The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
Welcome to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, home to the nation’s designated collection of waterways history.
Visit us during our golden anniversary year, as we celebrate 50 years of protecting and preserving canal heritage, alongside the 100th birthday of our newly painted historic narrowboat, Gifford.
The museum is the perfect place to meet friends and family for a memorable day out. Explore world-class historic docks and locks and keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way.
Discover beautifully preserved Grade II listed buildings, enjoy exhibitions, discovery trails, and self-led craft activities - there’s even a waterways-themed playground. While you’re here, why not take a relaxing boat trip to uncover the fascinating stories of canal life, past and present (please call ahead for sail times).
Before heading home, take a break at our Waterside Café (see menu) and browse canal-themed books, gifts, and treats in the shop. Visit as often as you like for a whole year with an annual pass and enjoy a 10% discount when you book online.
We’re committed to making the museum as accessible as possible. While our historic dockside setting means some paths are uneven, there is level access to the café, shop, most museum galleries, and the Canalside Function Rooms. Find out more about accessibility at the museum.
General winter opening hours
Wednesday–Sunday, 10am–4pm
Additional seasonal hours:
National Waterways Museum South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4FW
What3Words: ///hobby.dining.vibes
There’s so much to see and do at the National Waterways Museum. Most visits take around 2-3 hours, giving you time to explore our seven-acre site at a relaxed pace.Â
Our annual pass offers great value, with unlimited visits for twelve months. Book online to receive a 10% discount.
Your pass also gives you free entry to our themed Sunday events throughout the year*. Please keep your pass safe, as you’ll need to show it at the desk each time you visit. Unfortunately, we’re unable to admit visitors without a valid ticket.
*excluding Christmas, boat trips, and ticketed events for external partners
Located in our café, in the Island Warehouse, the main exhibition area. Disabled access and baby changing facilities also available
Ample free parking including accessible bays (max headroom 2.1m).
Drop off and coach bays located outside the museum entrance.
We also have an on-site Electric charging Hub with rapid chargers (full charge in as little as 30 minutes) *at additional cost.*
Phone: 0151 355 5017 or email [email protected]
Friendly dogs are welcome, and we ask that they be kept on a lead at all times
| Adult (16+) | £13.25 |
| Concession (65+) | £11.95 |
| Child (6-15) | £9.95 |
| Child (under 6) | Free |
| Family of 4 (2 adults and 3 children) | £32.50 |
| Pass Plus 1 (person and carer) | £11.50 |
| Adult annual pass | £25.50 |
| Concession annual pass (65+) | £23.50 |
| Family annual pass | £58.50 |
| Pass Plus 1 (person and carer) | £23.50 |
| Child annual pass (6-15) | £18.50 |
| Under 6 | Free |
Enjoy themed event days
We know that every visitor is different. Our welcome video walks you through what to expect, so you can enjoy your visit your way.
Sign up to our newsletter and discover how we protect canals and help nature thrive
