Birkdale Prepares for 300,000 Visitors as The Open Returns to Royal Birkdale

Birkdale village prepares for 300,000 visitors as The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale begins July 12. Local businesses expect organized chaos, with independent shops and bars showcasing quintessential British village life.

Brit Brief 12/07/2026 05:39

Birkdale Prepares for 300,000 Visitors as The Open Returns to Royal Birkdale — Birkdale Gears Up for 300,000 Open Visitors

Birkdale, a Victorian village near Southport, is preparing to welcome over 300,000 golf fans for The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale, starting Sunday, July 12. Local businesses anticipate a surge in visitors, with many extending hours and stocking up on supplies.

Independent Shops Ready for Influx

Cafe Bar N'ista and Coast owner Sally Lawless, 55, said: "We'd never even pulled a pint before we decided to open this place and it's just gone from strength to strength. The village is so vibrant and growing all the time." Her husband Ian, 56, added: "The golf is only a stone's throw away and with the infrastructure we've got it's set up for people to enjoy Birkdale." The couple expect "organised chaos" and have borrowed supplies from neighbours in the past.

Community Spirit on Display

Sally Bee, 60, owner of Sally Bee Lifestyle since 2013, said: "You can feel the energy lifting. I've been here for four championships and this one feels bigger." She is keeping her shop open later and on Sundays. "95% of our shops are independently owned and the owners actually work in the shops," she noted.

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New Venues and Traditions

Platform X, owned by Maggie, 38, and Mark Craven, 48, has been chosen as the official clubhouse for golf brand PXG. Mark said: "It's quite a prestigious thing to be chosen by them. People can get fitted by master fitters and play the Royal Birkdale course on our simulator." This is their first Open experience.

Birkdale Cheese Co., run by Mark Moss, 57, and John Clarke for five years, sells 150 cheeses and will extend hours until 10pm and open Sundays. Mark said: "The Open draws fans across the world and Birkdale encompasses quintessentially British village life."

Residents and Businesses United

Amanda Vella, 57, owner of Polansky's Barber Shop since 1961, noted: "We've already had two caddies in for haircuts." She plans late-night openings. Resident Cathy said: "People talk about Lark Lane all the time but it's not got anything on Birkdale. The village is absolutely buzzing when The Open is on." Her sister Elaine added: "It's like a party."