Anderton Boat Lift & Steam Railway

We head to picturesque Llangollen, located on the banks of the River Dee and surrounded by rolling Welsh hills. First, we climb aboard one of the vintage carriages at the town’s heritage Steam Railway, operated by volunteers, and watch the ever-changing scenery unfold on a spectacular journey through the Dee Valley. Next up is an idyllic horse-drawn cruise, instantly transporting us to a bygone era. Llangollen is part of an 11-mile stretch of canal which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and our leisurely trip is the perfect way to soak up the peace and tranquility of the town’s beautiful waterways.

We spend some time at the pretty shopping destination of Blakemere Village, set in the heart of Cheshire. It features a unique collection of independent boutiques gathered around a quaint courtyard, a popular craft workshop and plenty of tempting food and drink outlets. We continue to Anderton Boat Lift, renowned as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and an incredible piece of engineering. The magnificent Victorian structure still fulfils its original purpose, lifting boats and barges 50 feet from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal high above. We step aboard the Edwin Clark, named after the engineer who designed and constructed the impressive machinery and enjoy our combined lift and river cruise. To find out more, the lower level houses an insightful exhibition where we can discover the story of the lift, the people of the waterways that used it and the people who brought it back to life.