Looking for an affordable venue that's a bit out of the ordinary?
Celebrate in our unique setting
Set within the historic docks of the National Waterways Museum, the Canalside Function Rooms offer a unique setting for celebrations of every kind.
Housed in a beautifully restored Grade II listed building, our event spaces combine historic features with modern, accessible facilities. You may even recognise our unique dockside setting which has been featured in many major productions including Peaky Blinders and House of Guinness.
With ample free parking, flexible room layouts and a fully licensed bar, you’ll be looked after by our inclusive, friendly team who will go the extra mile to help you create your perfect event.
Private hire rates (per room)
Applies to: Tom Rolt Suite (capacity 100) or Basuto Suite (capacity 40)
Monday to Friday
Half-day hire (4 hours)
£125
Full-day hire (8 hours)
£200
Hourly hire
£40 per hour
Out-of-hours surcharge (outside museum opening hours 9am–5pm)
£40 per hour
Saturday and Sunday
Half-day hire (4 hours)
£125
Full-day hire (8 hours)
£200
Daytime & evening hire (9am–Midnight)
£300
Fully licensed bar, Waterfront Lounge and Friendship Suite
Included
Hourly hire
£40 per hour
Prices shown are per room. The Tom Rolt Suite and Basuto Suite are hired separately. If you require both suites, the relevant hire charge applies to each room.
More than a venue - it's a destination
To make an enquiry or a booking, please complete our booking form or call us on 0151 355 5017.
Whatever the Occasion
Birthday Parties
Wedding Parties
Engagement Parties
Retirement Parties
Anniversary Celebrations
Awards Evenings
Charity Events
Community Celebrations
Baby Showers
Children's Parties
Club & Society Events
Add on unique experiences
Peaky-inspired Welcome Reception
Our friendly and experienced team are always happy to join in with your chosen theme.
Champagne Canal Cruise
Arrive in style with an exclusive narrowboat cruise for up to 12 guests. Additional cost. Please also note the museum’s trip boat is not wheelchair accessible.
Tommy Shelby photo opportunity
Walk in Tommy Shelby's footsteps at one of the museum's famous filming locations.
Private museum access
Exclusive after-hours access to selected areas of the museum.
Historic boat and dockside photo backdrops
Make the most of our atmospheric docks and beautifully preserved boats.
Welcome drinks on the towpath
Greet your guests with drinks overlooking the historic docks or on the towpath (subject to weather).
Rooms and spaces
Foyer
Make a lasting first impression as your guests arrive through our impressive entrance hall, complete with a carved wooden memorial panel.
Waterfront Lounge
Located on the second floor with stunning views across the Manchester Ship Canal, this bright and airy lounge is the perfect place to welcome guests with drinks and refreshments.
Canalside Tavern
Our fully licensed, staffed bar can be tailored to your celebration, serving everything from welcome drinks to a full evening bar service.
The Basuto Suite
A light-filled, flexible space overlooking the Manchester Ship Canal and Mersey Estuary. Ideal as an additional entertaining area or buffet room. Accommodates up to 40 guests, depending on layout.
The Tom Rolt Suite
Full of character with original beams, twinkling fairy lights, and veiled walls, it’s the perfect setting for any celebration. Accommodates up to 100 guests, depending on layout.
The Friendship Suite
A private breakout space which can be used as a dressing room, storage or chill-out area during your celebration. Accommodates up to 16 guests.
To make an enquiry or a booking, please complete our booking form or call us on 0151 355 5017.
Accommodation
The Canalside Function Rooms provide a unique setting for a wedding reception or evening celebration. Located just a short walk from the neighbouring Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port which offers special accommodation packages for groups.
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. Key accessibility features include:
Visitor lift
Level access
Accessible toilets (in main reception area)
Access Ramp (to the Tom Rolt Suite)
Ample free parking, including accessible and coach bays and on-site Electric Charging Hub
Address: National Waterways Museum, South Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW
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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.
To make an enquiry or a booking, please complete our booking form or call us on 0151 355 5017.
