We did the guided walking tour and a boat trip . Really informative and interesting. It's ashame it isn't working at the moment so we couldn't take our boat through. We sadly learned the staff have had abuse from people that are not happy that the lift is still broken! Unbelievable it's not their fault and all the staff we spoke to were lovely.

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.

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.

Very interesting place to visit , wasn’t working the day we went bank holiday but would pop back again when up that way. Just had a snack @ coffee. Have to pay parking . But plenty of parking.

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.