Hillbark Hotel is a handsome country house hotel set in a beautifully secluded spot at the heart of the Wirral Peninsula. It is difficult to be certain what is the greater appeal – the fabulous location, offering respite and a rural getaway from the stresses and strains of modern life yet effortlessly accessible and offering a superb base from which to explore the dramatic scenery of the Wirral, Cheshire and Liverpool – European City of Culture 2008; or the charm and grace of the beautiful timbered manor house building, Grade II listed and decorated to an exquisitely high standard, offering some of the most luxurious and sumptuous accommodation in the North West of England. Perhaps the true appeal is that Hillbark Hotel combines its enviable location and quintessential charm in such a complete and satisfying package, rare qualities which Hillbark Hotel possesses in abundance.

Hillbark Hotel stands at the heart of 250 acres of glorious grounds, lawns and parkland; drawing up to the entrance of the hotel is an impressive sight, but you may be surprised to learn that despite having the appearance of a Tudor manor house, Hillbark Hotel is in fact of Victorian vintage and, more intriguing still, has only occupied its current location since 1931. The house was originally built in Birkenhead, some 5 miles away, in 1891 by soap manufacturer and entrepreneur Robert William Hudson. It is believed that Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany was so taken by the design that he insisted on having a replica built at Potsdam, at which the Potsdam Agreement of 1945 was signed. Incredibly, by 1945 the house was no longer in Birkenhead; Sir Ernest Royden had bought the property in 1921 and had it moved brick by brick, piece by piece to its current position. The move took 3 years, between 1928 and 1931, and to add still further to the charming idiosyncratic nature, the house contains a 16 th Century fireplace once part of Sir Walter Raleigh’s house, remarkable William Morris stained glass windows and church screen doors dating from the 13 th Century. An eclectic collection of components perhaps, but blended together in a seamless and rather charming package. Having undergone a programme of extensive refurbishment and transformation, Hillbark Hotel has recently opened as the Wirral’s, and possibly the North West’s, most intriguing luxury hotel.