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The charity making life better by water

Venue Hire at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port

If you are looking for a unique setting for your event then our conference centre, in a Grade II listed 19th Century building, could meet your needs.

The Tom Rolt Conference Centre, is based in one of our Grade II listed 19th century buildings within the Museum's historic docks and waterways complex. The Conference Centre combines high quality conference and meeting facilities within this historic and memorable location.

Just don't let our truly amazing panoramic views across the Manchester Ship Canal and Mersey Estuary distract you from your business.

We offer:

  • flexible and well-equipped facilities
  • free wi-fi
  • full catering facilities
  • ample free parking for cars and coaches along with dedicated disabled spaces
  • complimentary museum entry for all delegates, allowing you and your colleagues to tour the site during opening hours
  • guided tours around the site* and walks around the surrounding area
  • an Electric Charging Hub just outside the museum with a pair of rapid chargers*. These rapid chargers will give a full charge in as little as half an hour

The Conference Centre has two delegate rooms and a coffee lounge.

The Classroom

A bright, inviting space, with fantastic views of the Manchester Ship Canal, capable of accommodating up to 40 people (depending on the furniture layout).

The Theatre

A large, classic space, ideal for everything from theatrical productions and concerts to seminars and large-scale meetings. This room is capable of accommodating up to 100 people (depending on the furniture layout).

Our conference offer includes:

  • A range of refreshments and food to suit your individual requirements*. If you wish to request a special menu, we will be happy to quote a competitive price.
  • Panoramic views of the Mersey Estuary and ships on the busy Manchester Ship Canal. The museum and exhibitions are available to delegates, during museum opening hours. Guided tours can be booked as an extra*.
  • We are a minutes drive away from Junction 9 of the M53. It is 15 minutes away by car to Chester City Centre and 5 minutes to the Cheshire Oaks Outlet Park.
  • Ellesmere Port Railway Station is a 15-minute walk away and the bus station is a 20-minute walk. There is also access via the canal and its towpath for boater, cyclists and walkers.

*Additional charge

Room hire and rates

We offer a full range of room and menu options to meet your specific requirements starting from room hire only. We hope that you will find the right combination to suit your needs.

All prices are inclusive of VAT.

Picture of a floor plan

If you have any further equipment requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch and we will try and meet your requests.

Guided tours can be pre-booked at a cost of £20 for a group up to 20 people and £1 per person from then on.

Refreshments (all prices inc. VAT)

Coffee, tea and biscuits on arrival£3 per person
Full day Business Package: Coffee, tea and biscuits available all day£8.50 per person
Half day Business Package: Coffe, tea and biscuits available for booking period£6.50 per person

To book

To make an enquiry or make a booking, please complete our booking form.

For more information, please contact our Visitor Services Team at [email protected] or call us on 0151 355 5017.

We look forward to welcoming you and your colleagues to The National Waterways Museum.

Last Edited: 18 December 2023

photo of a location on the canals
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