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Boating through Anderton Boat Lift

Unfortunately the Anderton Boat Lift will be closed for the 2025 season.

Narrowboats in Anderton Boat Loft

After a lot of detailed work behind the scenes, we've now scoped options and selected a long-term repair plan which will replace all of the gates on the lift something we're confident will make the Anderton Boat Lift safer and more reliable for the future.

The chosen solution will replace the original rope and pulley lifting mechanism with a more resilient actuator-based system to lift and lower the gates. This modern system is more precise, easier to maintain, and will help avoid many of the issues we've experienced with the older rope setup.

While this is a really positive step forward, moving to the new system will require significant investment and careful planning, especially given the historical importance of the lift. We're now developing the detailed designs, working closely with our heritage specialists to ensure the lift's unique character is conserved. This work is being progressed in advance of the wider Anderton Boat Lift refurbishment project, and we're also considering how any new systems will integrate with the broader programme.

With all this in mind, we can now confirm that the Anderton Boat Lift will remain closed throughout 2025. We understand this isn't the news anyone was hoping for, but we want to provide as much clarity as possible, particularly for customers who may now need to plan alternative routes via the Manchester Ship Canal.

If you're planning to travel on the Manchester Ship Canal, bookings for Ellesmere Port and Marsh Lock can be made or by calling our North West customer service team on 0303 0404 040. If it's your first time travelling or you'd like more information, visit: [Manchester Ship Canal | Discover the River Weaver Navigation]

We'll continue to keep you updated as things progress, with the next update due on or before 29 August 2025. In that update, we'll also share further details about an on-site Information Day, where you'll be able to learn more about the works and repair plans.

Booking fees and charges

Booking fee:

Long term Canal & River Trust licence holders£5 single, £10 return
Usage charge for all other licence types£20 single narrow beam (<7ft wide), £30 return narrow beam (<7ft wide)

Hire boats

You will need permission from your hire boat company before you are allowed to use the Anderton Boat Lift. Please be aware that the boat will also need to be licensed. Check terms and conditions for details.

Passage safety rules

To make sure your visit is as safe as possible, please remember to:

  • Switch off your engine once your vessel is secured inside the caisson
  • Turn off naked flames
  • Stay off cabin roofs or gunwales
  • Not lean over the side of the vessel or caisson
  • Obey all instructions from the lift operator
  • Sound your horn to attract the lift operator’s attention if there is an emergency
  • In the unlikely event of an emergency, all passengers and crew should remain in their vessels unless instructed otherwise by our lift operators

Maximum craft dimensions

Please note- the below dimensions must include fenders, cavitation plates/awnings etc. You may asked to move these items to enable your craft to fit within the dimensions of the lift.

Maximum length - 74ft Maximum width - 14ft Maximum air draft - 8ft 2'' Maximum draft - 4ft

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Last Edited: 25 June 2025

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