National Waterways Museum

Book Tickets Online

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.

National Waterways Museum is taking part in the Visit Britain National Lottery Campaign. Claim your voucher code and book your tickets here.

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 (1 Nov 2022 - 29 Mar 2023)
Day	Times
Monday - Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday - Sunday	10:00	- 16:00

Museum, Shop & Cafe (30 Mar 2023 - 1 Nov 2023)
Day	Times
Monday - Sunday	10:00	- 17:00

* 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:

557 reviews

Excellent
287
Very Good
194
Average
49
Poor
15
Terrible
13

Recent Reviews:

Ann D
Yr Wyddgrug, clwyd, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Solo travel
Never got to see anything.
Monday, 26th September 2022
Extremely disappointed and cross. Travelled a distance to visit after checking the web site as to opening times. I arrived only to find that it is closed on Mondays - the official web site said it... Read full review
Kevin B
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Family
Under 4
Wednesday, 12th October 2022
Going on the boats, but not enough to go on. A boat trip would be good. There were no trains on the model Dock. Excellent cafe and staff especially Natalie. Read full review
An_Old_Burian
Norwich, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Couples
Well worth visiting
Wednesday, 19th October 2022
A very good museum - we had allowed a couple of hours but will need to return as there is plenty to see Read full review