Shiverpool Recognised by VisitEngland for Storytelling Excellence

In 2021 the Shiverpool team were delighted to announce they had been awarded a Gold Accolade from the Visit England VAQS assessment scheme -the premier industry-standard accreditation for tourist attractions in the UK, operated by VisitEngland and Visit Wales, and this year in our 21st year we welcomed the assessors back to have another deep dive of the Shiverpool experience.

Independent assessments matter. They provide an opportunity for experienced tourism professionals to observe, question and evaluate every aspect of the visitor experience, from arrival and welcome through to interpretation, presentation, safety and overall quality. And the team were really pleased to receive an overall mark of 94%.

The assessor observed that…

“The humour, drama and theatrical energy made the tour memorable, underpinned throughout by excellent knowledge and a sense of a real care and respect for the history, landmarks, community past and present and the stories at its core.”

For everyone involved with Shiverpool, this perhaps captures the heart of what we have always sought to achieve. Every performance begins with rigorous historical research but stories only come alive when they are delivered with authenticity, respect and imagination, allowing visitors to connect with the city, its people and its outstanding heritage.

Professional standards were also recognised throughout the assessment.

As the report notes:

“Behind the theatrical façade, the tour was run with real professionalism — punctual, safe and well managed.”

While audiences encounter mysterious characters, strange happenings and ghostly tales, considerable planning takes place behind the scenes. Careful route management, visitor welfare, accessibility, risk management and operational planning are fundamental to every Shiverpool experience.

The assessment also recognised our commitment to welcoming visitors from around the world.

The report commented that:

“Care was also taken to ensure that references and context were explained where necessary to the Canadian visitors and particularly the younger members of their party.”

Liverpool’s stories belong to everyone. Whether welcoming local residents discovering their city anew or international visitors experiencing Liverpool for the first time, every audience deserves an experience that is fun and worthy of your time.

The overall visitor experience was praised for successfully combining entertainment with authentic interpretation.

The assessor concluded:

“The tour exceeded expectations blending history with theatre, lively storytelling and fun.”

And further noted that the commentary delivered exactly what visitors are promised:

“A rich blend of true grisly history, ghostly tales, humour and fun.”

These observations are especially meaningful because they recognise the balance that has always defined Shiverpool. Entertainment is never pursued at the expense of historical integrity, and historical interpretation is delivered with warmth, theatricality and a sense of showmanship.

The assessment also acknowledged something that extends beyond our tours.

VisitEngland recognised:

“The community work undertaken by Shiverpool in conserving the gardens, maintaining and enabling access to landmarks… alongside their educational work via the Shiverpool Community Spirit CIC was also acknowledged and is to be applauded.”

This recognition is particularly significant. Shiverpool has always believed that storytelling should not simply interpret heritage, but actively contribute to its conservation, accessibility and future appreciation. Through Shiverpool Community Spirit CIC, educational projects, conservation initiatives and community partnerships continue to ensure that Liverpool’s remarkable stories remain accessible for future generations.

These observations reinforce the values that have guided Shiverpool from the beginning: authenticity, professionalism, historical integrity, community engagement and above all, the enduring power of great storytelling.

To everyone who has joined us on a tour over the years, thank you for becoming part of Shiverpool’s continuing story. These recognitions belong as much to our audiences as they do to our team, because every evening spent sharing the city’s extraordinary past keeps these stories alive.

We look forward to welcoming many more curious souls onto the streets of Liverpool, where history, mystery and theatre continue to meet after dark.