THE Wirral is not the first destination which springs to mind when thinking about a UK break.

Often in the shadow of the nearby city of Liverpool, the Wirral Peninsula doesn’t get the time and certainly the praise it deserves.

As we came near to the end of our two-hour drive from the Midlands and found ourselves in rolling countryside it was clear the Wirral had a lot to offer and was the perfect place for a weekend getaway.

Nestled in Royden Park in the heart of the Wirral was our home for the weekend – The Hillbark. But this wasn’t just any hotel. It has welcomed the likes of Tiger Woods and superdiva Beyonce. Well, if it’s good enough for Beyonce, it’s good enough for me.

Set in 250 acres of parkland and overlooking the Dee estuary, just 15 minutes yet a million miles from vibrant Liverpool, the stunning Grade II listed property provides pure luxury.

Originally a country house built in 1891 for a soap manufacturer Robert William Hudson in Birkenhead, it was later moved, brick-by-brick, to its present site.

The hotel is steeped in history, from a 1527 Jacobean fireplace, originally standing in Sir Walter Raleigh’s house, to a set of 13th century church doors.

After checking in to our spectacularly large room with four poster bed and enjoying fresh fruit and handmade chocolates, we took a gentle stroll through the park and found a local pub where we enjoyed a drink with the friendly locals. It was the perfect start to a country getaway.

In the evening, we dined in one of the hotel’s two restaurants, the Hillbark Grill, which has a more contemporary feel compared to the rest of the house. The menu features a selection of steaks, chicken, fish and hand-made burgers.

The room is also where breakfast is served, with a varied choice of cooked options on offer as well as the continental selection.

After a relaxed breakfast, we ventured further afield to see what lies behind the ‘Coast and Countryside’ strapline and we weren’t disappointed.