Venue Description

The Anderton Boat Lift is an incredible edifice, perched on the banks of the River Weaver Navigation like a giant three-storey-high iron spider. It was built by Edwin Clark in 1875 to lift cargo boats the 50 feet from the Weaver Navigation to the Trent & Mersey Canal. No description can adequately convey the sheer scale of this engineering feat. The lift worked until 1983 when serious deterioration of the structure was discovered. Some £7m was raised to fund the restoration, which was completed in 2002. The Anderton Boat Lift is home to a fully accessible Visitor Centre with free entry, boasting a two story facility with coffee shop for that much needed 'rest bite'. The lower level houses the free exhibition, focusing upon the lift’s history and the people who worked on and around it. The exhibition is colour coded to specific themes, with a high interactive content and an entertaining cinematic centrepiece. The lift control centre is located within the exhibition, enabling visitors to get up close and personal with the lift on its busy daily schedule. Take a boat lift through the Boat Lift. Time travel through the unique structure on board the elegant Edwin Clark trip boat, journeying between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal high above. Feel free to browse the gift shop with its unique heritage and historic content, while outdoor decking offers fine views over the grounds and lift. On fine weather days, take advantage of the picnic areas, located in the impressive shadow of this mighty structure. Assistance dogs are welcomed on site, however dogs are not allowed in the Visitor Centre or grounds.

Accessibility

Our aim is to provide high standards and offer all customers exceptional customer service. We are committed to ensuring that all customer visits regardless of age or ability are an enjoyable experience. Parking: There is parking for approx 180 cars, five spaces are widened spaces designated for disabled parking. There is a 'Drop Off Zone' located 40m from the main entrance where less able-bodied persons may be dropped off. The drop off zone is also assessable to large vehicles such as coaches. There are no steps from the car park to the main entrance. Entrance: Entrance is through automatic sliding doors for easy access across a fixed decked bridge. Railings and handrails either side. The welcome desk is open plan, with the height suitable to allow wheelchair users to access. Visitor Centre: In the main Visitor Centre the main entrance is on the upper floor. Cafe, gift shop, toilets and welcome desk are all located on this level. Lower floor houses the exhibition area and private boating booking office. There is a public passenger lift between these two levels that can hold up to eight persons or one wheelchair and approximately two persons. The lift is equipped with an emergency link to a call centre. There is a wheelchair that customers may hire. Hire is free of charge however, a deposit of £10 is required (refundable upon return of the chair). Toilets: There are toilets on both the main floor and lower floor, both of which have disabled cubicles. Boat Trip: The vessel can accommodate a maximum of two wheelchairs and has a hydraulic lift to transport these into the trip boat. Grounds: Wheelchair accessible picnic benches are located on the upper and lower ground areas.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/museums-and-attractions/anderton-boat-lift/access-statement

Awards List

VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence

Toilets

The main entrance : ladies & gents toilets each with a disabled cubicle. The ladies also houses baby changing facilities and three further cubicles. The gents has one further cubicle and two urinals. Lower exhibition floor: unisex disabled & baby changing facilities. The grounds/gardens: a third toilet block with separate ladies, gents and disabled facilities. Access is gained along a decked level pathway.

Staff

Staff have undergone Makaton training. Braille maps of the site are available on request at the welcome desk.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Guide dogs are welcome.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water can be provided upon request.