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!
Feb 10, 2026 | Top Stories
Our team at Hillbark Hotel & Spa is delighted to be working alongside the Wirral Classic Car Club Members to arrange an incredibly special event this May.
The Wirral Classic Car Club Assembly is a static showcase of vintage vehicles which were registered prior to 31 December 2000. The cars on show will bring back memories of a golden age for anyone with a keen interest in the heritage of the British automotive industry.
Look out for a range of classic cars, which will be parked on the Top Car Park at Hillbark Hotel & Spa on Sunday 31 May 2026 from 11:00 to 15:00. Attendees will be able to view the cars and chat with their owners to learn more about the background of each vehicle.
In addition, the organisers will present the Bob Troop Founders Trophy, and there will be a prize for both the vehicle and its occupants who are judged to represent the specific manufacturing year of the car in the best possible manner.
This event, which is free of charge, will be a fantastic day for car-lovers, and a nice day out in the sun for families. Refreshments are available for purchase, and members of the public can also tour the magnificent premises of the hotel while you visit.
Please note that on-site car parking is not available for this event, so we recommend parking in a safe area and walking towards the hotel grounds from there.
Make sure to speak to our team if you want to attend the Wirral Classic Car Club Assembly 2026 on Sunday 31 May 2026. If you appreciate automotive history and craftsmanship, mark the date in your calendar and head to Hillbark Hotel & Spa for a wonderful day out!
Feb 1, 2026 | Top Stories
If the country of England were shaped like a skeleton, there is an excellent chance that you would find the funny bone somewhere in the North-West. Cities such as Liverpool and Manchester are famous for producing legendary comedians; icons of the stand-up stage such as Ken Dodd, Peter Kay, and Victoria Wood. The North-West is also a hotbed when it comes to regularly hosting stand-up comedy shows, and there are some first-class funnymen and women heading to our region this February.
We start off with someone who is famous for his comedy, but who has become just as well-known for his ballroom dancing, and that is Strictly Come Dancing champion, Chris McCausland. The Liverpudlian is a man of many talents, and while we appreciate his fancy footwork, we absolutely love his ability to make us laugh. Chris is coming to Pyramid and Parr Hall in Warrington on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Another major show on the horizon comes to Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre, a historic venue which reopened in 2025 to the delight of theatre fans everywhere. Amongst its upcoming offerings is a stand-up performance from Crissy Rock, a legend of the small scene and the stage. Crissy has a unique style that brings the house down every night, and she always leaves audiences wanting more. Crissy brings her show From Bedlam To Benidorm to the Epstein Theatre on Saturday 7 February 2026.
Our final top recommendation takes us to Stockport, and to a show involving one of Manchester’s most beloved comedians of the 21st century. Jason Manford has a friendly personality and a charm that combine with his sharp wit and diverse range of talents to deliver a performance unlike any other in stand-up comedy. Jason brings his show A Manford All Seasons to Stockport Plaza on Friday 13 February 2026.
If you plan to attend these or any other stand-up comedy shows, make sure to speak to our team. We can provide accommodation of the highest standard as well as transportation to and from your chosen venue, not to mention a peaceful environment to calm you down ahead of anight of endless laughter. Be sure to get in touch!
Jan 27, 2026 | Top Stories
Every month, we celebrate the rich heritage of our incredible Hillbark Hotel & Spa with our History Tour, which includes Afternoon Tea. The next History Tour is right around the corner for anyone wishing to book their place: Monday 2 February from 11am to 2pm, and there is so much to see!
Our historic five-star hotel, Hillbark Hotel & Spa, was built way back in 1891. For 135 years, this has been a lynchpin of the region and links to two of the area’s most influential families, who came together to build the hotel and to put the Wirral on the map as a must-see location. And the History Tour celebrates the legacy of this architectural treasure.
The tour begins with morning tea/coffee and homemade pastries. Following an introduction from our tour guide, Dominga, we take a historical tour of the building and hotel grounds (note that staircases are required to see some facilities). The walking tour lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes, and we cap off proceedings around 12.45pm with our themed afternoon tea, marking an ideal end to a wonderful day.
Along the way, you will learn so much about a building that has meant so much to so many people since the 19th century. You will discover facts that you never knew and understand the importance of those who paved the road towards the beautiful hotel that we have today.
The History Tour costs £95 per person, and all attendees will have as much time as they need to take photographs of this iconic cultural landmark.
If you wish to book our place for the History Tour on Monday 2 February, please contact Reception on 0151 625 2400.
Jan 27, 2026 | Top Stories
Here at Hillbark Hotel & Spa, we like to keep fit while exploring the great outdoors, and few things are more rewarding than exercising with a group of your friends. With that in mind, we recommend all our fellow trailblazers to lace up your boots and come along to our next Hillbark Hike on Saturday 21st February!
The Hillbark Hike is our monthly opportunity to go on an adventure with likeminded people and to explore some incredible locations. It is a free event, and is run alongside a special offer for you to enjoy a bacon bap and a coffee or tea at Hillbark for only £10 upon your return!
We set off at 10:15/10:30, when everyone is gathered and ready at the Hillbark Hotel fountain – our legendary starting line! From there, we have an epic eight-mile trek around Royden Park, Heswall Dungeon, Caldy Hill and Thurstaston Beach (depending on the rising tides). It may be muddy and slippery, so please make sure to dress appropriately for the occasion, and consider the low temperatures of the month.
We hike for between 3-4 hours, with rest stops along the way, and no walkers will be left behind. We are all in this together, and we will see it through from start to finish as a collective unit!
There’s no need to book, simply turn up on the day! If you have any questions or would like to pre-order breakfast for an Afternoon Tea, be sure to contact our Reception team on 0151 625 2400 or by emailing enquiries@hillbarkhotel.co.uk.
We cannot wait to hit the trails with you!
