Walking is good for the soul, but it also provides the opportunity to explore areas that you might not normally spend any time in. Liverpool and the surrounding area is packed full of outstanding walks for casual and experienced hikers. From city parks to woodland walks, here’s descriptions for five of the best.

Formby Beach

Image by Rachel Docherty

Surrounded by pretty pinewoods, Formby Beach is a day at the seaside with a difference. Coastal erosion means prehistoric levels of mud are often revealed at high and low tides, exposing dinosaur prints from millions of years ago. Enthusiastic explorers can scale the towering sand dunes for the reward of spectacular views across the Irish Sea and the Cumbrian Mountains. This enchanting expanse’s waymarked paths and picnic areas are easily accessible from the city via Merseyrail, and add up to a whole day’s worth of adventures.

Pier Head to Otterspool Park

Image by Tom Bullock

The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool building dominate the city’s famous waterfront and is the starting point for this walk. From Pier Head, continue through the Albert Dock before following the Mersey Way to Otterspool Park. This gentle and easy to follow route has breath-taking views of the Wirral and North Wales. Although the route is not circular, there are frequent buses from Aigburth Road (situated next to Otterspool Park) back to the city centre.

Everton Park

Image by Bob Edwards

If you want to experience Liverpool’s iconic vista in all its glory, Everton Park can’t be missed. The highest point of the park, Everton Brow, serves up remarkable panoramic views of the surrounding skyline. The route up to this vantage point might be the least pretty walk on this list, but the bird’s eye views of Liverpool’s stunning spires and magnificent towers are more than worth it. For the perfect Instagram moment, time your visit for sunset and prepare to get holiday snap happy.

Delamare Forest

Image by Andrew

Waymarked dry sandstone paths snake through Cheshire’s largest woodland, offering walkers the chance to enjoy an array of flora and fauna. There is a wide choice of easy routes, plus the popular trek up to Pale Heights. Although the ascent may leave some walkers breathless, the stone circle viewpoint at the summit provides far-reaching views over the Pennines, Manchester, the Mersey estuary, and Cheshire’s wooded sandstone ridge. The forest’s Black Lake is also a very atmospheric trek and home to a rare species of dragonfly.

Sefton Coastal Path

For more experienced ramblers, the Sefton Coastal Path starts in Crosby and hugs the seacoast for 21 miles. Sefton’s coast has the largest undeveloped sand dune system in England, plus a combination of sandy beaches, coastal marshes, pine woodlands, heathery heathland, and tidal estuaries to explore. Along the way, you’ll pass through Ainsdale National Nature Reserve, where you can find the Natterjack Toad, red squirrels, sand lizards and great-crested newts. The final section skirts past The Open’s Royal Birkdale golf course, before finishing in the lovely seaside town of Southport.

Resting your weary feet

If you want to take the load off after a day’s exploring, Hallmark’s two Liverpool hotels offer easy access to the city and the walks featured on this list.

Hallmark Inn Liverpool (better known as the Best Western Feathers Hotel) is a Grade II listed building located less than a mile from the Albert Docks. Hallmark Hotel Liverpool South is situated on the fringe of Sefton Park and its 200 acres of leafy loveliness.

Both hotels also include comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep, free access to super-fast Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, a delicious breakfast buffet and many other facilities.

Book now to avoid missing out on Hallmark Hotel’s special offers available through the website.

As next year’s UK City of Culture and hosts of the illustrious art award The Turner Prize, how to party in Hull might be a question you’ve thought about. Well, Hull has a lot to look forward to in 2017.

With so much to celebrate, it will come as no surprise that visitors to this city, which lies on the River Hull, may well be looking for somewhere to party the evenings and nights away. Needless to say, there are plenty of bars, nightclubs and pubs in the area to satisfy most clientele.

How to party in Hull

The Welly Club on Beverley Road offers three designated areas of different music genres, themed nights and guest DJs.

For a sophisticated evening of live entertainment on weekdays and a ‘Paparazzi’ night on Saturdays, Lizard Lounge is located right in the city centre, where you can be the A-list star for the night!

Sugar Mill Night Club, Dagger Lane, is set over three floors, each representing a different genre of music, from dance and disco, to chart and R&B. It aims to please everyone and is noted for its décor and very comprehensive range of cocktails.

