Actually, you don’t need an inland waterways helmsman certificate to hire a day boat from Fox Narrowboats. You don’t even need any experience on the water. And you won’t be handed a set of keys on a cork keyring, and sent off down the river. Our team gives you a full talk and initiation before you leave the mooring, so by the time you’re casting off, you’ll be feeling ready.

All you will need is snacks, a decent pair of sunglasses, and a “can do” attitude!

A proper day out. Not just a boat trip.

Day boat hire from our marina in March, Cambridgeshire, isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about cruising along a pretty stretch of the Old River Nene, or the moment someone spots a heron standing very still in the reeds and everyone goes quiet. It’s sometimes about the debate with your crew, about whether to stop for fish and chips or have lunch at a waterside pub. It’s always about a break away from screen time, notifications and emails.

heron still fenland waterways – deposit

The Fens don’t look like anywhere else in England: Big skies, flat landscapes, ancient towns and atmospheric legends that have been woven into classic novels.  (Think Philip Pullman, and Philippa Pearce.) If you’ve spent the last few weekends at soft play, a garden centre or a shopping centre this is going to feel a bit different.

Pick your route. We’ve done the planning for you.

Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling and what kind of places you’d like to stop in, there’s a route to suit you. See our fenland waterways map

fenland waterways interactive map – fox

Best for families with young children: Three Holes or Benwick

Both of these routes are lock-free, which means no stress and no queue. Head out along the Middle Level Navigations towards Three Holes for a route that’s become something of a wildlife corridor; brilliant for spotting kingfishers, herons and the occasional swan. There’s space to moor up for a picnic, and the kids can try their hand at net fishing from the bankside. It’s about four hours of cruising in total, so quite manageable with an early start and a packed lunch.

rustic corner cafe benwick march – rustic

Benwick is another gentle option heading west, with moorings near the village and the Five Alls pub at the far end of the route at weekends. This rural, dog-friendly pub has outside tables to sit at in the summertime. Muddy paws and boots are welcome all year round. The Rustic Corner Café inside the Spar shop does excellent breakfasts and cakes, and the Facebook reviews describe it as a “hidden gem.”

Best for a longer day: Upwell and Outwell

If you want to make a full day of it, the journey east towards Upwell and Outwell is one of the most picturesque in the Fens. You’ll pass through Marmont Priory Lock and arrive at Upwell, a village that seems almost too pretty to be real; Dutch-style houses lining the waterway, are a stunning photo opportunity. There is time for a stop at The Creek public house.

At Outwell basin, there’s a natural turning point and a good spot for a picnic. On the way back through Upwell, J.R. Stott Fish and Chips is the place to be (but check opening times on 01945 772345 before you go).

This route takes around seven and a half hours return with two locks, so it’s a proper full-day adventure. Comfortable for adults and older children who are up for a longer cruise.

Best for a relaxed start: through the town of March

Some routes pass through March itself, which means you can start your morning with breakfast at The Acre riverside pub (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) or a full English at Ye Olde Griffin Hotel any day of the week. And on the way back, the Ship Inn has moorings right outside and a cold drink with your name on it.

March isn’t the most famous Fenland town, but its hidden charms are worth slowing down for.

A note to the first-time skipper

Yes, you can steer a hire boat without having done it before. Thousands of people do it every year, including people who were considerably more nervous about it than you are. The boat’s easy to handle, the Fenland waterways give you plenty of room, and the speed limit on the navigation is 4mph, about the same pace as a brisk walk. But that’s not a goal to aim for, you won’t be travelling fast enough to do anything so dramatic!

Locks may sound intimidating until you’ve done one, at which point they become the most satisfying part of the day. On the lockless routes, you don’t have to worry about them at all.

Before you set off, our team will walk you through everything you need to know: how to steer, how to slow down, how to moor up, and what to do at a lock if your route includes one. You’ll leave feeling calm and capable rather than like you’ve been handed a manual and wished good luck.

What to bring

Pack as though you’re going for a long picnic that happens to take place on water. Layers are your friend in the Fens; the skies are wide open and the wider waterways can be breezy. Bring more food than you think you’ll need, a blanket, sunscreen, hat and something to keep the children occupied during the quieter stretches. A spotters guide to Fenland birds could make the day more interesting too.

You might also want to look up opening times for wherever you’re planning to stop for food. Canal-side pubs and small town cafés are charming, but if you’re planning a day around a particular stop you’ll need to be sure it’s open and consider pre booking.

Ready to book?

June is peak season on the waterways; the days are long, the light is amazing, and the Fens are genuinely at their best. Day boats go quickly at this time of year, (even though they move slowly!) so if you’re thinking about it, now is the time to stop thinking and start booking.

Visit Day Boat Hire to check availability and book your day out on the water. We’re based in Cambridgeshire, and we’ll be very glad to see you.

No experience necessary. Happy memories guaranteed.

You may also like: Why Your Kids Will Love a Narrowboat Summer Holiday

Don’t miss more articles about what to see and do when narrowboating in the Fens: Sign up to follow this blog in the sidebar on the right.

Peggy Melmoth is a writer who shares her memoir-style writing and poetry at Life, Locks and Literature.

