Ellesmere Port Discovery Days
Free Rail Trips, Creative Activities and Career Experiences
13th & 14th July 2026
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership
Bringing Railways, Waterways & Communities Together
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and the Danny are inviting local community groups to take part in Ellesmere Port Discovery Days on 13th and 14th July 2026.
These free activities bring together rail travel, local heritage, creativity, wellbeing and future career opportunities. Participants can explore local attractions, discover more about the railway and waterways that helped shape Ellesmere Port, and share ideas that help shape future community projects.
Whether your group would enjoy a rail journey, a creative activity, a heritage experience or a careers-focused visit, Ellesmere Port Discovery Days offers a welcoming opportunity to get involved.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
About Ellesmere Port Discovery Days
Ellesmere Port Discovery Days is a collaborative initiative between North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and the Danny.
Together, we are bringing railways and waterways closer to the communities they serve. The programme celebrates local heritage while creating opportunities to discover sustainable travel, improve wellbeing, develop new skills and explore future opportunities.
Through a range of free activities, participants can experience rail travel, visit places of interest, take part in creative activities and learn more about careers within the railway industry.
In addition, the event aims to gather ideas, feedback and stories from local communities. This will help shape future projects and ensure local voices remain at the heart of community rail development.
Free Activities at Ellesmere Port Station
Throughout the Discovery Days, a welcoming community space will be available in the ground floor room at Ellesmere Port Railway Station.
Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, take part in creative activities and contribute to a growing display of artwork, photography and community feedback.
This is an informal and relaxed environment where people can meet volunteers, learn more about community rail and share their experiences.
Free Activities at Ellesmere Port Station
Throughout the Discovery Days, a welcoming community space will be available in the ground floor room at Ellesmere Port Railway Station.
Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, take part in creative activities and contribute to a growing display of artwork, photography and community feedback.
This is an informal and relaxed environment where people can meet volunteers, learn more about community rail and share their experiences.
Monday 13 July 2026
11.00am to 4.00pm
Tuesday 14 July 2026
11.00am to 2.00pm
This activity is suitable for community groups, visitors taking part in other Discovery Days activities and anyone interested in learning more about local community projects.
Rail Trip to Port Sunlight
Enjoy a free rail journey from Ellesmere Port to the historic village of Port Sunlight and discover local heritage through a series of guided visits and talks.
Participants will travel together by train before exploring free cultural venues and learning more about the area’s unique history and significance.
These visits provide an opportunity to experience sustainable travel while discovering one of the region’s most fascinating heritage destinations.
Monday 13 July 2026
10.00am to 1.00pm & 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Tuesday 14 July 2026
10.00am to 1.00pm
This activity is particularly suitable for community groups, heritage groups, wellbeing organisations and those who may not regularly travel by rail.
Railway Engineering and Careers Experience
Discover the world of railway engineering and explore future career opportunities within the rail industry.
Participants will meet at Ellesmere Port Railway Station before travelling to a railway facility for a guided visit, engineering tour and careers presentation.
The experience offers a valuable insight into how the railway operates and highlights the wide range of careers available across the transport sector.
Monday 13 July 2026
9.30am to 1.00pm
Tuesday 14 July 2026
10.30am to 2.00pm
This activity is especially suitable for young people, employment support organisations, education groups and anyone interested in engineering, transport or future career opportunities.
Who Can Take Part?
This activity is especially suitable for young people, employment support organisations, education groups and anyone interested in engineering, transport or future career opportunities.
- Community groups
- Voluntary organisations
- Youth groups
- Wellbeing and support organisations
- Education and training providers
- Heritage and cultural groups
- Organisations supporting people who may benefit from greater confidence using public transport
If you are unsure whether your group is suitable, please get in touch and we will be happy to discuss the options available.
Working Together for Ellesmere Port
Ellesmere Port Discovery Days is delivered through a partnership between North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and the Danny.
By bringing together the area’s railway and waterway heritage, we hope to create opportunities for learning, wellbeing, sustainable travel and community participation. At the same time, we want to celebrate the stories, people and places that continue to shape Ellesmere Port.
Register Your Group’s Interest
Places are limited and demand may vary across activities.
Please complete the enquiry form and tell us which activity interests your group. A member of the North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership team will then contact you to discuss availability and any specific requirements.
Submitting an enquiry does not automatically guarantee a place. However, we will work with groups wherever possible to accommodate interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the activities free?
Yes. All activities listed as part of Ellesmere Port Discovery Days are free to attend.
Who can attend?
The programme has been designed primarily for organised community groups and local organisations.
How do I register?
Simply complete the enquiry form below and a member of the team will contact you.
Where do activities start?
Most activities begin at Ellesmere Port Railway Station. Full details will be provided when places are confirmed.
Can groups register for more than one activity?
Yes. Please indicate this on the enquiry form and we will discuss availability with you.
North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership
Ellesmere Port Discovery Days is about more than a single event. It is an opportunity to bring people together, encourage sustainable travel and explore how railways can continue to support local communities.
We look forward to welcoming your group and hearing your ideas.
Enquiry Form
Be Part of the Journey
Our communities are shaped by the people who live, work, and travel through them, and by those who care about their future. Whether you’re a resident, local business, school, or community organisation, there are many ways to get involved.
Find out how we’re working together to create Proud, Connected Railways, or explore our current projects and opportunities to take part.