Ellesmere Santa Cruises

THE National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port's popular Santa Cruises will be taking place once again during December.

The event gives families the chance to take a boat trip on the canal with Santa before following him to his workshop to be told a tale and get a present, rounding off with refreshments.

Three times a day

Cruises are running three times a day on Saturday 17th December, Sunday 18th and Wednesday 19th, Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th, at 11am, 12.45pm and 2.30pm. Please check the website on www.nwm.org.uk or call on 0151 355 5017 to check times and to book your tickets—advance booking is essential.

Museum marketing manager Oliver Briscoe explained:

"This year families will be able to visit Santa's enchanting workshop in the museum and hear all about the work which he does there. The Santa Cruises are always one of the highlights of the museum calendar and we're all looking forwards to welcoming lots of happy families to the museum this December. Give us a call or drop in to make sure you book your tickets."

Remains open during winter

The National Waterways Museum is remaining open across the winter months—the museum previously only opened at weekends from November to March.

This is in response to requests from visitors to stay open throughout winter weekdays, and the museum is committing to opening the main exhibition spaces every day, and should the weather be fine the whole site will be open.

National collection

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 café.