The Finest Stretch of Championship Golf in the World
The 3 Royals
Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St Annes Plus 16 other naturally challenging links courses
The Open Returns 2008 Royal Birkdale
Book your break on England’s Golf Coast - Now
Your guide to the Finest Stretch of Championship Golf in the World
England’s Golf Coast is home to 19 of the most challenging and naturally beautiful golf courses in Britain. It also boasts some of the country’s most vibrant cities, exciting tourist attractions, breathtaking coastline and picturesque countryside. It is an irresistible combination and, fortunately, booking your break could not be easier. To book tee-times, accommodation etc, simply log on to www.englandsgolfcoast.com where a holiday of a lifetime awaits.
Contents Courses 03 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Course Map About England’s Golf Coast Royal Birkdale Royal Lytham & St Annes Royal Liverpool Hillside Southport & Ainsdale Hesketh West Lancashire Formby Formby Ladies
Places to Visit 24 26 28 30 32 33 34 35 36 37
Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa Wallasey Caldy Heswall St Annes Old Links Lytham Green Drive Fairhaven Carden Park Silloth-On-Solway Windermere
38 39 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54
Discover England’s Northwest, Manchester Chester and Cheshire Liverpool City Region Southport & Sefton Wirral Peninsula Lancashire & Blackpool Cumbria and The Lake District Where to Eat Where to Stay Booking Information
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Courses 1 Royal Birkdale 2 Royal Liverpool 15
3 Royal Lytham & St Annes 4 Formby 5 Southport & Ainsdale 6 Hesketh 7 Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa 8 Formby Ladies 9 West Lancashire
17 19 3 18
10 Hillside 11 Caldy
6 1 10 5 7 4 8 9 2 11
12 Heswall 13 Wallasey
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14 Carden Park 15 Windermere
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16 Silloth-On-Solway 17 St Annes Old Links
PUBLISHEd BY The Mersey Partnership on behalf of England’s Golf Coast, a partnership of the Northwest Development Agency, Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council, Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board, Visit Chester & Cheshire and Cumbria Tourism Produced BY Golf Marketing Services, 14a High Street, Welwyn, Herts AL6 9EQ. Tel: +44 (0) 1438 718399 www.gmsgolf.co.uk DESIGN Scratch Design and Photography www.scratch-design.co.uk EDITORIAL TEAM Colin Callander, Steve Muncey ARt editors Darren Kirk, Wayne Kirk photography Phil Inglis, Alan C Birch, Getty Images, Shutterstock, Kevin Murray production Adam Roberts, GMS Account director Phil Craghill, GMS managing editors Charlie Grimley, Shulah Jones repro/print Interprint No part of this guide may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. The publishers and authors have done their best to ensure the accuracy of all the information included, however they can accept no
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18 Fairhaven 19 Lytham Green Drive
responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained as a result of information or advice contained in this guide.
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England’s Golf Coast Great Golf and a Good Deal More
E
ngland’s Golf Coast reached a major new milestone when Royal Birkdale was invited to host the 2008 Open Championship. It was the 30th time a course on the Golf Coast had been selected to stage the world’s most prestigious Championship and together with the City of Liverpool being nominated as Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2008 it reinforced the message that England’s Golf Coast is now the place for visitors to be. England’s Golf Coast is sometimes described as the ‘Finest Stretch of Championship Golf in the World’ and that is no idle boast. Within its boundaries, from Cumbria in the north to Chester in the south, this beguiling piece of the coastline can offer three Open Championship venues and no less than seven of the toprated courses in the UK and Ireland. This unbeatable collection of golf courses is headed by Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham & St Annes and Royal Liverpool but also includes such gems as Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, Formby, West Lancashire, Formby Ladies’, Formby Hall, Wallasey, Caldy, Heswall, St Annes Old Links, Lytham Green Drive, Fairhaven, Carden Park, Silloth-on-Solway, and Windermere to name just a few. 04 Book online at
LEFT: Tiger Woods hitting off a bare links lie on his way to winning the Open at Royal Liverpool in 2006. ABOVE: Severiano Ballesteros celebrating with the crowd at Royal Lytham in 1979. BELOW: Mark O’Meara collecting the famous Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale in 1998.
This unbeatable collection of golf courses is headed by Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St Annes
The golfer who visits England’s Golf Coast is literally spoilt for choice and that quality is mirrored off the golf course as well. The lively and cosmopolitan cities of Liverpool and Manchester provide the perfect urban contrast to the area’s coastal courses and there is also much more to explore including the shops and restaurants of Southport, the picturesque villages of Wirral, the beauty of the Lake District, the bright lights of Blackpool and the charms of the Roman city of Chester. This brochure is designed to give you all the information you need to start planning a golfing break to England’s Golf Coast. You can also find out more about us by logging on to www.englandsgolfcoast.com which provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy your golfing experience. Use this guide to plan your golf and leisure break and check out what’s on offer. There’s never been a better time to visit England’s Golf Coast and we look forward to welcoming you soon!
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Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 450 2 4 421 3 4 451 4 3 201 5 4 346 6 4 499 7 3 178 8 4 457 9 4 414 Out 34 3417
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 408 4 436 3 184 4 499 3 201 5 544 4 439 5 572 4 473 36 3756
Total 70 7173
Information THE COURSE Championship Tees: White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
7173 yards 6817 yards 6381 yards 5808 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1704 552020
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
ROYAL birkdale cited as england’s finest course
T
The 14th hole
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he rugged links at Royal Birkdale is often cited as the finest course in England and that reputation was enhanced after a makeover in time for the 2008 Open Championship. The club, with the support of the R & A, brought in renowned architect, Martin Hawtree, and the result of his handiwork was a new green
The 12th hole
on the 17th, 20 new hazards, 16 of which are fairway bunkers, and six new tees. “Royal Birkdale is a strong Open venue and we felt that by introducing these changes that challenge can be maintained,” said R & A Chief Executive, Peter Dawson. “We have paid particular attention to the introduction of tee shots that give players a number of
strategic options and, through tighter bunkering and the re-contouring of green surrounds, intend to make players play more imaginative recovery shots.” Royal Birkdale was formed back in 1889 and the 2008 Open marked the ninth time it has staged the Open Championship, the previous eight being won by Peter Thomson (1954 and 1965),
Arnold Palmer (1961), Lee Trevino (1971), Johnny Miller (1976), Tom Watson (1983), Ian Baker-Finch (1991) and Mark O’Meara (1998). The club has also hosted the The Amateur, the Women’s British Open, the British Ladies’, the Boy’s Championship, as well as the Walker Cup, the Curtis Cup and the Ryder Cup, the latter on two occasions. Birkdale hosted its first Ryder Cup in 1965 when a US team led by the inimitable Byron Nelson won 19½ – 12 ½. However, four years later the home side fared better when Jack Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to reigning Open champion, Tony Jacklin, resulting in the first tie in the Matches’ history.
£165 £195
getting there Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Waterloo Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 2LX Directions: Drivers approaching from the North should use the M6, exit at junction 29, Leyland, to the A582, A59 and A565. Drivers from the South, via the M6, M62, M57 and A5147. Traffic from Central Lancashire should use the M58, exit at Junction 3, Rainford, to the A570. Traffic from Wales and the Wirral should use the M53, Queensway Tunnel to the A565.
Signature Hole H o l e 1 6 • Pa r - 4 • 4 3 9 ya r d s This challenging left-to-right dog-leg requires a drive down the left to allow the best line into a well-guarded green. Situated 292 yards down the fairway is the Arnold Palmer Plaque, designating the spot from where he hit his famous second shot on his way to winning the 1961 Open Championship.
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B
The 18th hole and clubhouse
ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES HOST OF THE 2012 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
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ernard Darwin, the doyen of British golf writers, once described Royal Lytham & St Annes as “a beast of a golf course, but a just beast” and that is a fine description of this rugged and challenging Lancashire links. “Hit it into the right place,” he added, “and the way to the hole is open to you. But hit your ball in the wrong place and every kind of punishment, whether immediate or ultimate, will ensue.” Surrounded as it is by suburban housing and situated some distance from the sea, Lytham is not a conventionally beautiful golf course, but it is a fine test and has played an important role in British golfing heritage. Formed in 1886, the club has staged ten Open Championships, two Ryder Cups, the Curtis Cup, three Women’s British Opens and two Ladies’ Amateur Championships, including the inaugural event in 1893. It has been selected to host its fourth Women’s British Open in 2009 and its eleventh Open in 2012. Lytham was awarded its first Open in 1952, when Bobby
Signature Hole
Information THE COURSE Championship Tees: Red Tees: Green Tees: Orange Tees:
6882 yards 6630 yards 6360 yards 5854 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1253 643790
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
H o l e 1 7 • Pa r - 4 • 4 6 7 ya r d s The landing area from the tee is intimidatingly small between a range of bunkers on the left and dense scrub and bushes to the right. The hole turns left towards an open green protected by bunkers on either side. Don’t miss the plaque in one of the bunkers to the left of the fairway - it commemorates the famous second shot of Bobby Jones in the final round of the 1926 Open.
Jones emerged victorious, with subsequent wins being achieved by Peter Thomson (1958), Bob Charles (1963), Tony Jacklin (1969), Gary Player (1974), Seve Ballesteros (1979 and 1988), Tom Lehman (1996) and David Duval (2001). Of those Ballesteros’ triumph in ’88 was arguably the most thrilling but the most significant was definitely Jacklin’s victory in ’69, ending,
as it did, a run of 18 years without a British win. Lytham, as regular visitors will know, is invariably in excellent condition, a reputation confirmed during the ’01 Open. It “was set up magnificently for The Open,” said former Ryder Cup captain, Mark James. “It was a perfect combination of width of fairways, length of rough and pace and quality of greens. It
£132 – 18 holes and Lunch £200 – 18 holes and Lunch
GETTING THERE Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, Links Gate, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire, FY8 3LQ Directions: Leave the M6 motorway at junction 32 and join the M55 to Blackpool. Turn left (first exit) at roundabout toward Blackpool South and St Annes. Take third exit at next roundabout. Continue through two sets of lights and stay on main road (ignore signs for Lytham St Annes). Continue onto Squires Gate Lane. Turn left at lights onto Clifton Drive North and continue for 2.4 miles. Turn left at lights onto St Thomas Road. Turn right at St Patrick’s Road South. The Golf Club is on the right.
should be used as a model for all future Open Championships.”
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 3 206 2 4 436 3 4 457 4 4 391 5 3 210 6 5 494 7 5 555 8 4 417 9 3 164 Out 35 3330
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 334 5 540 3 196 4 340 4 443 4 464 4 358 4 467 4 410 36 3552
Total 71 6882
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Information
Signature Hole PHOTO: David Cannon at Getty Images
THE COURSE Championship Tees: Green Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
7258 yards 6928 yards 6452 yards 5884 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 151 6323101
GREEN FEES Weekdays:
getting there Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Meols Drive, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 4AL Directions: Leave the M53 at
H o l e 1 1 • T h e A l p s • Pa r - 3 • 1 9 8 ya r d s A new tee, sited left of the old one, makes this treacherous par-3 that little bit more difficult. Make sure you take enough club to carry the mounds which guard the front left-hand side of the green.
FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 429 2 4 372 3 5 528 4 3 202 5 4 453 6 4 423 7 3 198 8 5 534 9 4 393 Out 36 3532
The 9th hole
ROYAL LIVERPOOL England’s most historic club
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BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
PHOTO: Wirral Globe
Card of the course 9 Par Yards 4 448 3 198 4 456 3 161 5 554 4 459 5 560 4 454 4 436 36 3726
Total 72 7258
R
oyal Liverpool is one of England’s oldest and most historic golf clubs and has been the scene of many of the defining moments in British golf. The latest came in the summer of 2006 when Tiger Woods lived up to his reputation as the world’s No. 1 golfer by winning the Open Championship by two shots from compatriot Chris DiMarco. That Championship marked the eleventh time that Hoylake had been selected to stage the Open
Championship starting in 1897 when local amateur, Harold Hilton, claimed the Claret Jug. Frenchman, Arnaud Massy, became the first Continental golfer to win the title in 1907 and subsequently JH Taylor (1913), Walter Hagen (1924), Bobby Jones (1930), Alf Padgham (1936), Fred Daly (1947), Peter Thomson (1956) and Roberto de Vicenzo (1968) all prevailed there before Woods won the title for a third time in 2006.
The club is by no means only associated with the Open Championship. It staged the inaugural Amateur
Championship in 1885 and was selected as the venue for the first English Amateur Championship.
£140 (includes lunch)
junction 2 and follow the A551 to Moreton and then the A553 to Hoylake. Continue straight ahead at the roundabout in Hoylake (railway station is on the left) and the Club is 300 yards along Meols Drive on the right.
It was also the scene of the first international match between England and Scotland in 1902, the first Home International matches and the first transatlantic contest between GB&I and the USA took place in 1921, which became the Walker Cup the following year. Hoylake’s venerable Links were refreshed by architect Donald Steel as part of the preparations for the 2006 Open. The club’s original 9-hole course had been laid out by George Morris in 1869, before being extend to 18 holes two years later. Its greens are traditionally in outstanding condition which led to the oft-quoted remark: “The man who cannot putt at Hoylake cannot putt.”
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Information
The 11th hole
THE COURSE White Tees: Blue Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
7029 yards 6558 yards 6160 yards 5888 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1704 567169
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
£75.00 Sundays - £95.00
getting there Hillside Golf Club, Hastings Road, Hillside, Southport, PR8 2LU Directions: Hillside Golf Club is
hillside A LINKS TO TEST THE BEST
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 396 2 5 526 3 4 397 4 3 195 5 5 562 6 4 444 7 3 170 8 4 393 9 4 419 Out 36 3502
Total 72 7029
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BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 3 172 5 509 4 400 4 402 4 419 4 421 3 218 5 547 4 439 36 3527
The 17th hole
H
illside is widely regarded as the finest British golf course not to have staged an Open Championship and there are those who believe that it presents a tougher challenge than many of the courses on the current rota. None other than two-time Open champion, Greg Norman, once opined that Hillside’s back nine was “the best in Britain” and, in similar vein, compatriot Rodney Pampling described it as “the toughest course I have
The 16th hole
ever played” after competing over the Open qualifying course in 1998. Hillside lies a stone’s throw
located to the south of Southport Town Centre, just off the A565 (Waterloo Road). From the M6 turn off at Junction 26 onto the M58. Follow the A570 Southport signs off the M58. From the A570, follow the A565 south, then turn off onto Hastings Road by Hillside Train Station.
from Royal Birkdale, amid a stretch of sandhills on the outskirts of Southport, and has many of the attributes of its
neighbour. The start, like Formby, is dominated by the railway line that runs parallel to the opening holes. The back nine was re-designed in the 1960s and features a series of holes that linger in the mind long after a visit is over. Since the ‘60s, Hillside has hosted several major amateur events, including The Amateur Championship and the Ladies’ British Amateur, the course will again host The Amateur Championship in 2011. It has also staged the 1982 PGA Championship, won by Tony Jacklin, and, more
recently, the 2003 English Seniors’ Open, won by Carl Mason. Alan Hansen, the former Liverpool and Scotland defender and a low handicap golfer, puts Hillside alongside Augusta National as his favourite course in the world. “I can’t think of a better course,” he said. “I might be biased, being a member, but it really is a fantastic lay-out and its back nine is second to none. “I don’t play golf for fun,” he added, “I’m too competitive for that. Hillside really is a stern test and I love that.”
Signature Hole H o l e 1 1 • Pa r - 5 • 5 0 9 ya r d s This 500-yard plus par-5 requires a precise drive up the left, with anything to the right likely to fall into a well-placed fairway bunker. With its elevated tee that provides stunning views over Birkdale and the surrounding area, this hole is ranked in the top- 500 in the world.
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Information THE COURSE White Tees: Yellow Tees: Blue Tees: Red Tees:
6768 yards 6339 yards 5932 yards 5696 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1704 578000
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
£75 £100
getting there Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 3LG Directions: The delightful club is easily accessible via the excellent road system in this corner of the North West of England. The A565 leads to Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club. The clubhouse is off Bradshaws Lane which is joined by Berwick Avenue to the Liverpool Road (A565).
SOUTHPORT & AINSDALE THE FIRST COURSE TO STAGE TWO RYDER CUPS
S
The 2nd hole
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outhport & Ainsdale is not long by modern standards but it is an excellent test of golf, once being described by US magazine, Golf World, as “the best designed course in the UK.” The club was established in 1906 when it utilised a little nine-hole course now absorbed by housing. Subsequently, in 1923, former Open champion, James Braid, was brought in to design an 18-hole lay-out and much of his handiwork survives to this day. S & A, as it is known by locals,
The 3rd hole
is what the purists would call a classic links boasting a fine collection of par-3s, 4s, and 5s, all of which are memorable and none the same. The fairways are narrow, bordered by sand dunes, heather and gorse and the variable wind conditions conspire to make it a tremendous test of golf. As recently as 2005, S & A co-hosted The Amateur Championship with Royal Birkdale but it is perhaps best-known as the first course to stage two Ryder Cups. The first of those was in 1933 when a strong GB & I side led by JH
Taylor defeated the Americans 6-5. That US team was captained by the legendary Walter Hagen and “the Haig” returned four years later, this time seeing his side claim an 8-4 win. Hagen, in fact, was probably the first world-class golfer to visit S & A, having appeared in an exhibition in 1926, and to this day a poster advertising the event still hangs in the refurbished clubhouse. There is also a fine collection of other artefacts and trophies celebrating its rich and distinguished past. Like several other courses on England’s Golf Coast, S & A
has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with natterjack toads and other rare wildlife being found within its boundaries.
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 3 204 2 5 517 3 4 430 4 4 359 5 4 448 6 4 393 7 5 490 8 3 153 9 5 530 Out 37 3524
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 3 183 4 444 4 422 3 155 4 396 4 343 5 508 4 443 4 350 35 3244
Signature Hole H o l e 1 6 • G u m b l e y s • Pa r - 5 • 5 0 8 ya r d s The 16th is known as “Gumbleys” and is certainly the feature hole on the course. A good drive leaves a blind second shot over a bunker and a 20-feet high bank of sleepers. On reaching the brow of the hill, you will be able to see a long, narrow green situated in front of a high links dune. This picturesque hole can offer a birdie opportunity – but many cards have been wrecked here as well.
Total 72 6768
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HESKETH the home of southport’s oldest club
H
esketh, set amidst the towering Victorian villas of one of Southport’s premiere residential areas, is a course of contrasts, with half of its holes meandering through sand dunes and the rest overlooking the glorious Ribble Estuary. The club is Southport’s oldest, golf being played by the-then Southport Golf Club on a “Marshland Links” as
early as 1885 and it boasts a truly exceptional clubhouse, complete with clock tower, which sits on top of a hill and dominates the area. This majestic edifice, built in 1902 at the same time as the current course, features a mock Tudor façade, with its bright red roof contrasting starkly with black timbers and white plaster walls. Inside, it is both comfortable and traditional, entirely
Card of the course
The 6th hole
FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 382 2 3 152 3 4 445 4 3 181 5 4 366 6 4 451 7 5 513 8 4 349 9 4 440 Out 35 3279
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 346 3 184 4 425 5 502 4 391 4 383 3 188 5 509 5 478 37 3406
Information THE COURSE White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
6685 yards 6185 yards 5639 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1704 536897
Total 72 6685
GREEN FEES Weekdays: £60 per round £70 for the day Weekends: £75 per round
fitting for a club that played an important role in the development of amateur golf in England. Hesketh is perhaps bestknown for its role in the formation of the English Golf Union. The initiative to form the Union came from a former Hesketh captain, J. Rayner Batty, who became the Union’s first President. The club’s two most famous members were the Bentley brothers, Arnold and Harry, who grew up locally and both went on to win the English Amateur Championship. The course where the
Bentleys grew up is a fine test split by a road, with seven holes on the clubhouse side and eleven on the other. The road up to the clubhouse passes a par-3 once described by Open champion, Henry Cotton, as the best short hole in Lancashire while the stretch of holes from the 14th to the 18th is also outstanding. Cotton was a frequent visit to Hesketh and once won the famous Dunlop Southport tournament on the course. It is used as an Open qualifying course when the Championship is held at Royal Birkdale.
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getting there Hesketh Golf Club, Cockle Dick’s Lane, Off Cambridge Road, Southport, PR9 9QQ Directions: The Hesketh Club is at Cockle Dick’s Lane which is off Cambridge Road. Cambridge Road is the A565, the main road between Southport and Preston. The turn off to Cockle Dick’s Lane is almost 2 miles north of Southport Town Centre along the A565. To get to Southport from the M6, take J26 exit and continue along M58 until the Southport exit. Follow the A577 and then the A570 through Ormskirk to Southport.
Signature Hole H o l e 1 4 • Pa r - 4 • 3 9 1 ya r d s A very accurate drive is required here, with out-of-bounds down the right and thick heather down the left. This leaves a second shot over high bunkers guarding a green that slopes from front to back. A tricky hole in anyone’s book.
