Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Northwich
What it’s like
Free to visit engineering landmark with a boat trip, a play area and a maze made from the lift's old counterweights.
The big draw here used to be riding the lift itself, but that's shut while they sort out essential work on the caisson gates, not expected back until the 2027 season. Don't let that put you off though, there's still a fair bit going on. The Edwin Clark trip boat takes you out on the river, and there's a play area for the smaller ones to burn through while you have a coffee.
The bit that'll stick in a kid's memory is probably the maze, built out of the lift's original counterweights, which is a genuinely odd thing to let children clamber round and not something you'll find anywhere else. It's an outdoor site, so a dry day makes it a much better visit than a wet one, and picnics are allowed if you want to make an afternoon of it rather than relying on the café.
Entry is free, which is rare for a day out with a boat ride attached, and parking is £2 for three hours or £3 for the full day, so you're not being stung either way. It's open daily except Thursdays through spring and summer, 9:30am to 4:30pm, and dogs are welcome if you're bringing one along.
There's no booking system mentioned. Given the lift's out of action, it's worth setting expectations with older kids who might be expecting a big ride and coming away with the boat trip and the maze instead.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- No set age range given, but the play area suits younger kids and the maze works for older ones too
- Parking
- £2 for 3 hours, £3 for the day
- The lift itself is closed until the 2027 season, so the ride part of the day out isn't currently possible
- There's an accessible toilet and baby change on site
- It's an outdoor attraction so check the weather before you head off
- The maze is made from the lift's actual old counterweights, worth a proper look
Plan your visit
Can you still ride the boat lift?
No, it's closed to the public at the moment while they carry out essential work on the caisson gates. They're expecting it back for the 2027 season.
How much does it cost to get in?
Getting into the visitor centre is free. Parking is £2 for three hours or £3 for the day.
Do we need to book ahead?
There's nothing to suggest you need to book, so it looks like a turn-up-and-see sort of visit.
What is there for kids to actually do?
There's a play area, a maze built from the lift's original counterweights, and a river cruise on the Edwin Clark trip boat.
Is it open every day?
It's open daily except Thursdays during the spring and summer seasons, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Can we bring a picnic or the dog?
Picnics are allowed and it's dog friendly, so both are fine.
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