National Waterways Museum

I have to strongly agree with a former post on here that was written by a skype user. this was written in 2009 and it is shocking to feel the same way five years later… he writes
”Having recently visited the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port with a friend, I can certainly report that the various levels of advertising about the Museum are utterly false, which I have formally written to complain about. Importantly the Museum falsely advertises what a great place to visit, and continues to utilise a lot of extreme artistic licence in photos and text to promote the Museum. The 21^st Century displays are mostly out of order. There were no volunteers in period costumes as promoted. On exhibit (the Stables) is empty and pointless. Other exhibits like the steam engines weren’t working, with signs saying out of order. The Archive Centre was completely closed to the public. There are only few boats to be seen, and these are very rusty, dilapidated old barges that are water logged, mostly filled with debris and green slime.”
This place did feel like a ship graveyard and would make a good movie set for a ghost ship themed scene. There were so many boats rotting on the sides, no actors in period costumes, half the buildings were closed off to public. and those that were open were just like walking in yours nans living room… which I can do that for free. The blacksmith was not even there, but had left a catalogue with some of his works you could buy. which were great looking I have to say. so if you a fancy a lord of the rings themed gate, you know where to go.
The only redeeming feature that this place had was a 1000+ year old boat found from an archaeological dig (although the other boats looked like this) and the café. which sold cheap and cheerful homemade basics such as pies and jacket potatoes.
We paid £6.50 to get in… which didn’t seem bad at the time… but I would save that money and go for a pint instead with Titanic playing in the background

An interesting historical day out with a good walk alongside the canal which is ideal for walking the dog, and look out for the swans on the far bank. There is also a pleasant café where you can sit inside or out, as well as a gift shop.

I visited over the Easter Period and have to say it is very good and better than I remember it from years ago. Lots going on and they had boat trips and a lot of the engines running and a sea shanty festival. And a bar with local real ales on! Really nice atmosphere. Some of this may not be on at other times I suppose but there is plenty to see and do. The café looked very modern and prices seemed reasonable.
The great thing about a place like this is you won’t come across most of this stuff anywhere else. I was amazed what a critical part it played as a transport hub in previous centuries. You would not know it from driving round the town believe me!
Reasonable prices and if you Gift Aid you can go back as many times as you like within 12 months. I think it would make a good day out for most families, except perhaps older kids.
Drop them off at the Cheshire Oaks shops! Enjoy.

We had great Easter weekend at the Boat at the Museum when it was combined with a sea shanty festival and many visiting boats. The museum was very good with many activities. Easter is a great time to visi.

This is now the National Waterways Museum and whilst it is probably true that in 2009 a lot of things needed to be improved, since then a lot of work has been taking place and the museum is making big strides. There is now a heritage boatyard project that is working on boat maintenance and restoration. Volunteer recruitment has meant that there are now more people to help keep the site in good order. Worth going back to.

The National Waterways Museum (once known as the Boat Museum) hosts a lovely waterside setting.
The museum nestles on the banks of the Manchester ship canal and the Mersey in Ellsmere Port’s fine Victorian canal docks. It’s home to a remarkable collection of boats from inland waterways which include narrowboats, barges, ice breakers and much more.
A memorable canal trip takes you through an industrial waterscape, which is rich in stories and wildlife. The tour allows you to look into the lives of boat people who travelled the canals and the families who lived and worked on the docks.
There’s plenty of space to let off steam, quiet corners for picnics and trails to follow which makes it a warm welcome for families.
Visitor prices are reasonable, costing just £6 for an adult and £4 for a child (aged 5 to 16). Concessions are £5 and under 5’s are free.
As a whole, I would recommend this trip if you are interested in soaking up some local flavour as there is lots to see and do. With flotillas of historic boats and fascinating indoor displays, the National Waterways Museum is a great day whatever the weather.

The National Waterways Museum is 10 mins from Ellesmere Port train station and 20 from the bus station. Not surprisingly the Museum is set in a waterside setting, which is delightful. There are loads of historic boats and displays housed in the Victorian buildings. You can take a boat trip through the industrial landscape, visit the museum blacksmith or explore the traditional narrow boats and homes through the ages, complete with cottage gardens. Eat at the waterside café or enjoy sitting in the beautiful surroundings for a picnic. Ticket prices are fairly average with entrance for a child costing £3.60, an adult ticket at £5.50 and concession tickets at £4.40. A great day out whatever the weather.

Having recently visited the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port with a friend, I can certainly report that the various levels of advertising about the Museum are utterly false, which I have formally written to complain about. Importantly the Museum falsely advertises what a great place to visit, and continues to utilise a lot of extreme artistic licence in photos and text to promote the Museum. The 21^st Century displays are mostly out of order. There were no volunteers in period costumes as promoted. On exhibit (the Stables) is empty and pointless. Other exhibits like the steam engines weren’t working, with signs saying out of order. The Archive Centre was completely closed to the public. There are only few boats to be seen, and these are very rusty, dilapidated old barges that are water logged, mostly filled with debris and green slime.
The entire Museum is beyond a disappointment, it is the worst place to visit. The site is badly maintained, as a matter of management choice, which they intend not to correct. The Museum site is seven acres, and charges an incredulous £5.50 per adult to visit. Save your money and visit a meaningful, clean, well maintained museum like many of the free Council run City museums. To make a direct comparison, the Boat Museum is half the price of somewhere like, the Black Country Museum, yet at four times smaller, it is a total rip off and not worth visiting at all.

The boat museum in ellesmere port is one of the most forgoten atactions in the area. I took my little girl on the santa christmas boat ride last december. She had a great time and this is a very diferent way for the kids to meet father christmas. The prices were very reasonable and this included a photo of the child on santas lap. When we got there we were taken indoors to have a cup of tea or coffee and a soft drink for the kids to have. Then on to the boat it was lovely and the children had crafts to play with incase of boardom. I would recomend this to everyone and i will be doing it again this year.