The World of Glass in Merseyside

The award-winning World of Glass museum and visitor centre is a great place to visit if you’re a tourist (or a resident) in the local area!

Peruse the two galleries the museum has to offer – the Grass-Root Gallery, and the Earth into Light Gallery. The former covers the ancient history of glass and the glass-making process, all the way back to Ancient Egypt. The latter focuses on more recent history – namely the story of glass in St. Helens – and how they became a worldwide producer of glass and glass products.

If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, they are glass-blowing courses available, as well as live glass-blowing demonstrations if you’d like to see the professionals at work! Or if you’re interested in learning more about St. Helen’s glass-working past, there’s an authentic Victorian furnace to see and some fascinating underground tunnels to explore, all part of the world’s first regenerative glass-making furnace! Both were constructed in 1887 by the famous William Windle Pilkington.

Once you’ve finished up with the exhibits, there’s a gift shop full of bespoke presents and treats to take home with you, and a cafe serving tasty fresh home-cooked food!