A unique Inland Waterways skippered canal cruises business operating on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal departing daily (9am to 3pm) from Burscough, near Ormskirk, north-west of Manchester. This is a delightful, wonderfully rural, and profitable lifestyle business that operates all year round.
It offers both half day and full day hospitality styled cruises, with a range of food and beverage services (fully licensed to serve alcoholic beverages) available including breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meals. Catering is provided by partner establishments, very charmingly, as an integral part of the cruise experience and within the cruise price. Guests are served with tapas, hotpot, or fish and chips for example from the advanced booking menu.
The business also delivers bespoke canal boat experiences and charters for customers, many of whom return time after time, including wedding celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, school reunions, corporate hospitality, and local history tours.
Lancashire Canal Cruises was originally founded in 2013 and acquired by its current owners in 2020. There are 2 narrowboats included in the sale price, with a 3rd narrowboat available by separate negotiation. The boats are moored on dedicated towpath moorings situated close to the cruise departure point, all boats seat 12 passengers in comfort and safety, and all have central heating fitted and washroom facilities.
Marketing activities include posting regular updates to its website, which is integrated with a comprehensive online booking and payment platform. Social media channels, customer database with active subscribers, Tripadvisor reviews, and promotions in conjunction with Visit Britain and Visit Lancashire. The business also sells its own gift vouchers and accepts promotional vouchers including from Groupon.
