The UK’s leading slime-making attraction is “oozing” into Nantwich.
Gootopia Cheshire opens its doors at Gate Farm Rural Enterprise Park on Saturday, May 17 – becoming the North West’s first and only purpose-built slime venue.
The new venture is co-owned by Helen and Westly Wilson (pictured) – multi-award-winning entrepreneurs with 20 years’ experience in children’s entertainment.
“From slime-making workshops and messy play sessions to birthday parties and school science trips, Gootopia is all about hands-on, screen-free fun for children aged three and up,” said Helen.
“We’re also planning ‘Slime and Wine’ and ‘Slime and Dine’ events for adults, as well as corporate team building and networking events. Time is precious, and people want to make memories. Gootopia Cheshire offers everyone the chance to do that in a safe, inclusive space.”
Originally founded in 2018 by Nishi and Chris Bowan Saville, and co-owned by TV presenter and podcaster Steph McGovern, Gootopia has become a smash hit in London.
Now, as the brand’s first official franchisees, Helen and Westly are bringing its unique blend of creativity and sensory play to the North West – a move they said is “deeply personal”.
“As a neurodivergent child, Westly struggled to find activities that genuinely interested him and places where he felt truly accepted,” explained Helen. “That’s why it’s so important to us that Gootopia Cheshire is a safe, sensory space where everyone – from SEN children to neurodivergent adults – can have fun, feel included and be themselves without fear of judgement.”
Community is also central to the couple’s vision. Gootopia Cheshire will sit alongside a growing group of family-focused businesses at Gate Farm – including a swimming pool, gymnastics hut and the Milking Parlour Café.
“Our big ambition is to help make Gate Farm a thriving community hub,” said Helen, who lives in Weston. “As tenants, we’re all working together to create incredible, memorable experiences for families and individuals alike.”
Education also plays a key role. Gootopia Cheshire will partner with homeschooling families and local schools to offer slime-making workshops that align with the Science curriculum and promote sustainability.
“Everyone gets to make a personalised slime, as well as a giant slime together, with some to take away,” explained Helen. “The slime itself is water-soluble, non-toxic and vegan-friendly, and the tubs to take it home in are made from recycled vegetables. With our mobile offering, we can bring Gootopia directly to classrooms, homes or workplaces.”
Initially, Gootopia Cheshire will operate on weekends and during school holidays, with a free family fun day planned at Gate Farm on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday (May 5).
“We haven’t even opened the doors yet, but the enquiries and bookings are flooding in,” said Helen, who has won nine awards in the past year for her children’s holiday club business.
“We are grateful to Nishi and Chris for trusting us with their brand and are hopeful that, for kids and grown-ups, Gootopia Cheshire will be the ‘Slime of Your Life!’” For enquiries, visit www.gootopia.co.uk.
