Unique floating venue hire in Edinburgh
Everything you need to know about hiring the Waterwitch.
Waterwitch is a 40ft narrowbeam boat which is perfect for small, unique events of families or groups of friends, up to 8 people.
Visit our online booking page, choose the length of trip you would like, and the calendar will show which times are available on your chosen date.
The calendar always shows green unless there is a period of closure, or if you are trying to book a trip less than 2 weeks away. Available time slots show in green, or grey if unavailable. Please contact us if your event is less than 2 weeks away.
Up to 8 people.
Reasonable mobility is required to enter the boat. There are narrow steps down into the cabin with sturdy handrails. Passengers should take care to lower their head when using the steps and when stepping from the cabin up into the bow area.
Yes, there is a toilet on board the boat.
The boat has a small kitchen, including a fridge and kettle, for preparing your own refreshments, or we can suggest local catering companies. Crockery, cutlery and glasses are available for your use.
Yes, alcohol is permitted on board. Passenger and crew safety is paramount, and the Skipper may ask a group to desist or end the trip early if necessary.
For a 2.5 hour booking, the boat travels from Fountainbridge to the Calders area and back. For a 4 hour booking it reaches the outskirts of Edinburgh and back. For full day bookings, the boat travels from central Edinburgh to Ratho and back.
The canal can be accessed via steps or a ramp next to Boroughmuir High School from Viewforth, or via Gibson Terrace and Bainfield Drive, or a pedestrian passage from Dundee Street/Fountainbridge. The nearest postcode is EH11 1FL.
On foot or by bike via Viewforth or Gibson Terrace, with bike racks near the school. By bus, Lothian numbers 10 and 27 stop at Viewforth, or 1, 34 and 35 stop at Dundee Street near Fountain Park. By train, Haymarket Station is about 1km away. By car, drop-off is via Gibson Terrace and Bainfield Drive, with limited parking nearby or at Fountain Park.
Usually pick-up and drop-off is at the mooring at Boroughmuir High School. Starting and finishing elsewhere, such as Edinburgh Quay, Harrison Park, Slateford, Wester Hailes, The Calders or Ratho, incurs an additional cost depending on location.
Yes, if you let us know beforehand you can arrive 15 minutes early to decorate. Please don't damage the boat and take decorations away afterwards; party poppers, confetti and glitter are not permitted.
Yes, there is a small bluetooth speaker, or you can bring your own.
You can arrive 15 minutes early to set up or decorate. Guests should arrive 5-10 minutes before departure, as delays may shorten the trip.
Yes, get in touch and a pre-event visit can be arranged.
Where a group has exclusive use of the boat, well behaved dogs on leads may be allowed – please contact us to arrange this.
Yes, a 25% discount is offered for charities and local community groups bringing client groups or volunteers on board, applied after booking and deposit payment.
If the Skipper feels it unwise to sail due to weather, as much notice as possible will be given and a reschedule or alternative solution offered.
A 25% deposit secures the booking, with final payment due 14 days before the date; within 14 days of hire, full payment is required.
Cancelling 14 days or more before the booking incurs a £50 fee; less than 14 days incurs 50% of the price; less than 7 days before the trip incurs the full price.
