The National Waterways Museum

The National Waterways Museum

With its delightful waterside setting, flotillas of historic boats and fascinating displays housed in a fine collection of Victorian buildings, the National Waterways Museum is a great day out whatever the weather.

Walk across towering locks, watch swans and wagtails beside the canal basin and explore a world of warehouses, docks, stables and pump houses. Our collection of narrow boats, barges, ice breakers and more is the best in the world.

Find out about the entrepreneurs, engineers and navvies who created the world's first great man-made transport network and uncover Ellesmere Port's pivotal role in the North West's great industrial revolution

Take a boat trip, pay a visit to our blacksmith, watch a narrow boat come in to moor and swop stories later in the Waterside Café. There's lots for all the family to enjoy at National Waterways Museum, plus check our website for details of special events and school holiday family fun activities.

Review

Our life today, owes a debt of gratitude to the Industrial Revolution. Britain's canals and waterways had a huge part to play in that revolution. So, a visit to Cheshire would not be complete without a trip to the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. I had a great afternoon here, and was amazed at not only the vast collection of boats that are on show, but also the historical artefacts pertaining to this golden age of technology. My personal favourite at this attraction was Porter's Row. Four cottages that are spanned between various timelines throughout the houses histories. As you make your way through these cottages, it feels as if the people, who lived here, had just stepped out to hang the washing. Truly fascinating!