It is an engineering masterpiece and was the world’s first ever successful boat lift. Located near Northwich, Cheshire, this example of high Victorian engineering is often referred to as the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ and was opened on 26 July 1875. It was built to save the cost and inconvenience of having to unload and reload boats between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal 50 ft above it.

There is no cost to enter the terraced site and see the lift or view the interactive exhibition. On site there is a tree-top Coffee Shop and well-stocked shop. There is also a free fun £50,000 play area, designed to resemble design elements of the giant lift. Visitors can opt to pay for a boat trip through the lift or along the River Weaver (combined tickets are also available). Year-round there are many free weekend activities such as Easter Hunts, Summer Activities, Pirate Weekend, Viking Weekend and Steampunk Weekend, as well as paid for events such as the Lift’s Musical Firework Spectacular and Santa Cruises.