Weddings, Parties
&
Private Hire by the Canal
relaxed canal side venue in Downholland near Ormskirk, perfect for wedding receptions, private celebrations, family gatherings, corporate events and special occasions.
Events at The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn is the perfect setting for all kinds of special occasions, from weddings and baby showers to birthdays, christenings, communions, family gatherings, private parties and celebrations.
Our venue can be dressed and styled to suit your event, with flexible indoor spaces, a relaxed canal-side setting and a warm pub atmosphere that makes every occasion feel personal.
To see how our venue can look for different events, please check out the Instagram links below for recent setups, venue dressing and celebration inspiration.
60th Glastonbury Themed Party
A brilliant 60th birthday celebration with a fun Glastonbury-inspired theme, bringing festival energy, colour and personality into the venue.
Baby Showers at The Ship Inn
A beautiful setting for celebrating new arrivals with family and friends.
The Ship Inn can be styled for baby showers with soft colours, balloons, backdrops, table décor and personalised touches to make the occasion feel special. Whether it is a relaxed afternoon gathering, a private family celebration or a themed setup, the venue offers a warm and welcoming space to bring everyone together.
With food, drinks, flexible seating and a relaxed canal-side atmosphere, The Ship Inn is perfect for baby showers, gender reveals and family celebrations.
Outdoor Events at The Ship Inn
Our outdoor space is one of the biggest features of The Ship Inn and can be used for a wide range of events and celebrations.
With a large canal side beer garden and flexible outdoor areas, the venue is ideal for birthdays, baby showers, christenings, family gatherings, private parties, summer celebrations, live music, wedding receptions and corporate events.
We also have an events marquee that can be installed for your event, giving you extra covered space while still making the most of the outdoor setting.
Whether you are planning something relaxed and informal or a larger celebration with food, drinks and entertainment, our team can help you explore the best setup for your occasion.
18th Birthday Celebrations at The Ship Inn
Celebrate turning 18 with a party that feels personal, fun and memorable.
The Ship Inn can host 18th birthday celebrations with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, food, drinks, music, décor and room for guests to enjoy the occasion properly. Whether you are planning a relaxed family gathering, a themed party or a bigger celebration with friends, the venue can be styled to suit the night.
Our large outdoor space and optional events marquee also give you even more flexibility for summer birthdays, live entertainment and bigger guest numbers.
From milestone birthdays to private parties, The Ship Inn is a great setting to bring everyone together and celebrate properly.
Wedding Receptions at The Ship Inn
If you are looking for a relaxed wedding reception venue near Ormskirk, The Ship Inn offers something different.
Set beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the venue combines rustic pub character, warm hospitality, food and drink, outdoor space and a countryside setting that feels informal, welcoming and full of charm.
It is ideal for couples who want a wedding celebration that feels personal rather than overly formal.
Perfect For
Wedding receptions
Evening wedding celebrations
Post ceremony gatherings
Relaxed wedding parties
Intimate family celebrations
Outdoor drinks and photos
Food, drinks and evening entertainment
A Warm, Relaxed Setting for Unforgettable Celebrations
The Ship Inn offers a welcoming canal side setting for weddings, parties and private events in Downholland, near Ormskirk.
With a historic pub atmosphere, food and drink options, outdoor space, canal views and a friendly team, the venue is ideal for people who want a celebration that feels personal, relaxed and memorable.
Whether you are planning a wedding reception, birthday party, christening, baby shower, wake, corporate event or Christmas celebration, The Ship Inn gives you a flexible setting with character, warmth and a genuine countryside feel.
This is not a formal hotel ballroom. It is a place with personality, atmosphere and a setting people will remember.
Private Hire for Parties, Families and Special Occasions
The Ship Inn is also available for private hire and group celebrations throughout the year.
From birthdays and christenings to baby showers, wakes, anniversaries and work events, our team can help you create a relaxed event with food, drinks and a setting that works for your guests.
Whether you want a simple buffet, a seated meal, drinks in the beer garden or a more personal celebration, we can help shape the space around the occasion.
Perfect For
Birthday parties
Christenings
Baby showers
Engagement parties
Anniversaries
Wakes and celebration of life gatherings
Corporate events
Staff parties
Christmas parties
Race day gatherings
Family celebrations
Wedding Receptions
A relaxed canal side setting for couples looking for a warm and personal wedding celebration.
