National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port

Museum Overview

The National Waterways Museum is in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The museum’s collections and archives focus on Britain’s navigable inland waterways, including its rivers and canals. The museum includes canal boats, traditional clothing, painted canal decorative ware and tools.

Together with their sister museum in the Gloucester Docks, they look after one of the greatest collections of boats and objects in the world. You can truly experience what it was like to live and work on the waterways over the last 200 years.

Using the latest technology and interactive displays and a little bit of magic you can transport yourself back over 100 years to when Ellesmere Port was the third busiest port in Britain. The museum is on a seven-acre site that takes you through a dynamic landscape of Victorian-listed buildings, docks, locks, stables, historic boats, cottages and canal basins.

They also run boat trips from the museum along the local canals. Or if you want to extend your visit further you could take a walk along one of the canal paths. From time to time they even invite horsedrawn boats to travel along the canal to take you even further back in time.

Further Information National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port

Is there food and drink available?

There is a Waterside cafe which serves hot and cold food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

Historical waterways museum on the canalside with docks, listed buildings, stables, historic boats, cottages and more. The museum has interactive displays. There are toilets and a cafe.

What are the ticket prices?

An adult ticket costs just under £10, children 6-15 are £6 and under 6 are free. Once you have purchased your ticket you are able to revisit the museum for free, for the next 12 months.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.

Is there parking?

There is free on-site parking.

When are they open?

The museum is open almost all year round except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. For up-to-date opening times please visit their website.