EASTER will kick off in style at the Anderton Boat Lift’s free Easter Eggstravangza, starting on Good Friday.

The annual feast of family fun from April 10 to 13 April will feature free Easter Egg treasure hunts for children throughout the day, from 9.30am to 4pm, with prizes.

Children will also have the opportunity to enjoy free arts and crafts in the visitor centre.

For children with excess energy, there is also the fun of the Lift’s £50,000 bespoke play area, designed to resemble the Lift.

Entry to the Anderton Boat Lift is free for adults and children. Lunch and snacks will be available at the tree-top coffee shop.

The only cost for visitors is if they wish to enjoy a boat trip. Visitors can experience how it feels to be magically transported through the Lift by this piece of high Victorian engineering.

Alternatively, they can opt for a trip along the picturesque River Weaver where they can learn about the unique industrial heritage of Northwich, a town that has made its living on salt for more than 2,000 years.

Combined boat trip tickets are available.

Northwich Guardian:

There is no cost for children aged under five years old and there are reduced price tickets for under 16-year-olds.

Booking in advance is advisable by calling 01606 786777.

Graham Wood, duty manager, said: “Easter is a great time for families and friends to meet up but can be expensive.

"At the Anderton Boat Lift we understand this so there is no cost to get into the site and wandering around its terraced grounds or visiting the fun exhibition.

"Nor is there a cost for children to take part in the Easter Hunt, take part in craft activities or play on our Lift-themed £50,000 play area. The only cost is for taking a boat trip, an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages.

"At the Anderton Boat Lift, we want people of all ages to engage with one of the most fascinating sites on Britain’s waterways and have a good time.

"The Anderton Boat Lift is a great place to enjoy the Easter break, especially for families who might be entertaining visiting relatives.”

The Anderton Boat Lift is owned by the Canal and River Trust charity and was restored in 2002 after a £7 million restoration made possible due to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It is the world’s first ever successful boat lifts – one of the seven wonders of Britain’s waterways and an engineering masterpiece.

Still floating boats through the air between the canal and river, the Lift is often referred to as the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’.