Tour Guides vote in favour of St.Helens

11th May 2010

Whilst most people were contemplating the general election results on May 7th, a group of 16 official Blue and Green Badge Tourism Guides had other things on their mind as they enjoyed a familiarisation visit to the diverse and award-winning attractions St.Helens has to offer.

The Guides were in St.Helens to update their product knowledge of the visitor economy in the Borough, gaining an insight into new developments and revisiting old favourites. Hosted by Jo Wight, Tourism Development Officer, St.Helens Council, the visitors were treated to a number of delights, including the sensational World of Glass, Europe’s first essential oil farm, Inglenook Farm in Rainford, the UK’s most visited racecourse - Haydock Park, the 35- hectare Grade II listed Fir Tree Farm at King’s Moss, home to the monthly Farmers’ Markets, plus the iconic award winning landmark sculpture, Dream at Sutton Manor.

The group was also expertly informed about other key, nationally significant day visitor attractions including, the new Saints Stadium, Darkstar, the UK’s largest and most advanced laser tag arena, Northwest National Golf and Country Club, the largest golf academy in the region, and powerboat racing at Carr Mill Dam, home to the National Powerboat Racing Championships.

The visit proved that St.Helens has something for everyone with a fabulous combination of high quality sport, culture, public art, industrial heritage, events and rural recreation for residents and visitors alike.

Hilary Oxlade, Blue Badge Guide for Liverpool City Region, commented: “In nearly 30 years of guiding I can honestly say the visit was one of the best. The tour was very highly rated by the guides in refreshing our knowledge of St.Helens key products and introducing several more. Without exception, the guides expressed their enthusiasm for the excellence of the St.Helens offer, in terms of its breadth, depth and the quality appeal of the attractions and the people running them. Gaining first hand experience of the marvellous attractions will help us to promote them to the literally millions of people who visit the Liverpool City Region”.

“ We were impressed by all the attractions”, added Hilary, “it was a worthy visit for all the guides. Our future journeys along the motorway will have to detour via Dream to witness this marvel, come rain, hail or shine”.

Bob Hepworth, Director of Urban Regeneration and Housing, St.Helens Council, added; “The day was a great success, showcasing the Borough’s tourism assets and will assist our goal of increasing visitor numbers and spend in the local economy”.