Name: National Waterways Museum (Ellesmere Port)
Rating: 5.0

National Waterways Museum (Ellesmere Port)

National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

The National Waterways Museum (Ellesmere Port) is a fascinating heritage attraction dedicated to the history of Britain’s canals and waterways. Set within historic docks and warehouses, it offers an immersive experience into life on the waterways. It’s a great destination for families, history lovers, and anyone interested in maritime heritage.

Visitors can explore historic docks, locks, and Grade II listed buildings, along with exhibitions showcasing the nation’s waterways collection. There are discovery trails, self-led craft activities, and a waterways-themed playground for children. Guests can also enjoy boat trips (subject to timings) and spot local wildlife around the scenic site. Facilities include a waterside café, gift shop, free parking with EV charging, and accessible amenities throughout the museum.

Price starts from £13.25 for Adults(16 years and over), £9.95 for Children(6-15 years & under 6s free) and £32.50 for Family(2 adults and 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Things to see and do: The museum is the perfect place to meet friends and family for a memorable day out. Explore world-class historic docks and locks and keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way. Discover beautifully preserved Grade II listed buildings, enjoy exhibitions, discovery trails, and self-led craft activities - there’s even a waterways-themed playground. While you’re here, why not take a relaxing boat trip to uncover the fascinating stories of canal life, past and present (please call ahead for sail times).
Inside the Island Warehouse: Take yourself on a virtual tour of the entire museum. Learn about the history of our waterways, view our traditional boat exhibitions, and enjoy iconic Roses and Castles folk art.
Porter's Row Cottages: Transport yourself back through time with our Porter's Row Cottages. Each cottage recreates a home from a different period, from the 1830s through to the 1950s. Look out for features like oil lamps and hand-operated washing machines.
The Blacksmith's Forge: Be sure not to miss The Blacksmith's Forge, a traditional iron forge where the canal company's ironwork used to be made.
Boat trips: Step aboard our trip boat the Diana Margaret for a relaxing canal journey that brings the fascinating history of the Shropshire Union Canal to life.Your round trip begins in the historic docks of the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port and takes you along the northern stretch of the famous ‘Shroppie’ towards Chester. Each cruise lasts approximately 30 minutes and includes a live historical commentary delivered by our knowledgeable volunteers.
Porters Row Cottages and Garden: Slightly separate from the rest of the docks, 12 cottages were originally built for the dockworkers in 1833 and were home to shipwrights, blacksmiths, railway workers, porters and their families.

Facilities

Parking: Ample free parking including accessible bays (max headroom 2.1m). Drop off and coach bays located outside the museum entrance. We also have an on-site Electric charging Hub with rapid chargers (full charge in as little as 30 minutes).
Food & Drinks: A wonderful setting for something to eat and drink, with plenty of seating in our café or on our waterside terrace, if you'd like to enjoy the sunshine. Our menu includes all your favourite tasty sandwiches, snacks and light meals.
Gift Shop: Our museum shop has a superb new range of books, canal related memorabilia, gifts and souvenirs to remind you of your visit.
Toilets: Located in our café, in the Island Warehouse, the main exhibition area. Disabled access and baby changing facilities also available.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Day ticket prices

Adult (16+): £13.25
Concession (65+): £11.95
Child (6-15): £9.95
Child (under 6): Free
Family of 4 (2 adults and 3 children): £32.50
Pass Plus 1 (person and carer): £11.50

Annual pass prices

Adult annual pass: £25.50
Concession annual pass (65+): £23.50
Family annual pass: £58.50
Pass Plus 1 (person and carer): £23.50
Child annual pass (6-15): £18.50
Under 6: Free

Pricing URL: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/things-to-do/museums-and-attractions/national-waterways-museum-ellesmere-port

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Venue Hire at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port

Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed 19th-century building, the Canalside Function Rooms offer high-quality modern facilities with the charm of a historic dockside setting. Celebrate life’s big moments in a setting like no other. From milestone birthdays to retirement parties, the Canalside Function Rooms provide a flexible and memorable backdrop for your special occasion.

Foyer: Step into a spacious entrance hall featuring an impressive wooden memorial panel.
Waterfront Lounge: Located on the second floor and offering stunning views over the Manchester Ship Canal, this bright, airy space is ideal for welcoming guests with refreshments.
Canalside Tavern: Our fully licensed, staffed tavern is available for private hire - ideal for celebrations and social events. Please ask our booking team for details.
The Basuto Suite: A light-filled, versatile room with views over the Manchester Ship Canal and Mersey Estuary. Accommodates up to 40 guests, depending on layout.
The Tom Rolt Suite: A dramatic space with original beams, fairy lights and veiled walls. Perfect for seminars, celebrations, concerts, and large gatherings (up to 100 people).

Prices

Hourly room hire: £40 per hour
Half-day room hire (4 hours): £125
Full-day room hire (8 hours): £200
Out-of-hours fee (applicable for bookings starting/ending outside of museum hours: 9am-5pm): £40 per hour

General opening hours

Tuesday - Sunday, 10am–4pm

Additional seasonal hours

Spring & Summer (2 Apr – 6 Sept): Open 7 days
October Half-term (26 Oct – 1 Nov): Open 7 days

Address: National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW, UK

Post Code: CH65 4FW

Council: Cheshire West and Ch

County: Cheshire

Location: National Waterways Museum South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4FW.
Parking: Ample free parking including accessible bays (max headroom 2.1m). Drop off and coach bays located outside the museum entrance. We also have an on-site Electric charging Hub with rapid chargers (full charge in as little as 30 minutes)at additional cost.