Helsby

Iron Age people constructed a fort on Helsby Hill and it's easy to see why - the summit is 123m above sea level and offers magnificent views over the Mersey.

On a clear day the Liverpool skyline is visible with the outlines of the Anglican and Metropolitan Cathedrals standing out.

Sandstone was extracted from Mountskill Quarry from the early 1800s until the 1920s. Much of the stone was transported by ferry to Liverpool and Birkenhead, where several buildings, including the customs house near Canning Dock were built of Helsby stone.

The quarry had its own dedicated tramway to Ince Pier. In 1988 the old quarry was transformed into Helsby Quarry Nature Park. The park contains a range of trees and is inhabited by many animal and bird species. The geology of the site is one of its main features and includes exposed rock walls and a tunnel, which enable Sandstone formations from the Triassic period (280-250 million years ago) to be viewed.

Whatever time of year you visit, Helsby Quarry has something for your visit.  Bluebells and primroses in spring, to a green gem in summer and not forgetting autumn and winter, when the rock faces are even more striking.

Helsby Railway Station was the first winner of the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition in 2003, thanks to the work of the North Cheshire Rail Users Group.  They are the only station to have won an award every year since the awards were launched to encourage community involvement at Cheshire's railway stations.