If you feel like experiencing somewhere a little more traditional and located in the historic part of the old town, Ye Olde Black Boy is a good place to try for a typical British pub atmosphere.

Hull has a lot to offer if you are looking for an entire day of culture, live entertainment and dance-all-night partying.

Staying at Hallmark Hotel Hull, you will be impressed with the views of the Humber estuary and iconic bridge.

Our brasserie offers continental-style outdoor seating areas, as well as a relaxing wine bar, which is open 24 hours for hotel guests.

Fundamentally, following a night out in Hull, our contemporary, elegant rooms have everything you want – a beautiful, warm and welcoming bed.

My weekend in Chester

There is only one way to start and that is to say I have absolutely fallen in love with this city after my weekend in Chester. It has so much charm, history, beauty and a million and one things to do, which leads me onto to our first port of call, Chester zoo.

I’m a massive animal lover and this zoo has to be one of my favourites. I could sit and watch the Orangutans for hours playing around and being mischievous whilst doing forward rolls down the hill. We spent about four hours there exploring the wildlife before heading over to Cheshire oaks for a spot of retail therapy.

We ended up checking into our hotel, The Queen for our weekend in Chester quite late. We were greeted by the lovely receptionist who we had a quick chat with and went to our room -which was fit for a king or queen. We then decided to get a bite to eat at the hotel before heading over to the Kings Quarter bar, where they served a great cocktail menu and had an amazing musician playing live music. He even gave us his playlist so we could pick some favourites to sit and listen to for the rest of the evening.

The next morning, we enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast before heading into the city centre, just a short 10 minutes walk from the hotel.

Chester, really is a beautiful city made up of old listed Tudor style buildings, which are now home to some gorgeous shops. I couldn’t resist some more retail therapy as the July sales were on. We decided to make a dinner reservation at a Thai restaurant that had been recommended to us for the evening, as we knew this weekend in Chester was going to be heaving due to it being race day.

I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a race day like it, Chester Racecourse was buzzing with atmosphere, the stands were filled with crowds. After just the first race, I was already jumping around as I had won, and ended up winning on two more races which really made my day. The atmosphere really was great. After the races to celebrate our win, we had a cheeky cocktail at a place called Havana. Before heading back to our hotel to enjoy a lovely long bath and refresh ourselves ready for the evening.
We enjoyed a short stroll into the city centre to Ruan Orchid, the Thai restaurant we had booked earlier on in the day. WOW, it really was an amazing meal and I highly recommend trying it out if you like thai food. I couldn’t help but order more sides because it was just so good, my eyes were definitely bigger than my stomach on this occasion.

The next morning we were treated to some live music at breakfast which was a lovely little touch, and then headed back into the city centre to walk the Roman Chester walls (I wasn’t lying when I said there was loads to do in chester). We found a starting point along the river and began the two mile walk on the wall, before getting caught in a sudden downpour! We ended up hiding in the Phoenix tower for 10 minutes to take shelter. The Roman wall walk is a must if you love the history of places and exploring different landmarks in a city.

After all that walking it was time to take a rest and grab some lunch at The Boathouse, which is a pub with great views on the river front. We met up with some friends who live locally, before heading back home. We had a fantastic weekend and I already can’t wait to go back and visit Chester! Thank you to The Queen for making us feel so welcomed.

Watch her full video below:

For centuries, afternoon tea has been a luxury past time amongst us British. Originating from Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840, it has gone on to be an internationally recognised quintessential English tradition. Fast forward two centuries, and afternoon tea is seen as a sophisticated way to socialise and catch up with friends. There are many settings across the UK offering delectable teatime frills, but we wanted to bring you something a little out of the ordinary. These places below allow you to experience this great British institution with a unique twist as we take a look at our top 5 alternative afternoon teas.

Top 5 Alternative Afternoon Teas

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1. Mad-Hatters Afternoon Tea

Leading us straight down the rabbit hole into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland is the Mad-Hatters tea party at our Hallmark Hotel in Hull. Set next to the iconic Humber Bridge, you can enjoy an afternoon filled with delectable treats inspired by Lewis Carroll. So what’s on the menu? You can expect, oversized scotch eggs served with tomato toadstools, eat me popping candy cupcakes and sweet mushroom meringues. One not to miss is the ‘Drink me’ strawberry syrups, all accompanied with copious amounts of tea. With afternoon tea coming in at £17.50 or £22.50 per person if you want to add on a glass of bubbly.

