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Ellesmere Port
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National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port

Welcome to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, home to the nation’s designated collection of waterways history.

Enjoy a relaxing day by the canal, explore historic Grade II listed buildings, and uncover the fascinating stories of canal life, past and present.

Things to see and do

The museum is the perfect place to meet up with friends and family for a memorable day out. Explore Victorian buildings, world-class attractions, historic locks and docks, and keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way.  Take a break at our Waterside Café and browse books, gifts, and canal-themed treats in the shop before you head home.

With an annual pass, you can visit as often as you like for a whole year and enjoy a 10% 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.

Planning your visit

  • Opening times

    Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm We're also open on Bank Holidays.

  • Address

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

    What3Words: ///hobby.dining.vibes

  • Museum map

    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. 

  • Annual pass

    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

  • Toilets

    Located in our café, in the Island Warehouse, the main exhibition area. Disabled access and baby changing facilities also available

  • Parking

    Ample free parking, including accessible and coach bays.

    We also have an on-site Electric charging Hub with rapid chargers (full charge in as little as 30 minutes) *at additional cost.*

  • Contact details

    Phone: 0151 355 5017 or email [email protected]

  • Dogs

    Friendly dogs are welcome, and we ask that they be kept on a lead at all times

Day ticket prices

Adult (16+)£13.25
Concession (65+)£11.95
Child (6-15)£9.95
Child (under 6)Free
Family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children)£32.50

Annual pass prices

Adult annual pass£25.50
Concession annual pass (65+)£23.50
Family annual pass£58.50
Child annual pass (6-15)£18.50
Under 6Free

We know that every visitor is different. Our welcome video walks you through what to expect, so you can enjoy your visit your way.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating

Travelers Choice 2023
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