Jan 21, 2026 | Top Stories
It is almost that time of the year when love is in the air, when the romantic spark feels a little bit stronger than usual, and a large number of engagement rings suddenly fly off the shelves at jewellery stores! Yes, it is Valentine’s Day, and there are so many ways that you and your partner can mark the big day in style. As a matter of fact, we can not only provide guidance, but even a location where you and the love of your life can enjoy the most spectacular Valentine’s Day yet!
During the daytime, you could both enjoy a delightful meal in the form of afternoon tea at The Dining Room, our first-class restaurant. Our award-winning afternoon tea will be a Winnie the Pooh inspired theme (starting 13th February), served from midday to 5pm, and the themed menu includes sandwiches, pastries, scones and much more. The Dining Room also offers our Grill Menu, for those looking for a brunch, lunch or dinner setting, facing our manicured lawns and overlooking Royden Park.
Whilst you visit with us, you could both enjoy some exquisite beauty treatments at the on-site Solaia Aesthetics Spa, with a whole range of options to allow for maximum relaxation, including beauty treatments, holisitic and aesthetic treatments.
Perhaps you and your partner are hoping to enjoy some sparkling wine or Champagne as part of the weekend’s celebrations. If so, we recommend our Contessa’s Bar, which has plenty of wonderful beverages for you both to enjoy. We would also suggest taking a slow walk around the surrounding Royden Park to provide peaceful surroundings. Could it even be the prime location for one of you to pop that all-important question?
Of course, the excitement does not have to stop, as we offer gorgeous suites featuring a super king-size bed, a luxury bathroom, and excellent views across the countryside and garden. And if you still want to add a little more to your weekend, why not upgrade to a Full English Breakfast or even a champagne breakfast to round off your Valentine’s celebrations in style.
There is still plenty of time for you to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day, and by speaking to our team, you and your partner can make the most of our fabulous facilities and enjoy the best possible Valentine’s Day!
Jan 21, 2026 | Local
If you are looking for ideas to entertain the kids over the February half-term, you may want to consider a visit to Chester Zoo. A conservation centre that lies in the heart of the North-West, Chester Zoo is one of the most popular in the country, and there are many reasons why.
There is a vast range of wildlife to see, and the zoo divides into four main sections. These are the Green Zone, the Yellow Zone, the Blue Zone, and the Purple Zone. Each focuses on particular breeds, which makes it easier for visitors to plan their day around seeing their favourite creatures.
Next, the team at Chester Zoo are well-known for the outstanding care they take for animals, to such an extent that they have been featured on The Secret Life Of The Zoo, a very successful series on Channel 4. So, if you plan to see the animals, you will likely be encountering some famous faces… and you will probably recognise some of the staff as well!
And then there is the outstanding value that you can get for family tickets. Right now, you can save a third on purchasing tickets online, and there are numerous ways to make a big saving when you attend the zoo on specific days of the week. Once you are there, of course, there are opportunities aplenty to create memories with your children that will last a lifetime.
If you are planning a trip to Chester Zoo in the near future, we suggest you contact our team. We have an excellent family suite available, and all stays include breakfast. We can also offer a chauffeured service to/from your excursions. So, be sure to speak to us ahead of a trip that you will never forget at Chester Zoo!
Jan 21, 2026 | Top Stories
A night of live music is incomparable to any other form of entertainment. Whether you are into pop, rock, R&B, rap, K-pop, country or another genre, the chance to attend a large-scale concert is guaranteed to create everlasting memories. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best concerts that are heading to the North-West this February!
To begin with, we have Florence and The Machine, who are coming to Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Friday 13 February. The tour celebrates the release of Florence Welch’s sixth studio album Everybody Scream, and it is an accurate title, not only for the vocalist but for the concert as a whole. It is an experience unlike any other in music, and we strongly suggest heading along to Liverpool to be a part of it yourself!
