With a weekend of spring weather ahead, many of us will be looking to make a day trip or even spend a weekend away somewhere scenic.

Reporter Jess Molyneux thinks she’s found the perfect spot. Just 25 minutes away from Liverpool is Frankby, a Wirral village that’s full of rural charm.

Jess said:”Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, one of my favourite places to visit in Merseyside is a small village known for its historic buildings, scenic walks, popular country pub and incredible five-star hotel.”

She added that Frankby “remains largely rural with its countryside views and local farms and isn’t too far to reach.”

Frankby is a 25-minute drive from Liverpool’s city centre, or an hour if you take the 437 bus. On arrival, Jess was struck by the beauty of the place: “Getting off at the small Frankby Green stop, you are immediately surrounded by beautiful old cottages and the village hall, Royden Hall, nearby.

“Five minutes away from the bus stop up Hill Bark Road is The Farmers Arms, a popular pub raved about by residents from all across Wirral. A standout landmark on the quiet road, it boasts stunning views, a huge beer garden and everything you want from a traditional, country pub.”

Jess noticed the pub was a popular spot: “For a weekday post-lunchtime, the pub was busy with couples who had stopped in for a drink with their dogs after a walk, customers having a solo beer and groups enjoying meals such as burgers and fish and chips, which were served in generous portions. Sat in one of the smaller nooks having a coffee, customers were chatting by an old fireplace, with historic drawings of Frankby through time hanging on the walls around them.

“The Farmers Arms was previously one of four Merseyside pubs shortlisted for Great British Pub Awards. A destination in its own right, the pub has been at the heart of the community for well over a century.”

Paul, of the DGB Hospitality group, said about The Farmers Arms: “This pub has been here for about 175 years, in a much smaller guise originally, but it’s expanded over time. It’s a big business and we have a big beer garden now but we’re sort of at this end of the road on our own – it’s become a big landmark for Frankby.

“It’s definitely a destination. There’s not really many footpaths so people are either going to Royden Park and then coming to us afterwards or they’re just heading straight here.” When its cold, people head to the pub for classic meals or a Sunday roast, but the site continues to attract customers from Frankby and beyond all year round.”

Paul added: “It’s a lovely area, you have lots of nice people and then Caldy, West Kirby up the road. It’s only 20 minutes from Liverpool but it’s the countryside.

‘”For six months of the year it’s a cosy, country pub and for the other six months of the year, I think it’s the biggest beer garden on Merseyside. In the summer, there’s lots going on with live music and sports on in the garden.

“It’s almost like two business in one – in the winter you have this cute little pub and in the summer you have almost like this festival. It’s great.”

Paul added that the pub is very lucky to be located next to Royden Park. He said: “Royden Park is beautiful, you have the Hillbark Hotel here and ourselves, so there’s a few things to attract people.

“It’s just a lovely place to be, being so close to a major city you don’t get a lot like this, so it’s quite unique. I live in Liverpool but you come here and there’s horses coming up to you, people riding horses – you don’t see that on the Strand, it’s very different in that sense.”

He also recommended people visit Frankby on the weekend: “I love Sundays and I think the perfect Sunday is to go to Royden Park, there’s a train track for the kids, it’s a lovely walk to take the dogs and you can pop in here for a Sunday lunch and pint afterwards.”

Jess also visited Frankby Hall, which was built in 1846 and reminded her of Downton Abbey. She said: “For generations it was home to the Roydon family and you can still take a look at the fascinating building inside the grounds of Frankby Cemetery.”

She also recommended a route to explore: “Leaving Hill Bark Road, you can head up the now daffodil lined entrance into Royden Park. The estate, comprising of the park and Thurstaston Common, was originally owned by Sir Earnest Royden. Following his death in 1961, the estate was conveyed by his executors to Hoylake Urban District Council and opened as a public park.”

Jess wasn’t deterred by the weather: “Heading into the park on what was a more gloomy weather day, the site still looked beautiful and was busy with dog walkers and people fishing.

“The park boasts woodlands, meadows, fishing mere and wetland mere, as well as a walled garden, miniature railway and more. On Sundays, you can see the steam powered passenger locomotive loved by kids.

“Royden Park also regularly holds craft fairs. But in the grounds you can also find a large Mock Tudor house known as HillBark, which was re-erected between 1929 and 1931.”

She explained that the area has a rich history: “Before the Norman conquest, there was a Tithe Barn built of sandstone, which was replaced by a large country house in 1868 by a wealthy iron merchant called Septimus Ledward. He named it Hillbark and in turn, the house Septimus built was replaced by the current Hillbark House, which began life in a different location on the Wirral.”

She explained the history behind the property: “In 1929, the house built there by Septimus Ledward was demolished and Bidston Court was dismantled, transported in its entirety by road to Hillbark and re-erected there, taking two years to complete.”

The mock Tudor property became a care home for elderly people, but in 2002, it was bought by Contessa Hotels, who decided to refurbish the Grade II listed building.

It became Hillbark Hotel and Spa, which was awarded 5 stars in 2012 by the AA Tourism Authority. It has the unique distinction of being the smallest 5-star hotel in the UK, with just 17 bedrooms, giving it an intimate atmosphere. The hotel’s Cellar Restaurant also boasts three rosettes.

Jess described the experience of visiting Hillbark: “Entering through the gates, you’re met by the hotels stunning facade. Inside, Hillbark Hotel and Spa boasts everything from stunning bedrooms to a library room, wine cellar restaurant and more.”

Owner Craig Barker spoke to the Liverpool Echo about their vision for the hotel: “The building has been restored to how it was when it was a house, so when you come here it doesn’t feel like a corporate hotel, it feels like it always did as a house. We’re proud of any accolade that we get but to get five stars on 17 bedrooms is fantastic. We have become a destination hotel and Royden Park that we’re in the middle of is beautiful.

“There are certain things that are drivers to get people into Frankby and the other close villages. The park is a big one and then the hotel is another big one. 25% of our customers are London, 25% are elsewhere in the country, 25% is Merseyside and the Liverpool city region and 25% is North Wales, so it draws people in.”

Craig also recommended some things to do in the area: “It’s very close to West Kirby with the Viking museum and the Marine lake – so it’s not just Frankby, there’s a collection of villages here that have got an awful lot to offer.”

He added that people who aren’t staying in the hotel can still visit: “The building is open to anybody from teas and coffees to the spa, dining, events, just coming in for a drink, visiting the two restaurants and as we’re coming into summer now, people will be coming in just to sit on the terrace and have a glass of wine or an afternoon tea outside.

“It’s great in the summer because of the terraces outside and it’s great in the winter with all the fireplaces. It fits everything. Every month, we do the Hillbark walk from here which goes all the way down to the beach and then you walk all the way back to the building through the countryside and farmlands. It’s a beautiful part of the world.”