Best Golf Courses in the Northwest of England — 2026 Guide

The Northwest of England is one of the most underrated golfing destinations in the world. Home to some of the finest links and parkland courses on the planet, it punches well above its weight when it comes to the quality and variety of golf on offer.

From the windswept links of the Merseyside coast to the stunning parkland estates of Cheshire, the Northwest has something for every golfer — whether you're a seasoned pro, a weekend warrior, or just getting started.

Here's our guide to the best golf courses in the Northwest of England in 2026.

1. Royal Birkdale Golf Club — Southport

No list of Northwest golf courses would be complete without Royal Birkdale. One of the most celebrated links courses in the world and a regular host of The Open Championship, Birkdale sits among the sand dunes of the Merseyside coast and offers a test of golf that has challenged the very best players in the world.

The fairways sit in natural valleys between the dunes, offering relatively fair but demanding play. The rough is brutal, the greens are fast, and the wind off the Irish Sea makes every round an adventure.

What to wear: A windproof midlayer is essential at Birkdale — the Merseyside coastal wind can cut straight through you even on a summer's day. Pair with the Apeiron Aether Tech polo for performance fabric that handles both the conditions and the dress code.

Green fees: From £250 | Difficulty: Championship | Best for: Bucket list golf

2. Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa — Formby

Formby Hall is the jewel of the Northwest golf scene for those who want a complete golfing experience. Two championship courses — the Championship Course and the Village Course — set across 200 acres of stunning Merseyside countryside, combined with a world-class spa and a clubhouse that makes you want to linger long after the 18th hole.

The Championship Course at Formby Hall has hosted numerous professional events and offers a true test of parkland golf. Mature trees line the fairways, water hazards come into play on several key holes, and the greens are among the best-maintained in the region.

It's also the home of one of our favourite offers at Apeiron — buy 4 qualifying polos and we'll book your group a complimentary tee time at Formby Hall. There's no better way to enjoy this course than in fresh Apeiron kit with your mates.

What to wear: Formby Hall has a smart dress code — collared polo shirts are required. The Apeiron Ethos range is perfect here — clean lines, premium fabric, and a look that's sharp enough for the clubhouse.

Green fees: From £45 | Difficulty: Challenging parkland | Best for: Group golf days, resort experience

3. Hillside Golf Club — Southport

Sitting next door to Royal Birkdale, Hillside is one of the most underrated links courses in England. A genuine championship test that has hosted the PGA Championship and European Tour events, Hillside offers the full links experience without the price tag of its famous neighbour.

The back nine at Hillside is widely regarded as one of the finest sequences of holes in British golf — dramatic, challenging, and utterly spectacular when the conditions are right.

Green fees: From £120 | Difficulty: Championship links | Best for: Serious golfers looking for links golf

4. Carden Park Hotel & Spa — Cheshire

If Formby Hall is the Northwest's premier resort on the Merseyside coast, Carden Park is its equivalent in Cheshire. Two courses — the Nicklaus Course and the Cheshire Course — set within a 1,000-acre estate, with a luxury hotel and spa that makes it the perfect destination for a full golf break.

The Nicklaus Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a demanding parkland layout that rewards accurate ball-striking and punishes wayward shots. The Cheshire Course is more accessible but no less enjoyable.

Apeiron has a strong connection to Carden Park — it's been the setting for some of our favourite pro-am and networking events, and seeing Apeiron athletes compete here has been one of the highlights of the past year.

What to wear: Carden Park is a luxury resort with a corresponding dress code. The Apeiron Aether Tech range in Obsidian or Charcoal looks the part here — clean, modern, and unmistakably premium.

Green fees: From £65 | Difficulty: Nicklaus Course is challenging; Cheshire Course is more accessible | Best for: Golf breaks, corporate days

5. Royal Liverpool Golf Club (Hoylake) — Wirral

Another Open Championship venue, Royal Liverpool at Hoylake is one of the oldest and most historic golf clubs in England. Founded in 1869, the course has hosted The Open more times than almost any other venue and retains a raw, traditional links character that is increasingly rare.

Hoylake is flat by links standards but deceptively difficult — the out of bounds comes into play on almost every hole, the wind dictates everything, and the greens demand a deft short game. Tiger Woods won The Open here in 2006 with a masterclass in course management that is still talked about today.

Green fees: From £200 | Difficulty: Championship links | Best for: History lovers and serious golfers

6. Mere Golf Resort & Spa — Cheshire

Mere is Cheshire's most prestigious members club and one of the finest inland courses in the Northwest. Set around a natural lake, the course is both beautiful and challenging — water comes into play on numerous holes and the mature parkland setting makes for a spectacular round whatever the season.

Mere has hosted the British Masters and is regularly ranked among the top 100 courses in England. The resort facilities are excellent and the clubhouse is one of the best in the region.

Green fees: Members and guests only | Difficulty: Challenging parkland | Best for: Parkland golf at its finest

7. Slaley Hall — Northumberland (Worth the Drive)

Technically just outside the Northwest, Slaley Hall in Northumberland is worth the extra drive for golfers who want to experience something truly special. Two courses — the Priestman Course and the Hunting Course — set within a stunning Northumberland estate, with a luxury hotel that makes it the perfect overnight golf break.

The Priestman Course is a genuine test of championship golf — long, demanding, and spectacular. Slaley Hall is a partner venue for Apeiron and we've loved every visit.

Green fees: From £55 | Difficulty: Challenging | Best for: Overnight golf breaks

Kit Up Before You Tee Off

Whatever course you're playing, turning up in the right kit matters. Whether it's the dress code at Royal Birkdale or the smart casual vibe at Formby Hall, Apeiron's SS26 collection has you covered from the first tee to the 19th hole.

Browse the full SS26 collection — Aether Tech, Ethos, and Vertex ranges — all built for performance and designed to look as good off the course as on it.

And don't forget — buy 4 qualifying Apeiron polos and we'll book your group a complimentary tee time at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa. Get the lads together, kit up, and play free.

Shop SS26 → | Claim your free round →

Apeiron Clothing is a premium golf apparel brand based in the Northwest of England. 5% of every sale goes directly into the Apeiron Athlete Programme — supporting elite young golfers competing on the Tartan Pro Tour, Clutch Pro Tour, DP World Tour and beyond.