A Victorian iron giant, built in 1875 to hoist canal boats fifty feet between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal. In a normal year the glass-sided trip boat rides up in the caisson. Not this year: the lift is closed to the public while the caisson gates are repaired, and the Canal and River Trust is aiming to reopen it for the 2027 season.
What still runs is an hour-long river cruise on the Edwin Clark from the foot of the lift along the Weaver towards Northwich, most days at 11.15am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm, £35 for a family of four. The visitor centre, exhibition and play area, with a maze built from the lift's old counterweights, are free and open every day except Thursdays, 9.30am to 4.30pm, and Marbury Country Park is next door.
What it costs: The visitor centre, exhibition and grounds are free; parking is £2 for 3 hours or £3 for the day. River cruises on the Edwin Clark: adult £12, concession £10, young person 5 to 15 £8, under 5s £1, family of two adults and two children £35. Walking the Lift tours are £10 a person, minimum age 16.
A 45-minute cruise on the River Weaver with Santa, songs, a story and a gift for each child over 12 months. Babies still need a £4 ticket and get no gift, and nor do adults, as the booking page is keen to point out. A breakfast-with-Santa version runs on 19 to 21 December.
Seasonal: The lift is closed for repairs until the 2027 season; the visitor centre opens daily except Thursdays. Check before travelling.
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