Thurstaston Off The Beaten Path Tips by sandysmith

Hillbark House

Originally known as Bidston Court, Hillbark House originally stood in Bidston , near the urban farm in and was built for soap manufacturer Robert Hudson in 1891. It was designed by Edward Oult, who also designed houses in Port Sunlight Village, it was inspired by 16th century Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire. Hillbark was sold in 1921 to Sir Ernest Royden and in 1928 was moved to its present site, brick by brick, finally being completed in 1931. It is not open to the public but is a hotel and conference centre and a wonderful setting for weddings. It is possible to make an appointment to view the building. Of note: the Great Hall has a 1527 Jacobean fireplace from Sir Walter Raleigh’s house, a set of William Morris stained glass windows and a pair of 13th century church screen doors; the library was originally in a stately home in Gloucestershire; and the Yellow Room restaurant contains a magnificent 1795 Robert Adam fire surround.

Phone:
0151 625 2400

Royden Walled Garden

Royden Park has a visitors centre with cafe and toilet facilities - so no need to go in the bushes!
A small walled garden is here too - sometimes in better states of maintenance depending upon time of year. Its a favourite local place of mine to get some nature macro shots of the flowers, birds and butterfiles that inhabit here. Some sculptor work also provides interest. I'll put some more in a travelogue :-))

Royden Park

Royden Park and Thurstaston Common comprise almost 250 acres of both semi-natural and planted woodland, heathland and open parkland. The ownership of the area is divided between the National Trust and the Metropolitan Borough of Wirral and its a great place for country walks with the family and especially popular with dog walkers