Visiting SoapWorks

Discover Port Sunlight’s interactive family-friendly experience all about the science of soap.

Designed to encourage more children to engage with the STEM subjects (science technology engineering and mathematics), come and have fun learning about soap and its life-saving properties. It’s filled with fun things to do for all ages to enjoy.

SoapWorks explores why we need soap, how it gets made, what we like to buy and why, and all the different ways we use it. This playful, interactive experience opened in 2021 and opens up the village’s historic school room the Lyceum for the first time.

William Lever went from selling soap to creating the world’s first multi-national company, right here in Port Sunlight. The people who lived in the village and worked in his soap factory, and the workers in Unilever’s factory here today, have changed how we wash our bodies and clean our homes.

To enter SoapWorks, you must purchase a ticket for the Port Sunlight Experience. This also gives you entry to Port Sunlight Museum and the Edwardian Worker’s Cottage, and gives you the option to add on a guided walking tour of the village.

You can either pay on arrival or book in advance online.

Opening times

Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4.30pm

Prices

Port Sunlight Experience Ticket:

Getting here

SoapWorks is located in the Lyceum on Bridge Street, Port Sunlight CH62 4UP.

Free parking is available a short walk away at Port Sunlight Museum or you can park on the surrounding streets.

Find out more about travelling to Port Sunlight here.

Facilities

SoapWorks has toilets, including an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities for paying customers only.

Gift Aid and Gift Aid Admission FAQ’s

Why is Port Sunlight Village Trust asking for donations on top of the entry fee?

The rules governing Gift Aid on admissions to charitable attractions like us changed from 6 April 2006. The Government’s new rules state that we’re only able to claim Gift Aid on daily admission tickets if visitors donate at least 10% more than the standard admission fee.

What is Gift Aid?

It’s an HMRC scheme which allows charities to reclaim the basic rate tax you’ve paid as a UK taxpayer – an extra 25p for every £1 of the total paid. It makes a massive difference to charities like us.

Why should I make a donation?

Port Sunlight Museum is part of Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT), a registered charity that does not receive any revenue from Government or local authority. PSVT therefore depends heavily upon donations to carry out its work.

Who is eligible for Gift Aid?

Everybody is welcome to make a donation to PSVT and as a charity we rely on support from a wide range of sources. Only UK taxpayers can fill in the Gift Aid declaration which will enable us to make the claim from the Government,

Where does the money go?

PSVT invests over £3 million each year in caring for the village and its community and promoting its history and heritage to the world.

If you have any further questions about Gift Aid when you visit please ask any member of staff who will be happy to help. Alternatively contact our fundraising officer on 0151 644 4800 or s.preston@portsunlightvillage.com or visit the HMRC website.