Canal Town

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

Add Canal Town to your Itinerary

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Step back in time at our family-friendly Living Museum event and experience what it was like to live and work in the docks when Ellesmere Port was a canal town. Explore the authentic sights and sounds of the era as you walk through our recreated historical space, complete with period buildings and artefacts. Watch as costumed actors go about their daily tasks, including loading and unloading cargo, repairing boats, and interacting with each other and visitors.

With something for all ages, our Living Museum event is a unique and immersive experience that is not to be missed.

Early Bird Tours (45 mins)

This guided tour takes the visitor on a walk around the outside of the museum to highlight some of the features in the locality which have historic links to the development of the waterway transhipment docks built in the 1800s on the site where the museum now stands. Numbers are limited so booking in advance at the Reception Desk is advisable.

10.15am

Costumed Guided Tours (50 mins)

Learn about Ellesmere Port’s fascinating history as a bustling dock and enjoy enchanting stories about the people who lived and worked on some of the historic boats still moored here today.

11am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 3pm

Lock Demos (45 mins)

Watch our historic narrowboats Shad and Gifford travel through the museum’s tiered locks using both modern and traditional methods including towing and rope techniques.

11.30am, 1.00pm

Engine Demos (30 mins)

See the glory of steam in action when our volunteers fire up some of the magnificent Power Hall engines once used to pump water, swing bridges and power boats.

15 & 45 mins past each hour

“We are all living history, and it's hard to say now what will be important in the future. One thing's certain, though: if we throw it away, it's gone.” (M Johnson)

Life in the 1900s

Ask the costumed interpreters residing in our period Porters Row cottages about the traditional work they’re showcasing; from rag-rugging and lace making to washing, cooking and cleaning.

11, 12, 1, 2, 3pm

Tours are FREE (included in your annual pass)

Book Tickets

Opening Times

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Directions

TripAdvisor

Contact Us

Tel: 0151 355 5017

Tel: 0151 355 5017

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