Jan 12, 2026 | Local
You cannot beat a great theatre show. Being in the theatre while the performers on stage are giving it their all and telling a relatable, emotive, and sometimes hilarious story is an experience unlike any other. New Brighton has the benefit of hosting one of the finest countries in the North West, if not the country: Floral Pavilion. This gorgeous theatre is a truly modern venue with an old-school feel, housing up to 814 guests and offering additional facilities, as well as a beautiful view of the surrounding area from the nearby River Mersey.
If you wish to visit Floral Pavilion in February, there are some sensational shows on schedule. One of these is Something About George: The George Harrison Story. This is a look back at the “quiet” Beatle, a man whose many talents were matched only by his charming, likeable personality. This show discusses his highs and lows with plenty of superb songs along the way. Something About George comes to Floral Pavilion on Sunday 1 February.
Perhaps you are looking for something more flamboyant, in which case we recommend Queenz – Drag Me To The Disco! Having previously performed in London and Las Vegas, this unpredictable evening of entertainment combines drag performers and disco music. The upshot is a night that you will never forget, one full of laughs, tears, and belting tunes. Queenz – Drag Me To The Disco comes to Floral Pavilion on Tuesday 10 February.
Our final major recommendation comes in the form of Murder At Midnight. This is a comedy thriller starring Jason Durr, Suzie Blake, Max Bowden, and Katie McGlynn. It consists of a murder mystery set on New Year’s Eve, with a mixture of suspense and humour aplenty as the audience must guess who the murderer is. Murder At Midnight runs at Floral Pavilion from Tuesday 24 February to Saturday 28 February.
There are so many shows to choose from, but if you want to plan your evening around a Floral Pavilion performance, make sure to speak to our team. We are only a 19-minute drive from the theatre and can arrange transport, as well as offering various packages for those looking to stay the night after all the excitement of the theatre.
Jan 12, 2026 | Wellness
Whenever a New Year begins, there is a heavy focus on making New Year’s Resolutions which can pertain to achieving goals, improving fitness, or reducing a bad habit. But might we suggest that you consider making New Year’s Resolutions for mental wellbeing, as the ability to make smaller choices towards looking after your mind could have a significant long-term boost on how you live your life.
Firstly, slow down! Sometimes, life can feel very hectic, with the run-up to Christmas serving as an example of when situations and looming deadlines can get on top of us. Although we sleep every night, our minds do not always switch off. It is only when we grab the opportunity to stop, take deep breaths, and think clearly that we feel able to take control of whatever we face on a daily basis. It will improve your life immeasurably to slow down for just a few moments and allow your head to catch up with your body!
Secondly, communicate with those around you on a meaningful level. It could be that you are bottling up a certain degree of upset over a personal matter, or it could be that you are catastrophising about a particular situation. Talking to those that you feel most comfortable with about how you honestly feel is a great way to release tension, soothe any emotional pain, and to enjoy life to the fullest.
Finally, think about the variety of relaxing treatments that are available in spas and salons. The brain is a muscle, and it is this muscle that controls how we feel, how easy we can sleep, how rationally we can think. When the brain is stressed or cloudy, it can impact how we feel physically. A head and neck massage can be a calming process that increases your motivation and energy, as well as relaxing your brain significantly.
If you wish to improve your mental wellness, speak to our team, as we can advise on how to look after your mind, as well as providing treatments at our Solaia Spa. Mental wellness could be the focus of your New Year’s Resolutions, and by prioritising your mental health, 2026 could be your best year yet!
Jan 12, 2026 | Local
The countdown has begun until the Lunar New Year! For 2026, it is the Year of the Horse, and the Chinese New Year celebrations are always an annual cultural highlight. As is always the case, the North West will be stepping up to provide a range of memorable events to mark the Chinese New Year, with the United Kingdom’s diverse population ensuring that the Chinese community are appropriately honoured. And there are great opportunities for you to celebrate this yearly tradition!
Starting in Liverpool, it is the local body Culture Liverpool that are putting together the plethora of fun activities over the weekend of Saturday 21 February-Sunday 22 February, which will be based on Nelson Street, just off of the Chinese arch for the city’s Chinatown area, as well as at the world-famous Albert Dock. With a dragon parade, crafts fairs, markets, and other notable events planned, there is plenty of enjoyment for all the family. Culture Liverpool are requesting that creatives get in touch if they wish to participate, so you can get directly involved in the festivities yourself!