2. Asian Afternoon Tea

England is not the only place that is famed for being a nation of tea-drinkers. With China being known as a country for producing a variety of flavoursome teas, master wok chef Harry Yeung MBE has created his own take on the traditional English afternoon tea and added a Cantonese twist at his Manchester restaurant, Yang Sing. The experience includes an extensive menu of rarer and vintage loose leaf tea handpicked by a master tea merchant in China. The unique tasting teas include, high grade Orange Tekoe, fermented dark Pu’er and many more exotic flavours. Now, an afternoon tea wouldn’t be served without tasty treats to accompany it and to stop those afternoon hunger pangs. Yang Sing serves up a feast of Asian delights in the form of paper wrapped prawns with water chestnuts and shredded coriander, cuttlefish bumblebee, steamed creme patisserie bun ‘lai wong bau’ and pan fried sticky water chestnut cake. Enjoy a glass of prosecco along with the above for just £17.50 per person.

3. Gin Afternoon Tea

What better way to enjoy a quintessentially English tradition than overlooking the beautifully landscaped gardens at our picturesque hotel, Hallmark Hotel The Welcombe, Stratford-upon-Avon. Next on our top 5 alternative afternoon teas list is the Countess Afternoon Gin Tea, an exciting twist on an English classic. Swap your usual glass of high tea bubbles for a cool Hendricks gin and tonic. Served in a China tea pot over ice and lemon, and accompanied by luxury finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with homemade jam and clotted cream, as well as luxurious macaroons. The most eloquent choice in our list of alternatives has to be this one. On a warm summer’s day enjoy this refreshing twist alfresco in the courtyard for just £29.50 per person.

4. Honey Bee Afternoon tea

Relax in the private beautiful grounds of our Hallmark Hotel Stourport Manor and enjoy a delectable honey bee afternoon tea spread. This is one for all age groups, the little ones will adore the the bee themed cupcakes, as well as the assorted sandwiches and the sweet tasting hot chocolate. Freshly baked scones, cakes and tea will also be served. Adults can enjoy these too as well as a glass of bubbles to toast the wonderful Worcestershire bees! So sit back and enjoy this very British tradition in our countryside setting for just £12.95 per person or £16 with Prosecco and £5 for the little ones.

5. Vegan Afternoon Tea

Sourced: La Suite West

Our top 5 alternative afternoon teas list concludes with this option. With 2016 being the year of the vegan, it would be wrong not to include an animal-free healthy take on this very English tradition. Spend an afternoon at La Suite West’s RAW in London tasting the combination of designer sandwiches, home-made scones made with coconut cream and fresh strawberries and a mouth-watering array of home-made vegan pastries, all served with your choice of loose leaf tea or coffee. Try this delectable afternoon tea with a difference for £27 per person including a glass of non-alcoholic fizz.

Birmingham is Britain’s second largest city and there are lots of things to during a stay, even if it’s just for the weekend. Here are some of the big Midlands city’s top attractions.

Museums

The Birmingham Museum and Art gallery has an eclectic collection ranging from Anglo Saxon warrior artefacts and pre-Raphaelite art, to objects from Ancient Egypt. The museum also features exhibits that illustrate the rich history of Birmingham itself.

The Coffin Work, meanwhile, is an unusual museum that recreates a factory that made coffins and other objects for the funeral trade. Lovers of the written word can visit the Pen Museum, which is dedicated to exploring the world of pens and calligraphy.

Adventure

Escape Live and Clue HQ are two venues that place small groups in themed rooms. Participants have 60 minutes to escape from the room by solving puzzles and clues.

Shopping

The centre of Birmingham shopping is the Bullring, which houses a great variety of shops, including many designer fashion brands.

The Jewellery Quarter was founded over 250 years ago and now houses more than 100 jewellery retailers, specialist retailers, bars and restaurants.

