What is All Aboard?
All Aboard is a canal boat run by People Know How in collaboration with Polwarth Parish Church. The boat hosts unique trips on Edinburgh's Union Canal for community groups and organisations to improve wellbeing, socialise and discover new experiences while surrounded by nature in the heart of the city. Through All Aboard we also offer unique volunteering opportunities to join our crew or become a helmsperson on the boat.
Our partnership began in 2019 with a consultation and pilot that identified the Union Canal as the community’s collective cultural heritage. In 2021, we purchased and launched our own custom-built canal boat and opened it as a space available to communities in and around Edinburgh.
The space now hosts trips with a variety of themes, all of which are run by our team of All Aboard volunteers, offering a unique volunteering experience.
Our work has been commended by the parliamentarians as "inspiring", in an article featured by the Church of Scotland. We have also been featured by Allchurches Trust and made appearances on BBC Radio Scotland, STV News and BBC Songs of Praise.
All Aboard trips
All Aboard trips start at the Polwarth Pontoon behind Polwarth Parish Church at 36-38 Polwarth Terrace. The boat then turns at the Slateford Aqueduct and the Lochrin Quay. Trips typically take 2 hours and can accommodate up to 12 passengers.
After you get in touch with us, we'll work with you to facilitate your trip and ensure the safety of all passengers.
We host trips of all kinds, whether you have a specific theme or objective in mind or simply want to take some time to enjoy the scenery of the canal. Some past trips have included music concerts, art exhibitions, fundraising events supporting refugees, learning to cook, cleaning up the canal, science clubs for children, and more.
To book a trip, get in touch using our email address below. Before booking, please read our terms and conditions.
Contact us at all.
Read our stories
Read our latest case studies and find out more about All Aboard in action.
Volunteer
Want to volunteer on our boat?
We offer unique volunteering experiences as a crew member or helmsperson on All Aboard. Volunteers support us in running and maintaining the boat, taking people of all ages on trips on the Union Canal.
Volunteer today to gain work experience, add to your CV, develop new skills, or simply enjoy some time on the canal!
Donate
Help us continue to provide this community resource
We want to ensure there are no financial barriers to improving wellbeing through engagement with green and blue spaces and therefore do not charge for our trips. We are able to do this thanks to donations, with each trip costing upwards of £250.
To help us keep this service free and open to all, please consider donating what you can. Donations are welcomed in cash or through our PayPal below, BACS by request.
Our partners and funders
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Polwarth Parish Church. We would also like to thank all those who have funded the project through both partner organisations.