It is not often that one comes across the perfect Father's Day present but this could well be one of them. On Father's Day, Sunday 16 June, Cheshire's Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich, is offering a rarely-available 'Walking The Lift' Tour with a beer and tasty burger from the BBQ, all for just £10. The Lift, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is run by the Canal & River Trust charity. This Father's Day offer is also available for family members who want to enjoy the fun. To find out more information or book, contact 01606 786 777.
The Anderton Boat Lift, built in 1875, is the world's first successful boat lift. The tour is a special chance to venture to thrilling heights and learn more about the inner workings of the giant and magnificent lift. Tours will run at 10:30am, 12 noon, 2:15pm and 3:30pm, starting in the visitor centre before you're guided out along the aqueduct, taken into the previously unseen control room and machine deck and finally out up on top of the lift (advanced booking is required). Tickets cost £10 for the tour, burger and beer. Guests can also opt to just take the Lift tour for a reduced price of £5. A soft drink will be available for those who would prefer not to have a beer.
Graham Wood, Duty Manager, Anderton Boat Lift, said: "The Lift is a spectacular structure and a magnificent example of high Victorian engineering at its very best. This would be the perfect gift for any dad who is interest in engineering, history or canals. We look forward to seeing family and friends on what is always a special day at the Anderton Boat Lift."
Anyone going on the tour must be over 15 years old and will require a head for heights. There is no charge to go into the grounds of the Anderton Boat Lift, visit its exhibition or use its £50,000 Lift-themed play area. There is also a shop and a tree-top Coffee Shop serving fresh, affordable food.
The Anderton Boat Lift allows boats to move between the 50ft drop that separates the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver Navigation. Built in 1875, for more than a century, the Lift allowed working boats carrying Cheshire salt and china from the Potteries to by-pass the single bore tunnels, tariffs and trans-shipment required by taking cargo along the Trent & Mersey Canal and Bridgewater Canal to the River Mersey. The lift, which was restored by a £7m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2002, is still in operation today and is run by the Canal & River Trust charity.