National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port

Name: National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Address: National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, CH65 4FW, GB

Welcome to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, home to the nation's designated waterways collection and archive.

Built on heritage and inspired by innovation, the museum brings to life one of Britain's most important industrial dock communities through its historic boats, buildings and the stories of the people who lived and worked here.

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.

Things to see and do

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.

You may even recognise our atmospheric historic dockyard which has provided the backdrop for major productions, including Peaky Blinders and House of Guinness.

Discover beautifully preserved Grade II listed buildings, exhibitions, discovery trails, and self-led craft activities, Canal Town Sunday events and 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.

Volunteer at Ellesmere Port

Join our wonderful team of volunteers and play a vital role in making every visit special

Planning your visit

Opening times
General opening hours
Tuesday - Sunday, 10am–4pm
Additional seasonal hours:
- Summer Holidays (20 July – 6 Sept): Open 7 days
- October Half-term (26 Oct – 1 Nov): Open 7 days
Address
National Waterways Museum South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 4FW
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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.
- Visitors' map for Ellesmere Port
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 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.*
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 3 children)	£32.50
Pass Plus 1 (person and carer)	£11.50

Buy a day ticket online to save 10%

Annual pass prices

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