Heading up the M62 to Manchester, the major events will be taking one place one weekend earlier, on Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February. These will include the traditional dragon parade on the second day, and the Lunar New Year Fair that runs on both days across Market Street, Exchange Square and New Cathedral Street. And do not forget to look at attending Chinese New Year celebrations in Chester, with dragon and lion dances, workshops, a banquet, and cultural performances amongst the highlights that are expected to feature in one of the country’s most beautiful locations.
Make sure to speak to our team if you are looking to enjoy the Chinese New Year activities. We can arrange transport for you to head to and from each major city, and the peaceful serenity of Royden Park acts as a quiet contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Lunar New Year festivities.
It will no doubt be a true highlight of 2026 as the Year of the Horse kicks off!
Jan 5, 2026 | Dining & Lounging Featured
With a history as rich and intriguing as its surroundings, Hillbark Hotel & Spa is more than a five-star destination, it’s a living chapter of Wirral’s heritage. Built in 1891 and nestled within the heart of Royden Park, this remarkable Grade II listed mansion has a story shaped by two of the region’s most influential families, whose legacy helped put the Wirral firmly on the map.
We are delighted to announce the release of our upcoming History Tour dates, inviting guests to step behind the scenes and discover the fascinating past of one of Wirral’s finest architectural treasures.
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January 13th
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February 2nd
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March 3rd
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April 8th
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May 5th
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June 2nd
Designed to feel relaxed, immersive, and welcoming, our ‘At Home’ History Tours offer the chance to explore Hillbark in an intimate and unhurried way, learning not only about the building itself, but the people, stories, and moments that shaped it.
Arrive and settle in with morning tea and coffee, served alongside homemade pastries. Then, enjoy a guided historical tour of the building and grounds (due to the nature of the historic building, all tours include some stairs), uncovering Hillbark’s architectural significance, fascinating relocations, and the influential figures behind its creation.
After the tour, relax and indulge in our award-winning Afternoon Tea. Expect finely cut sandwiches, handcrafted pastries, light scones with homemade jam and rich clotted cream, all paired with a carefully selected range of teas from around the world. Depart, having experienced Hillbark as it was always intended, a home filled with stories.
These tours are ideal for history enthusiasts, local residents, or anyone curious to see Hillbark from a new perspective. Come and be ‘At Home’ with us at Hillbark, and discover the stories that continue to shape this extraordinary place.
To reserve your place, please contact our reception team on 0151 625 2400, or purchase a Gift Voucher here. Places are limited to maintain an intimate experience. Private tours for 8+ are available upon request.
Jan 5, 2026 | Top Stories
The New Year has arrived, and the focus turns to the major events that are on the horizon over the next few months. Chief amongst these is the Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase that emanates from Aintree Racecourse every April. It is the most popular horse racing event that you can find, and it is estimated that up to 600 million people watch the main race at the Grand National festival each year.
Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool is always honoured to host the festival, which consists of three days of exciting activities. The first day, Liverpool Day, acts as a welcoming opener, which is particularly enjoyable to those who have never attended the event. The second day, Ladies Day, is a chance for female racegoers to enjoy all the excitement of the festival in a relaxed manner while getting to show off their finest fashion. And then there is the final day, which is highlighted by the 30-fence Grand National race itself!
As you may imagine, tickets for the Grand National (particularly for the third day) can sell out quickly, and there are tens of thousands of punters on hand throughout the festival. This means that it is wise to plan ahead to make sure that the Grand National is a weekend to remember.
We offer relaxing surroundings that contrast with the hustle and bustle of Aintree Racecourse, and our facilities allow racegoers to prepare in style by getting dressed to the nines and sampling our excellent food and drinks before heading onto Aintree. Furthermore, we can arrange travel to Aintree Racecourse, which is especially useful given how busy public transport often is over the course of the weekend.
The 2026 Grand National festival takes place at Aintree Racecourse from Thursday 9 April to Saturday 11 April. For all accommodation and dining bookings, please call our Reception team.
