Cheshire’s iconic Anderton Boat Lift is marking the national Heritage Open Days campaign with free history talks and ‘Walking the Lift’ tours on Saturday 21 September and Sunday 22 September. The history talks will cover the restoration of the lift and the engineering that makes the boat lift worthy of its ‘Scheduled Ancient Monument’ status. Due to the limited space on the talks and tours, booking is essential and can be done by ringing 01606 786777.
There is no admission charge to visit the Anderton Boat Lift, enjoy its grounds or visit its hands-on exhibition area, which will be open during the weekend from 9.30am – 5.30pm.
The guided tours of the lift will take place at 10.30am, 12.00 noon and 2.15pm on Saturday and Sunday and will give visitors the chance to learn the history of this Victorian masterpiece and see it just as lift operators have since Victorian times. The finale of the ‘Walking the Lift’ tour is a chance to enjoy the panoramic views from the top of the world’s first successful boat lift. (This tour is only suitable for people aged 16+ and for those with a head for heights. Visitors are advised to wear suitable, flat footwear.)
“Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture and brings together over 5000 events to celebrate heritage, community and history,” says Graham Wood, duty manager, Anderton Boat Lift. “This will be a great free day out and we are looking forward to telling visitors the fascinating history behind this masterpiece of Victorian engineering, which is still in operation today.
“We warmly welcome visitors for this great weekend of history and fun.”
The Anderton Boat Lift is owned by the Canal and River Trust and was restored in 2002 after a £7million restoration made possible due to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
