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.

The museum boasts world-class attractions and a year-round events calendar featuring everything from beer festivals to historic boat rallies.