A slime-making franchise in Nantwich has oozed its way into the top 10% of tourist attractions worldwide, according to the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Gootopia was recognised for delivering “consistently exceptional experiences” by those who voted.
Husband-and-wife team Helen and Westly Wilson launched Gootopia Cheshire at Gate Farm Rural Enterprise Park neat Nantwich in May.
Helen said: “We saw the success of Gootopia in London and knew we had to bring it to Nantwich.
“To be named among the world’s top attractions – based on glowing reviews from TripAdvisor users – shows that for slime lovers, we are the top choice to ‘goo’.”
Gootopia’s rapid expansion nationally has seen six new sites open in 2025 – including within Gravity Active at nearby Warrington.
Helen said the Nantwich venue is already “operating at capacity” on weekends and in the school holidays, with dozens of birthday parties hosted since its launch.
“After the most incredible welcome from the Gate Farm owners, some exciting collaborations emerged with other tenants,” she added.
“Our customers can now hire the new double-decker party bus at the Milking Parlour, who provide food and refreshments, and we’ve partnered with Imagination Lane Play Café to run preschool messy play sessions.
“Week by week, the Enterprise Park is becoming a first-choice destination for families.”
Westly, who is neurodivergent, added that his personal highlight has been building relationships with local SEN adult learner groups.
“The company award is fantastic, but I am most proud of creating a space that ‘younger me’ would have felt safe in.
“Our ‘quiet and calm’ sessions have been well received by adults with sensory processing needs.
“Helen and I are also delighted to have created jobs for 12 local people and will keep recruiting as demand grows.”
The couple are currently scouting locations for more Gootopia sites and talking to potential collaborators.
“You can start off never having made slime and leave as an expert,” said Helen.
“That’s proving to be a very exciting proposition for schools, home educators, entertainment venues, corporates, families and individuals alike.”
Gootopia was founded by Nishi and Chris Bowan Saville, alongside co-owner Steph McGovern, the TV presenter and business journalist.
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