To support the national effort to keep people safe, we’re following the Government’s advice on coronavirus. We are closing The National Waterways Museum from Friday 20 March. For more information, read our latest coronavirus update.
Welcome to the Canal & River Trust’s National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port. Together with our sister site in Gloucester, we are home to the nation’s designated collection of canal, river and waterways history.
Gallery
Nationally important
Designated of national importance, most of our ‘museum collection’ is housed between the two national waterways museums. However, you can also find important, treasured items on loan at Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre, Standedge Tunnel Visitor Centre and the Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne. Together it forms the most comprehensive collection of artefacts that tell the story of Britain’s canals and navigable rivers over the last 300 hundred years. The collection includes over 12,000 objects and 68 historic boats, plus the national waterways archive.
Although the locals still fondly remember us as 'The Boat Museum', you'll discover more than just boats here. We’re passionate about protecting, preserving and promoting the UK’s waterway heritage and identity. Through grants and your donations, we’re helping to redefine the concept of a museum for the 21st century, Step aboard and find out more...
Opening times and entry prices
This location is closed from Friday 20 March for the protection of our visitors and staff during the coronavirus outbreak.
The ticket price is your annual pass. It now allows you to return as many times as you like during a 12 month period.
| Prices | |
| Adult (16 & over) | £9.75 |
| Child (6-15) | £6.00 |
| Concession | £8.50 |
| Child (5 and under) | Free |
| Family of 4 (2 ad + 2 ch) | £25.00 |
This includes all events and temporary exhibitions, excluding evening ticketed performances and popular Father Christmas events.
How to get involved at the National Waterways Museum
We just couldn’t look after and bring this amazing place alive without our 200 dedicated volunteers. They help out on our reception desk and shop, aboard our boats, maintaining our internal displays and as part of our Explorers education programme for schools and families.
Whatever your interests and experience we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch by calling: 0151 355 5017 or 0151 373 4373.
Or take a look at our current opportunities on our volunteering pages:
Last date edited: 19 March 2020