National Waterways Museum
National Waterways Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Enjoy a day out by the canal in Cheshire, where time slows down and history comes to life. Designed by the great civil engineer Thomas Telford, the docks at Ellesmere Port were still in use as late as the 1950s. They were a marvellously self-contained world and when you visit the museum today you can still walk around its locks, docks and warehouses and visit its forge, stables and workers cottages. There's so much to explore from the handsome Victorian buildings, which house the museum's fascinating displays, to the locks and moorings, home to colourful historic and visiting narrow boats. With world-class attractions and a year-round events calendar featuring everything from beer festivals to historic boat rallies, there's always a reason to visit. Dog friendly throughout and recently awarded Dog Friendly Business of the Year in the Marketing Cheshire Awards 2018. Entry allows you to return for 12 months.
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  • glendair
    Pitlochry, United Kingdom16 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well Worth a Visit.
    I popped in unexpectedly after an impromptu visit to the area. I was amazed at just how much there was to see. A wide range of buildings, exhibits and interactive educational items made for an extremely enjoyable visit. Who would ever think that at one time barges were made out of concrete! They have one here on show.A lovely coffee shop added to the experience and would recommend a visit to anyone in the area.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written March 30, 2023
  • steve
    Crewe, United Kingdom3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Themed day
    Visited on a theme day , staff dressed in period costumes. Guides were providing organised tours , lots of information, and chats regarding the museum site and history of the canals . Indoor displays and interactive displays are handy when the weather breaks . Free car park directly opposite along with EV charging points . There is too much to see and to take in one visit . Tickets purchased allow for a full year of visits .So we'll be back to complete the site again .Nice cafe to rest your legs and have a bite to eat.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written July 26, 2023
  • graham d
    Oswestry, United Kingdom148 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic Waterways Museum, Ellesmeer Port
    A really fantastic museum not only for canal enthusiasts but a good day out for all ages. All the volunteers were so friendly, helpful and informative. The exhibits were really fantastic giving insights into canal and waterway activities and life over the years I visited on Wednesday 26th July and had a fantastic time, the best museum of its type I have ever visited. The site is almost adjacent to the Manchester Ship Canal with convenient access off the M53. Well worth a visit, with reasonable ticket prices – which are valid for re entry for 12 months – a lovely cafe and a convenient free car park
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 28, 2023
  • Mandy P
    St Helens, United Kingdom8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic fire power demo.
    On sat 5th August we visited the site to see a WW1 event we had heard about this from a local post on Facebook. A local chap was planned to do talk and fire demo so we thought we would pop along and check it out. The post advertised the armed historian talking about weaponry and how they evolved my hubby was really looking forward to this. On arrival we went in and were advised as to where everything was and given a map. We went along and they had a stall set up with interesting information and articles the lovely lady that was with him was giving information and explaining what everything was this was really informative. Then the talk itself was great the fella really knew what he was talking about my husband who like to think he knows a bit about it even said to me there was a lot that even he didn’t know. He explained how guns evolved into what we know today from long guns like muskets he had several and told us all about what period they were from, how they worked and then gave a demo firing show. I was really impressed even as to how he abided by safety first making sure the photographers near by had checked they had ear defenders in place and gave warning before firing ect. On a whole the day was brilliant. But I have to say that man the armed historian and his lovely lady stole the show. My husband caught him after his talk and not only was he happy to chat but again told us so much more info he really knows his stuff. This was absolutely brilliant and I hope to see more local events like this. We would definitely return to see this again. Such a great day out.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written August 7, 2023
  • Randy B
    Ealing, United Kingdom32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    History comes to life
    A fantastic day out for anyone interested in canals and and all who sailed on them. Located in Ellesmere Port, the museum is perfectly situated to convey the history and significance of the British canal system, as well as its continued importance in the present day. Staff and volunteers abound and are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, determined to make your visit an enjoyable and educational one.
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 10, 2023
  • Companion03516461534
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent day out for the whole family
    Like the Morwellham Quay of the North. Hands on history at it best. If your looking for a day out with the whole family it will not disapoint, From 2 to 102 years old, it will keep the family engaged. Your furry four legged friend is welcome too. Half out doors half undercover. So even on a rainy day lots to look at and do. Excellent for wheelchair user or pushchair drivers. So what ever the weather, you could easily spend few hours looking at British working history. A gem of a hiden find. Enjoy my friends
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 1, 2023
  • Sarah C
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Halloween day out on the canal.
    Absolutely brilliant Halloween themed day out! We got there at opening and stayed until just before it closed. Lots of things to do, the park alone was worth the visit. As it was almost Halloween, the place was decorated and the staff joined in! We had a ghost tour, followed the pumpkin trail, did the canalboat trip, watched and helped with the lock demonstration, visited the museums and ate our lunch in the cafe. The volunteers were just fantastic, so friendly and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our day at the boat museum and can’t wait to go back again on our yearly pass (which is a bargain!) The views over the Mersey are lovely and all in all we were surprised, entertained and will definitely return.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 30, 2023
  • julie38w
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must have visit supper value for money
    We first discovered this place in August we went for a day out and found entry price is not just for the day it is for a whole year . They have loads of events going on throughout the year or if you are not there for one it’s worth it just for a look around at the museum and letting the kids louse on the playground . we have just returned from the Santa experience a short ride on a boat to find santas missing presents which ended with a visit and gift from the big man himself What makes this place amazing is the staff and volunteers they go out of there way to make for a amazing experience we can not wait for next year
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 16, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles581 reviews
Excellent
304
Very good
198
Average
50
Poor
16
Terrible
14