Photo credits: Marina Fox Narrowboats, Heron Deposit Photos, Ship Inn riverside, 

The post You Don’t Need to Know What You’re Doing. That’s the Adventure! appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

No Experience? No Problem

Fox Narrowboats, based on the beautiful Fenland Waterways in March, Cambridgeshire, has been welcoming complete beginners aboard for years. Before you untie the ropes and head off, the team gives you a full handover: how to steer, how to work the locks, how to moor up for the night. It’s thorough, friendly, and specifically designed for people who don’t know their windlass from their elbow. By the end of your first day, you’ll wonder what you were ever worried about.

Two Ways to Try It

day boat hire cruising

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a week away on the water,  we offer dayboat hire as the perfect way to dip your toes in. Hire a boat for a day, pack a picnic, and potter along the rivers and canals at whatever pace takes your fancy. There’s no schedule, no sat nav, and no one rushing you along. Just water, willows, and the odd swan giving you a suspicious look as you chug past.

rural fox narrowboat

For families or couples who want to go further, a multi-day hire holiday on one of the Fox fleet opens up a wonderful stretch of waterway. Rural Fox is a 47 foot luxury narrowboat for families, with one double and two twin beds on board. You can wind through the Fens, moor up beside a riverside pub for supper, wake up to mist on the water, and feel genuinely, properly switched off from ordinary life in a way that a hotel simply cannot replicate. It’s like disappearing into your own private, whimsical world!

rural fox boat galley

What About the Children?

Canal boats and curious children are a surprisingly brilliant combination. Life on the water is naturally adventurous without being scary, and children who spend a week helping to operate locks, spotting herons, and learning to coil a rope properly, come home with a very different kind of confidence.

excited on the bow | fox

During the 19^th century’s canal age, families lived and worked on board 70 foot cargo-carrying boats, and children as young as eight would be expected to work and steer the boat. These days, life jackets are provided, the waterways are calm and wide, and the pace of travel means nobody is ever far from the bank. Even babies and toddlers can enjoy time on board. After all, in the 21st century, boaters raise children safely in floating homes all over England.

helping on the lock | fox

The Bit Everyone Worries About

“But what if I crash it?” This one comes up a lot, and the answer is reassuring: narrowboats bump gently into things, that’s just part of boating, and no one is going to shout at you. The boats are robust, and the waterways are forgiving. You will make small mistakes. You will also have a very good laugh about them. One thing worth knowing: narrowboats move slowly, but they’re equally slow to stop. If you suspect you’re on a collision course, put the engine into reverse gear, which will bring you very gradually to a halt. There are no brakes! Almost everyone bumps into the bank or clips something when they’re first getting used to the tiller. It’s all part of the adventure.

Ready to See What It’s All About?

Whether you fancy a leisurely day on the water or a full week exploring some of England’s most beautiful, uncrowded, inland waterways, Fox Narrowboats has a boat and a welcome ready for you. Search our narrowboat holiday breaks, and check availability. Then, if you have any questions, just give us a ring or drop us an email. We really have heard them all before, and we love hearing from first-timers.

You might just discover your new favourite kind of holiday.

swan family | fox

You may also like: Love Letters From the Water – what our guests have enjoyed lately.

Are you new here? For our best tips about canal boating holidays, enter your email address in the box in the right side bar (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send you articles direct to your in-box. We never share or sell email addresses; this is just to send you our latest blog posts.

Peggy Melmoth is a writer who shares her memoir-style writing and poetry at Life, Locks and Literature.

The post Could You Really Hire a Narrowboat? (Spoiler: Yes, You Absolutely Could) appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Narrowboat Holidays Near London

Our narrowboat hire base is less than 100 miles from London, and is easy to get to by train from King’s Cross in about 90 minutes. For a mates’ holiday in south east England, choose from our four most popular, stunning canal routes, and a range of comfortable canal boats to hire.

little venice in paddington london

Narrowboat holidays in Cambridgeshire are ideal for beginners, because your trip begins with our in-house training, included in the price. Our boats can accommodate up to six people and have multiple berths and fully equipped galleys. Your route can include picturesque scenery, wide open Fenland skies, canal-side pubs, and charming, ancient market towns. Far less crowded than the Norfolk Broads, our local waterways have very few locks, which makes them faster and easier to navigate than most UK canals, although fast travel is not what narrowboaters are aiming for.

You may be surprised how easy it is to steer a narrowboat, so that handling the boat quickly becomes part of the pleasure. Imagine relaxed mornings on deck with a coffee, or stargazing and chatting together with a glass of wine in the evenings.

Tips for Friendship Groups

Each day, it’s a good idea to agree together on where you might want to stop, based on how many hours you want to travel that day. It’s best to enjoy a slow cruise rather than aim to get too far too soon. Plan ahead using the guidebook provided on board, CanalPlanAC, or our own interactive waterways map. It really is more about the journey than the destination. Make sure to plan your return journey back to the hire base too.

fenland waterways interactive map – fox

Everybody can take turns steering the boat and operating the locks, as this is all part of the fun, so make sure to pay attention during the boat handling training. Before you begin, you may like to plan a few meals and snacks that are easy to make on board in a small space.

narrow boat steering on holiday – fox

As you travel, make use of public toilets and toilets in pubs wherever you can, because the toilet tank on board may fill quickly with a larger group on the boat.

