Dec 31, 2025 | Top Stories
Christmas has come and gone, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to celebrate the New Year! It’s an opportunity to make a fresh start in so many ways. What’s more, there are plenty of fantastic firework displays to be found across the North-West as we say goodbye to 2025 and say hello to 2026!
Starting at Gulliver’s World, one of the most popular children’s fairgrounds in the country is hosting a special fireworks event at 10pm, with further celebrations taking place thereafter. The park has lots of hair-raising rides and colourful characters, making for a unique and memorable location for New Year’s celebrations.
Moving towards Manchester, local residents have not one but two extravaganzas to choose from: St Peter’s Square will host the big fireworks display as the clock strikes midnight, while Albert Square is the host of a quieter but no less exciting affair, with a huge ferris wheel and crafts stores allowing families to have a peaceful conclusion to 2025.
As for the adults? Liverpool is the place to be for a ground-shaking party with plenty of locations hosting their own events. These include Modo, which will feature well-known DJs Les Calvert, Mick McGaw, and Ben Anderson along with fireworks, and the Elephant pub in Woolton, with Mia Molloy providing a live music performance as the final hours tick down to 2026.
Last but not least, we will have plenty of New Year’s celebrations of our own. Contessa Bar will be open all day on 1 January with evening drinks such as champagne, along with nibbles and cups of tea and coffee available. If you are a pet-owner, you can even bring your dog into Contessa’s! Why not take a stroll around the picturesque Royden Park before settling in for a pleasant round of drinks to start your New Year in style?
Whatever your plans may be, we hope to see you having a great time, and we wish everybody a very Happy New Year for 2026!
Dec 15, 2025 | Top Stories
The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than exploring the region’s incredible Christmas markets. From handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats, bustling stalls, and twinkling lights, the North West comes alive in December with markets that are perfect for a day out with friends and family.
Chester Christmas Market
Chester’s historic city centre transforms into a winter wonderland, with cobbled streets lined with wooden chalets offering artisan gifts, festive food, and warming drinks. Also, not far from the city, don’t miss the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet ice rink, Winter Village, and Big Wheel.
Dates:
19th Nov 2025 – 22nd Dec 2025
Liverpool Christmas Market
Set against the iconic waterfront, Liverpool’s Christmas Market is a festive feast for the senses. Enjoy international street food, locally crafted products, and the aroma of mulled wine in the air. From unique gifts to seasonal entertainment, the market is a perfect mix of fun and festive cheer.
Dates:
15th Nov 2025 – 24th Dec 2025
Manchester Christmas Markets
Manchester is famous for its citywide Christmas markets, stretching across multiple squares and streets. From the German-style market at Albert Square to smaller themed markets around the city, visitors can shop for gifts, enjoy sweet treats, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of the UK’s largest festive events.
Dates:
7th Nov 2025 – 22nd Dec 2025
For those wanting to explore these markets without worrying about long journeys at the end of the day, Hillbark Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious countryside retreat within easy reach of all three cities. After a day among the twinkling lights and festive stalls, you can return to the comfort and elegance of the hotel, making your festive excursions both effortless and indulgent.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, soaking up the atmosphere, or simply enjoying a festive day out, the North West’s Christmas markets offer something for everyone, and Hillbark provides the perfect base to enjoy them all.
Dec 15, 2025 | Top Stories
In 2026, one of the greatest events in world sport returns to the North West as The 154th Open Championship is held at the legendary Royal Birkdale Golf Club. A venue steeped in history and challenge, Royal Birkdale is widely regarded as one of the finest links courses in the world, and a fitting stage for golf’s oldest major.
The Open Championship is more than a tournament. It’s a celebration of tradition, resilience, and sporting excellence, drawing players and spectators from across the globe. From dramatic coastal winds to unforgettable championship moments, Royal Birkdale has hosted some of the most iconic chapters in Open history.
As anticipation builds, the surrounding region will come alive with the energy of the Championship. The Wirral and wider North West offer a unique backdrop to the event, combining rich sporting heritage with beautiful landscapes, historic towns, and outstanding hospitality.
