This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to continue creating free content. Our recommendations are based on our independent research and editorial standards.
Overview: The Best Places to Stay for The Open Championship 2026
If you're attending The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July 2026, booking accommodation early is one of the most important parts of planning your trip. Southport is the closest and most convenient place to stay, offering easy access to the course, while Liverpool provides a wider selection of hotels, restaurants and nightlife with direct rail connections to the championship. Nearby areas such as Birkdale, Formby and Ormskirk are also excellent alternatives for visitors looking to balance convenience, comfort and value. As one of the UK's biggest sporting events, hotels during Open week book up months in advance, so reserving your accommodation as soon as possible is highly recommended.
Where Should You Stay for The Open Championship?
Area | Best For | Travel to Royal Birkdale |
|---|---|---|
Southport | Closest to the course | Walk, taxi or short train ride |
Birkdale | Quiet stays near the venue | Walking distance for many hotels |
Liverpool | City break with excellent transport | Around 40–50 minutes by train |
Formby | Coastal relaxation | Short train journey |
Ormskirk | Better value accommodation | Drive or public transport |
The best location depends on the kind of trip you're planning.
If golf is your main priority, staying in Southport or Birkdale means you'll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying the championship.
If you're turning The Open into a long weekend, Liverpool gives you far more dining, entertainment and sightseeing options once play finishes.
Here's the interesting part.
Many returning visitors actually prefer Liverpool over Southport. They enjoy watching world-class golf during the day before heading back into the city for dinner along the waterfront or an evening exploring its famous music scene.
1. Southport – The Best Place to Stay for The Open Championship
Best for: First-time visitors and golf fans who want maximum convenience.
Southport sits just minutes from Royal Birkdale and becomes the centre of the championship during tournament week.
The town offers everything from traditional seaside hotels to boutique guesthouses and modern apartments. Staying here means you can often avoid lengthy commutes and, depending on your accommodation, even walk to the course.
Recommended options include:
Waterfront Southport Hotel
Premier Inn Southport Central hotel
Travelodge Southport
Prince of Wales Hotel Southport
One thing worth remembering is that Southport hotels are usually the first to sell out once ticket sales begin.
2. Birkdale – Stay Within Easy Reach of Royal Birkdale
Best for: Visitors who want to be as close as possible to the course.
Birkdale is a peaceful residential area surrounding the championship venue.
You'll find boutique guesthouses, serviced apartments and holiday rentals within walking distance of Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
Popular choices include:
N'ista Boutique Rooms
Birkdale Guesthouse
Birkdale Retreat
Accommodation here is limited, which explains why it disappears so quickly.
From experience, if you find availability in Birkdale at a reasonable price, it's rarely worth waiting before booking.
3. Liverpool – The Best Choice for a City Break
Best for: Couples, groups and visitors combining golf with sightseeing.
Liverpool is only around 20 miles from Royal Birkdale and offers a much wider range of accommodation than Southport.
Frequent train services make travelling to the championship straightforward, while evenings can be spent exploring restaurants, museums, waterfront attractions and live music venues.
Recommended hotels include:
Hilton Liverpool City Centre
Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre by IHG
Hotel Indigo Liverpool by IHG
Novotel Liverpool Centre
Holiday Inn Express Liverpool – Royal Albert Dock
That's where many people get it wrong.
They assume staying further away means losing valuable time.
In reality, Liverpool's transport links make travelling surprisingly easy, and many visitors appreciate having more choice once the golf finishes each day.
4. Formby – A Relaxed Coastal Alternative
Best for: Couples and visitors looking for quieter surroundings.
Formby sits between Liverpool and Southport, making it an excellent base for championship week.
Known for its beautiful beach, pine woodlands and golf courses, the town offers a slower pace while remaining well connected by rail.
Accommodation is more limited than Liverpool, but the peaceful setting appeals to many travellers who prefer avoiding larger crowds.
5. Ormskirk and Nearby Areas – Better Value Accommodation
Best for: Budget-conscious visitors.
If hotels in Southport have already sold out, neighbouring towns such as Ormskirk can provide excellent alternatives.
You'll often find lower prices, easier parking and a wider choice of independent guesthouses.
The extra travel time is usually modest, particularly if you're driving.
Surprisingly, some visitors deliberately stay outside the busiest areas simply because evenings are quieter and accommodation feels more relaxed.
Hotels or Apartments: Which Is Better?
Choose a hotel if you:
Want breakfast included.
Prefer reception services.
Are staying for two or three nights.
Choose an apartment if you:
Are travelling as a family.
Want more living space.
Plan to cook some meals.
Are staying for several days.
There's no right answer.
A hotel suits a weekend golfing trip perfectly.
An apartment can make more sense if you're extending your stay or travelling with friends.
When Should You Book Accommodation?
The answer is simple.
As early as you can.
Once The Open Championship ticket allocations begin, hotel demand increases rapidly across Southport and Liverpool.
Waiting until spring often means paying considerably more or staying much further away from Royal Birkdale.
The real reason isn't just the golf.
July is already a busy travel period across the UK, and major sporting events naturally place additional pressure on accommodation availability.
Booking Tips That Can Save You Money
A little planning goes a long way.
Book accommodation with flexible cancellation if your travel dates aren't fully confirmed.
Compare the cost of staying in Southport with Liverpool rather than assuming the closest hotel offers the best value.
Check transport connections before making your final decision.
If you're travelling with friends, apartments sometimes work out cheaper than booking several hotel rooms.
And don't overlook official ticket-and-hotel packages. The Open now offers accommodation-inclusive packages that combine championship tickets with hotels, making planning much simpler for many visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southport the best place to stay?
Yes, if convenience is your priority. It's the closest town to Royal Birkdale and offers the easiest access to the championship.
Is Liverpool too far away?
Not at all.
Liverpool has excellent rail links to Southport and remains one of the most popular bases for Open Championship visitors.
Are official accommodation packages available?
Yes. The Open offers official destination packages that combine accommodation with tickets and, in some cases, additional travel options.
When do hotels become expensive?
Prices usually begin rising soon after tickets go on sale and continue increasing as tournament week approaches.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to stay for The Open Championship depends on the type of trip you're planning. Southport offers unbeatable convenience for spectators who want to stay close to Royal Birkdale, while Liverpool combines excellent transport with a vibrant city atmosphere and a much wider choice of hotels. Birkdale, Formby and nearby towns provide excellent alternatives for visitors looking to balance comfort, value and easy access to the course.
Wherever you decide to stay, the same advice applies: book early. Accommodation during Open Championship week is in high demand, and securing your hotel well in advance will give you the best choice, better prices and a far more relaxed start to one of the biggest sporting events on the British calendar.