SANTA will be swapping his sleigh for a boat this Christmas, offering festive cruises from the Anderton Boat Lift.

Children and families will have the chance to talk to Father Christmas and receive a present on a Santa Cruise along the River Weaver.

The historic lift, known as the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’, is offering these memorable trips each weekend during December up until Christmas Eve, as well as on Friday, December 21.

Boats will cast off at 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm with additional 10am and 11am slots on a variety of days including December 15 and 16, and from December 22 to Christmas Eve.

Tim Turner is the general manager at the Anderton Boat Lift.

He said: “Both staff and visitors love the Santa Cruises.

“There is something very special about seeing the look of pure delight and wonder in children’s faces as they realise that they are not only seeing Santa but going on a boat too.

“It is something really different and so much more memorable than what is available elsewhere.

“The Santa Cruises promise a wonderful childhood memory.”

The trips are full of festive family fun with games, songs and stories with Santa.

With tickets £8 for under 16s and £6 for adults, each child will meet Santa and receive a gift that has been specially picked by him.

Boarding from the base of the giant lift, a masterpiece of high Victorian engineering, visitors of all ages will enjoy the comfort of a modern, heated boat, decorated by Santa’s elves.

They can also enjoy the festive spirit whilst watching the world float by – there is no cost to visit the hands-on exhibition that explains the history of the site with fun interactive displays or to see the rest of the site.

Earlier this year, the lift – which is run by the Canal and River Trust charity – was awarded Cheshire’s ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’.

The lift site also features a £50,000 play area.

See the full timetable for Santa Cruises online by paying a visit to northwichguardian.co.uk

n Pre-booking is highly recommended on 01606 786777 or at visitchester.digitickets.co.uk

Everyone who pre-books tickets can also take advantage of a festive food menu in the lift’s tree-top coffee shop.