If you are looking for something a little different, though, may we suggest checking out Alter Bridge. An American rock band with over two decades of belting hits including Metalingus, Isolation and The Other Side, Alter Bridge have developed a reputation for creating tunes that are powerful, catchy, and emotional. You can discover this for yourself if you head to their concert at Manchester’s AO Arena on Thursday 26 February.
Last but not least, we have a concert at the fantastic Co-op Arena in Manchester for RAYE. Still only 28 years old, RAYE has had a phenomenally successful career and has some of the most memorable hits of the decade. The seven-time Brit Award winner has back-to-back concerts at the Co-op on Tuesday 17 February and Wednesday 18 February.
Whether you plan to rock on or chill out at a concert next month, talk to us and we can make your big night even better! Speak to our reception team for bedroom availability, or drinks and dining bookings. We can also arrange chauffeured travel to/from the hotel for your evening out.
Jan 13, 2026 | Seasonal
While the decorations may have only just been packed away, there’s a special moment each year that many of our guests love to plan ahead for. For those who enjoy having something magical to look forward to, we’re delighted to share the date of one of Hillbark’s most anticipated events. On Friday 13th November 2026, we invite guests to join us for our much-loved Christmas Reveal Overnight Stay, an enchanting experience that marks the very first glimpse of Christmas at Hillbark.
Our Christmas Reveal is a truly unique event. Guests arrive to a beautifully elegant Hillbark, then retire for the evening knowing that something special is happening overnight. While you sleep, our team transforms the hotel into a festive wonderland, ready to welcome the Christmas season in full splendour.
The following morning, you’ll wake to the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of Christmas, a moment that has become a cherished tradition for many and one that sells out year after year.
This special date also marks the re-launch of our annual Nutcracker Afternoon Tea, bringing a classic festive theme to our seasonal offering. Expect delicate sandwiches, handcrafted pastries, warm scones, and festive flavours inspired by the magic of Christmas, the perfect accompaniment to the very first festive moments of the year.
We know it’s still early, and for many the focus is firmly on the year ahead. But for those who love planning special experiences (or who have missed out before) this is a date worth keeping in mind. Our Christmas Reveal is a highly anticipated event and availability is always limited due to our number of bedrooms available.
Whether you choose to book now or simply make a note for later, we look forward to welcoming you back to Hillbark when the season returns. Christmas may be a while away, but a little anticipation can be part of the magic.
Jan 12, 2026 | Celebrations
The day that you get married is a huge milestone in your life. Tying the knot with your partner is such a special moment, and it often acts as the fulfilment of a dream for all involved. But how can you make sure that you can plan for the most splendid wedding day possible? Here are some top factors for you to think about.
To begin with, think about the time of year when you are getting married. A summertime marriage provides the highest likelihood for warm weather but could also see rising costs due to it being a peak time of the year. Conversely, a winter wedding could prove to be much cheaper to arrange, but the risk of ice and snow may dampen proceedings. Think carefully about what matters most on your wedding day, and you should land on the perfect date!
Next up, make sure to have a manageable budget. Not everybody is able to afford the most glamorous ceremony in the most extravagant location, and it could pose a long-term financial risk to think “YOLO” and splash the cash regardless. Work with your partner to determine exactly how much money you can afford, and you will ultimately settle on an agreeable figure that will still guarantee a wedding day to remember.
Finally, think about how many guests you wish to invite. Some couples love the prospect of inviting everybody that they know, but other couples prefer a more toned-down occasion. At the same time, you also want to ensure that everybody who truly matters in you and your partner’s lives can attend. So, work closely on compiling a list of those whose presence will have the biggest impact, and this way, whether the room houses ten or two hundred guests, you can rest assured that no crucial acquaintances are left out.
As you and your partner plan your big day, why not speak to our team. We provide wedding packages to cater parties of all sizes, and because we only host one wedding per day, you and your partner will be the centrepiece. Make sure to contact us about arranging a flexible, luxurious, and unique wedding that will live up to all your dreams!