Birthday Parties
Perfect for milestone birthdays, family gatherings and relaxed evening celebrations.
Christenings
&
Communions
A welcoming venue for family meals and celebrations after the service.
Baby Showers
A warm and flexible setting for afternoon gatherings, food, drinks and memories.
Wakes & Celebration of Life
A peaceful and respectful place for families to gather, share food and remember loved ones.
Corporate & Christmas Events
Ideal for work parties, team meals, festive gatherings and private celebrations.
Flexible Spaces for Your Event
Every event is different, so the venue can be arranged around the size, style and feel of your celebration.
The Ship Inn offers a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, including cosy dining areas, bar space, a large beer garden and canal-side surroundings that work well for relaxed celebrations.
Depending on the type of event, we can discuss options for food, drinks, seating, decorations, entertainment and how the day or evening will flow.
Indoor Dining Areas
Ideal for seated meals, family gatherings, private dining and smaller celebrations.
Bar and Social Space
Perfect for drinks, evening celebrations, live music and a relaxed pub atmosphere.
Canal Side Beer Garden
Great for summer events, outdoor drinks, photographs and informal gatherings by the water.
Food and Drink for Your Celebration
Food and drink are at the heart of every good event.
At The Ship Inn, we can discuss food and drink options to suit your celebration, whether you are planning a relaxed buffet, a seated meal, a Sunday style family gathering or evening food for your guests.
Our team can help you shape the food around the event, the guest numbers and the atmosphere you want to create.
A Setting Your Guests Will Remember
The location is what makes The Ship Inn different.
Set beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the venue offers a relaxed countryside feel with outdoor space, canal views and a character that is hard to recreate in a standard function room.
Guests can enjoy drinks outside, take photographs by the water, gather in the beer garden and enjoy a venue that feels warm, natural and full of personality.
For couples, families and event organisers looking for somewhere different, the canal side setting gives every celebration a memorable backdrop.
Planning Your Event
We aim to make planning your event simple and straightforward.
1. Send Your Enquiry
Tell us about the type of event, preferred date, guest numbers and what you have in mind.
2. Speak With The Team
We will discuss availability, food and drink options, space requirements and how the event could work.
3. Visit The Venue
Where possible, we recommend coming to see the space so you can picture your event properly.
4. Confirm The Details
Once everything is agreed, we can help finalise the food, timings and setup.
5. Enjoy The Occasion
On the day, our team will be there to help everything run smoothly.
Picture Your Event at The Ship Inn
Use 8 to 12 images if possible:
Decorated tables
Beer garden
Canal
Food setup
Drinks
Guests celebrating
Live music
Interior room
Outdoor evening lights
Wedding or party details
Buffet
Couple/family photos if allowed
Gallery Rule
Only use photos that show:
atmosphere
warmth
people
space
event potential
food quality
Do not use dark, empty, flat images. Empty spaces kill wedding enquiries unless they are styled beautifully.
Wedding & Private Hire FAQs
Can we hire The Ship Inn for a wedding reception?
Yes, The Ship Inn can be used for relaxed wedding receptions and evening celebrations. Speak to the team about your date, guest numbers and plans.
Can we hold our wedding ceremony at The Ship Inn?
Please contact the team to confirm what is currently possible. Many couples choose The Ship Inn for their reception or evening celebration after their ceremony elsewhere.
What type of events can you host?
We can discuss birthdays, christenings, baby showers, wakes, anniversaries, corporate events, Christmas parties and private celebrations.
Do you offer food for private events?
Yes, food and drink options can be discussed depending on the type of event, guest numbers and style of celebration.
Can we use the beer garden?
The beer garden may be available depending on the event, date, weather and venue arrangements. Please ask when enquiring.
Can we bring decorations?
Decoration options can be discussed with the team. Any setup must be suitable for the venue and agreed in advance.
Can we have music or a DJ?
Entertainment options can be discussed depending on the event type, date and venue requirements.
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is available for guests.
How do we enquire?
Complete the enquiry form, call the team or send a message with your event type, preferred date and expected guest numbers.
What Our Guests Say
“We celebrated our wedding here and it was flawless from start to finish. The buffet was the best we’ve ever seen at a wedding.”
The Ship Inn
Canal side dining, weddings and celebrations in West Lancashire.
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