It turns out that 30 minutes from where we are in Manchester (Altrincham) there is the Anderton Boat Lift. This is the only one of its kind in the UK and dates from the late 19th century (1875). The rise was too great for a normal lock system (it would have needed too much distance and use too much water) so they designed and built a 'lift' which lifted barges (and now two narrow boats at a time) up 50 ft. Back in the commercial days it was use to transport salt from the many salt mines and also clay and porcelain around the region.
After nearly being pulled down when it got too old and rusty it has been fully restored and is only used by pleasure boats now. They do a tour where you go along the river in a tour boat and up in the boat lift. It was really a great trip and well worth the £12 entry fee. The lift takes boats from the River Weaver up to the Trent & Mersey Canal.
The web-site is canalrivertrust.org.uk/Anderton-boat-lift