Situated within the heart of the National Waterways Museum, our function rooms provide a truly distinctive venue. With a unique atmosphere and striking views, it’s the perfect venue for everything from conferences and board meetings to celebrations and parties.
Venue Hire at the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed 19th-century building, the Canalside Function Rooms offer high-quality modern facilities with the charm of a historic dockside setting.
Canalside Function Rooms: front view
To make an enquiry or make a booking, please complete our booking form or call us on 0151 355 5017.
Rooms and spaces
Foyer
Step into a spacious entrance hall featuring an impressive wooden memorial panel.
Waterfront Lounge
Located on the second floor and offering stunning views over the Manchester Ship Canal, this bright, airy space is ideal for welcoming guests with refreshments.
Canalside Tavern
Our fully licensed, staffed tavern is available for private hire - ideal for celebrations and social events. Please ask our booking team for details.
The Basuto Suite
A light-filled, versatile room with views over the Manchester Ship Canal and Mersey Estuary. Accommodates up to 40 guests, depending on layout.
The Tom Rolt Suite
A dramatic space with original beams, fairy lights and veiled walls. Perfect for seminars, celebrations, concerts, and large gatherings (up to 100 people).
To make an enquiry or a booking, please complete our booking form or call us on 0151 355 5017.
Conferences and corporate hire
Our offer:
- Flexible, well-equipped rooms for meetings, workshops, and presentations
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Full catering options (see menu)
- Ample free parking, including accessible and coach bays.
- Complimentary museum entry for all delegates, plus a ‘come back for free’ voucher
- Optional guided tours of the museum and surrounding area*
- On-site Electric Charging Hub with rapid chargers (full charge in as little as 30 minutes) *
*additional cost
Refreshments & food
We offer flexible room and catering packages to suit your specific needs, starting from room-only hire. Our booking team will work closely with you to help you find the perfect package.
Make it a day to remember
For team building and away-days, guided tours can be pre-booked at a cost £2 per person. Boat trips are also available to pre-book. Capacity: 12 people per trip @ £5pp.
Private functions and celebrations
Celebrate life’s big moments in a setting like no other. From milestone birthdays to retirement parties, the Canalside Function Rooms provide a flexible and memorable backdrop for your special occasion.
Room hire
We offer a full range of room and menu options to meet your specific requirements starting from room hire only. Our booking team will work with you to find right combination to suit your needs.
Room hire prices
| Prices | |
| Hourly room hire | £40 per hour |
| Half-day room hire (4 hours) | £125 |
| Full-day room hire (8 hours) | £200 |
| Out-of-hours fee (applicable for bookings starting/ending outside of museum hours: 9am-5pm) | £40 per hour |
Refreshments (all prices inc. VAT)
| Coffee, tea and biscuits on arrival | £3 per person |
| Half day Business Package: Coffee, tea and biscuits available for booking period | £6.50 per person |
| Full day Business Package: Coffee, tea and biscuits available all day | £8.50 per person |
All prices inclusive of VAT
Ask our booking team about exclusive venue weekend hire including a fully licensed and staffed bar (from £1,500).
Accessibility
We strive to be accessible to all visitors. Our setting - in a historic canal dock complex - means there are some uneven pathways, but there is level access to the Canalside Function Rooms, café, shop and most galleries within the museum. Key accessibility features include:
- Visitor lift
- Level access
- Accessible toilets (in main reception area)
- Ramps
- Ample free parking, including accessible and coach bays and on-site Electric Charging Hub
- Full access guide: https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/national-waterways-museum
Please note that the access ramp to the Tom Rolt Suite is currently under repair and the museum’s trip boat ‘The Diana Margaret’ is not accessible.
Getting here
Address: National Waterways Museum, South Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW
What3Words: ///hobby.dining.vibes
We’re a minutes’ drive away from Junction 9 of the M53 (follow the brown signs to the ‘Boat Museum) and just 15 minutes away by car to Chester City Centre and 5 minutes from the Cheshire Oaks Outlet Park, a village-style site for designer and high-street brands and restaurants.
Ellesmere Port Railway Station is a 15-minute walk away and the bus station is a 20-minute walk. There is also access via the canal and its towpath for boater, cyclists and walkers.
Free parking: There is a large car park situated opposite the entrance to the museum, including accessible and coach bays.
Accommodation
Whilst there is no accommodation on site (unless you bring your own boat), our neighbouring Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port offers special packages for groups.
The Canalside Function Rooms are located within the historic grounds of the National Waterways Museum, cared for by the charity Canal and River Trust.
Last Edited: 08 August 2025
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