Eating and drinking

Beer lovers will enjoy the BrewDog bar, with its exposed metal girders and craft beers from around the world.

Adams is the home of contemporary British fine dining. Headed by chef patron Adam Stokes, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves food that aims to excite and enthuse diners.

The restaurant and brassiere at Hallmark Hotel Birmingham serves the finest seasonal produce in a versatile menu that features the best of European cuisine with African and Asian influences.

Relax

After a hectic day in Birmingham, take a break in the Hallmark Hotel Birmingham Strathallan lounge and bar, then enjoy a restful sleep in one of our refurbished bedrooms.

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city. It is situated in northeast Scotland, where the Dee and Don Rivers flow into the North Sea. We take a look at 10 interesting facts about Aberdeen.

10 interesting facts about Aberdeen

Here are ten interesting facts about this fascinating city:

1. The Granite City is nicknamed after its buildings

Aberdeen is often referred to as the Granite City, because more than half of its buildings are built from Aberdeen’s Rubislaw Quarry granite. Until its decline in the mid-20th century, the quarry exported granite all over Britain.

2. This is a record number of whisky distillers

The Aberdeen area has the largest number of whiskey distilleries of any whisky producing area in Scotland. Many of the 17 distilleries are open to visitors.

3. Donald Trump loves Aberdeen’s landscapes

Controversial US president Donald Trump fell in love with Aberdeenshire’s coastline and landscape so much that he built a Golf Links and Hotel in Aberdeen. Trump’s mother’s was born in Scotland.

4. 10% of Britain’s stone circles are in Aberdeenshire

About one in ten of Britain’s stone circles are located in the county. A unique feature is the recumbent stone circles, which feature one stone on its side flanked by two upright ones.

5. Its oil industry predicted to last

Aberdeen used to be known as the energy city because of its booming offshore oil industry. With the price of oil down, the industry is in crisis, but many are optimistic that the price will change and Aberdeen will continue to have a successful oil industry.

6. Cairngorms National park is twice the size of the Lake District

Cairngorms National Park near Aberdeen has five of the UK’s six highest mountains. The park is twice the size of the Lake District and features huge forests, waterfalls and abundant wildlife.

7. University of Aberdeen hosts European Researchers Night

The University of Aberdeen is hosting Scotland’s European Researchers Night for the next two years. Popularly known as ‘EXPLORATHON’, the event brings together students, pupils, researchers and members of the public to celebrate the best of innovation, research and development from Scotland’s universities.

8. Ruud Gullet supports Aberdeen

Next on our ’10 interesting facts about Aberdeen’ list is Dutch footballer and manager Ruud Gullet was recently asked who his toughest opponent was. He replied that is was Aberdeen football legend Willie Miller. He also revealed that Aberdeen Football Club was his favourite Scottish team.

9. Brig o’Balgownie is Scotland’s oldest bridge

The Brig o’Balgowne near Seaton Park is Aberdeen’s and Scotland’s oldest bridge. Construction started in the late 13th century and was competed in 1320.

10. There are more than 70 golf courses within an hour of the Hallmark Hotel Aberdeen Airport

Golf lovers should stay at the Hallmark Hotel Aberdeen Airport because there are over 70 golf clubs within an hour’s travel. Non-golf lovers visiting Aberdeen or staying overnight before a flight, will find that the Hallmark Hotel Aberdeen Airport is the best place to stay in Aberdeen.

The hotel features 212 beautiful bedrooms and has a brasserie-style restaurant that serves the best of modern European and British cuisine.

The hotel is a popular venue for business meetings, conferences and team-building events.

Croydon is the southernmost borough of London and, as you would expert with the verve of the capital city in its midst, there are plenty of fascinating things to do during a weekend. Here are a few of our suggestions for A weekend in Croydon: Top things to do.

A weekend in Croydon: Top things to do

Museums

‘Remembering 1916, Life on the Western Front’ is a major exhibition of World War I, with emphasis on a year when a number of significant battles were fought.

Croydon Airport Visitor Centre is located at the world’s oldest airport control tower, and features interactive displays that tell the history of the airport from World War I until it closed in 1959.

The Museum of Croydon is dedicated to the history of borough, as well as the people who lived and worked in there.