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WEST LANCS
Information
Signature Hole
THE COURSE Open Championship Tees: White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
ONE OF THE TEN OLDEST CLUBS IN ENGLAND
6964 yards 6772 yards 6239 yards 5601 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 0151 924 1076
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
H o l e 1 4 • B e l l • Pa r - 4 • 4 4 7 ya r d s The most difficult hole on the course. The tee shot needs to be in the order of 300 yards to give an unobstructed view of the green. If you cannot see the green, play short and left. No bunkers around this green, you will see why.
of rough sandy wilderness to punish the wrongdoer. On a summer evening, as the sun casts its shadows on the links, the shipping slips quietly by on the Mersey and there is time to reflect the distant beauty, the realisation occurs that the West Lancashire enjoys the best of both worlds.” Over the years, the club has employed two Open champions, Sandy Herd and Arthur
The 13th hole
W
est Lancashire Golf Club, founded in 1873, is one of the ten oldest clubs in England and boasts one of the most natural and under-rated links found anywhere in the 18 Book online at
British Isles. Of the links, Bernard Darwin wrote in 1922: “The West Lancashire Golf Club of Blundellsands is decidedly one of the more venerable of English Clubs. The course lies
on a noble stretch of golfing ground which is second to none, not even to the East Lothian or to the country around Troon or Prestwick.” Some seventy years later famed writer and course
designer, Donald Steel, was equally beguiled: “Only in Britain can one sample the true flavour of seaside golf of which West Lancashire is a perfect example. Within the framework of the coastal
dunes and the railway, a glorious balance unfurls. There are humps and hollows, greens on plateaux and greens in dells, contrast and shelter in the inland holes and everywhere a sea
The 12th hole
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 436 2 5 489 3 3 159 4 4 411 5 5 478 6 3 156 7 4 358 8 4 446 9 4 403 Out 36 3336
Total 72 6772
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 358 5 561 3 179 4 371 4 447 4 395 5 530 3 167 4 428 36 3552
£70 £90
getting there The West Lancashire Golf Club, Hall Road West, Blundellsands, Liverpool, L23 8SZ Directions: The club is some nine miles north from the city centre of Liverpool and a similar distance south from Southport. It is easily reached from the National Motorway network, either from the M53, the M57 or the M58 which connect with the arterial motorways of the M62 and the M6.
Havers, as club professional and another, Harold Hilton, as secretary. To this day, it is still used regularly as an Open Qualifying course and it was there in 1976 that four future Masters champions, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam all qualified for that year’s Championship at Royal Birkdale. According to the Guinness Book of Records, West Lancs was also the scene of the longest hole-in-one ever recorded in Britain. That accolade goes to Peter Richard Parkinson, then an assistant professional at the club, who in June 1972 aced the 393-yard par-4 7th hole.
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Information
FORMBY
THE COURSE Championship Tees: White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
A COURSE OF CONTRASTS AMONGST THE DUNES
7028 yards 6698 yards 6505 yards 6052 yards
BOOKING Tel:
GREEN FEES
Formby clubhouse
Formby Golf Club has been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with the surrounding dunes a designated conservation area. This gem of a course, whilst basking in the shadows of its illustrious Royal neighbours, is proud of its position as one of the top amateur golf courses in the UK. A visit to the Golf Coast is incomplete without having had the Formby experience.
+44 (0) 1704 872164
Weekdays : Weekends:
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 435 2 4 403 3 5 538 4 4 312 5 3 183 6 4 428 7 4 419 8 5 493 9 4 450 Out 37 3661
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 3 215 4 422 4 421 4 431 4 435 4 403 3 127 5 494 4 419 35 3367
£95 £105
GETTING THERE Formby Golf Club, Golf Road, Formby, Liverpool, L37 1YH Directions: From the Motorway network at the junction of the M57 take the signposts to Formby. On the A565 from Liverpool direction turn left at the 2nd roundabout (with the BP station) towards Formby.
Total 72 7028
The 11th hole
F
ormby Golf Club is aptly regarded as a classic British links and it is also unique in as much as within its boundaries lies the completely independent Formby Ladies’ Golf Club. Situated among sandhills and pinewoods some 14 miles north of Liverpool and five miles south of Southport, it
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is a course of contrasts. The opening holes beside the railway differ markedly from the subsequent holes built among sand dunes. The stretch out at the far end, close to a bird sanctuary, is particularly appealing, not least because on a good day from the 9th and 10th tees the visitor can see the
Welsh mountains to the south west. Memorable, too, are the course’s excellent par-3s which are among the most challenging to be found anywhere. Formby might well be the most attractive course on England’s Golf Coast, locals suggest it’s the best links golf course not to have held the
Open. It has hosted many important events, including three Amateur Championships, most recently in 1984 when Spaniard, José-Maria Olazábal, defeated Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie 5 & 4. It will host The Amateur Championship again in 2009. It has also staged the Home Internationals, the English
Amateur, the English Ladies’ and in 2004 was selected as the venue for the Curtis Cup, won narrowly 10-8 by the United States. The current clubhouse was opened in 1901, replacing its predecessor that was destroyed by fire. Within its walls a warm welcome awaits, not to mention dormy house accommodation for members and visitors alike.
Signature Hole
H o l e 1 6 • Pa r - 3 • 1 2 7 ya r d s
This hole offers a really tricky tee shot to an island plateau green sloping up to the back, and surrounded by all manner of trouble. On the face of it an easy three - which so often becomes a disastrous five.
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FORMBY LADIES
Information
Signature Hole
THE COURSE Red Tees:
A HIDDEN beauty SET IN DUNES AND PINES
5374 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1 704 873493
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
£47 £52
getting there Formby Ladies Golf Club, Golf Road, Formby, Liverpool,L37 1YH Directions: From the Motorway
H o l e 1 2 • Pa r - 3 • 1 5 8 ya r d s This par-3 demands an accurate tee shot from an elevated tee to a small green encircled by tall pine trees and greenside bunkers.
F
The 4th hole
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ormby Ladies’ narrow fairways, lined with heather and its small greens guarded by well-positioned pot bunkers certainly demand that all golfers play with precision rather than rely on brute force. Contrary to what the Formby Ladies name suggests, gentlemen are most welcome to play this hidden gem set amongst the pine trees and sand dunes of the Lancashire Coast. The course is a testament to the old adage that less is sometimes more. By modern standards the course appears relatively short - but don’t be fooled into thinking that this course is an easy target. Even a mighty hitter like double Open Champion Greg Norman could not disguise his admiration for Formby Ladies. “Over 100 years old and still your
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 261 2 5 417 3 3 129 4 4 287 5 3 122 6 4 412 7 4 251 8 5 428 9 4 322 Out 36 2629
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 5 422 4 307 3 158 4 385 4 301 4 374 3 128 4 324 4 346 35 2745
Total 71 5374
course can stand the test of time,” he said. “What a beautiful course, it clearly shows that courses do not need to be 7,000 yards plus to be formidable” Malcolm Gregson, Ryder Cup player and European Seniors’ Tour pro, also praised the lay-out saying “It’s a wonderful, testing course, with a premium on accuracy.” All four par-3 holes are demanding and the 12th hole
network at the junction of the M57 take the signposts to Formby. On the A565 from Liverpool direction turn left at the 2nd roundabout (with the BP station) towards Formby. Follow the signs for Formby Point, then turn right after the level crossing.
would grace any Open Championship venue. But even if your scorecard is looking grim, you can enjoy some spectacular views over the course towards the Irish Sea. There is also a splendid contrast to be found on the Formby Ladies course, the flat landward-side holes being misleadingly straightforward in appearance, whilst the picturesque, adventurous holes lying among the sand hills and pine woods provide more obvious physical hazards which need to be avoided. If you need to warm up before a round, there’s a large practice ground plus a short game practice area with three bunkers. All visitors will be delighted by the warm welcome and friendly staff who are always ready to provide home made food as soon as the dining room opens at 9.00 a.m. Book online at
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Signature Hole L i t t l e V e n i c e • H o l e 1 6 • Pa r - 3 • 1 8 7 ya r d s The emphasis is on club selection as an accurate tee shot is required. The prevailing wind is generally straight back towards the tee adding to the difficulty of this hole. This picturesque yet extremely testing Par-3, with its 170-yard carry over water, and 6 well placed greenside bunkers waiting to catch any errant tee shot leaves very little margin for error, and a Par-3 on the card is true reward for selecting the right club.
Information THE COURSE Championship Tees: White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
6955 yards 6713 yards 6409 yards 5589 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1704 875699
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Summer (Mon - Fri) £45.00 Winter (Mon - Fri) £35.00 Weekends: Summer (Sat - Sun/BH) £55.00
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 366 2 3 186 3 5 493 4 4 361 5 4 468 6 3 182 7 5 521 8 4 430 9 4 383 Out 36 3390
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 309 4 386 4 471 3 220 5 593 4 460 3 187 4 397 5 542 36 3565
getting there Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa, Southport Old Road, Southport, Merseyside L37 OAB Directions: Drivers from the north
Total 72 6955
and well-placed bunkers. Water, in fact, can be found on 16 out of the 18 holes, making the course an altogether different experience to the many venerable links found nearby. Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa has recently completed a £10million investment resulting in it becoming home
The 9th hole
FORMBY HALL GOLF RESORT AND SPA
THE UK’S FIRST PGA NATIONAL RESIDENTIAL GOLF ACADEMY 24 Book online at
F
ormby Hall Golf Resort and Spa, opened in 1996, is one of the newest courses on England’s Golf Coast but has already built an enviable reputation, both for its welcome and the test of golf it provides. Hewn from marshland, six miles south of Southport, Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa measures 6,955 yards from the Championship tees and has already hosted two events
on the Challenge Tour and another on the European Seniors’ Tour. The first of the former, played in 2000, saw Sweden’s Fredrik Henge defy a strong field that included England’s Justin Rose and Ian Poulter. The latter, the 2004 ADT English Seniors’ Open, was won by Carl Mason, thereby defending the title he had claimed at Hillside the previous year. The course features a series of testing holes protected by water
to the UK’s first PGA National Residential Golf Academy. In addition to the existing course, the Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa will now also offer a 9-hole par-3 course, a driving range with private bays, custom fit studios, 62-bedroom 4-star standard hotel, health and fitness facilities including swimming pool and spa.
and south should leave the M6 motorway at Junction 26 and join the M58 to Crosby and Liverpool, continuing to the end of the motorway. At the junction of the M58 and M57 join the A5036 and follow the signs for Formby. Join the Northern Perimeter Road, and then the A565. Turn right onto Old Liverpool Road at the signposts for Formby Hall on the A565 Formby Bypass. The entrance to the golf club is on the left, a few hundred yards down this road.
4-star Hotel & Spa
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WALLASEY
THE HOME OF THE STABLEFORD SCORING SYSTEM
W
allasey was once described as “the Diamond in the Dunes”, in recognition both of its idyllic setting amidst undulating land close to the Irish Sea as well as the excellent test of golf it offers. The club also has a unique claim to fame being the home of the renowned Stableford scoring system used in competitions at golf clubs all over the world. Tom Morris Snr, the fourtime Open champion, laid out the original course at Wallasey in 1893. Subsequently, revisions were made by Alex Herd, Harold Hilton, JH Taylor, James Braid and most recently Donald Steel who altered three holes in time to be opened for play in 2004. The result of all this handiwork is a course for which the term “hidden gem” could have been invented. The par-3s are excellent, the par-5s challenging and the closing stretch as testing as you will find anywhere. Not surprisingly, then, it has been used as a venue for several Open qualifiers as well as the preliminary stages of The Amateur Championship in both 1995 and 2000. Wallasey is by no means
a pushover, even in calm conditions, which is why local member, Dr Frank Barney Gorton Stableford, was moved to invent the Stableford system in the 1930s. Weary of playing the course using the traditional stroke play format, he wanted something less challenging and honed in on a points system that allowed for the occasional mishap. Wallasey held its first competition using the Stableford system on May 16th, 1932, and it proved to be an instantaneous success both there and elsewhere. That doyen of golf writers and broadcasters, Henry Longhurst, put the doctor’s contribution into perspective when he wrote: “I doubt whether any single man did more to increase the pleasure of the more humble club golfer.”
