The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
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.
Situated in the heart of the National Waterways Museum, our flexible event spaces offer a distinctive backdrop for conferences, board meetings, networking breakfasts, training sessions, and team away days.
With original features, striking waterside views, ample free parking, and modern facilities, we provide a comfortable and accessible environment with indoor and outdoor breakout spaces. Download our corporate brochure
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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
Step into a spacious entrance hall featuring an impressive wooden memorial panel.
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.
Our fully licensed, staffed tavern is available for private hire - ideal for celebrations and social events. Please ask our booking team for details.
A light-filled, versatile room with views over the Manchester Ship Canal and Mersey Estuary. Accommodates up to 40 guests, depending on layout.
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.
*additional cost
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.
For team building and away-days, guided tours can be pre-booked at a cost £3 per person. Boat trips are also available to pre-book. Capacity: 12 people per trip @ £5pp.
Contact our team today to check availability and start planning
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:
Please note the museum’s trip boat ‘The Diana Margaret’ is not accessible.
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.
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: 7 July 2026
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