The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale runs 12–19 July 2026. If you haven't booked accommodation yet, stop reading and go book something. I'm serious. I write a local guide for a living and even I'm worried about whether there'll be anything left by the time you read this.
How close do you need to be?
Royal Birkdale is in Birkdale, which is the southern end of Southport — about 2 miles from the town centre. You don't need to stay on the doorstep. A hotel in town centre is completely manageable, especially if you use the shuttle buses that will be running during Open week.
The Grand, Lord Street
The Grand is Southport's flagship hotel — a beautiful Victorian building on Lord Street with proper grandeur. It books out months in advance for Open week. If you're lucky enough to have a room, you've landed well. It's a short taxi or shuttle from Birkdale, and there's something fitting about staying at The Grand for an event as prestigious as The Open.
The Bold Hotel, Birkdale
The Bold is the closest quality hotel to Royal Birkdale. It's a boutique hotel with a strong reputation — individually styled rooms, good bar, and the kind of place that takes pride in getting the details right. Birkdale village itself is pleasant to wander in the evenings. This is probably the most sought-after accommodation for Open week.
Self-catering for groups
If you're coming as a group of four or more, self-catering is the smart move. There are holiday apartments and houses around Southport that can accommodate groups more affordably than booking multiple hotel rooms. Search early. Things that are available in March won't be available in June.
What about Formby and Ormskirk?
If Southport is fully booked, Formby is 20 minutes south by car and has some good accommodation options. Ormskirk is 30 minutes east. Both are manageable commutes for Open week, especially if you plan around the shuttle services.
⚠️Don't rely on last-minute availability. The Open at Royal Birkdale is a once-in-several-years event. Southport fills up entirely. Book now.
The local's view on Open week
Open week is brilliant and chaotic in equal measure. Restaurants are packed, parking is a nightmare, and the atmosphere is electric. My advice: book a good hotel, get a shuttle bus pass sorted, and don't try to drive anywhere near the course. Walk instead. Enjoy it. There's nothing quite like having The Open on your doorstep.
Want the full breakdown — distance to the course, price ranges, and walk times?
View our Open 2026 accommodation guide →Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk — Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