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 361 2 4 458 3 4 395 4 5 531 5 3 173 6 4 339 7 5 530 8 4 392 9 3 147 Out 36 3304
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 310 4 412 3 143 5 544 5 485 4 351 3 195 4 457 4 433 36 3268
Information THE COURSE White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
6572 yards 6323 yards 5844 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 151 691 1024
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
£70 £85
getting there Wallasey Golf Club, Bayswater Road, Wallasey, Wirral, CH45 8LA Directions: From the M53 leave the motorway at junction 1 following the signs for New Brighton, A554. The road runs into a residential area and the clubhouse is on the left after 400 yards. From Liverpool, take the Wallasey Tunnel (Kingsway). On exiting the toll booths continue straight on following the signs for the M53 motorway. After 1 mile exit at the slip road following the signs for New Brighton, A554. At the roundabout beneath the motorway take the third exit, following the signs for New Brighton, A554. The road runs into a residential area and the clubhouse is on the left after 400 yards.
Total 72 6572
Signature Hole H o l e 1 8 • Pa r - 4 • 4 3 3 ya r d s An excellent finishing hole, offering the choice from the tee of a long carry over a hill, or a shorter drive left. The second is a semi-blind shot to a large green with bunkers short and right. Be very satisfied with a four, and make your way to the terrace for some well-earned refreshment.
26 Book online at
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CALDY
A COURSE WITH A CHARACTER OF ITS OWN
T
his striking 6,707-yard course really does have a character that’s all its own, and that’s down to an unusual combination of clifftop, links-style holes that are complemented by a stretch of parkland style-holes that wind their way inland by the River Dee. The course and clubhouse, which enjoys magnificent views across the course to the Welsh hills, have been the subject of major improvements over the years. Many of the greens and tees have been re-built to USGA specifications, which give the best possible playing conditions in all weather conditions. Those conditions will nearly always feature the wind, which gusts unpredictably and means each hole can provide a different challenge from day to day.
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 388 2 3 181 3 4 409 4 4 342 5 5 544 6 4 413 7 5 541 8 3 154 9 4 430 Out 36 3402
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 3 188 5 520 4 437 4 352 4 393 4 345 4 411 4 156 3 503 36 3305
Total 72 6707
THE COURSE White Tees: Yellow Tees: Blue Tees: Red Tees:
6707 yards 6324 yards 5792 yards 5798 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 151 6255660
GREEN FEES
The layout, first penned by Jack Morris, nephew of the famous Tom Morris, in 1906 was modified and extended to 18 holes in 1930 by James Braid (5-times Open Champion) and opened for play in 1931. Such is its quality, Caldy has hosted many significant golf tournaments. In 1981 it was chosen as one of the qualifying
Signature Hole H o l e 3 • Pa r - 4 • 4 0 9 ya r d s A right-hand dog-leg with out-of-bounds running down the left, each tee shot plays differently depending on the whims of the wind. The second is to a small green guarded by a pond, pot bunkers and out-of-bounds also down the left.
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Information
Weekdays: Weekends:
£60 per round £70 per day Sundays £60 per round by arrangement
getting there Caldy Golf Club, Links Hey Road, Caldy, Wirral, CH48 1NB Directions: Drivers from the north should leave the M6 and follow the M58 and the A59 to the Kingsway tunnel and M53. Leave the M53 at junction 2, taking the B5139 and B5140 to Caldy. From the south drivers should leave the M6 at Junction 20 and take the M56, then junction 15 on to the M53 towards Birkenhead. Leave the M53 at junction 4 then take the A5137, followed by the A540 to Caldy. Caldy is situated one mile south of West Kirby on the River Dee.
courses when the European Open was held at Royal Liverpool and the same year was invited by the R&A to co-host the Senior Open Championship, again with the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Caldy’s Festival of Golf Week has also become a real event in the area. Now in its 9th year, it is open to all-comers and now sees over 800 golfers from 115 clubs enjoying this fabulous course and facilities at preferential rates. Book online at
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Heswall clubhouse
Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Blissful silence and abundant wildlife on the Dee marshes, a protected and internationally - recognised bird sanctuary, all contribute to the Heswall experience, as do the views which take in the suspension bridge near Connah’s Quay, the Clywd range including Moel Famau, Point of Ayr and Hilbre Islands. The clubhouse which has been extended and refurbished, has a wonderful terrace which has views of the Welsh Hills and magnificent sunsets over the Dee estuary and has become a great favourite of members and visitors alike.
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 421 2 4 393 3 4 351 4 3 209 5 5 605 6 4 367 7 3 167 8 4 370 9 5 549 Out 36 3432
HESWALL S
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designed by Mckenzie & Ebert (Donald Steel) has an increased length of 326 yards and now measures 6882 yards. Respected architects such as Jack Morris, Harry Vardon and Frank Pennick have designed previous alterations made during its 105-year history. With its proximity to the Dee Estuary and Irish Sea, the
9 Par Yards 4 431 4 350 5 509 4 450 3 148 4 474 3 190 5 564 4 334 36 3450
THE COURSE Blue Tees: White Tees: Yellow Tees: Ladies Tees:
6882 yards 6624 yards 6272 yards 5773 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 151 342 1237
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
£50 £60
getting there Heswall Golf Club, Cottage Lane, Gayton, Wirral, CH60 8PB Directions: From the M53 take junction 4 and follow signs to Heswall on A5137. From the roundabout at the junction of A540, A551 and A5137 (Glegg Arms, Devon Doorway and Shell Garage) follow signs along Well Lane but stay on the top road (Dawstone Rd) until it turns sharply left down Baskervyle Rd. Go to the bottom and turn sharp left onto Gayton Rd and first right down Cottage Lane. The entrance to the Visitor Car Park is on the left and then take a sharp right.
Total 72 6882
Signature Hole
ALL CHANGE AT ONE OF THE WIRRAL’S FINEST CLUBS
ituated on gently sloping land with spectacular views over the Dee Estuary, golfers are now playing on Heswall’s recently extended course. Together with a wonderfully refurbished clubhouse the ‘Heswall golfing experience’ will be a real pleasure for all. The extended course
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
Information
The 14th hole
H o l e 3 • Pa r - 4 • 3 5 1 ya r d s
weather always plays a part in any round of golf. With this, numerous trees planted over recent decades and strategically - placed bunkers, the golfer faces an interesting challenge when playing Heswall. Having been the venue for many County Championships, County Matches and other
events over the last 75 years, the club was honoured to host the English Seniors’ Championship in 2002, its centenary year. More recently, it was chosen by the R & A to host the Junior Open Championship in 2006. This event was held at the start of the week in which the Open Championship was played at
Accuracy is the key off this elevated tee with out-of-bounds down the left and a copse to the right. A well placed tee shot will leave a short approach to a sloping green heavily guarded by a large pond and bunkers.
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Information THE COURSE Championship Tees: White Tees: Yellow Tees: Blue Tees: Red Tees:
BOOKING
st annes old links
Tel:
Y
32 Book online at
+44 (0) 1253 723597
GREEN FEES Weekdays:
£55/65
getting there St Annes Old Links Golf Club, Highbury Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 2LD Directions: Leave the M55 motorway,
A GREAT TEST OF PATIENCE AND RESILIENCE
ou only have to look out across this magnificent course to appreciate just what sort test St Annes Old Links is going to set you. This is a classic seaside links course with windswept undulating fairways that run through dunes and wild grasses. The only real quirk is the presence of four ponds, an unusual feature for this style of course, which come into play on six of the holes. You’ll nearly always be playing with a cross wind (the prevailing wind is a westerly but most of the holes run north to south, or the reverse) and during hot summers the ball will run and bounce unpredictably, sometimes into the rough. Like all great links, it’s all designed to test your patience and resilience. The course was laid out by the club’s first professional, George Lowe, and Alex Herd, winner of the Open Championship in 1902.
6872 yards 6684 yards 6428 yards 6195 yards 5630 yards
bear left at the roundabout and follow the signs for Blackpool South Shore. This brings you in along a
It’s been used as the venue for qualifying rounds for The Open Championship for Royal Lytham since 1926 and will next be used in 2012 as a Final Qualifier. It has also staged tournaments such as The English Ladies’ Amateur Championship and The Amateur Championship qualifying stage in 2007. There are many great holes at St Annes Old Links. The legendary Bobby Jones came here in 1926 and reportedly loved the 169-yard par 3, 9th hole, which offers a narrow
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 342 2 4 403 3 3 171 4 4 452 5 5 569 6 5 565 7 4 447 8 4 404 9 3 169 Out 36 3522
Total 72 6872
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 320 4 343 4 411 3 201 4 374 4 383 3 179 5 624 5 515 36 3350
green, well-guarded by bunkers. He took detailed measurements so that he could reproduce a hole of similar character in the United States. However, it’s the 447-yard 7th hole that is often rated the most difficult as it usually plays directly into the prevailing westerly wind. Getting to the green in the regulation number of strokes is usually a struggle, even for the longest hitters. Many canny locals tend to lay up short of the ditch that protects the green and hope to chip on and one-putt for a par. This 6,872-yard, par-72, classic may be 107 years-old, but it has certainly stood the test of time.
dual carriageway called Squires Gate Lane, past the entrance to Blackpool Airport. Carry on as far as you can go and after passing over the railway bridge you reach a set of lights. Turn left here and proceed along the sea front with the Pontins Camp on your left . Stay on this road until the first set of lights where you turn left into Highbury Road East. The entrance to the golf club is just over the railway bridge on your left-hand side. If you need any help or the location of hotels etc here in St Annes on Sea or Lytham, then simply give us a call on +44 (0) 1253 723597 and we will do everything we can to help you.
Signature Hole H o l e 9 • Pa r - 3 • 169 ya r d s One of the most challenging and picturesque holes on England’s Golf Coast. This short par-3 (above) requires a 150-yard carry to clear a cluster of well-placed bunkers in front of the green. The green itself is cut in between sand dunes so an accurate tee shot is essential.
lytham green drive famous for the friendly welcome
Information THE COURSE White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
6305 yards 6159 yards 5750 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+4 4 (0) 1253 737390
GREEN FEES Round Only: Day: Sundays:
Card of the course
The 9th hole
I
t’s only 6,305 yards long but can Lytham Green Drive be considered short and sweet? Well, only if you play with your head more than your heart, otherwise it will bite you back like a cornered Yorkshire terrier. At first sight it’s a pleasant tree-lined course, which although within a mile of the Irish Sea still retains parkland characteristics. The greens are small by modern standards, and very well-bunkered. This parkland course also has links-like undulating fairways that can fool the eye when it comes to judging distance. Despite its modest length, it demands a wide variety of golf shots and will make you use just about every club in your bag, with its assortment of different challenges and approaches to most greens. The front nine is
arguably easier than the back nine but the first hole could start the round off on the wrong foot. This 398-yard gentle dog-leg has an outof-bounds on the right, trees to the left and a well-bunkered green with a pond at the rear. Two well-placed bunkers on the right of the fairway will catch any crooked drives. Laid out by 1902 Open Champion Alex Herd and re-designed by James Steer in the 1940’s, Lytham Green Drive is situated on the outskirts of Lytham next to the Green Drive. The ‘Lytham Golf Club’ was founded in 1913 by a group of local men and has had a reputation of being very friendly and sociable ever since. This formidable little test was officially recognised when it was used as a final qualifying course for the 1974, 1979 and 1988 Open Championships held at nearby Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club.
FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 398 2 4 389 3 4 334 4 4 360 5 5 518 6 3 187 7 4 345 8 4 356 9 4 406 Out 36 3012
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 455 4 348 4 336 3 164 4 444 3 147 4 403 3 205 5 510 34 3293
Total 70 6305
£38 (27/36 holes) £45 £45
getting there Lytham Green Drive Golf Club, Ballam Road, Lytham St Annes, FY8 4LE Directions: Exit the M55 motorway at junction 4, signposted North Shore and A583. Keep left and move into the inside lane. Go straight over the roundabout (pass a B & Q store on the right), at the first set of traffic lights turn right, then immediately left down Peel Road. Continue until you reach a T-junction, turn right onto Ballam Road, and the club is 1½ miles on the left.
Signature Hole
H o l e 13 • Pa r - 3 • 164 ya r d s The thirteenth hole is named “Harold’s Beck” after the club’s famous professional and renowed club maker Harold Beck. It is an extremely picturesque Par-3 and worthy of being the signature hole.
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Information THE COURSE White Tees:
6883 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1253 736741
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends: *
FAIRHAVEN ONE OF THE BEST OPEN QUALIFYING COURSES T
his is a relatively unsung course compared to some of its more illustrious neighbours but is definitely a championship quality venue - and an entertaining one at that. Fairhaven is not quite a traditional links course, although it does benefit from a sand sub-soil base that permits year-round golf. Originally designed by JA Steer & J Braid and further improved by Donald Steel, its strategicallyplaced revetted bunkers provide a great test, bringing the risk and reward shot to the forefront of players’ course management. Fairhaven is what its name suggests - there are no gimmicky or trick holes here - but at the same time it will test every department of any golfer’s game. That’s why it has hosted many prestigious tournaments since it was opened in 1923, including Open Qualifying when the Open Championship is held at nearby
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Royal Lytham & St. Annes. It has also received the accolade of being named one of ‘The Best 10 ‘Open Championship’ Qualifying Courses’ in a leading UK golf magazine. Incidentally, the professionals’ course record of 64 was achieved by Justin Leonard in 1996, while he was playing in and leading the final qualifying rounds. Fairhaven’s greens are generally flat, so the priority is to avoid the hazards including the
course’s 117 separate bunkers. The par-4 4th hole, measuring 451 yards, is the toughest on the course especially with a fairway bunker and thick pines situated at driving distance before you hit your long approach to a green surrounded by bunkers. If you’re a long hitter you’ll love this 6,883-yard course as there are
£50 per round £70 per day £60 per round £80 per day *Including Bank Holidays
getting there Fairhaven Golf Club, Oakwood Avenue, Lytham St. Annes, Lancashire FY8 4JU Directions: Situated just off the A584, on Oakwood Ave, Ansdell, bewteen the town centres of Lytham and St Annes, which are both 1 mile away.
six par-5s and three in the last four holes. There’ll be nothing to distract you from a good score either as peace and tranquillity is one of the course’s hallmarks - you won’t see one road or house from the course, despite it being only within two miles of both Lytham and St Annes. Colin Montgomerie would love it!
Signature Hole
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 5 520 2 3 188 3 5 508 4 4 451 5 3 189 6 4 381 7 4 353 8 4 400 9 4 362 Out 36 3352
Total 74 6883
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 3 216 5 503 4 381 4 383 4 371 5 500 5 501 3 161 5 515 38 3531
H o l e 17 • L i g g a r d • Pa r - 3 • 161 ya r d s A super little Par-3, the shortest on the course, with a raised green surrounded by deep bunkers. It is important to take note of the wind direction as the green is more exposed than the tee.
Information
The 16th hole on the Cheshire Course
THE COURSE Nicklaus Championship Tees: 7045 yards Blue Tees: 6628 yards White Tees: 6302 yards Yellow Tees: 5906 yards Red Tees: 5211 yards
Cheshire N/A 6824 yards 6653 yards 6348 yards 5593 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 1829 731000
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
de vere carden park
TWO FINE COURSES IN ONE PICTURESQUE RESORT
S
et on a stunning 900acre estate in gently undulating Cheshire countryside, Carden Park Golf Resort & Spa offers a superb range of facilities. Nestling between the open landscapes of the Cheshire plain and the rugged Welsh hills this historic estate is well positioned to explore the surrounding area. But it’s the excellence and sheer breadth of the golfing Nicklaus Course
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 445 2 4 363 3 3 201 4 5 546 5 4 446 6 4 373 7 4 423 8 3 174 9 5 568 Out 36 3539
Total 72 7045
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 424 4 454 3 230 5 574 4 355 4 425 3 159 4 378 5 507 36 3506
Signature Hole
H o l e 17 ( N i c k l au s Co u r s e ) Pa r 4 • 378 ya r d s A testing dog-leg, the 17th demands the utmost accuracy. A precise tee shot is paramount if a bath in the lake to the left is to be avoided. The tapering fairway offers differing lies for the approach.
facilities which really draw the crowds to this resort. With two 18-hole championship courses, there is plenty for golfers of all levels at Carden Park, from beginners to scratch players. And in this instance, the term “Championship” means just
that. The 7,045-yard Nicklaus Course - only the fourth British course design in which Jack Nicklaus has been personally involved, regularly hosts the PGA Seniors’ Championship. The equally challenging 6,824-yard Championship
From £25 From £25
getting there De Vere Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, Nr Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ Directions: By road, from the South: M6, M54, A41 Chester, Broxton Roundabout take A534 Wrexham. Follow for 1½ miles. From the North: M6, M56 North Wales/Runcorn, M53 Chester. Take A41 for Whitchurch. At Broxton roundabout take A534 Wrexham, follow for 1½ miles.
Cheshire Course is also a great test of your golfing skills and enjoys some amazing scenery. Carden Park boasts its Jack Nicklaus Golf School where players of all abilities can improve their game using methods tried and tested by the world’s greatest golfer. The school includes 13 covered teaching bays, driving range, an intensive short game practice area and a virtual golf simulator. Step inside the hotel and the superb golf is complemented by excellent cuisine, extensive health and spa facilities, comfortable accommodation and a level of service you would expect from De Vere Hotels. Book online at
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Information THE COURSE Championship Tees: White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
6600 yards 6367 yards 6108 yards 5766 yards
BOOKING Tel:
+44 (0) 16973 31304
GREEN FEES Weekdays: Weekends:
getting there Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club, The Club House, Silloth, CA7 4BL Directions: Travelling from the
The par-3 9th hole
silloth-on-solway ranked as one of britain’s best courses
O
ne of the R&A’s Regional Qualifying Courses for the Open Championship, Silloth-on-Solway is regularly ranked among Britain’s very best golf courses, and deservedly so. Situated on the north west coast of Cumbria, you can enjoy striking views of the
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 380 2 4 315 3 4 371 4 4 372 5 5 518 6 3 201 7 4 415 8 4 371 9 3 142 Out 35 3085
Total 72 6600
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£39 £50
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 4 318 4 411 3 202 5 511 5 507 4 428 3 200 5 500 4 438 37 3515
Galloway Hills to the north, and south to the Lakeland fells and the distant Isle of Man. It is perhaps best known as the course that produced one of Britain’s finest ever female golfers, Cecilia “Cecil” Leitch, who dominated the women’s game around the time of the First World War and changed the way women played the
game. She is said to have developed a distinctive, more athletic swing in order to reach Silloth’s “handkerchiefsized” greens from long and narrow fairways. It’s no wonder then that the club has produced a stream of county champions. The North British Railway Company founded Silloth-on-
Signature Hole H o l e 9 • T h e M a n x • Pa r - 3 • 142 ya r d s Silloth’s version of the Postage Stamp (above). The high tee offers views on a clear day across to the distant Isle of Man, and down to a small green, protected by an array of deep bunkers and steep slopes to the right. There is less trouble on the back, but a favoured shot is a crisp iron shot - easier said than done into stiff breeze.
South: M6 Junction 41. B5305 to Wigton. B5302 to Silloth. Travelling form the North/East: M6 Junction 43. A69 Carlisle A595/596 to Wigton. B5302 to Silloth.
Solway Golf Club in 1892 and it hired Davy Grant to design the lay-out with subsequent revisions and improvements by Willie Park Jnr, Willy Fernie and the great Dr Mackenzie to achieve today’s challenging course. Vardon, Taylor and Braid, amongst others, played exhibition matches at Silloth which helped to publicise the course during the early 1900’s. It was laid out over the sand-hills west of town and features plenty of hazards such as heather, whin, deep bunkers and sandy wastes. Keep on the fairways, however, and you’ll be rewarded. The springy Cumberland turf invites fairway woods and crisp iron approach shots. The greens are full of subtle borrows and as at all great links are usually firm, fast and true.
Information
The par-3 10th hole
THE COURSE White Tees: Yellow Tees: Red Tees:
5151 yards 4915 yards 4608 yards
BOOKING Tel: or
+44 (0) 1 5394 43550 +44 (0) 1 5394 43123
GREEN FEES Weekdays: 18 holes £34/Day rate £56 Weekends & BH’s: 18 holes £40/Day rate £60
getting there Windermere Golf Club, Cleabarrow, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3NB Directions: Leave M6 motorway at junction 36. Take A590, then A591 for approximately 8 miles. At large roundabout take first turning left, following B5284 for approximately 5 miles. Windermere Golf club is situated on the left-hand side.
windermere
GREAT GOLF IN THE MIDDLE OF A GLORIOUS NATIONAL PARK
E
ven if you’re not a golfer you’ll love walking the fairways of Windermere Golf Club. This is a classic and very pretty parkland course in the middle of a National Park and in the heart of the beautiful Cumbria countryside. The club has an unrivalled view of Lake Windermere and the rugged fells that surround it. Established in 1891, it was originally a nine-hole course. There were 34 gentlemen members, with ladies being admitted a year later. Less than two years after inauguration, the course was extended to 18 holes. It is claimed that in 1920 the course measured 4,320 yards with a par of 72 - and not all holes had a par of 3, 4 or 5. The 1st hole had a par of 4 and a half,
the 8th was 3 and a half, and there were two other 3 and a half holes in the second nine! This historic club has been modified over the years and a comprehensive rebuilding of the greens to USGA standards was completed recently. The reward for the golfer is a top-notch
Card of the course FRONT 9 Hole Par Yards 1 4 314 2 3 231 3 4 253 4 4 384 5 4 307 6 4 361 7 4 368 8 3 148 9 4 272 Out 34 2638
BACK Hole 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In
9 Par Yards 3 206 4 266 4 360 4 316 3 147 3 190 5 464 4 360 3 204 33 2513
well-conditioned course in the heart of the Lake District. The lay-out is penal in places but there is something here to test all levels of ability. Although it measures a relatively modest 5,151 yards you will need to be wary of becoming over-confident as the undulating fairways, and
many natural water hazards demand concentration, patience and accuracy if you are to carve out a decent score. The clubhouse, meanwhile, is built of Lakeland stone and provides spectacular views over the surrounding fells - the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a drink after a hard day’s golf.
