About us  

We would like to introduce ourselves and share our story, we are Steph and Paul Dudley.  Our journey started in the mid 2000's when we purchased and restored a classic NORMAN cruiser.  We soon got the 'bug for boating' which led onto a 35 foot narrowboat which we spent more than 10 years exploring the canal networks of the UK.  It was during Summer 2017 that we started to plan our future so … in July 2018 we purchased our lovely 70 foot passenger trip boat "Lurcher" and this is where our next chapter begins!!! 

 The launch of Willow Cruises 

We spent nearly 12 months acquiring our home mooring outside Canalside cafe, Great Haywood, working with Canal and Rivers Trust, renovating Lurcher, installing her electrics, central heating, insulation and carpets amongst countless other things to improve  passenger comfort while retaining the style and feel of the traditional working boat at the rear.  

Our first passenger cruises finally took place on 2nd November 2019 which included a surprise 40th birthday afternoon tea cruise which we were privileged to host!   
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