Anderton Boat Lift

The Anderton Boat Lift is located in Anderton near Northwich, Cheshire. It is a lift lock that provides a 50-foot vertical link between two navigable waterways, the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal. The lift first opened in 1875 and is today a scheduled monument.

We visited when we were boating on the canal behind the lift. Sadly we didn’t have time to use it which was a shame as it looks great fun. You can, however, go on organized boat trips that take you up and down the lift. Their glass-sided boat seats up to 56 passengers and can accommodate two wheelchairs. These run on a scheduled basis through spring and summer. There is a charge for this.

Outdoors there is a themed playground situated next to the lift. It has been designed to fit in with the look of the lift and includes a bridge, control house, mooring area and a slide. There is also a discovery trail through the neighbouring Anderton Nature Park and a mini-maze.

In the visitor centre, you can find out how the lift works and why it is so important. The centre is free to visit and the exhibition has lots of interactive, hands-on elements plus a cinematic centrepiece. You can even see the lift control centre.