Canal Pub on the Lancaster Canal

Guide To The Water Witch

The Water Witch The Waterwitch pub, located along the picturesque Lancaster Canal on Aldcliffe Road, embodies the rich heritage of its waterways. Originally built as a stable block for a canal company, this charming establishment was converted into Lancaster's first true canalside pub in 1978. It takes its name from the passenger packet boat that once navigated these waters.

This multi-award-winning venue features distinctive bare stone walls and floors in a long, narrow layout, with a mezzanine floor primarily designated for dining. Just a five-minute stroll from Lancaster’s historic city centre, the Waterwitch offers visitors quality cuisine and an impressive selection of beverages, with over 70% of their ales sourced from breweries located within 50 miles.

The pub proudly maintains canal moorings for up to three boats and provides delightful towpath seating, where patrons can enjoy the tranquil waterside atmosphere while savouring locally sourced British classics and continental dishes prepared by their dedicated chef.

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4.4
4.4 out of 5 stars (based on 21 reviews)
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Business Types


  • Canal Pub

Facilities


  • Accomodation
  • Canalside
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Food
  • Real Ale
  • Serves Food
  • Bar Service
  • Accessible Entrance

The Water Witch Information


Canal Tow Path, Aldcliffe Rd, Lancaster LA1 1SU.

Phone

01524 63828

Email

01524 63828

Opening Hours

Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

NOTE: Venues often have seasonal opening hours or can be subject to change and kitchen hours are often shorter, so it's always wise to check with the venue before visiting.
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The Water Witch Reviews

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Review from Google Places

1 June 2025

I haven’t been here for a few years but it is still as nice. I was on my own with my two small dogs which are welcome, I sat outside as it is fantastic sat on the canalside. I only had a starter the spicy chicken wings and there were delicious and crispy not greasy at all, I also had a Guinness Zero which I’m glad they sold. There was even a paddle boarder who got off for a pint. The only slight gripe I had and it wouldn’t put me off coming back is there were a few tables available outside so I went in to order but I was told I need a table number first, I had to go back out find a table and go back in and order. I tried to explain it could well be taken by the time I go back to it but was told that’s what I had to do, so I went out dogs and all looked at a table number go back in and join the back of the queue. I had nothing on me to put on the table bar my phone and keys which obviously I never. I went back in and ordered when I went back to the table it was taken. I explained I had just ordered food to that table but they just looked at me so I went to another table and told them to send my order over. I just think it could all be avoided if they gave me a reserved sign to put on the table it would have made it less stressful.

My original review below.

Great food, four of us and all liked it, I had calamari and seafood chowder both absolutely gorgeous. I’m type one diabetic and my bloods were dropping so my daughter went and explained and they were absolutely brilliant and couldn’t of been more helpful. Oh and we ate outside and it’s stunning right on the edge of the canal

Gasgas

Review from Google Places

16 May 2025

Very nice pub besides the canal. Good choice of beers and wines. Also good food. Staff is very friendly and hospitable

Stephan Dijkstra

Review from Google Places

5 May 2025

Great location next to cancel. Lots of outside benches. Good staff. Beer looked after and big range.

John mws

Review from Google Places

28 April 2025

There are an infinite number of other places worth eating at before here. Ordered the Cheese Burger and Fries off the lunchtime special. Ironic use of the word special, as there was nothing remotely unique not good about the food. The burger came, literally inside a bread bun and nothing else (but disappointment). The fries may or may not have been potatoes at some point in their life before being fried to an inch of their sorry lives. The hospital next door probably serves better food than the dinner served here. Shame, as the pub itself is lovely little place.

Samson Kovacs

Review from Google Places

21 April 2025

The Water Witch in Lancaster is a real gem. The food was excellent — freshly prepared, well-presented, and full of flavor. The pub itself has a lovely atmosphere, warm and inviting, with a great mix of locals and visitors. The location by the canal adds a really nice touch, especially if you get a table with a view. The staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing

D K