Entertainment

Fairfield Halls is Croydon’s venue for world class music, drama and cinema, while Matthews Yard is an arts centre and hosts art exhibitions, workshops, music and theatre.

Alternatively, the Spread Eagle pub and theatre venue features films, comedy nights and theatre.

Nightlife

For the best DJs and live music, go to Bad Apple.

If a traditional pub is more to your taste, why not try the Porter & Sorter or visit The Edge for great ale, food and live music.

For the sounds of classic soul and jazz, the Soulful Cellar will be just the ticket.

Eating

Next on our ‘A weekend in Croydon: Top things to do’ list is food. There are restaurants in Croydon to suit all tastes. For the best Indian cuisine, go to the Karnavar or the Dosa Lounge.

McDermott’s serves traditional fish and chips that are regarded by many as the best in the country, while the Little Bay serves modern European food in quirky surroundings.

For the best in modern British and European cuisine with Asian and Moroccan specials, eat at our Hallmark Croydon Aerodrome hotel.

Relax

After a hectic day in Croydon, our 1920s historic hotel Hallmark Hotel London Croydon Aerodrome that once served Croydon Airport will be the perfect place to wind down.

The large Cheshire town of Warrington is a great place to stay if you want to make the short journey to either Liverpool or Manchester, but don’t neglect the town itself. Here are 10 things you may not have known about it:

1. It has a place in American military history

Warrington is better known across the Atlantic than you might expect. In World War II, Burtonwood RAF base was the largest airfield for the US Air Force outside of its own country.

2. It was home to the UK’s first Ikea store

Lovers of flat-pack furniture and Swedish meatballs should be aware of Warrington’s significance. Scandinavian home accessories giant Ikea first set foot in Britain with its Warrington store, built in 1987.

3. It had the country’s first rate-supported library

At one time, people had to pay to use their local library. Warrington Central Library changed all that and is thought to be the first in the country to change to a tax-supported model.

4. It’s a very old ‘new town’

Warrington is designated a ‘new town’ under the New Towns Act 1946, but really it’s anything but. It’s been a crossing point on the River Mersey for centuries, and there is evidence of Bronze Age and Roman settlements in the area.

5. Its rugby league team has never been relegated

The main sport associated with Warrington is rugby league, and with good reason. The famous Warrington Wolves is the only club to have played in every season of the sport’s top division.

6. Its football club performed an FA Cup giantkilling act two year ago

Not to be outdone by the Wolves, non-league football club Warrington Town has enjoyed the limelight in recent years. In 2014, they won an FA Cup tie against Exeter City, who were 100 places above them in the league, live in front of BBC cameras.

7. Lewis Carroll was a Warrington lad

Warrington folk will proudly consider ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ author Lewis Carroll to be one of their own. He was born in nearby Daresbury, which probably explains his inspiration for characters like the Cheshire Cat.

8. Oliver Cromwell was a regular visitor

Warrington is steeped not only in literary history, but it real events that shaped Britain as we know it today. During the English Civil War, military leader Oliver Cromwell’s army would stay in the area, and Cromwell himself is said to have made Church Street his lodging spot.

9. Disney filmed in the town last year

It might seem an unlikely place for the global enterprise to get involved, but Disney fantasy series Evermoor was filmed in a Warrington warehouse. Disney explained that favourable tax breaks played a role in the choice of location, but also mentioned the excellent local acting talent.

10. It has excellent accommodation

The best place to unwind after a thrilling excursion in and around Warrington is at the Best Western Hallmark Hotel Warrington Fir Grove, offering an elegant and ideally situated place for a family-oriented break.

Make the most of the sunshine this summer and pack your picnic basket full of all your favourite summertime treats - it’s time to embrace the great outdoors. We’ve scoured the North for the most beautiful spots for you to lay down your picnic blanket and open a hamper.



1. River Dee, Chester

What better way to spend a lovely warm day in Chester, than to head to the banks of the River Dee and find yourself a secluded spot. Just a short walk from the bustling city centre, you can find a serene and relaxing space to enjoy some alfresco dining. Sit back and watch the pretty boats sail along the river, perfect for a lazy summers afternoon.

