Not only does it still do the job it was designed to do back in 1875 - lifting narrowboats and barges straight up the 50 feet from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal - but it does it with the most ingenious and endearing character of any structure on the canal system. The museum, with its gift shop, tells the full story and you can enjoy light meals and refreshments in the cafe. Please note dogs are not allowed in the cafe or the outside seating area.

It also offers the intrepid a unique opportunity to access the very top of the workings by taking the ‘Walking The Lift Tour’.

This 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! 

Tours take 50 minute tours are available during August to October at 10.30, 12.00 and 14.15pm (2019 dates, please check the Canal River Trust website for 2020 tours).

Venue: Anderton Boat Lift, Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6FW

Further information: Canal River Trust