllWays for the chance to be featured on Southport’s social media channels.

For more information please visit:

URL: https://www.visitsouthport.com/golf/the-open/