Festive Boat Trip & Santa's Grotto

at Canal & River Trust
Ellesmere Port Available from Sat 6 Dec to Wed 24 Dec

Enjoy a Festive Boat Trip & Santa’s Grotto Experience at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port

“The festive elf was absolutely brilliant and really engaged the kids for the entire trip. The whole experience could not have been better … I would absolutely recommend you pay a visit!" (TripAdvisor Review December 2024)

  • Begin your adventure with a magical canal boat trip led by Santa’s cheerful elves
  • Sing festive songs, play games, and join a treasure hunt along the water
  • Step inside Santa’s enchanting grotto, complete with a snowy woodland scene and crackling fireplace
  • Meet Father Christmas and receive a special festive gift for every child
  • Explore the museum and beautifully decorated Porters Row cottages for a glimpse of Christmases past

Enjoy a festive boat trip and meet Santa in his festive grotto in Ellesmere Port

  • Dates: Select dates between 6th - 24th December 2025
  • Duration: Boat trip approx. 45 minutes + grotto visit
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages! Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Location: National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 4FW
  • Tickets include: Festive boat trip with games and songs, entry to Santa’s grotto, a gift for each child, and full-day access to the museum in Ellesmere Port

All aboard for some Christmas magic at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port

Santa’s most mischievous elf – Naughty Ned – was so excited about Christmas that he started decorating early…but he got a bit too carried away... While delivering decorations to Santa’s grotto, he tripped, tumbled, and all the festive treasures spilled out of his basket and scattered along the towpath. Now Ned needs your help to find them before Santa notices!

Once you’ve found them all, a cheerful elf will entertain you with Christmas jokes and puzzles before inviting you to sing Christmas songs and jingle Christmas bells all the way back to Santa’s Grotto at the museum (remember, you’ll need to sing loudly to make sure Santa hears you coming!)

After your boat trip you can meet Santa in his Grotto to share some of your Christmas wishes with him before choosing a present to take home. Your ticket allows you free entry into the museum for the whole day.

Don’t forget to explore the museum and Porters Row cottages, dressed for the season to show how families celebrated Christmas over a century ago!

Important Information:

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked time
  • Every person, including babies, requires a full-price ticket
  • No dogs allowed (except assistance dogs)
  • Boat capacity: 12 seats per trip
  • Event is weather dependent; the museum will endeavour to fulfil all parts safely
  • Tickets are non-transferable

Ready for festive fun on the water? Book your Festive Boat Trip & Santa’s Grotto Experience today and receive instant confirmation via email & SMS!

Location

National Waterways Museum

S Pier Rd,
Ellesmere Port,
CH65 4FW
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How to find us

  • By train: The nearest train station is Ellesmere Port. It's on the Liverpool to Ellesmere Port line via Birkenhead and Hooton and connects to Chester. The station is 0.7 miles away – a 15 minute walk along pavements and passes through a subway under the M53. 
  • By bus: Ellesmere Port bus station is 1.1 miles away – a 25 minute walk along pavements and passes through a subway under the M53. 
  • By bike: The towpath alongside the Shropshire Union Canal runs right up to the museum. There is a bike rack facility available outside the museum.
  • By boat: Follow the Shropshire Union Canal all the way to the museum. There are some visitor moorings available in the docks.
  • By road: The museum's postcode is CH65 4FW. Follow the local brown signs for Boat Museum. Once you have come off the M53 roundabout onto Oil Sites Road, look for the National Waterways Museum sign on the left-hand side and turn left into South Pier Road. The entrance to the car park is on the right-hand side opposite the museum entrance.
  • Car parking: There is a large visitor car park opposite the main building with accessible bays marked with level access to the main doorway.
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Public transport accessible
  • Accessible parking
  • Toilets
  • Baby-changing
More Info
Is National Waterways Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port is wheelchair accessible, though with a few caveats:

  • Accessible parking: There are designated accessible bays in the visitor car park with level access to the main entrance.
  • Facilities: The museum has accessible toilets and baby changing facilities inside the main entrance atrium.
  • Museum access: Most of the main museum is wheelchair accessible, including a lift to the first floor. However, some areas have cobbled surfaces and uneven terrain due to the historic nature of the site.
  • Wheelchair availability: The museum offers two manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis. You can call ahead to reserve one if needed.
  • Navigation: Visitors receive a map showing the most wheelchair-friendly routes around the site.
Is there food and drink available at National Waterways Museum?

Yes, National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port is home to the Waterside Cafe and Gift Shop!

Enjoy plenty of seating with options to eat indoors or outdoors and choose from a menu that offers tasty sandwiches, snacks and light meals.

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