Anderton Boat Lift

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.