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 | 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 | Local
Have you had an opportunity to attend an Everton football match at their brand new home, the Hill Dickinson stadium? The Toffees have settled into their 52,000 seater stadium, and fans agree that a day out in Bramley Moore is a memorable experience for Evertonians young and old.
The stadium was a multi million-pound project that was many years in the making. As emotional as it was for local Everton fans to wave goodbye to Goodison Park, the stunning architecture and authentic scenery of their new ground make the Hill Dickinson Stadium a real hit with supporters. Not to mention a recent uptake in form, as well as exciting new signings, such as Jack Grealish. As David Moyes guides the Blues up the table, the future looks bright for Everton!
With plenty of Premier League and FA Cup games to come this season, therefore, you may be thinking about paying a visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium yourself. If that’s the case, and especially if you are travelling from outside the North-West, why not stay with us. We are a 25-minute drive from Everton’s new stadium, and what’s more, we can provide an exclusive match day upgrade, which includes the luxury of a thoroughly relaxing stay at a landmark country house hotel.
If you are planning to drop by the Hill Dickinson Stadium, these are the upcoming matches for the Boys in Blue in January 2026:
Everton vs. Sunderland (FA Cup), Saturday 10 January, 12.15pm kick-off
Everton vs. Leeds United (Premier League), Monday 26 January, 8pm kick-off
There has never been a better time to make the journey into Liverpool city centre to cheer on Everton Football Club. To make a hotel booking, please call our Reception team so we can assist you.
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Dec 31, 2025 | Local
We are halfway into the 2025/2026 season, and Arne Slot’s mighty Reds are back in form. As a result, it is a great time to head to Anfield to watch Liverpool FC in action!
The atmosphere is tremendous, the stadium has hosted so many historic moments, and the excitement is unmatched at any other football venue around the country. Not to mention the wealth of opportunities on-site for tourists, such as stadium tours and the chance to see all of Liverpool’s many trophies from over the years in the official club museum.
If you are heading to Anfield to cheer LFC on, we highly recommend staying with us! We are only a 25-minute drive from Anfield stadium, and you will be surrounded by the beautiful greenery of Royden Park. We also provide the opportunity for an ultimate match day upgrade which involves a luxurious and relaxing experience at a truly iconic country house hotel.
Now, as for when Liverpool are playing at Anfield in the near future? Well, here are the fixtures for the Red Men in January 2026:
- Liverpool vs. Leeds United (Premier League), Thursday 1 January, 5.30pm kick-off
- Liverpool vs. Barnsley (FA Cup), Monday 12 January, 7.45pm kick-off
- Liverpool vs. Burnley (Premier League), Saturday 17 January, 3pm kick-off
- Liverpool vs. Qarabag FK (Champions League), Wednesday 28 January, 8pm kick-off
- Liverpool vs. Newcastle United (Premier League), Saturday 31 January, 8pm kick-off
If you plan to attend one of the above matches at Anfield, we can help your transport needs. We can arrange for you to be collected from the airport if you are flying in from overseas. Alternatively, we also have availability for helicopter landing on the hotel grounds.
In any event, if you are going to Anfield to watch Liverpool FC, speak to our team and we can make sure that throughout your excursion, you’ll never walk alone!
Jul 29, 2025 | Local
Looking for a vibrant summer experience by the sea? Just a short drive from Hillbark Hotel & Spa, the New Brighton Summer Continental Market is making its much-anticipated return this August 2025, promising six days of food, fun, and family entertainment along the bustling promenade.
From Wednesday to Saturday (10am–6pm) and on Sunday and Monday (10am–5pm), visitors can explore a colourful array of continental-themed stalls offering mouth-watering international street food, unique craft items, and quirky fairground stalls that will delight kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re craving gourmet crepes, sizzling paella, bratwurst, or sweet treats from across Europe and beyond, you’ll find something to satisfy every palate.
The promenade will come alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and seaside charm, making it the perfect destination for a family day out or a relaxed afternoon with friends. Just remember to be mindful of local residents—there’s plenty of parking nearby and waste bins available to help keep the area beautiful for everyone.
Why not pair your visit to the market with a stay at Hillbark? Unwind after a day of adventure with a luxury overnight break, enjoy dinner in our award-winning restaurant, or relax on the terrace with a cocktail in hand. With easy access to New Brighton and the surrounding coastal gems, Hillbark is your perfect base for a summer escape.
Plan your visit and make the most of the season, whilst staying close to the action and the beauty of Wirral, only at Hillbark Hotel.
Jun 27, 2025 | Local
This summer, immerse yourself in the fascinating legacy and vision of one of the world’s most influential public parks at “Visualising Birkenhead Park – Past, Present, Future.” This unique cultural and heritage event will showcase the park’s historic significance, its current revitalisation, and ambitious plans for the future, all through exhibitions, talks, and visual storytelling.
Revered as the world’s first publicly funded park, Birkenhead Park is more than a local treasure, it’s a global landmark in landscape design and civic planning. Opened in 1847 and designed by Joseph Paxton, the park became the model for countless others around the world, including New York’s Central Park.
- From 23rd June to 22nd August, the “Visualising Birkenhead Park” free event invites you to explore the park’s layered history through:
• Historic and contemporary artworks and photographs
• Rare maps and planning documents
• Expert talks and walking tours
• Insights into its impact on modern urban planning
It’s a must-see for history buffs, landscape lovers, urbanists, and anyone fascinated by how spaces shape our lives.
Located just a short drive from the park itself, Hillbark Hotel & Spa is the perfect base for those looking to connect with Wirral’s rich history, while enjoying the finest in luxury accommodation, dining, and hospitality.
Let history inspire your visit and let Hillbark elevate it.
Visualising Birkenhead Park – Past, Present, Future
More info at: www.birkenheadpark2025.com
