Pictures of St Helens

About St Helens

St.Helens is an old industrial centre lying to the edge of the urban sprawl of Merseyside.

In the 18th century the town gained a world-wide reputation for its production of glass, as is demonstrated by the large Pilkington Glass Museum which displays both English and Continental examples of this centuries old craft. The museum houses some of the finest glass in the world, and traces its history from the Egyptians to the present day. Modern technology enables you to be taken on an interactive journey uncovering the mystery and magical beauty of glass.

As well as visitors being able to explore the world of glass and its application to buildings, transport, lighting and science, you can see objects such as the working lighthouse optic and a fascinating tiny figure from Egypt of the god Bes, and a George IV glass decanter. There is also an historic glass making furnace. For relaxation there is a shop and a cafe. This is an award wining exhibition centre, which gives everyone an enjoyable visit and is therefore fully deserving of your time.

Having transcended the Industrial Revolution and shaken off its old image, St.Helens is rapidly developing into a place of culture and style. It offers a wealth of attractions, including a renowned race course at Haydock for lovers of the sport of kings! Powerboating is popular, and St.Helens "Saints" Rugby club regularly rings with resounding cheers.

The town has plenty of open spaces for recreation and wildlife habitation. Taylor Park has many attractive features including a quaint boathouse at the side of a lake flooded with ducks. The park which has several waterways, is named for the family who once owned most of the water rights in the area. This is an ideal place to enjoy fishing, boating, woods and fine scenery. What is known as the "Big Dam" is famous in the area as a habitat for Canada Geese, Mallard and Coot, thus it attracts nature enthusiasts from miles around.

Sherdley Park is the home of the town's Annual Show and the annual November 5th Firework Display. This is the towns largest park, it has a pet's corner and children's play area, a lake, beautiful woodland walks, and for golf enthusiasts there is a superb 18 hole golf course together with clubhouse.

Good shopping facilities exist and at night there is a range of venue's offering entertainment to suit all tastes. A calendar of events is available, these include music, arts and comedy. The town hosts the North West Masters and the North West Motor Show.

St.Helens has its share of historic buildings, the noted Gamble Institute being just one. And, as it is an old mining area there are old mining relics in the region, whilst in the town a museum explores the history and heritage of the region.

With so much to interest and attract St.Helens makes an ideal location for exploring Merseyside and the North West, there is easy access to some fine beaches and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.