For those planning to attend the Championship, Hillbark Hotel & Spa offers a peaceful retreat within easy reach of the course. Set in the secluded grounds of Royden Park, the hotel provides a calm counterbalance to the excitement of tournament days. It’s a place to reflect on the day’s play, enjoy relaxed dining, and soak up the atmosphere surrounding this landmark sporting occasion.
With The Open returning to Royal Birkdale, 2026 is set to be a memorable year for golf fans, players, and the region alike.
We look forward to welcoming guests as the story of The Open continues, just a short distance from one of golf’s most celebrated fairways.
Dec 15, 2025 | Top Stories
We are delighted to announce that Hillbark Hotel has once again retained its coveted 5-Star rating following our recent AA inspection. This is a recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality, outstanding service, and the timeless luxury that defines every corner of our estate.
For our team, this achievement is more than a badge of honour. It’s a confirmation of the standards we live and breathe each day, from the warm welcome at the door to the meticulous care behind every stay, every plate, and every moment our guests spend with us.
Retaining 5 stars is no small accomplishment, and we are immensely proud. But we’re also motivated and striving for even more. We firmly believe that Hillbark is worthy of the AA Inspector’s Choice distinction, one of the highest accolades in the industry. It’s a goal we’re confidently aiming for, because we know that what we offer is truly special:
the finest hospitality in the region, impeccable service delivered with heart, and an experience that continues to exceed expectations.
Our guests deserve nothing less, and our team continues to go above and beyond to deliver excellence in every detail. We’re honoured to hold our 5-Star status, and even more excited for what comes next.
Dec 15, 2025 | Top Stories
At Hillbark Hotel, every detail matters, from the way we welcome our guests to the way our team presents themselves. That’s why we’re delighted to unveil our new men’s uniforms, expertly crafted by Masuit Menswear, reflecting both our evolving style and our continued commitment to five-star excellence.
Recently, the Masuit Menswear team personally hand delivered the new uniforms to the hotel, creating a special behind-the-scenes moment as our staff tried on the pieces in-house. This hands-on approach ensured the perfect fit, comfort, and confidence, essential ingredients in delivering the level of service Hillbark is known for.
As Masuit Menswear shared:
“We are proud to be the official uniform partner for one of the region’s most iconic luxury destinations. Crafted with premium fabrics, refined tailoring, and comfort at the core, the new Hillbark uniforms bring modern style to timeless hospitality.”
We couldn’t agree more. We’re incredibly proud of this collaboration with Masuit Menswear and grateful for the craftsmanship and care that have gone into creating uniforms worthy of Hillbark’s five-star reputation.
Nov 3, 2025 | Top Stories
Calling all engaged couples and wedding planners: the setting for your perfect day is closer than you think!
Join us at Hillbark Hotel & Spa on Saturday 10th January from 12 pm to 8 pm for our exclusive Wedding Showcase. Step inside one of the North West’s most romantic 5-star country house hotels and imagine your event unfolding in style.
Why attend?
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Explore our sweeping historic manor house and elegant reception spaces, beautifully dressed and ready to inspire.
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Meet our dedicated wedding team and specialist planners: ask questions, discuss options, and start turning your ideas into reality.
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Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz on arrival as you envision your celebration.
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See our luxury guest rooms, ceremony venues (both indoor and outdoor) and the exclusive nature of having the full estate to yourselves for your special day.
Hillbark blends timeless architecture with contemporary luxury, setting the stage for weddings that are as unique as the love they celebrate. With only one wedding a day, your event becomes the sole focus of the hotel, ensuring privacy, attention and a day tailored entirely for you.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore or you’re ready to book, this showcase is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for our venue, vision and vibe. Bring your partner, bring your planner, bring your dreams.
If you happen to find something extra sparkly waiting under the tree this year (perhaps a little velvet box hiding a ring) then keep Hillbark firmly in mind as you begin your wedding journey!
