National Waterways Museum

Book Tickets Online

About Us

Unlock the wonders of our waterways at National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port.

With its delightful waterside setting, flotillas of historic boats and fascinating displays housed in fine Victorian buildings, the museum is a great day out whatever the weather.

Visitors can take a boat trip through an industrial landscape, visit the museum blacksmith and explore traditional narrow boats and homes through the ages, complete with cottage gardens.

There are family activities every school holiday and events from the Easter Boat Gathering to Santa Cruises. As well as the waterside café visitors will find lovely places for picnics throughout the site.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Adult (16 & over) £9.75. Child (6-15) £6.00. Child (5 and under) Free. Family £25.00. Concession £8.50. Your ticket allows you to return as often as you like for one year.

Opening Times

Museum, Shop & Cafe (30 Mar 2021 - 1 Nov 2021)
Day	Times
Monday - Sunday	10:00	- 17:00

Museum & Shop (5 Nov 2021 - 29 Mar 2022)
Day	Times
Monday	Closed
Tuesday - Sunday	10:00	- 16:00

* Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Winter cafe opening hours Tuesday to Sunday - 10.00am - 3.30pm serving hot food 11.00am - 2.30pm

Awards

Regional and Miscellaneous Marketing Cheshire Dog Friendly Business of the Year - 2018 2018

Directions

Road Directions

Leave M53, jct 9 and follow signs.

Public Transport Directions

By rail – Merseyrail half-hourly service from central Liverpool and stations on the Wirral. 10-minute walk from Ellesmere Port station

By bike - the towpath alongside the Shropshire Union Canal runs right up to the museum.

By bus – 20-minute walk from Ellesmere Port bus station. Wide range of services including from Caernarfon, Chester, Liverpool, Neston, Runcorn and Wirral.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

531 reviews

Excellent
274
Very Good
185
Average
47
Poor
13
Terrible
12

Recent Reviews:

842Hilary
Parkgate, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Solo travel
Wonderful, interesting experience
Monday, 26th July 2021
Excellent museum, I lost all track of time as I wandered round this large space, looking at the exhibits and thinking of how this place was in the past and all the people who lived and worked on the... Read full review
U8654OLroba
Trip Type:
Family
First time visitor
Tuesday, 27th July 2021
Very friendly staff, nice exhibits and kept the kids entertained. We only live 10 miles away so don't know why we haven't visited sooner. Well recommended. Read full review
mammymamoo
Trip Type:
Family
Worth a visit
Wednesday, 28th July 2021
Excellent here, wasn’t sure it would be worth the £25 family entrance fee as we only had a couple of hours but was pleased we visited. The AR and audio features really add to the experience. Would... Read full review