Signature Hole H o l e 12 • Pa r - 4 • 360 ya r d s The 12th hole has superb views of the Lake District fells and mountains from the tee. Played from an elevated tee, the fairway has a slight right-to-left dog-leg and the green is protected on the left by an ornamental pond. A strong 3-wood off the tee and an accurate wedge can give you a birdie opportunity.
Total 67 5151
Book online at
37
manchester VISITOR INFORMATION Old Trafford
Discover England’s
Northwest An exciting and dynamic region, England’s Northwest is full of striking landscapes and vibrant cityscapes. From the elegant and ancient city of Chester to the inspirational vistas of the Lake District, and from the award winning industrial heritage of Manchester to the outstanding cultural attractions of Liverpool, there’s so much to see and do in England’s Northwest. Add to
Manchester
seaside resorts, and the delightfully undiscovered
V
countryside of Lancashire, and you’re spoilt for choice.
entertainment.
these a spectacular coastline with Britain’s favourite
ictorian Manchester was renowned for cotton and provided a template for a new industrial society. In the 21st century,
Manchester is a famous venue for sport, shopping, culture and
From sport to music, dance to food, the calendar of
For evidence of this, visit The Quays. The striking Imperial War
events across England’s Northwest is truly world-class.
Museum North and The Lowry are stunning symbols of a vibrant,
For more information on England’s Northwest, go to www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com
progressive city-region. In the city centre, there’s also the unique atmosphere of the Gay Village and music lovers are spoilt for choice. You can catch one of the city’s orchestras in the magnificent Bridgewater Hall and Manchester attracts some of the biggest bands and solo artists every year. For shopping, Manchester has earned the unofficial title of shopping capital of the north – and for good reason. With a compact city centre, few UK cities can match the choice and convenience of a shopping spree in Manchester.
For shopping, Manchester has earned the unofficial title of shopping capital of the north
Manchester is best known globally for football, particularly Manchester United who regularly attract 76,000 to their matches. You can sample the amazing atmosphere of Old Trafford with the museum and stadium tour. Across town, Manchester City also offer tours and a club museum at the spectacular City of Manchester Stadium. Peel Island, Coniston
All this, alongside superb restaurants, cultural attractions and fantastic events makes Manchester the perfect choice for your sports break. www.visitmanchester.com
38 www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com
CHESTER & CHESHIRE visitor INFORMATION
Halle Fireworks Spectacular, Tatton Park
Eastgate Clock, Chester
Chester & Cheshire
F
rom Roman sandals to killer heels, Chester effortlessly blends centuries of substance with rolling acres of style.
Quietly dignified or outrageously glamorous, Chester can be
whatever you want it to be. Horse around at Chester Races, cruise the River Dee or discover what the Romans actually built in a day. Nestled in its heart, Chester’s unique Rows have become the epitome of Vintage Glamour. Browse two tiers of blissful boutiques and beguiling balconies encased in Medieval majesty. Chester and Cheshire boast an excellent festival season with highlights for every taste, concerts, food shows, outdoor theatre and with Cheshire celebrating its Year of Gardens 2008 - its not just the bees buzzing about our gardens. Just outside the city you will find more great attractions - Cheshire Oaks is the largest designer outlet village of its kind and offers over
Quietly dignified or outrageously glamorous, Chester can be whatever you want it to be 140 stores full of designer and high street brands. Nearby, Chester Zoo, one of the UK’s top attractions, offers you the chance to get close to animals such as elephants, giraffes and even dragons! And with Blue Planet Aquarium also on the doorstep why not combine a visit to both. From walkways to waterways, gallops to gourmets, wild grasses to sedate greens, Cheshire is the perfect place to breathe new life into old loves. www.visitcheshire.com www.visitchester.com
www.visitcheshire.com
www.visitchester.com 39
LIVERPOOL & MERSEYSIDE visitor INFORMATION Pier Head
Albert Dock
Beatles Puppets
Liverpool City Region
W
elcome to Europe’s Capital of Culture 2008 and to the city that
Road, the childhood homes of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney,
with new eateries appearing on almost every corner. It is home to
is renowed for its passion and style in music, arts and sport.
where many of the earliest Beatles songs were composed.
some real culinary delights and allows your taste buds to go around
2008 is undoubtedly a spectacular year for Liverpool with a myriad
Whilst retaining its unique heritage and architecture, new elements are
the world without ever leaving the city.
of events happening across the region. Some of the biggest names in
helping reshape Liverpool as a 21st Century premier European city.
music will be performing throughout the year such as a galaxy of stars
The recent opening of Liverpool ONE, Europe’s biggest retail
life. Enjoy all you desire, from a pint in an authentic pub, a drink in a
at Europe’s MTV Awards and Liverpool-born conductor Sir Simon
development, has just given the city’s retail facilities a massive boost and
fancy bar, party with the
Rattle who in September will return together with his Berliner
brings even more boutiques and shops to this fashion conscious city.
celebrities or dance all night
Philharmonic Orchestra. Over one million people are expected
Liverpool has a unique cultural claim to fame as home to more
to watch the start of the Tall Ships’ Races 2008 during the
museums and galleries than any other UK city outside London. Tate
Open Championship week when over a hundred vessels will grace
Liverpool and the venues that make up National Museums
this great port once again. The River Mersey will also host the
Liverpool are home to outstanding collections of international repute.
Round-the-World Clipper Yacht Race and the Honda F4
World-famous for its nightlife, going out is a part of Liverpool city
Liverpool’s restaurant scene has also blossomed over the past decade
Powerboat Series late in the Summer.
on the thriving club scene. The Liverpool City Region is famed as having two of the Livepool and Everton football clubs
top football clubs in the country, but there is also a
World-famous for its nightlife, going out is a part of Liverpool city life.
great history of rugby league and horse racing, with the John Smith’s Grand National, the most famous steeplechase in the world being
A centre of maritime, cultural and sporting excellence, Liverpool’s success in being crowned European Capital of Culture 2008 is
held here. Or why not pay a visit to St. Helens and to Haydock Park,
underpinned by its unrivalled architecture and heritage.
the UK’s most visited racecourse, or see ‘The Saints’ if you are a fan of
In 2004, UNESCO granted the city’s waterfront and Cultural Quarter
Super League Rugby. St.Helens also offers the visitor glorious
World Heritage Site status, placing the city’s Pier Head alongside
countryside and fascinating heritage.
Stonehenge and the Great Wall of China as one of the world’s most
Knowsley is home to the famous Knowsley Safari Park, set in acres of stunning parkland, and the inspiring National Wildflower Centre.
important historical sites. Famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, their legacy can still be
Other attractions across the region include the award-winning
seen and heard all over Liverpool. For a complete tour of the lives and
Norton Priory Museum & Walled Garden and Catalyst Science &
successes of John, Paul, George and Ringo you can visit The Beatles
Discovery Centre in Halton. Or why not take the short ferry ride across
Story, situated within the Albert Dock on Liverpool’s historic
the Mersey to visit some of the breathtaking coastline and scenery of
waterfront. Or why not take a tour of Mendips and 20 Forthlin
40 www.visitliverpool.com & www.liverpool08.com
Walker Art Gallery
the Wirral Peninsula.
www.visitliverpool.com & www.liverpool08.com 41
southport & SEFTON VISITOR INFORMATION Southport Pier & Tram
In Southport’s town centre, Lord Street ranks among the
The town features an annual jam-packed calendar of cultural events
finest boulevards in Europe. With its fabulous shopping arcades including the stunning stained glass covered Wayfarers Arcade, Royal Arcade and Cambridge Walks, it adds up to one of the Northwest’s leading shopping destinations. Speciality shops and designer boutiques complement high street names and now there is a new superb 5-star, 60-bedroom designer boutique hotel, ‘The Vincent’. Lord Street also features superb architecture, attractive municipal gardens, town hall, library, Southport Arts Centre and Atkinson Art Gallery whose excellent collection of works of art contain a mix of 19th and 20th century watercolours. Near to the seafront you’ll find the Ocean Plaza complex, an excellent mix of retail and leisure attractions.
Shopping in Southport
The town also features an annual jam-packed calendar of cultural events including the Southport International Jazz Festival, Southport Comedy Week, British Musical Fireworks Championships, Southport Airshow, Southport Flower Show, Southport Comedy Week plus the fabulous Summer Classics – ‘Music in the Park’ event in July.
Southport & Sefton
Southport Airshow Quality accommodation
T
The warm welcome that awaits you also extends to visitors experiencing its mouth-watering range of superb restaurants whose menus have been created with true culinary flair and finest quality ingredients. With cuisines ranging from Chinese to Mexican,
wenty miles to the north of Liverpool is Southport, ‘England’s
Mediterranean to Indian – as well as traditional British, of course.
Classic Resort’, whose glorious legacy not only includes its
Southport’s Restaurateurs pride themselves in delivering an
spectacular beaches and stunning coastline, its Victorian Pier and
exceptional and friendly dining experience to the resort’s many
state of the art Pier Tram but also includes, its wide tree-lined
visitors.
streets, and its glorious parks and gardens.
With a huge choice of attractions, we’re sure you will return
A visit to Southport must also include a stroll along its famous
again very soon.
Pier which is the oldest surviving Victorian iron Pier in the UK and
www.visitsouthport.com
is the longest overland Pier in the country. It is fully accessible and
grand yet modern auditorium and the adjoining Ramada Plaza
also features modern lighting and an air-conditioned one-of-a-
135-bedroom, 4-star hotel provides superb accommodation
kind Pier Tram stopping opposite the Pier Pavilion. The Pavilion
whether you are in the resort for a golf break, or for one of the
is sure to spark memories with many, and is home to a variety of
many other reasons to visit Southport.
traditional ‘penny slot’ amusement machines, history of the Pier plus a fully licensed caféteria. A visit to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a stroll
Adjacent to the Pier is Southport’s Marine Lake, which is one of the largest artificial boating lakes in the country. It offers a plethora of activities to be enjoyed on and around the lake
along the Promenade. Visitors can meander in and out of the
including the Miniature Railway Village, Pitch and Putt and The
beautiful King’s Gardens before reaching Silcock’s Funland, a
Southport Belle (Mississippi-style paddle boat) as well as pleasure
family indoor entertainment centre which features a spectacular
craft for hire.
carousel outside. The Promenade also boasts one of Merseyside’s
Speciality shops and designer boutiques complement high
major events venues: the Southport Theatre and Convention
street names and are interspersed with a superb mix of cafés,
Centre. The complex hosts numerous concerts and fairs in its
restaurants and wine bars.
