WITH a rich history of industry, sport, and community, many Sintelliners take pride in the town and the certain charms that lie within the borough.
From popular businesses and sports stadiums to relaxing walks and hidden gems, there is much to shout about in St Helens despite some of the negativity that can arise.
To spread some positivity about the town, we asked Star readers to tell us a place in St Helens where everyone needs to visit once and here are some of their suggestions:
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Dream
Unveiled atop the former Sutton Manor Colliery in 2009, Dream was commissioned by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, who worked closely with a group of local ex-miners.
The 20-metre structure is coated in white Spanish dolomite to contrast with the coal and mining industry which stood before it, and is carved to resemble the head and neck of a young girl who is looking forward and dreaming of a brighter future.
It is known as a good walking spot and can be seen by drivers traveling past on the nearby M62.
World of Glass
With a focus on local history and industry, the World of Glass has art galleries, museum collections, live glassblowing demonstrations, a cafe, and a 19th century glassmaking furnace to spark the interests of people of all ages.
A £1m investment has recently modernised the gallery space to take visitors on a walking tour of St Helens history, which also features a host of interactive elements free of charge.
While the Gamble building remains under construction, the World of Glass also contains the town centre's library service.
Totally Wicked Stadium
With Saints marching to a record four straight Grand Final wins between 2019 and 2022, the Totally Wicked Stadium has become a rugby league fortress in recent years.
Completed in 2012, the stadium has showcased countless special wins and performances for Saints over the years, and has also become a location to house big events in the town, such as Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, the Who, and firework attraction.
Carr Mill Dam
Built in the 18th century, Carr Mill Dam is the largest body of water in Merseyside and a popular place for walkers in St Helens.
Offering picturesque lakeside trails, the Dam also hosts boating and angling events throughout the year while the popular Dam Bar and Grill offers food and drink with spectacular views.
Taylor Park
Officially opened in 1893, Taylor Park is the largest of the town's Victorian parks and designed amongst a dramatic sequence of woodland areas, bodies of water, grassland, and play space.
Another popular place for walkers, pet owners, and families, the Mount gives panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while the Boat House cafe offers a space to eat, drink, and relax.
Other beloved parks include the Green Flag Victoria Park in Windle, Mesnes Park in Newton-le-Willows, Sankey Valley Park in Blackbrook, and Sherdley Park in Sutton.
Billinge Hill
With a maximum elevation of 179m, Billinge Hill is the highest point in Merseyside and views can be seen for miles across neighbouring areas. On clear days, observers can point out the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales, the skyscrapers in Manchester and Blackpool Tower.
With a beacon tower at the summit, Billinge Hill is another popular place for its mazy trails and walking routes around the open fields.
North West Museum of Transport
Housed in a building originally constructed for the town's horse-drawn trams, the North West Museum of Road Transport is an admired spot for families and history buffs.
Taking guests for a trip down memory lane, the Hall Street museum showcases a wide variety of old-fashioned buses, cars, and emergency vehicles, and often lets guests get involved in workshops, model railways, and open-top buses.
St Helens Theatre Royal
Built in 1887, St Helens Theatre Royal has showcased countless shows and events over the decades, but none are as popular as the pantomimes that come to town.
The Corporation Street pantomimes have become one of the town's biggest draws in recent years, with this Christmas' Aladdin recorded as the theatre's fastest-selling panto yet.
The Citadel is another place to view live entertainment and gigs on Waterloo Street in the town centre.
Blackburns
Launched in 1942, family-run Blackburns the Bakers has been dedicated to offering fresh and high-quality products in Newtown for more than 80 years.
With the family's tasty recipes being handed down for generations, queues form outside the Cambridge Road shop almost every day for their pies, pastries, sandwiches, and desserts.
After Greenalls and Livesleys have fallen by the wayside, Burchalls, Pimbletts, and Cottoms remain as other popular haunts for Sintelliners' pastry desires.
Turks Head
Although there are too many boozers to choose from in St Helens, the Turks Head is currently rated as one of the best real ale pubs in the country.
Well known for its variety of beers, real ales, cocktails, and food menus, the Turks Head was most recently voted as the best pub in St Helens and one of the top 16 venues in the country by local CAMRA members.
The Cooper Street venue also hosts live music, games nights, takes regulars on pub crawls, and has its meals available for delivery online.
Vigour
Initially opened as a health kitchen-come-juice bar by schoolfriends Chris Heyes, Anthony Georgiou, and Scott Anderson in 2017, Vigour has become one of the most popular eateries in St Helens.
Shifting into a "casual dining" bar with an expanded menu and small plate focus, Vigour has become the number-one-rated restaurant in St Helens on Trip Advisor, with hundreds of customers leaving positive reviews.
Inglenook Farm
Located off the Rainford Bypass on Moss Nook Lane, Inglenook Farm was constructed around 1874 and became one of the largest pig farms in the area until it changed hands in 2007.
Once the owners left the premises, Inglenook took a real left turn as its pig pens were turned into lavender fields and its stables were converted into an essential oil distillery and mix of artisan shops.
The farm houses the popular Cherry Orchard and dog training facility K9 barn, and also hosts private events, weddings, and artisan markets throughout the year.
Think we've missed something? We're always looking to highlight the best of St Helens, so drop us a note to news@sthelensstar.co.uk with your recommendation.
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