Anderton Boat Lift

The Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire is the world's first hydraulic boat lift, raising vessels roughly 15 metres between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal since 1875. Designed by engineer Edwin Clark, the original structure used hydraulic rams balanced by counterweight caissons; the system was converted to electric drive in 1908. After decades of neglect the lift was fully restored and reopened in 2002, and it now holds the status of a scheduled ancient monument. Visitors can watch the massive water-filled caissons in operation, take guided tours of the Victorian engine house, and use the site as a starting point for towpath walks along the Trent and Mersey Canal.