42 www.visitsouthport.com
British Musical Fireworks Championships
www.visitsouthport.com 43
WIRRAL VISITOR INFORMATION Port Sunlight Village
Eastham Country Park
Swiss Bridge, Birkenhead Park
Windsurfing on Marine Lake, West Kirby
Wirral Peninsula
T
Hilbre Islands
ake a ferry across the Mersey and visit Wirral, blessed with unspoilt coastline, picture- postcard villages and a rich
industrial legacy. Travellers have been stepping off the ferry at Birkenhead since the 12th century when Benedictine monks first crossed the river. Their home was the beautiful Birkenhead Priory, constructed in 1150. St Mary’s was Birkenhead’s first parish
exhibitions, the history of Lever and the village gradually unfolds.
church, and its church tower offers a spectacular view of the town
Nearby, in the heart of Wirral lies Thornton Hough, an exquisite
and Liverpool’s wonderful waterfront. In 1869, the first tramway in
village full of beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
Europe was built here, and you can still take a ride from Woodside
One of Wirral’s greatest assets is its natural beauty, and in particular, its coast. Enjoy the unspoilt coastline at North Wirral
Ferry Terminal to the Wirral Transport Museum on a vintage tram. Visit nearby Birkenhead Park, the world’s first public park and the inspiration for Central Park in New York. This verdant retreat has features such as the Grand Entrance, Boathouse and Swiss Bridge and is a fitting testament to the vision demonstrated by our Victorian forebears. However, Wirral’s real charm lies in its abundance of winding lanes, picturesque villages and many miles of inviting coastline. One place to visit is Port Sunlight, founded in 1888 by Victorian industrialist William Hesketh Lever to house his soap factory
Wirral’s real charm lies in its abundance of winding lanes, picturesque villages and many miles of inviting coastline
Coastal Park- a four-mile stretch of dunes where you find the iconic Leasowe Lighthouse, the oldest brick-built lighthouse in the country. Or visit New Brighton, a seaside town with its very own Fort at Fort Perch Rock. On the East coast lies Eastham Country Park, a place for relaxing and taking in the spectacular views of migratory birds. The park also provides a good footpath network, a bridleway and cycle paths. Over on the West coast is Wirral Country Park and the Wirral Way, a 12-mile linear park on the route of an old railway line along the River Dee coastline. The
workers. The village boasts the opulent Lady Lever Art Gallery,
park affords spectacular views across to Wales and is a magnificent
one of the top galleries in the country. Situated directly opposite
place to revel in the great outdoors.
is Sunlight Vision Museum where, through a mixture of film and
www.visitwirral.com
44 www.visitwirral.com
www.visitwirral.com 45
lancashire and blackpool VISITOR INFORMATION Stanley House, nr Blackburn
St. Annes Pier and Beach
Lancashire & Blackpool
W
ith its spectacular scenery and breathtaking coastlines,
chic wine bars, traditional pubs, stylish restaurants and designer
including world-famous Blackpool, Lancashire boasts
boutiques. Lytham Hall is one of the finest examples of Georgian
some of the most beautiful countryside in the country. From
architecture in England’s Northwest as well as having 80 acres of
the undulating hillside of the Lune Valley and the expansive
woodland and gardens to explore.
moorland of the Forest of Bowland to the razzmatazz of
St Annes-on-Sea offers traditional seaside attractions with
Blackpool, the UK’s most popular seaside resort, Lancashire is
its Victorian Porritt buildings and historic Pier whilst the
a wonderful county of contrasts.
surrounding Fylde countryside provides excellent opportunities
Culturally, Lancashire is a bounty of art galleries, museums,
for walking and cycling. The golf courses of St Annes Old Links,
historic houses and literary connections. Think of Shakespeare at
Fairhaven, Lytham Green Drive and of course, Royal Lytham & St
Hoghton Tower and Rufford Old Hall, the Ribble Valley’s
Annes, the venue for the Ricoh Women’s British Open in 2009,
Tolkien Trail, Charlotte Brontë at Gawthorpe Hall and other
are all situated within these attractive seaside resorts.
hidden gems such as the Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington which houses the largest collection of Tiffany glass outside America. Blackpool with its legendary Pleasure Beach and iconic
Lancashire also has a reputation for quality food, boasting award-winning restaurants and great local produce such as Lancashire Cheese, Morecambe Bay shrimps and Goosnargh
Blackpool Tower & Circus provides year round entertainment
chicken. Taste Lancashire 08 - a year of food and drink is being
and spectacular events including the World Fireworks
held in partnership with Liverpool’s 2008 European Capital of Culture
Championships held during the famous Illuminations season.
celebrations. It’s a year of events and promotions championing
Lytham and St Annes are two distinct Victorian resort towns
accredited eateries, local producers, farmers` markets, young chefs
on the magnificent Fylde Coast. Tree-lined Lytham, enjoys a
and fine local food and drink. For more information on food and
sophisticated, village atmosphere with bustling pavement cafes,
drink in Lancashire.
46 www.visitlancashire.com
Lancashire also has a reputation for quality food, boasting award-winning restaurants and great local produce such as Lancashire Cheese, Morecambe Bay shrimps and Goosnargh chicken
above: Blackpool Tower and Pleasure Beach left: Café culture in Lytham
www.tastelancashire08.com www.visitlancashire.com 47
Cumbria and the Lake District VISITOR INFORMATION Grizdale Forest Park
Peel Island, Coniston
Cumbria and the Lake District
W
Shap Abbey
Millennium Museum at Tullie House, Carlisle
There are over 2,000 miles (3,200km) of public paths for exploring the area and it is no surprise that walking remains one of the most popular outdoor activities
ith its rich heritage, unique scenery and stunning country house hotels, you would think Cumbria and
The Lake District had it all. But add to this a reputation as one of the UK’s finest food destinations, an unrivalled range of outdoor activities, an assortment of fascinating visitor attractions and a thriving cultural scene and then you start to get the full picture. Voted Britain’s most romantic destination, Cumbria and The Lake District boasts 16 beautiful lakes (at 10 and a half miles long Windermere is England’s longest lake) and the five tallest mountains in England (Scafell Pike being the highest at 3210ft/978m). This natural haven, which inspired poets and writers like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, is also the country’s best-loved adventure playground. There are over 2,000 miles (3,200km) of public paths for exploring the area and it is no surprise that walking remains one of the most popular outdoor
The bustling towns of Kendal, Keswick, Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ulverston are a lively contrast to the peace of the natural landscape, but are as much a part of the Lake District experience as the mountains and lakes. Carlisle, Cumbria’s only city, is definitely worth a visit. A former Roman settlement (with Hadrian’s Wall nearby), it is famous for its medieval castle and cathedral, as well as its contemporary shopping and vibrant nightlife. Having worked up an appetite, you’ll need something to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst. With three Michelin Stars and more than twenty microbreweries, Cumbria has a well-deserved reputation for food and drink. From welcoming country pubs, stylish cafés and cosy tearooms to award-winning restaurants, there is something to tempt you at any time of the day. Historic houses and inspirational gardens can be found across
activities. However, the region is also the birthplace of modern
the region. And for young adventurers, there are aquariums,
rock climbing and offers a host of exciting activities from
wildlife parks, steam trains, mazes, castles, Peter Rabbit and
boating, cycling and horse riding to ghyll scrambling, kitesurfing and aquaseiling.
48 www.golakes.co.uk
River Derwent, Grange-in-Borrowdale
the world’s longest pencil. www.golakes.co.uk
www.golakes.co.uk 49
where to eat VISITOR INFORMATION
Where to eat
contemporary restaurant provides the
Darcys also offers visitors a fantastic
perfect foil for an unforgettable fine
selection of speciality coffees and with
dining experience.
emphasis on traditional Great The Punchbowl Inn
British home-cooked food.
Crosthwaite, Lyth Valley,
Liverpool
the city’s most decorated chef, you can choose between the relaxed brasserie,
Wirral
Simply Heathcotes
and the city’s finest dining experience
Lino’s
Head chef Jonathon Watson and his
Beetham Plaza, Liverpool, L2 0XJ
separated from each other by dramatic
122 Market Street, Hoylake,
brigade concentrate on providing
Tel: +44 (0) 151 236 3536
shards of glass.
Wirral, CH47 3BH
a menu which features the best of
Tel: +44 (0) 151 632 1408
local, seasonal produce which can be
Simply Heathcotes holds a Michelin
Cumbria, LA8 8HR Tel: +44 (0) 15395 68237
Bib Gourmand award and offers award-
60 Hope Street
Family owned and in its 24th year this
winning European cuisine in modern
Liverpool, L1 9BZ
popular restaurants offers the finest
surroundings with a front of house team
Tel: +44 (0) 151 707 6060
fresh food professionally cooked, served
prepared using traditional methods
The Villa
complimented with several awards “Inn
that’s as comfortable with celebrities as
This popular restaurant housed in a Grade
by friendly knowledgeable staff in cosy,
using fresh quality produce sourced
Moss Side Lane, Wrea Green, Kirkham,
of the year 2007”, by Alastair Sawday’s
with children.
II listed building offers the finest cuisine,
air-conditioned surroundings.
both locally and directly from the
Lancashire, PR4 2PE
guide, and regional dining pub 2008,
Mediterranean. The interior is rustic in
Tel: +44 (0) 1772 684347
by The Michelin pub guide and The
The Wheatsheaf Inn &
style using terracotta and warm colours
Web: www.villahotel-wreagreen.co.uk
Good Food Guide.
to give you a true “holiday feel”.
A carefully restored, mid-Victorian
with a 60 Hope Street contemporary twist.
WAREHOUSE BRASSERIE, SOUTHPORT
enjoyed in either the bar or restaurant.
the punchbowl inn, cumbria
Alma De Cuba
Alternatively 60 Bistro is an informal place
St Peters Church, Seel Street,
with classic business ‘Working Lunches’
Cloisters Dining Rooms
Lounge Inn
Cowshed Restaurant
Liverpool, L1 4AZ
and executive sandwiches and salads.
239 Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1NZ
3-5 Bold Street,
Raby Mere Road, Raby, Wirral,
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 535153
Southport, PR9
CH63 4JH
Housed in the old stables of the
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 510300
Tel: +44 (0) 151 336 3416
Scarisbrick Hotel in the centre of
This delightful restaurant offers
The Wheatsheaf Inn offers olde
Lord Street, Cloisters Dining Rooms
contemporary and innovative food
worlde charm with its thatched roof
Lancashire & Blackpool
offers English-style food with local
with an international flavour and also
and Inglenook fireplaces. It specialises
JOYA
Tel: +44 (0) 702 7394
The Punchbowl Inn have recently been
TASTE LANCASHIRE - HIGHEST
Chester & Cheshire
QUALITY ASSURANCE GRADING
The Cock O Barton
country house, set in its own grounds on the edge of the picture postcard
steak, game, and seafood, and also a bar
Southport & Sefton
menu of lighter bites and tapas.
