Feb 26, 2026 | Celebrations
For many couples, a wedding day represents one of life’s most meaningful milestones. Yet for some, there comes a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate that commitment once again. A renewal of vows offers the opportunity to honour shared years, treasured memories and the journey still to come, in a setting that feels both intimate and significant.
At Hillbark Hotel & Spa, we provide an elegant and private backdrop for such occasions. Nestled within the grounds of Royden Park, the hotel combines the character of a historic country house with the refinement of a five-star retreat. Whether you envision a quiet gathering with close family or a larger celebration with extended friends, our spaces can be tailored to suit the scale and tone of your day.
Ceremonies can be hosted in a selection of distinctive settings. The grandeur of the Grant Hall offers a formal and impressive atmosphere, while the Drawing Room provides a more intimate, softly lit alternative. For those wishing to embrace the natural surroundings, our outdoor gazebo overlooking the Dee Estuary creates a particularly memorable setting for reaffirming your vows.
Photography is an important part of any celebration, and the surrounding woodland and landscaped gardens provide a timeless backdrop. The hotel’s architecture and interiors further complement the occasion, ensuring each image captures the elegance of the day.
Dining and hospitality remain at the heart of the experience. Guests may enjoy a refined Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room, followed by drinks in Contessa’s Bar as the celebration continues into the evening. For those choosing to extend their stay, our luxury suites and bedrooms offer comfort and tranquillity, with breakfast served the following morning to conclude the occasion at a relaxed pace.
A vow renewal is a deeply personal celebration, and our dedicated Wedding Specialist team is on hand to ensure every detail reflects your vision. From the setting to the final toast, Hillbark offers a setting designed to mark the moment with warmth, elegance and care.
Feb 26, 2026 | Wellness
Exploring the great outdoors is one of our favourite pastimes, and it is even more enjoyable when hiking with friends. Get ready to lace up your boots ahead of our next Hillbark Hike on Saturday 21st March!
The Hillbark Hike is our monthly walk through the Wirral, an adventure that offers plenty of exercise and amazing sightlines. This event is free, and we have a special offer for you to enjoy a bacon bap and a cup of coffee or tea at Hillbark Hotel & Spa for only £10 upon returning!
We set off between 10:15 and 10:30 once everybody has arrived and is ready. The meeting point, our legendary starting line, is the Hillbark Hotel fountain. We then embark on an epic eight-mile trek through Royden Park, Heswall Dungeon, Caldy Hill and, depending on the rising tides, Thurstaston Beach. Expect it to be slippery and muddy, so please dress appropriately to ensure your safety, and be mindful that it could get chilly.
We hike for around 3-to-4 hours, with rest stops along the way, and we will always ensure that no walkers are left behind. We are a team from start to finish, and we will complete this trek as a collective unit!
You do not have to book in advance; you can just turn up on the day. For any queries, or to pre-order your breakfast or Afternoon Tea, please contact our Reception team by calling 0151 625 2400 or by emailing enquiries@hillbarkhotel.co.uk
We look forward to hitting the trails with you!
Feb 26, 2026 | Celebrations Featured
If you are searching for a refined and distinctive venue for your next team building event, Hillbark Hotel & Spa offers a setting that combines privacy, accessibility and understated luxury. Situated within the grounds of Royden Park, the hotel is well positioned for organisations across the North West, with convenient access from Chester, Liverpool and Manchester. Transportation can be arranged where required, and for those arriving by private helicopter, an on-site helipad ensures a seamless arrival.
The setting itself brings a natural sense of occasion to corporate gatherings. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and woodland, Hillbark provides an environment ideal for leadership retreats, strategy sessions or collaborative workshops. The surroundings create a strong first impression for visiting clients or external partners, while remaining conducive to focus and productivity.
Our Day Delegate and 24-Hour Delegate Packages are designed to deliver a seamless and productive experience, whether you are hosting a focused daytime meeting or a residential event.
Both packages include main meeting room hire, arrival tea and coffee with Danish pastries and a choice of bacon or sausage sandwiches, mid-morning refreshments, and afternoon tea with chef’s treats. Lunch can be tailored to suit your schedule, with options including a two-course experience in The Dining Room, a working lunch served as Afternoon Tea, or a chef’s hot and cold buffet.
Throughout the day, delegates benefit from still and sparkling water, flipcharts, pens and table stationery, high-speed broadband, a 65” Smart TV with remote connection, and complimentary on-site parking, ensuring everything required for a smooth and professional event is readily available.
For those selecting the 24-hour option, the package also includes overnight accommodation in a luxury room with continental breakfast the following morning, alongside a dedicated food allocation for evening dinner. It is an experience designed to combine comfort, focus and exceptional hospitality from start to finish.
Selecting the right environment is key to the success of any team building exercise. At Hillbark, every detail is considered to ensure your event runs effortlessly. Our team would be pleased to discuss your requirements and tailor a package to suit your organisation.
Feb 26, 2026 | Top Stories
Golf fans across the country are already making their plans for the 154th British Open 2026, which returns to Royal Birkdale this July.
The annual event first began in 1889, with its current format first established back in 1922. Since 1954, Royal Birkdale has become one of the preeminent venues for this legendary golfing tournament, and the British Open once again comes to Birkdale in the summer.
Royal Birkdale will host some of the world’s greatest golfers, who must compete in a series of qualifying events to be a part of the British Open. The event offers a tremendous opportunity to witness the greats of the game in action while enjoying the great British summer weather.
The festivities begin on Sunday 12 July 2026, with bespoke practice days making their debut this year, as well as Heroes Classic, which brings the true legends of golf together in a feel-good, light-hearted event. The main competition begins on Thursday 16 July 2026, and after four days of first-class putting, the Champion Golfer is crowned at the end of the British Open on Sunday 19 July 2026.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay throughout the tournament, make sure to speak to our team. We are under an hour drive away from the iconic course, and we provide a peaceful retreat with the beautiful surroundings of Royden Park to accommodate golfers that have travelled up for the legendary occasion. We also have close partnerships with a range of excellent golf clubs across the region such as Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Wallasey Golf Club and Heswall Golf Club.
So, start making your plans now to attend the 154th British Open 2026 at Royal Birkdale, and be sure to contact our team to make your big week even better.
For availability, please call Reception on 0151 625 2400.
Feb 11, 2026 | Top Stories
The FA Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in the world. For over 130 years, it has captured the imaginations of fans, players, and managers alike, and it is a career milestone to lift the famous trophy under the arch at Wembley Stadium.
To make it to the FA Cup Final, of course, it requires a careful navigation through the earlier knockout rounds. For Liverpool Football Club, previously eight-time winners of the competition, a tricky test lies ahead.
The Reds face Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on Saturday 14 February. The night-time kick-off combined with the increased tension that comes from a challenging Cup tie makes this a must-see match.
With Arne Slot’s side looking to make a success of a very difficult season, the FA Cup could provide a magical moment in May. Can Liverpool go one step closer towards adding yet another trophy to their cabinet by defeating one of the dark horses? We will find out this Saturday night!
If you are attending the match and want to support the Reds in style, then we suggest contacting our team. Hillbark Hotel & Spa is only a 25-minute drive from Anfield. We can also enhance your experience with an ultimate match-day upgrade; stay in a luxurious environment at our country house hotel, with breakfast included, and Solaia Spa on-site. We can also provide chauffeured transport to make sure you get to the stadium in good time, and we have a helicopter pad on-site should you be travelling from further afield.
For an FA Cup tie to remember, speak to our Reception team for accommodation availability. We will make sure that you and your party will have a fantastic experience as you cheer on the Mighty Reds!
