Canal And River Trust

Anderton Boat Lift, affectionately known as 'Cheshire's Cathedral of the Canals' is the world's first ever successful boat lift, built by Edwin Clark in 1875. Owned by the Canal & River Trust, it still does the job it was designed to do, lifting boats and barges the 50 feet from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Throughout the year, the Boat Lift offers regular boat trips for which there is a charge. Visitors can experience how it feels to be magically transported through the Lift by this piece of high Victorian engineering. Alternatively, guests can opt for a special boat trip and learn about the unique industrial heritage of Northwich, a town that has made its living on salt for more than 2000 years. Visitors can also take advantage of the on site Treetop Coffee Shop, gift shop, exhibition space, children's adventure play area and grounds, all of which are free to enter.