Back by popular demand, the Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich, will once again by providing free family fun every Tuesday and Thursday during August. There will be magic shows with Zippy the Clown and the chance to get up close to animals with Creatures and Critters. It will be non-stop fun with the Academy of Fun when children can get creative with recycled plastic craft. Dapper Donkeys will let children get to know its donkeys and give rides around the site's grassy lawns. The Lift is owned by the Canal & River Trust Charity, guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales. The free events will be held at the Lift View marquee (times specified below) and there is no cost to enter the site. Advance booking is required on 01606 786777 as there is limited availability.
During the Summer holiday, families are also encouraged to get involved in the Canal & River Trust's nationwide 'Family Plastics Challenge'*. It is estimated that 80% of the plastic in the world's oceans comes from litter dropped inland. The aim is to stop plastics in the UK from being dumped in rivers and canals and washed into the sea. For information on how to get involved, have fun and make a real difference to the environment, an easy-to-use guide can be downloaded at https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/features/plastic-and-litter-in-our-canals/family-plastics-challenge-pack
Children's Summer Events at Anderton Boat Lift, comprise:
- Thursday 1 August 2:00pm Zippy Lees Clown fun
- Tuesday 6 August 11:00am & 2:30pm Story Time with Peppa Pig
- Thursday 8 August 1-3pm Academy of Fun craft with recycled materials
- Tuesday 13 August 11:00am & 2:30pm Story Time with Iggle Piggle
- Thursday 15 August 1:30pm Creatures & Critters
- Tuesday 20 August 11:00am & 2:30pm Story Time with Olaf
- Thursday 22 August 10:30am & 2:30pm War on Plastic helping the Environment
- Tuesday 27 August 11:00am & 2:30pm Story Time with Chase from Paw Patrol
- Thursday 29 August 10:30am to 3:30pm Dapper Donkey Rides (no booking required)
Graham Wood, Duty Manager, Anderton Boat Lift, said: "This year's free and entertaining summer activities are the perfect way for parents to entertain their children without breaking the bank, especially as there is no cost to enter the site. It is a great place for children to run around, make new friends and have their imagination sparking by new things. We very much hope that inspired by our spectacular location between the River Weaver and Trent & Mersey Canal."
Boat trips through the Lift and along the picturesque River Weaver are available during the Summer for which there is a charge.* Booking is recommended on 01606 786 777. There is no charge for under 5s and adult charges only apply over the age of 16 years old. The Anderton Boat Lift is one of the seven wonders of Britain's waterways and is an engineering masterpiece. being the world's first ever successful boat lift. The Lift sits in a spectacular location between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal and is an interesting combination of working historic structure and fun, educational experience.
The Anderton Boat Lift is owned by the Canal and River Trust Charity and was restored in 2002 after a £7 million restoration made possible due to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It is a major visitor attraction, attracting visitors from across the world, and won Marketing Cheshire's prestigious 'Large Visitor Attraction' in 2019.