Brand new way to enjoy Museum and Canal Cruise

20th June 2011

Categories: Modern History News

Visitors in the North West now have a new way to enjoy two of the region's top attractions, thanks to a new link up between the National Waterways Museum and Mersey Ferries.

The new venture sees the popular Manchester Ship Canal cruises departing from and arriving at the Museum on selected dates in June, July and September.

On some days members of the public will have the chance to visit the museum at a special discount rate to learn all about the history and culture of the North West's waterways, before boarding the ferry for a fascinating trip to Salford Quays. And on other days the trip begins at Salford and takes visitors through the landscape to Ellesmere Port, where they can spend the afternoon at the museum exploring the wider history.

And each day the trip finishes with a bus service back to the departure point so visitors can return to their cars. Visitors also get an annual pass to the National Waterways Museum as part of the deal which enables them to come back at other times during the year to explore the museum and enjoy the special event days.

National Waterways Museum manager John Inch said: “We're delighted to be linking up with Mersey Ferries. Their canal cruises are well known as a great day out and this new product of a shorter cruise combined with the opportunity to explore the museum will be very attractive to many people.”

The cruises take place on June 23-26, July 21-24 and September 22-25 and full details of pricing, times and online ticket sales can be found on the website or by calling 0151 330 1444.

The National Waterways Museum, at Ellesmere Port, is home to the national collection of historic working boats, some of which visitors can board to explore and find out how the working boat people used to live.  The Museum also has a trip boat, hands-on exhibits, films, touch-screen displays, stables, a blacksmith, docks, pump houses, workers cottages and gardens, an archive, a soft play area, Museum shop and cafe.