Balmoral Lodge

Right, so Balmoral Lodge on Lord Street... it’s a solid option if you're after something straightforward in the town centre. I wouldn't say it's luxury, but it gets the job done and the price is usually pretty reasonable. The Google reviews are sitting at 3.7 stars out of 5 from about 300 reviews, so you know what to expect. You're not paying the earth, and you're getting a clean room and a decent breakfast to start the day. Perfect for couples who want to be close to the action without breaking the bank.

They've got a restaurant and a bar downstairs, which is handy if you don't fancy wandering too far after a long day. It's not exactly The Vincent, mind you, but it does the trick for a quick bite. Free Wi-Fi too, which is always a bonus. Plus, they have parking – which is honestly worth its weight in gold in Southport town centre, especially during the summer.

Now, if you're thinking of coming up for The Open at Birkdale in 2026 (12-19 July), this could be a good shout as it's central and fairly budget-friendly. Just remember to book well in advance, that week is always manic. You can give them a ring on 01704 544298 to see what the crack is or have a look at their website.

One thing to bear in mind: Lord Street can get a bit noisy on weekend evenings, so if you're a light sleeper, maybe pack some earplugs just in case.