You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Known as the "Cathedral of the Canals," this is a towering, Grade I listed iron structure that vertically links the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: a visitor centre, a museum, exhibitions spaces, outdoor play areas, boat tours and gift and coffee shop. The actual boat lift and caisson gates were closed at the time of survey in 2026.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue shares a car park which has Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest train station is Northwich.
  • The nearest bus station is Northwich Interchange.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • The most accessible entrance is also the main entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes or ramps: the outdoor trails and gardens.
  • There are automatic doors along circulation routes.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces.
  • The upper floor of the visitor centre can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • Seating is available.
  • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • View more information on borrowing or hiring equipment (opens new tab).
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: Braille, large print and different languages.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: Disability & Inclusion.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • The toilets with adaptations are located near the main entrance (within the male and female facilities) and on the lower exhibition floor.
  • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
  • Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the visitor centre, first floor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities with stepped access are located externally, on the pathway.
• Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the female toilet with adaptations near the main entrance, and in the toilet with adaptations on the lower exhibition floor.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located on Lift Lane.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 490cm (depth).
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 100m from the entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors only.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders but not all users.
  • Anderton Nature Park Car Park is a shared car park.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
  • Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located next to the main entrance.

You are on Access to the Visitor Centre. Skip to the next section.

Access to the Visitor Centre

• The entrance to the Visitor Centre is approximately 100m from the car park, on the left hand side before the bridge.
• The most accessible route has step-free access via a ramp.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
• There are handrails on both sides.
• This route has uneven surfaces.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

• This entrance is located on the upper level of the venue.
• The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 127cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 127cm.
• The doors have a low colour contrast.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Location View
  • The reception is located straight ahead after entering.
  • The distance from the entrance is 4m.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 92cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has a television and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on The Gift and Coffee Shop. Skip to the next section.

The Gift and Coffee Shop

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• Location and Access View
  • The gift shop and coffee shop are located to the right after entering the visitor centre.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is open plan access.
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the right side of the coffee shop.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The card payment machine is at a height of 90cm.
  • The payment machine is at a fixed height.
  • The height of the tray rail is 80cm.
• Service View
  • Full table service is available.
  • Menus types include: wall-mounted (digital) and handheld.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Upper Level - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Upper Level - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located within the male toilet facilities on the upper level.
  • There is a similar toilet with adaptations in the female changing rooms.
  • The female toilet with adaptations has a baby change.
  • The baby change is 80cm high when in use.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high colour contrast.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 147cm (width) x 198cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 70cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 115cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The wash basin and tap cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the right side of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a wash basin mounted soap dispenser.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 93cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 135cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located near the reception desk, opposite the staircase.
• The distance from the entrance is 7m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.

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• Standard Lift View
  • The upper and lower levels of the visitor centre can be accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high colour contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 108cm (width) x 137cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
  • The control buttons have a medium colour contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and a mirror to aid reversing.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs are located to the left of the reception desk.
• The upper and lower levels of the visitor centre can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 19cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
• The steps have open risers.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Lower Level Exhibition Space. Skip to the next section.

Lower Level Exhibition Space

• The area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: braille, tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Level - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Level - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the lower exhibition floor.
• Route View
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• Access View
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The width of the opening is 89cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 215cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 68cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush for the toilet.
  • The flush is on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium colour contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 113cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the right side of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rail has a low colour contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 97cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 97cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 79cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exit to Outdoor Spaces. Skip to the next section.

Exit to Outdoor Spaces

• The exit area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the exit.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 160cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium colour contrast.
• There is a second set of double manual doors.
• The doors open away from you.
• One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
• The width of the opening is 80cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium colour contrast.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Maze, Gardens, Picnic and Play Areas). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Maze, Gardens, Picnic and Play Areas)

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• About View
  • The following is available in this area: a playground, a grassed play area, gardens, walkways and grounds.
  • Additional facilities in this area include: a maze exhibit.
• Getting Around View
  • There are surfaced footpaths throughout.
  • Surfaced footpaths consist of: concrete, block paving, rubber tarmac and boardwalk.
  • The majority of the surfaced footpaths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • Some footpaths have sections with potential obstacles such as: uneven surfaces.
  • There is wayfinding signage in this area.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • There is not step-free level access throughout.
  • The following areas have step-free access via slopes: some areas on the footpath and access to the canal.
• Playground View
  • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
  • The following play experiences are available: sliding, climbing, balancing, crawling, viewing and social play (e.g. water or sand pits, talk tubes, hopscotch, roundabouts, see-saws).
  • Routes around the play equipment are firm and even.
  • Routes around the play equipment are at least 150cm wide.

You are on Seating Area (Viewing Platform). Skip to the next section.

Seating Area (Viewing Platform)

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• Location and Access View
  • The area overlooks the lift and outdoor areas.
  • The most accessible route has steep slopes.
  • There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
  • This route has uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free access via a slope to this area.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is an opening without doors.
  • The width of the opening is more than 200cm.
• Seating Area View
  • The seating area is uncovered.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

You are on The Marquee. Skip to the next section.

The Marquee

• The room is located alongside the river and is mainly used for private functions and events.
• The distance from the visitor centre is 90m.
• The most accessible route to the room has steep slopes.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This route has uneven surfaces.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 165cm.
• The doors have a medium colour contrast.
• There is step-free level access throughout.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this room includes: chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in this room includes: tables.
• None of the tables are fixed.
• The surface height of the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables/desks is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles.
• There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the function/event.
• Announcements are in person.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• The layout of this room may change depending on the event.

You are on Access to the Edwin Clark - Boat Tour. Skip to the next section.

Access to the Edwin Clark - Boat Tour

• The Edwin Clark vessel is docked on the river, next to the Anderton Boat Lift.
• The most accessible route has step-free access via a slope.
• The slope gradient varies between slight and steep.
• There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
• This route has uneven surfaces and narrow walkways.
• There is no signage on or near the entrance.
• There is step-free level access via lift to enter.
• The lift bypasses steps.
• There are double manual doors.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 85cm.
• The doors have a high colour contrast.
• There is an hydraulic lift to access the Edwin Clark vessel.
• The vessel can accommodation a maximum of 2 wheelchairs per trip.
• The width of the lift entrance is 78cm.