A Nantwich slime-making franchise has "oozed" into the top 10% of tourist attractions worldwide, according to the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. 

Gootopia, known for its hands-on slime workshops, was recognised for delivering "consistently exceptional experiences". 

Husband-and-wife team, Helen and Westly Wilson, who launched Gootopia Cheshire at Gate Farm Rural Enterprise Park in May, have called the accolade "goo-tastic". 

Helen told Nub News: "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 was rated in the top 10 per cent of tourist attractions worldwide, based on Tripadvisor reviews and ratings (Gootopia).

Gootopia's rapid expansion nationally has seen six new sites open in 2025 alone, including within Gravity Active at nearby Warrington.  

Reflecting on the journey so far, Helen said that the Nantwich venue is already "operating at capacity" on weekends and during the school holidays, with dozens of birthday parties hosted since its launch.  

She said: "After the most incredible welcome from the Gate Farm owners, some exciting collaborations emerged with other tenants.

"Our customers can now hire the new double-decker party bus at the Milking Parlour, who provide food and refreshments, and we have 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, said his personal highlight has been building relationships with local SEN adult learner groups.

He told Nub News: "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."  

Helen and Westly Wilson are multi-award-winning entrepreneurs with 20 years' experience in children's entertainment (Gootopia).

Looking to the future, Helen added that 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, she said.

"That is proving to be a very exciting proposition for schools, home educators, entertainment venues, corporates, families and individuals alike."  

Helen and Westly paid tribute to Nishi and Chris Bowan Saville, the founders of Gootopia, and co-owner Steph McGovern, the well-known TV presenter and business journalist.  

"All three are the most supportive and open-minded backers we could wish for," concluded Helen.

"Westly and I would like to congratulate them on the award, as well as the rest of our 'Goo family' throughout the UK.

"The award is based on real feedback from families who have visited Gootopia and it reflects the hard work that goes into making sure every slime workshop or party is unforgettable."  

For enquiries, visit www.gootopia.co.uk.