Ellesmere Port, situated in Cheshire along the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, is a town with a rich industrial heritage and a variety of attractions. Historically, the town grew around its strategic position as a key port, linking the canal network to the River Mersey and facilitating the movement of goods during the Industrial Revolution.

One of the main highlights of Ellesmere Port is the National Waterways Museum, located on the site of the old canal docks. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of Britain's inland waterways, with a collection of historic boats, interactive displays, and restored dockside buildings. Visitors can explore the locks, warehouses, and workshops that once thrived with activity.

The town is also home to the Blue Planet Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the UK. It features a vast array of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish, housed in impressive underwater tunnels and exhibits that mimic natural habitats. For shopping enthusiasts, the nearby Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet offers a wide range of high-end and high-street brands, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Ellesmere Port, an ex’s family lived there and having lived in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Cheshire Oaks was a regular shopping spot.