MikeT23
Colwyn Bay, UK296 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020 • Couples
Visited the museum for just a couple of hours and one of the main exhibits was closed due to current restrictions. However it was still very interesting. Location is good being where the canal the Manchester ship canal and the Mersey meet. Staff very friendly and helpful and some good exhibits. Some of the canal boat exhibits look like they need some tlc but overall worth a visit.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ScotlandGlee
scotland86 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
We were not charged the fee today as a few area's were closed off and machines not working, however despite this we still had a brilliant time wandering round the site. Discovered huge amounts of information on the canals and waterways system of bygone days to current times. The history of canal boats was such a major part of life for this community. The little cottages are still there that people lived in. All decorated in 1930 and 1950 style. Very charming. The lovely clean tearooms and gift shops were well stocked. Usual covid 19 precautions in place and name required for track and trace. Very pleasant hour and half spent here. Staff are all very friendly and helpful.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

973SimonR973
Barrow-in-Furness, UK716 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Couples
Great to find most of the site accessible for wheeled visitors, very interesting and lots to see. Great to be accompanied by our four legged friend too. Nice cafe with outdoor seating offering sandwiches and a few snacks. We both had a very nice sandwich and shared a portion of chips which would actually have been enough for four! Very relaxing on the waterside with the easy pace of canal boats wandering about. I have only given four stars because, unfortunately the lift was not working so we could not visit the upper floor in the museum where most of the exhibits were. We were shown the accessible route on the map, but no mention was made of the lift. Still, the tickets are for any returns in a twelve month period so we shall have to come back, but next time will ring ahead to make sure the lift is working.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Scamp88
London, UK202 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We visited today and were really impressed. Not all displays open after Covid but there was plenty to see and do. The entrance fee was waived but we gave a donation. It is incredible to see the history of the museum, and how hard people worked to convert a once derelict site to what stands today. My 8 year old loved the visit and it is a beautiful spot in the sunshine. Stunning views across to Liverpool, I would definitely recommend to anyone with children.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mandy P
St Helens, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
On sat 5th August we visited the site to see a WW1 event we had heard about this from a local post on Facebook.
A local chap was planned to do talk and fire demo so we thought we would pop along and check it out.
The post advertised the armed historian talking about weaponry and how they evolved my hubby was really looking forward to this.
On arrival we went in and were advised as to where everything was and given a map.

