Lion Salt Works
The last open-pan salt works in Britain, kept exactly as the salt men left it, with interactive galleries that explain why Cheshire is full of holes. Genuinely interesting, and next to Marbury for a run afterwards.
Anderton Boat Lift
Northwich, Cheshire
A Victorian iron giant that hoists entire canal boats fifty feet between the river Weaver and the Trent & Mersey canal - and you can ride it. The glass-sided trip boat goes up in the caisson, which is exactly as pleasing as it sounds.
Book the boat trip; watching from the bank is half the experience. The visitor centre, play area and riverside walks fill the rest of the visit, and Marbury Country Park is next door.
Know before you go
- The boat trip through the lift is the whole point - book it, do not just look at it.
Looking for more water & swimming near Northwich?
Also in Northwich
Marbury Country Park
An arboretum running down to Budworth Mere with flat paths, a community orchard and swimming swans. Quietly lovely, and minutes from the Anderton Boat Lift for a combined afternoon.
Blakemere Village
A shopping village in the Delamere woods with free entry, free parking and a genuinely good free adventure playground, plus a long menu of pay-as-you-go extras from crazy golf to falconry.
Arley Hall & Gardens
Proper grand gardens 20 minutes from Warrington, with a woodland Grove to explore, sculptures to find and an adventure play zone with a zip wire and den building. Adults £13, kids £6.50, and booking online is cheaper.