Anderton Boat Lift

Winner of experience of the year 2019 – The Anderton Boat Lift has earnt its nickname of Cathedral of the Canals for a very good reason. Not only does it still do the job it was designed to do of lifting boats and barges the 50 feet from the River Weaver Navigation to the Trent & Mersey Canal, but it does it with the most ingenious and endearing character of any structure on the canal system. It is only a 30 minute drive from Chester.

The mighty Anderton Boat Lift is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways‘ and together with its visitor centre, coffee shop, brand new Let’s Play play area and nearby Northwich Woodlands, make a visit unmissable.

Prices

Lift Trip Only
Adults 25+ £8.25
Children 5-15 £4.25
Young adult 16-24 £6.25
Under 5’s FREE

River Trip Only
Adults 25+ £5.25
Children 5-15 £3.25
Young adult 16-24 £4.25
Under 5’s FREE

Combined Lift & River Trip
Adults 25+ £12.25
Children 5-15 £7.25
Young Adult 16-24 £9.25
Under 5’s FREE

Visitor Centre at Anderton Boat Lift

It is completely free to visit the visitor centre. The lower level houses the exhibition, looking at the lift’s history and the people who worked on and around it. There’s lots of interactive, hands on elements and our cinematic centrepiece.

You can even see the lift control centre! You can watch all the busy goings on during its daily schedule.

You’ll be able to explore the history of the local area and learn about the origins of the saying ‘any man worth his salt’, as well as uncover some of the fascinating artifacts from our designated ‘museum collection’.

Walking the lift tour

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The unique behind the scenes tour is not for the faint hearted, the tour starts in the visitor centre before you’re guided out along the aqueduct, taken into the previously unseen control room and machine deck and finally out up on top of the lift!

All upcoming tours have been cancelled. This is for the protection of all visitors and staff during the coronavirus outbreak. It is £5.00 per person

The trips are in high demand so please call the booking team now on 01606 786 777 to secure your place.

The tour is on the top of the lift so is not suitable for people with a fear of heights. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. This is a walking tour and there is a need to climb steps. The minimum age for this tour is 16 years of age.

Cafe & Gift Shop

Perfect for picnics and takeaway pizza, the Coffee Shop and picnic area has one of the most superb views around. And once you’ve finished your refreshments, you’ll still have time to pick up a memento or two of your visit to Anderton.

The coffee shop, with its full height glass wall over looking the amazing boat lift is currently offering a selection of takeaway refreshments. Choose from a wide range of hot drinks and mouth-watering snacks including hand-made cakes plus pizza, perfect to takeaway at the end of your stay.

Feel free to browse the gift shop with its unique heritage and historic items as well as children’s favourites, books, games, toys and sweets. Plus, a few surprises and nice little somethings to treasure.