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Step back in time and uncover the rich history of Hillbark Hotel & Spa, a breathtaking Grade II listed country house nestled in the heart of Royden Park. With a past entwined with two of the region’s most influential families, Hillbark stands as one of Wirral’s finest architectural treasures—and now, you’re invited to experience its story firsthand.

Journey Though Time

Be 'At Home' With Us

Our exclusive ‘At Home’ History Tour offers a rare insight into the grandeur, heritage, and hidden stories of our 5-star hotel, originally built in 1891. From its intricate Tudor-style architecture to its captivating historical connections, Hillbark is a living piece of history waiting to be explored.

Your History Tour includes:

10:30 AM – Morning Tea & Pastries

Begin your visit with a warm welcome in our elegant surroundings, where you’ll enjoy freshly brewed tea or coffee alongside our homemade pastries.

11:00 AM – Guided Historical Tour

Join our knowledgeable guide for an enchanting journey through Hillbark’s storied past. Explore the beautifully preserved interiors, uncover remarkable tales of its previous owners, and stroll through our stunning grounds, taking in the grandeur of this historic estate. Please note: Due to the nature of the building, the tour includes some stairs.

12:45 PM (approx) – Indulgent Afternoon Tea

After your tour, sit back and savour our award-winning Afternoon Tea, a true celebration of British tradition. Expect delicate sandwiches, handcrafted pastries, light, flaky scones served with homemade jam and rich clotted cream, all paired with the finest selection of teas from around the world.

2:00 PM – Depart at Your Leisure

After an unforgettable experience, you are welcome to relax and soak in the charm of Hillbark a little longer before departing.

To book, please contact our Reception team on 0151 625 2400.

To view our calendar of events, including our History Tour days, please visit our What’s On page:

WHAT'S ON

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monthly tours

Tour & Afternoon Tea | £95pp

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group bookings

For groups of 8+, we can arrange a private tour.

16th Century Mantlepiece

In 1930, an intricately carved oak Tudor chimneypiece, originally from More Hall, North Mymms, found its way to Birkenhead. This remarkable piece once adorned a room in the home of Sir Thomas More’s father, nearly 500 years ago.

Believed to have stood above a small stone altar, the chimneypiece is thought to have been a place of prayer for Sir Thomas More, who was canonised in 1935 as Saint Thomas More, the patron saint of lawyers.

Dated 1527, this extraordinary relic has witnessed a journey through five different homes, endured a demolition, survived a fire, and spent 39 years in storage within stables before finally making its way 200 miles north to the Wirral in Cheshire.

Forster & Andrews Organ

Among the many historic treasures at Hillbark Hotel & Spa, the Forster & Andrews organ, dating back to 1893, stands as one of the most remarkable. Originally installed in Bidston Court when the house was built, this magnificent instrument was crafted by Forster & Andrews, the most renowned organ builders of the time, based in Hull.

Forster & Andrews were known for their exquisite craftsmanship, producing some of the finest organs in the country. Their instruments were predominantly commissioned for churches and cathedrals across the UK and beyond, making it exceptionally rare to find one in a private residence.

The Hull History Centre holds detailed records of the company, cataloguing each organ built. To uncover the full history of this organ’s commission, records from 1891—available on microfilm 188—would provide further insight into its journey to Bidston Court.

William Morris Stained Glass Windows

One of the most breathtaking artistic features at Hillbark Hotel & Spa is the set of eight stained glass panels, attributed to the celebrated designer William Morris and possibly influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement. These exquisite windows pay homage to some of the greatest literary figures in history, beautifully crafted in rich colors and intricate detail, characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Each of the eight panels depicts an iconic poet or playwright from different eras, reflecting the evolution of literary tradition through time:

Homer – The legendary Greek poet (pre-11th century B.C.), renowned for his epic works, The Iliad and The Odyssey.
Aeschylus – A master of Greek tragedy (525–456 B.C.), known for shaping early drama with plays such as The Oresteia.
Virgil – The revered Roman poet (70–90 B.C.), famous for The Aeneid, the epic tale of Rome’s founding.
Horace – A Roman poet (65–80 B.C.), celebrated for his Satires, Odes, and Epistles.
Dante – The influential Italian poet (1265–1321 A.D.), best known for The Divine Comedy, a journey through the afterlife.
Chaucer – The “Father of English Literature” (1343–1400 A.D.), renowned for The Canterbury Tales.
Shakespeare – England’s greatest playwright (1564–1616 A.D.), whose works include Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet.
Milton – The English poet (1608–1674 A.D.), famed for Paradise Lost, a monumental epic exploring the fall of man.

Set within the historic surroundings of Hillbark, these panels provide a stunning interplay of light, color, and storytelling, offering guests a glimpse into a bygone era of craftsmanship and creativity.

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Wine Tasting

Our wine cellar is a true reflection of our passion for great wines, offering an exceptional collection from the world’s most renowned wine regions. With over 10,000 bottles in stock, available by the glass or by the bottle, we cater to every taste and occasion. We offer three unique wine events designed for both connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts.