The UK's staycation market continues to grow and the “staycation boom” shows no signs of slowing down. With consumers feeling the crunch as the cost of living continues to bite, visitors are looking to explore closer to home, get back to nature and discover hidden gems that rekindle nostalgia and create new memories. 

Encompassing the towns of Runcorn and Widnes in the North West, Halton as part of Liverpool's City Region aims to showcase the perfect formula for where visitors can 'get away to it all' in a landscape of waterways, pathways and built environments that have played a pivotal role in today's culture. The birthplace of the British chemical industry, Literary greats such as Alice in Wonderlands' Lewis Carrol and not forgetting musical masterpieces including one of the most legendary concerts ever held in the UK, the iconic Stone Roses Gig at Spike Island.  

As a borough, Halton is less than fifty years old, however, the towns, villages and open spaces that make up the area have a rich and surprising heritage dating back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of settlements found in the area. The Romans also had a presence in Halton, with a fort established on Castle Rock by Ethelfleda in 915 AD. The fort was strategically located on a hill overlooking the River Mersey, and its remains can still be seen today.   

Today, Halton is home to a number of important heritage sites, including the Halton Castle, the Runcorn Railway Bridge, and the Norton Priory Museum and Gardens. These sites offer visitors a glimpse into Halton's rich history and heritage and help to preserve the area's cultural legacy. 

Interlinking with the borough's main attractions and the iconic Silver Jubilee Bridge, the waterways, pathways, and cycle lanes are a far cry from the industrial past whilst paying homage to eras that have defined generations. 

The Borough has an abundance of natural riches with a green belt covering one-third of the region as well as one Ramsar Site, one Special Protection Area (SPA), three Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), ten Local Nature Reserves (LNRs), 47 Local Wildlife Sites and 12 Open Spaces of Green Flag award standard interwoven with the Trans Pennine Trail and plenty of pit stops including independent cafes and producers such as Esposito's Deli and Daresbury Dairy  Ice Cream. 

There are many key heritage and cultural highlights from Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, which is one of the most excavated monastic sites in Europe, Catalyst Museum is a science and technology museum which has interactive and immersive displays and galleries to The Brindley theatre which hosts sold-out world-class performances throughout the year to smaller venues such as The Studio and Society Tap Rooms. 

Rob Sanderson Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, Norton Priory Museums and Gardens comments “Halton is canvas of opportunities for the visitor.  From wide open spaces to intimate pubs and coffee shops, and from museums and performance venues through to iconic bridges and canals, Halton is a place to delight in the discovery of the new and to explore the eclectic and the everyday.  Visit Halton and discover your own highlights to make the perfect day out.”

For interview opportunities, fam visit, itineraries, and further information contact planning@viv-id.co.uk 

About the project
A new three-year project commissioned by Halton Borough Council will raise awareness of Halton as a tourism destination which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The first phase of the project will see a new Visit Halton brand and campaign, formed with a new working partnership from private and public stakeholders – Marketing Halton Steering Group. As well as working in partnership with the Liverpool City Region to cross-promote marketing activity.

The campaign will feature three themes which will highlight the hidden gems within these. The themes are:

• Heritage
• Nature and wellness
• Art and Culture

Key ambassadors such as Pete Waterman OBE are helping to bring the project to life, filming a short video on music trail of Halton, which is key as there will be many music fans travelling to the Liverpool City Region for the hosting of Eurovision 2023