Warehouse Brasserie
ingredients. The house specialities are
provides a varied menu, casually in
in real ale offering a vast choice of at
25 Wood Street,
30 West Street, Southport, PR8 1QN
char-grilled over hot coals.
the bar or fine dining in the restaurant
least 10. The restaurant also has a
St Annes on Sea, FY8 1QR
- complimented by fine cocktails,
comprehensive pub style lunch menu
Tel: +44 (0) 1253 723444
quality champagnes and wines.
and in the evening fine dining from its
The atmosphere is chic, the service
Cumbria - The Lake District
A la Carte menu and extensive range of
is warm and the sumptious
Rothay Garden Hotel
The food is equally as exciting as the
international wines.
surroundings have a certain
Broadgate, Grasmere,
surroundings and served in a casual
grandeur. The restaurant, bar and
Cumbria, LA22 9RJ
dining area. It’s one of the newest
This stunning Latin American restaurant is situated in an incredible setting of a converted church. The menu features
village of Wrea Green.
Nr Chester, Cheshire, SY14 7HU Tel: +44 (0) 1829 782277 This 400 year old pub serves locally
The London Carriage Works
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 544662
40 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9DA
Holder of two AA rosettes and a
Fifty One The Promenade
Tel: +44 (0) 151 705 2222
Michelin Bib Gourmand, the
51 The Promenade, Southport
The London Carriage Works, named after
Warehouse Brasserie serves fine
PR9 0DX
Gusto Trattoria
the original building, is Liverpool’s lead-
local produce, cooked to chef Marc
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 510051
58-62, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1QB
ing restaurant. Created by Paul Askew,
Verite’s exacting standards.
An excellent Italian restaurant
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 544255
Fraiche
courtyard are all situated on the
Tel: +44 (0) 15394 35334
restaurants in Cheshire - and
specialising in fresh fish, situated in a
This delightful modern style
11 Rose Mount, Oxton Village,
ground floor, with music and dancing
The Hotel’s elegant candlelit
something to really be proud of.
stylish Victorian setting opposite the
restaurant offers Italian cuisine in a
Birkenhead, Wirral, CH43 5SG
on the first floor.
conservatory restaurant, overlooking
Southport Theatre and Convention
contemporary, relaxed atmosphere
Tel: +44 (0) 151 652 2914
the gardens, is a superb setting in
Oddfellows
Centre and close to all amenities.
providing a fabulous creative menu
Fraiche offers modern fine dining
Café Grand at the
which to enjoy renowned two
20 Lower Bridge Street,
which varies day by day.
created in original dishes. Rated as
Grand Hotel
AA rosette five- course dinner
Chester, CH11 RHS
one of the best dining venues in the
South Promenade, St Annes,
complemented by a 150 bin wine list.
Tel: +44 (0) 1244 689809
Forge Brasserie
The London Carriage works, LIVERPOOL
50
in elegant and tranquil surroundings.
sourced produce in contemporary surroundings with a laid back feel.
Queen Anne Street,
Darcys Tea & Dining Rooms
Liverpool City Region by the Good
Lancashire, FY8 1NB
Southport, PR8 1EH
52 Eastbank Street,
Food Guide.
Tel: +44 (0) 1253 721288
L’enclume
Oddfellows is a recently renovated
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 500522
Southport, PR8 1ES
Café Grand is a vibrant and modern
Cavendish Street, Cartmel, nr Grange
17th century Georgian Manor
Housed in an old blacksmith’s in a quiet
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 543290
Ego Mediterranean Restaurant
all day bar/restaurant with a wide
Over Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6PZ
House turned chic boutique
corner of Southport’s town centre,
A member of the prestigious Tea
166 Telegraph Road, Heswall,
range of beers and wines from around
Tel: +44 (0) 15395 36362
members club. Comprised of various
Forge Brasserie is an elusive treasure.
Guild, visitors can experience the
Wirral, CH60 0AH
the world.
Situated in the heart of the
bars and restaurants, Oddfellows also
Enjoy top quality fish, seafood and
splendour of a bygone era and take
Tel: +44 (0) 151 342 4224
TASTE LANCASHIRE - HIGHEST
picturesque village of Cartmel, Michelin
has a beautiful walled garden with
steaks cooked to perfection.
tea just as they did in years gone by
Ego offers dishes that are lovingly
QUALITY ASSURANCE GRADING
star L’enclume’s light, airy and
Bedouin Tents.
Web: www.oddfellows.biz
51
where to stay VISITOR INFORMATION
Where to stay Liverpool
Lancashire & Blackpool
surrounding countryside, the recently refurbished De Vere Carden Park Hotel is the ideal base for a golfing break. With 2 championship golf courses and spa,
40 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9DA
Southport & Sefton
Tel: +44 (0) 1253 739898
The Chester Grosvenor & Spa
Tel: +44 (0) 151 709 3000
Scarisbrick Hotel
Overlooking Lytham Green and the
Eastgate, Chester, CH1 1LT
In the city centre’s Georgian Quarter,
239 Lord Street,
beautiful seafront, this four star hotel,
Tel: +44 (0) 1244 324024
the Hotel is located on Liverpool’s most
Southport, PR8 1NZ
with an AA rosette, combines elegant
A stylish and friendly 5 Star city
famous street, set between the city’s two
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 543000
and relaxed surroundings with the
centre hotel with excellent levels of
cathedrals.
Centrally located on Lord Street,
finest food and wines, to create a truly
the Scarisbrick offers accommodation
luxurious hotel.
Hope Street Hotel
62 Castle Street
within an easy stroll of Southport’s
Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 7LQ
shops, restaurants and bars.
Clifton Arms Hotel
this hotel offers fantastic facilities and is
West Beach, Lytham St Annes,
within easy reach of Chester.
FY8 5JQ
customer service, and recent winner
the grand hotel, lytham st annes
of Enjoy England’s ‘Large Hotel of the Year award’. Set in a Grade II listed
Tel: +44 (0) 151 702 7898 HILLBARK HOTEL, WIRRAL
The Grand Hotel
shores of Windermere’. Lakeside is a
genuine hospitality. It is situated only
building, the hotel boasts a Michelin
South Promenade,
classic, elegant and traditional
2 miles from Whitehaven, a Georgian
starred restaurant and luxurious spa.
Lytham St Annes, FY8 1NB
Lakeland hotel. Privately owned and
market and harbour town with its picturesque marina.
This city centre boutique hotel is the
Prince of Wales
perfect location for all the city has to
Lord Street,
Tel: +44 (0) 1253 721288
personally managed, the hotel offers
offer.
Southport, PR8 1JS
offer panoramic views across the
Wallasey Golf Club and 5 miles from
The 4 star Grand Hotel in Lytham St
guests a delightful setting away from
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 536688
North West coastland.
Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
Annes stands in its own grounds,
the distractions of everyday life.
MacDonald Portal Hotel Golf & Spa
Hard Days Night Hotel
A wonderfully elegant Victorian
North John Street, Liverpool, L2 6RR
hotel with landscaped gardens
Vincent Hotel
Hillbark Hotel
Ribble Estuary and The Irish Sea. The
Sharrow Bay Country
Tel: +44 (0) 151 236 1964
located in the centre of Southport. Its
Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1JR
Royden Park, Frankby
hotel is an ideal choice both for those
House Hotel
Chester & Cheshire
A unique luxury hotel in the heart of Liver-
142 bedrooms combine modern luxury
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 534440
Wirral, CH48 1NP
travelling on business and for those
Lake Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria,
De Vere Carden Park Hotel,
championship golf course and full
pool near the world-famous Cavern Club.
with some traditional touches,
Whether you’re in the North West on
Tel: +44 (0) 151 625 2400
who want to spend a pleasant relaxing
CA10 2LZ
Golf Resort & Spa
spa facilities, added to the beautiful
preserving the original Victorian style.
business or pleasure, the new 5-star
A magnificent Grade II listed
and comfortable holiday.
Tel: +44 (0) 17684 86301
Nr Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ
setting of the Cheshire countryside
Vincent boutique hotel brings a
building providing the finest luxury
Sharrow Bay with its Michelin star
Tel: +44 (0) 1829 731000
this makes a perfect golfing
Web: www.devere.co.uk/cardenpark
destination.
Malmaison
offering uninterrupted views of the
7 William Jessop Way,
The Royal Clifton Hotel & Spa
new twist to hospitality. Situated on
coupled with discreet yet friendly
The Glendower Hotel
restaurant, is one of the finest country
Princes Dock, Liverpool, L3 1QZ
The Promenade, Southport,
Southport’s Lord Street and created
service from the resident owners
North Promenade, Lytham St Annes,
house hotels in the Lake District. Guests
Tel: +44 (0) 151 229 5000
PR8 1RB
for today’s traveller, the hotel has six
and team. The Hotel has a
Lancs, FY8 2NQ
can experience a unique blend of
Situated on Princes Dock, you’ll find stylish
Tel: +44 (0) 1704 533771
floors of tranquillity and with a deli,
magnificent Great Hall, 19 luxurious
Tel: +44 (0) 1253 723241
absolute luxury and total relaxation,
rooms and a divine brasserie serving
A warm and friendly welcome
spa and gym this is Southport’s most
bedrooms and suites, with
The 3 Star Glendower Hotel prides itself
nestled in twelve acres of private
simple, ultra tasty cuisine.
awaits at the only large hotel to
prestigious hotel.
imaginative British and Continental
on its excellent cuisine, offering menus
gardens and woodland, on the shores
Haute Cuisine.
to suit all tastes. Bedrooms are comfort-
of Lake Ullswater.
VINCENT HOTEL, SOUTHPORT
52
With spectacular views of the
Wirral
Tel: +44 (0) 870 194 2135 Opened in 2007 this new development is designed to take indulgence to a new level. With a
able and well appointed, some which Thornton Hall Hotel Spa,
enjoy exhilarating views of the sea.
Moresby Hall
Leasowe Castle Hotel,
Neston Road, Thornton Hough
Leasowe Road, Moreton,
Wirral, CH63 1JF
Wirral, CH45 3RF
Tel: +44 (0) 151 336 3938
Tel: +44 (0) 151 606 9191
Located in the heart of Wirral Penisula
Built in 1593 and set in 5 acres of
this award-winning hotel has 63 well
Cumbria - The Lake District
grounds, the hotel has 46 well
appointed and spacious bedrooms,
Lakeside Hotel
listed building (circa 1620) offering
appointed bedrooms, as well as the
offering 4 star luxury to guests. As
Lake Windermere, Newby Bridge,
stunning Country Guesthouse
Portcullis Restaurant, Castle Bar, a large
well as spa facilities that rival the
Cumbria, LA12 8AT
accommodation and retaining
function room, gym, sauna and
most famous and popular spa venues
Tel: +44 (0) 15395 30001
many original features. The emphasis
steam room. The hotel is 1 mile from
anywhere in the UK.
‘The best four star hotel and spa on the
is on relaxation, superb quality and
Moresby, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 6PJ Tel: +44 (0) 1946 696317 Moresby Hall is one of Cumbria’s most historic home set in a Grade I
DE vere carden park hotel, chester
53
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