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The charity making life better by water

Groups and school visits

Whether it’s a class-load of curious kids or your local pub quizzers swatting up on some canal trivia, we can help you make it a day to remember at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port.

The museum occupies part of a 200-year-old historic dock, originally designed by Thomas Telford. It was a major transshipment point for cargoes travelling between the port of Liverpool and the inland waterway network. It was also the industrial heart of the Ellesmere Port community.

This is one of the largest and most complete dock complexes in the UK, and is well placed to tell the story of the growth of the Industrial Revolution in Britain. The museum collection further enhances our ability to tell this story through boats, buildings, objects and our archive.

Great for groups of all ages and sizes, the National Waterways Museum:

  • is an inspiring site, rich with historic buildings and wildlife
  • new hands-on interactive and augmented reality areas
  • has amazing collections and fascinating displays
  • offers curriculum related support materials for teachers
  • café and wet-weather picnic area
  • complete risk assessments
  • free coach parking

Group tours

Your group visit may include:

  • A welcome hot or cold drink and biscuits
  • A historical talk
  • A guided tour
  • Free time to explore the museum
  • Browse the gift shop and take home a souvenir of your museum trip
  • Enjoy the views from the Waterside Café as you enjoy a lunchtime snack or a slice of delicious cake with a drink. Catering packages are available but need to be booked at least one week in advance.
  • Free coach and car parking.

Prices will depend on the package put together. Our team will help you plan your visit with lots of advice on what to do while you're here. Call 0151 355 5017 or email [email protected]

Please book with each site separately. Contact details for Anderton Boat Lift are 01606 786777 or email [email protected]

Free pre-visit tour

As a teacher you can visit for free. Our Education Coordinator will be happy to meet with you to discuss your trip. Please contact the museum to arrange this.

Bookings and information

To discuss your visit and learning needs:

Prices

Entrance, per child£5
Reduced entrance (local rate) per child£2.50
Teachers/Accompanying AdultsFree
Activity Sessions, per child£1
Learning tours, per child£1
Demonstrations, per child£1
Boat trip, per child£1
Explorers Backpack TrailFree
Coach tour groups discountsCall for details

Last Edited: 15 August 2023

photo of a location on the canals
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