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The charity making life better by water

Easter Historic Boat Gathering

Starts: 3 April 2026

Ends: 6 April 2026

10am-4pm

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

Our Easter Historic Boat Gathering is an event where a fleet of colourful narrowboats and barges takes centre stage across the site. The museum comes alive with music and activities for the whole family.

Enjoy family fun and live entertainment at this year’s 50th anniversary Easter Historic Boat Gathering. Welcome a stunning fleet of historic narrowboats and barges as they take centre stage across the museum site, bringing the locks and docks to life throughout the bank holiday weekend.

There’s so much to see and do from boat trips, horse boating and lock demonstrations, to live music, crafts, stalls and activities. All activities are included in your museum annual pass or day ticket unless otherwise stated.

On Good Friday between 11am & 2pm, crowds gather outside the museum’s Waterside Café to watch the spectacular arrival of more than 40 historic narrowboats arrive. The procession is followed by the mare ‘Flower’, pulling Saturn accompanied by her owners wearing traditional canal costume, creating a fitting start to the weekend ahead.

Phone: 01513555017

Email: [email protected]

Last Edited: 7 January 2026

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