About Anderton Boat Lift
Marvel at this impressive Victorian engineering feat where massive hydraulic machinery transports canal boats 50 feet between waterways, with fascinating exhibits exploring its industrial heritage.
What's nearby
- Stanley Arms Anderton 150m away
- Walkers Coaches 250m away
- The Moorings 450m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday
- 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Industrial heritage site with a well presented exhibition covering the design, construction and restoration of one of Cheshire's most recognisable landmarks. The Anderton Boat Lift was built in the late 19th century, allowing boats to move between the Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal. Boats were lifted and lowered a distance of 50 feet, but with changing industry and transportation the need for the boat lift declined, resulting in its closure in the early 1980s. It was fully restored in the early 2000s to working order, though at the time of our visit in April 2026 wasn't actually able to carry traffic. The visitor centre is free to explore, with donations welcomed to support upkeep. A boat trip on the Edwin Clark is a good way to learn more about the site's history while taking a short trip along the river. Adult tickets were £12 at the time of our visit, worthwhile as the guides were engaging and gave a very informative commentary. You might also see some bird life on the way. Facilities are very good, with a café offering some very appealing cakes, a small gift shop, outdoor picnic area, toilets and wheelchair accessibility to all areas. Parking was £2 for 3 hours at the time of visiting, which gives plenty of time to see everything. The visitor centre includes a small collection of old mechanical fairground amusements. You can buy tokens from the shop to make these work for a bit of family friendly fun. Anderton Boat Lift is a very well run attraction and a good way to spend a couple of hours. If you're interested in the area's industrial history I'd also recommend the Lion Salt Works.
· via Google
An industrial heritage site, with a real story to tell. There's an excellent visitor centre with a cafe. We went on the boat trip, which was well worth the money. The guide was fantastic and told us plenty about the history of the waterways & the boat lift. The whole place is a real credit to all who care for it.
· via Google
Lovely visitor centre with lots of information including audio visual about this brilliant piece of victorian engineering...all free. £10 for hour long tour optional. Great picnic area at visitor centre with childrens play area. Lovely walks nearby. Cheap large car park £2.50 for 3 hrs.
· via Google
I visited the Anderton Boat lift steam weekend with my friend and had a brilliant time. The event was well planned and very good with plenty of exhibits of Traction engines. Plenty of food and eating places. The boat tour was very informative and good value for money. A very good day out. Lovely yo see so many people.
· via Google
Visitors say this industrial heritage site offers fascinating insights into engineering and history, with many enjoying the informative boat trips and well-presented exhibits. They also highlight the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the good value cafe with tasty food and reasonable prices. Guests mention the clean restrooms, ample parking, and dog-friendly areas, making it a pleasant and accessible day out for all ages.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Lift Lane, Anderton, Cheshire, Northwich, CW9 6FW Get directions
- Category
- Railways & Transport
- Guest rating
- 4.5 / 5 (3,486 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Northwich