St Helens City Guide

The food scene includes traditional British dishes and some international options like Italian, Indian, and Chinese. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Late-night food is mostly takeaways.

Local pubs and some bars in the town centre offer nightlife but it’s pretty low-key.

Standard UK coffee culture with local and chain cafes. Specialty coffee is less common.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. 10-15% in restaurants if no service charge added. Rounding up fares is common in taxis.

SIM cards from EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three are easy to buy at phone shops in town. eSIM is becoming more common.

St Helens is generally clean with good waste and recycling services.

24/7 services are limited. Some supermarkets have extended hours but most closures happen at night.

Supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's, and Aldi are common. International foods can be found in larger stores. Some local fresh markets may be available.

Cards are widely accepted here. You rarely need cash for everyday purchases.

ATMs are common at banks and supermarkets. Fees are rare when using major UK bank ATMs.

Local primary and secondary schools teach in English. There are no known international schools here.

The digital nomad scene is small with few meetups. Co-working spaces exist but are limited.

Access to large parks and green spaces around town. Good spots for walking and running.

Good running routes in parks and country parks. Parkrun events happen weekly. Air quality is good.

Gyms include 24/7 options and clubs with pools and spas.

Tennis courts can be booked at Victoria Park, Ruskin Drive, and St Helens High School.

Padel courts are being developed with new venues opening in 2025.

Yoga studios exist but specific info on English-speaking instructors is limited.

Various martial arts like BJJ, Muay Thai, and boxing are offered locally.

No skiing nearby. The UK has limited skiing mostly in Scotland.

Carr Mill Dam offers some water sports like powerboating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Surfing is not available here. Closest surfing spots on the coast are poor quality.

No diving or snorkeling locally.

St Helens Hospital serves the area with English-speaking NHS staff. Healthcare quality is good and accessible. Pharmacies sell common meds and have regular hours.

Tap water is safe to drink and meets UK quality standards.

Plenty of parks with playgrounds and kid-friendly attractions nearby. Baby supplies are easy to find.

The UK is generally accepting and safe. Specific LGBTQ+ venues may be found more in Liverpool or Manchester.

Pet-friendly with parks and off-leash dog areas. Veterinary clinics are available locally.