2. Talkin Tarn Country Park, Carlisle

Talkin Tarn Country Park is made up of 120 acres of luscious woodland. Set on the waters edge, it’s a perfect spot for those keen on water sports. Hire a sailing boat and go for a cruise on the tranquil Tarn. Explore the ancient woodlands before sitting down for a well-earned picnic lunch. This is one that’s great for a family adventure.

3. Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Manchester

One for the naturists, Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens is a countryside idyll just 20 minutes out of the energetic city centre of Manchester. Set in the heart of Didsbury, these botanical gardens are a beautiful setting for a mid-summer picnic. Expect to see lots of interesting and wonderful wildlife, from rare species of birds to vibrant colourful flowers and plants. It’s hard to believe this haven of paradise is so close to the city centre.

4. Humber Bridge Country Park

, Hull

Overlooking the iconic Humber Bridge, this country park is a beautiful spot to lay down your blanket and indulge in an alfresco feast. Spend an afternoon in the meadow relaxing and watching the many butterflies fluttering around, you’ll feel like you’re lunching in a fairy-tale setting. Afterwards why not go and explore one of the many trails within the park. The Phoenix Sculpture Trail is a fun adventure, find the ten unique sculptures inspired by the special heritage of the area.

5. Walton Gardens, Warrington

A firm family favourite is Walton Gardens on the outskirts of Warrington. This picturesque setting is great for exploring with the kids, visit the children’s zoo where you can see the beautiful peacocks roaming around the green, Shetland ponies, parrots and many more animals. Take a leisurely stroll around the gardens and find a spot for the family to chill out in the sun and eat a glorious picnic feast.

6. Sefton Park, Liverpool

A much loved picnic spot amongst Liverpool locals, is the magnificent 200-acre Sefton Park. It’s a great place to go and explore when the weather is scorching. There is plenty to do; go and feed the swans on the boating lake, or chill in the sun by the bandstand before discovering the Grade II listed Victorian Palm House. After exploring the beautiful landscapes, cool off with an ice cream from the park’s cafe.

7. Avenham Park, Preston

A beautiful natural park with splendid views of the River Ribble, Avenham Park was designed by Edward Milner, an English landscape architect during the 1860’s. Wander around the Japanese Rock Garden and discover the unique ornamental plants, and beautiful water features, before finding a perfect picnic spot - there are plenty around this green space, just minutes from the city centre. From the riverside embankment to The Belvedere pavilion that overlooks the park and river, you will be spoilt for choice for places to enjoy a quintessential English picnic.

The historic city of Gloucester offers more great things to do than you can shake a stick at. If you are only staying for the weekend, you should try and cram these top attractions in. We take a look at a weekend in Gloucester: Top things to do.

A weekend in Gloucester: Top things to do

Architecture

The pride of Gloucester is its cathedral. This dramatic and elegant building dates from the 11th Century, although the magnificent stained glass Great East Window was installed in the 1350s.

Gloucester Docks is an inland port developed after the ship canal was built. It prospered in the 19th and early 20th Centuries, but declined after the 1960s. In the 1980s, the docks were transformed from dereliction when they were developed for retail, leisure, and residential use.

Museums and art galleries

A weekend in Gloucester Top things to do Take your pick here!

The Jet Age Museum is a fascinating exhibition that relates the story of Gloucester’s part in developing the jet engine. It displays many examples of historic jet aircrafts.

The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum, meanwhile, is a military museum dedicated to the Gloucester soldiers who have served Britain.

The Nature in Art Gallery is dedicated to art that has been inspired by nature. It is housed in a magnificent Georgian mansion.

Food and drink

The Three Choirs Vineyards are the producers of award-winning English wine. Here, you can tour the vineyard, taste the wine and enjoy excellent food in the restaurant.
Beer lovers should go to the Gloucester Brewery, where they can enjoy a tour, drink beer at the brewery bar, and purchase bottles to take home.

For the best in British, European, and Asian food, eat at our Hallmark Hotel restaurant in Gloucester. Enjoy an indulgent high tea in the lounge featuring clotted cream scones, sandwiches, and a glass of bubbly.

Relax

After a busy day in Gloucester, the Hallmark Hotel Gloucester is the perfect place to wind down with a spa treatment and a drink at the bar, then sleep in our contemporary rooms or suites.