Known the world over as home to a record-setting rugby league club, St Helens is full of things to do.
Whether you’re visiting the town for a game at the iconic Totally Wicked Stadium, meeting family or friends, or staying over en route elsewhere, there’s lots to discover.
A thriving town that’s home to 180,000 people, and located between Liverpool and Manchester in the heart of the North West of England, it’s the perfect place for a day out.
Here’s a quick guide to just some of the things you can do in St Helens.
St Helens is the Home of Glass
St Helens is the birthplace of the modern glass industry.
In 1826, John William Bell and five other locals founded the St Helen’s Crown Glass Company that would revolutionise the production of commercial glass.
By the late 1800s, the invention of furnaces that allowed for continuous molten glass flow lowered production costs and accelerated the glass making process.
Today, The World of Glass celebrates the rich legacy of glass making in St Helens.
Visitors can visit a 19th century pub, watch live glassblowing demonstrations, explore interactive exhibits, and view stunning pieces of glass art.
At the centre of the museum is the preserved Tank House No.9.
Dating back to 1887, this is where William Windle Pilkington perfected the regenerative process and continuous glass making.
It’s the reason The World of Glass is located there today.
Experience incredible public art
The Dream sculpture by Jaume Plensa is one of the most iconic and thought-provoking pieces of public art in the UK.
Unveiled in 2009, it’s a symbol of the transformation of St Helens over recent decades.
Standing on what was once Sutton Manor Colliery, which closed in 1991, the site was selected by the Big Art Project as the location for a piece of regenerative public art.
The project involved ex-miners who had worked at the colliery who wanted an artwork that looked forward to the future.
Today, this breathtaking sculpture is surrounded by grasslands and woodlands that have grown over the old colliery site, transforming it into a peaceful green space.
The walk up to the sculpture takes you through nature trails, and offers panoramic views across Merseyside, and even as far as the Pennines on a clear day.
Ride a vintage bus
Just a short walk from St Helens Central railway station, you’ll find the North West Museum of Road Transport.
Located in the historic 1881 St Helens Corporation Transport bus depot, the museum’s extensive collection includes more than 60 vintage buses, trams, coaches, and cars – many of which served local communities across the North West.
Visitors can explore the vehicles, from early 20th-century fire engines to classic cars, and learn more about the area’s transport history.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts various events, including classic car shows and heritage days, offering visitors the chance to ride on a vintage bus.
The museum is dog-friendly, and children under 16 can enter free, making it a great day out for the family.
Explore a green oasis
If you’ve explored the town, then why not take a break in Sherdley Park – a stunning green oasis at the heart of the North West conurbation.
Spanning more than 330 acres, it’s a peaceful retreat filled with woodlands, open fields, and formal gardens.
Once the grounds of the Sherdley Estate, the park features a large children’s play area, outdoor gym equipment, places for a picnic, and there’s even an 18-hole golf course!
The park has long been a community hub and once hosted the annual St Helens Show.
Today, it’s home to music festivals and family events all year round.
Host your next event at Totally Wicked Stadium!
With great access across the region, St Helens is a perfect place to base yourself if you’re exploring the North West of England.
There’s also lots to do on the doorstep, including nearby Knowsley Safari Park.
We’re passionate about our thriving town, its rich history and exciting future, and we look forward to welcoming you.
Looking for the perfect venue for your next conference or event?
Totally Wicked Stadium, home to St Helens R.F.C., offers state-of-the-art facilities, excellent catering options, and flexible spaces.
Whether it’s a corporate meeting, a private gathering, or a large-scale event, our experienced team ensures your event is a resounding success.