An Australian man who asked for suggestions on what to do on holiday to St Helens ended up inundated with responses from residents.
Steve Jackson took to Facebook for suggestions of where he can take his son, as he is due to fly over from Australia to visit relatives when pandemic rules allow.
The dad said he was last in St Helens in 2019 and his parents emigrated from the town to the land down under in the 1960s.
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Do you have any suggestions for things to do in St Helens? Let Steve know in the comments below
Writing in the People of St Helens Facebook group the dad said: "Once travel starts again, I want to bring my wife and kids to St Helens for a holiday(my parents emigrated to Australia in the late 60s, I have relatives over there).
"My son will be 20 next year so he will be keen to explore, so what advice have you got for him (places to see, areas to avoid, etc)."
The post was soon inundated with comments with over 250 suggestions from people.
However, many people were left a little confused at the man's choice of holiday destination and were left all saying the same thing.
One person joked: "St Helens for a holiday? You must hate those relatives."
While another commented to say the man had clearly made a typo by writing St Helens.
The Facebook user wrote: "It was obviously predictive text gone wrong he meant St Ives. It's a lovely part of Cornwall with many things to do with beautiful scenery you & family will love it."
Others urged him to reconsider his choice of destination instead suggesting nearby cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Chester.
One person wrote: "It's true there isn't much here. However St Helens is good based to explore from, Liverpool, Manchester, Chester are all easy to access and if he drives there is so much to do in/around North Wales and the Lake District."
And another said: "I’ve never heard the words St. Helens and holiday in the same sentence before! I’d suggest stay in Liverpool or Manchester and just get the train to St Helen’s, once will be enough!"
One man's suggestions were as follows: "Places to see: the lakes, the peaks, north Wales, Manchester, Liverpool
"Places to avoid: St Helens."
Others also simply commented "avoid St Helens" on the thread.
Steve who took the post in good jest, told the ECHO : "[ I've been to St Helens] five times, love the people, and England has everything I love. I do love Australia though, it's a paradise."
However, among the tongue in cheek replies were a number of suggestions relating to the town's rich history and good food.
One person said: "Get yourselves a Birchall’s Pie when you're here, best pork pies on earth."
While another wrote: "Glass museum, good train links to Liverpool, Wigan, Blackpool, Scotland take him the Dream, to the garden centres and cafes round Bold. Look for the positives of where you live."
Another discussed the rich cultural history of the region: "Unfortunately the heart of the town is nothing like it use to be.
"Most of the shops have closed down. But I’d definitely show him round where you used to live, places you used to go and hang out, show him your memories of the town.
"Would recommend a rugby match, take him to see Liverpool and the museums are great to learn about the culture and heritage.
"The town may of changed a lot, but there is a lot of great things to see and do."
St Helens has many parks and lakes, and it's small townships and villages offer some great scenery, as one person commented: "If he enjoys walking, Rainford has some great walks. My partner, kids and I go on many with our dog and enjoy it (we’re 23 so not much older!).
"Lots of different routes, and it’s especially nice at sunset and when it’s night with clear skies (lots of stars).
"Crank also has lovely walks (as well as Crank Caverns).
"St. Helens also has an air nation (bouncy place), bowling (with small arcade area), world of glass museum and cinema.
"There’s not much else to do here, but it has great links to bigger cities like Liverpool and Manchester which offers greater opportunities to explore"
One comment also discusses the rich history of nearby Newton-le-Willows, home to the Nine Arches, the first ever major viaduct opened in 1828.
The commenter wrote: "The town centre may not be what it used to be but we have loads of history, the Nine Arches, first major viaduct to carry a train over water in the world, the Sankey canal, the first canal of the industrial revolution, the first staircase locks. It has loads of history that we need to embrace."