We went along and they had a stall set up with interesting information and articles the lovely lady that was with him was giving information and explaining what everything was this was really informative.

Then the talk itself was great the fella really knew what he was talking about my husband who like to think he knows a bit about it even said to me there was a lot that even he didn’t know.

He explained how guns evolved into what we know today from long guns like muskets he had several and told us all about what period they were from, how they worked and then gave a demo firing show.
I was really impressed even as to how he abided by safety first making sure the photographers near by had checked they had ear defenders in place and gave warning before firing ect.
On a whole the day was brilliant.

But I have to say that man the armed historian and his lovely lady stole the show. My husband caught him after his talk and not only was he happy to chat but again told us so much more info he really knows his stuff.

This was absolutely brilliant and I hope to see more local events like this.
We would definitely return to see this again.
Such a great day out.
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

julie38w
12 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
We first discovered this place in August we went for a day out and found entry price is not just for the day it is for a whole year .

They have loads of events going on throughout the year or if you are not there for one it’s worth it just for a look around at the museum and letting the kids louse on the playground .

we have just returned from the Santa experience a short ride on a boat to find santas missing presents which ended with a visit and gift from the big man himself

What makes this place amazing is the staff and volunteers they go out of there way to make for a amazing experience we can not wait for next year
Written December 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GlobeTrotting828973
Manchester, UK159 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Couples
On our way back home after an overnight stay on the Wirral we stopped at the Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. It’s very handily located off the M53. First we walked along the side of the canal, spotting all sorts of water birds. The museum was only just opened that morning so for a while we had it to ourselves. The volunteer in the Power Hall gave us lots of information about the machines. Unfortunately being out of season, some exhibits were not open or weren’t operating. But we had a lovely walk around, and your ticket is valid for a year so we’ll go back in peak season. Well worth a visit.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

divermckay
Armadale, UK134 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Family
Popped in on last day of our motorhome tour. Car park has a 2.1m height barrier so we couldn't go in. Parked around the corner and phoned to ask for help. Got told to park in the coach bays at the front door as none were expected or they could send a manager out to open the height barrier. We opted for the easy coach bay option. Blacksmiths were all working but happy to chat. Power room had the engines all running in turn and it was fascinating to watch and hear these old lumps work. Guys were happy to chat. The old 18litre single cylinder was hypnotic to listen to and for some reason couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Looked at the old boats, climbed in a few. Realised we'd only been around half and lost track of time. Had lunch in the nice cafe that adjoins the museum but is open to non visitors. Continued around the old houses and interactive ice breaker game (I got the days best 6.4m distance) then had to leave for the 5 hour drive home. Well worth a visit.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ian H
King's Lynn, UK471 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Couples
Having seen this place on tv we thought that as we were in Liverpool anyway it would be worth the thirty minute drive to check it out.
Set over quite a large area there is a lot to see all of which is very interesting history. Yes times were hard then but think I’d exchange it for today’s tech driven world!
There is a nice shop and cafe also on site. The only downsides were that due to the time of year there were no boat rides, though your ticket does last a year which equates to very good value
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sue L
Cheshire, UK71 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Family
Fantastic doesn't come close to just how good this was today. Tallulah, Santa's Elf, was superb and the kids and adults loved her. We arrived early and wandered around the museum, then on to feed the ducks before hot chocolates in the cafe. Then it was our boat trip to look for the gifts Ned the naughty elf had left along the canal. Once this activity was done, we got musical instruments and sang Christmas songs all the way back to the museum. Then off to see Santa in his grotto and what a Santa he was! Funny, captivating and we all loved the magic he did for the presents. We do a Christmas activity each year, and this is the most enjoyable one to date!
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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National Waterways Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about National Waterways Museum

National Waterways Museum is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM


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