Lytham Saint Annes is one of England’s great links golf bases, sitting on the Lancashire coast just south of Blackpool. For golfers, the appeal is obvious: serious championship pedigree, traditional seaside atmosphere and several excellent courses within a very small area.

The headline venue is Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, one of the most famous links courses in world golf. The R&A has confirmed that Royal Lytham will host The Open for the 12th time in 2028, returning to the venue for the first time since Ernie Els won there in 2012. It is a classic tactical links test, known for bunkering, wind, firm fairways and the need to plot your way round rather than simply overpower it.

The wider area gives golfers plenty of depth too. St Annes Old Links is a 6,907-yard, par-72 championship links founded in 1901, and has hosted Open Final Qualifying several times, most recently from 2018 to 2022. Fairhaven Golf Club adds another strong option nearby, officially recognised as one of the finest championship courses in the north of England, with traditional links characteristics and over 125 years of heritage.

Golf here is best from April to October, with late spring and early autumn especially appealing for good course condition and fewer peak-season crowds. Wind is part of the experience, so controlled ball flight and smart course management matter.

Off the course, Lytham Saint Annes has a relaxed seaside feel. The beach is a major draw, while Lytham Windmill on Lytham Green is one of the town’s best-known landmarks and is open seasonally as a museum. The seafront, independent restaurants, cafés and nearby Blackpool give groups plenty to do between rounds.

For golfers seeking proper links golf, Open Championship history and an easy-going coastal base, Lytham Saint Annes is one of England’s strongest golf destinations.