A typical day together as a group may include sharing the steering duties, operating locks, and mooring up. Stopping places may be a scenic rural picnic, a village fish and chip shop, or a day exploring a historic town like Ely or Peterborough. There should be something for everyone, if your group has various interests.

What to Bring

Bring soft bags rather than hard suitcases, as they will be easier to store on board, and don’t bring too many things. Space is limited. You can’t store anything on the roof of a boat because low bridges and branches may knock it off into the water.

Pack layers of clothing to prepare for varying temperatures, and be ready for rain or shine. You may like to bring some gloves for rainy days, because if you’re the one out on deck steering, that hand on the tiller can get cold. Hopefully a shipmate will bring you a warm cuppa.

Before you set off, get some basic grocery shopping on board. You won’t always be moored near a shop, and you may decide to moor somewhere scenic and remote for an unscheduled tea break. So make sure you have milk and biscuits on board, plus coffee, tea and bread. Keep some snacks on board too, and something easy to cook on the hob.

Fox Narrowboats can arrange a supermarket delivery to your boat at the marina in March before you set off. If you’re celebrating an occasion and fancy a treat, order an afternoon tea or a graze box from Glam Grazing. Although there is only a small freezer compartment on board, our boats come with fully equipped galleys, including crockery, cutlery, oven, hob, microwave and fridge.

Locks

There are no famous lock flights on the Fenland waterways. The Fens are reclaimed, drained marshland, which makes it a mostly flat landscape. For example, there are only two locks between March Marina and Peterborough.

Get some crew on the lock landing as you approach a lock gate, and ask them to open it before the steerer guides the boat into the lock. Don’t nudge the gate open with the bow of the boat. Get the skipper to watch the stern and keep it clear of the cill when travelling downhill. If a boat gets caught on the cill, it can sink.

When passing through a lock, or mooring up, dogs should be kept inside the boat or on a lead. Let us know at the time of booking if you want to bring a dog.

Fox Boats

Our flexible cabin layouts with six berths are ideal for group getaways, university reunions and celebrating milestones and special occasions. With a spacious saloon and a practical layout for eating and socialising, our larger boats, Platinum Fox and Cape Fox allow everyone to travel together in comfort.

group on board boat making tea – fox dayboat

Splitting a large group onto two boats can increase the price of your holiday hire, so instead we recommend hiring a six berth boat for a group of friends together. A short break of three nights starts from around £180 per person.

A canal holiday offers quirky accommodation combined with a fun activity, making good memories together. It’s a chance to slow down and enjoy nature while cruising, yet also offers the option for a night out on the town, depending on where you decide to moor.

And Finally: Enjoy Life in the Slow Lane

Going slow is what boating is all about, so if you can walk faster than your boat, you’re doing it right. Unplug from 21st-century living and look out for daffodils and primroses along the riverbanks. At this time of year you may see blossom on the trees, windmills in the fields, and ducklings and cygnets bobbing along on the water.

If you’re on board at Eastertime, stock up on chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. Visit local markets and Easter events by narrowboat, and enjoy St George’s Fayre in March Town Centre, or check out the world eel throwing competition at Ely Eel Festival in May. Getting together with a group of your closest friends to slow down and enjoy nature is one of the best ways to make lasting memories.

Ready to start cruising? Get in touch with Fox Narrowboats today and start planning your trip! See 2026 special offers

Are you new here? For our best tips about canal boating holidays enter your email address in the box in the right side bar (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send you articles direct to your in-box. (We never share or sell email addresses, this is just to send you our latest blog posts.)

Peggy Melmoth is a writer who shares her memoir-style writing and poetry at Life, Locks and Literature.

Photo credits: Little Venice London Deposit Photos, Fox Narrowboats

The post The Best Narrowboat Holiday for a Group of Friends appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Rural Fox narrowboat interior

I think you’ll agree that a season of round-the-clock fires, condensation-laden windows, and just that general sense of having being inside for longer, can leave our boats—and ourselves—a little uninspired so as soon as the weather takes a turn toward the light, I like to have a really good spring clean.

By the end of winter wood ash and coal dust seem to have found their way into every crevice, which means it’s time to fling open the doors, grab a bucket of soapy water and a sponge and set to work on cleaning every wall, window, shelf and cupboard. I also like to wash any fabrics, curtains and cushion covers. Thoroughly clearing out the winter grime feels so good and also offers an opportunity to de-clutter alongside, which frees the mind ready for this season that brings with it new hopes and dreams to be realised.

Ready to enjoy signs of spring in our beautiful surroundings? 

Exploring Cambridgeshire’s Wildlife: Spotting Flora and Fauna with Fox Narrowboats

Making space for new light foods such as uplifting herbal teas and self raising flour for lemon-infused cakes is a good way to move away from the cocoa and spelt flour that kept us full and warm during winter. Go ahead and add inspiring books to your bookshelf too by re-distributing old reads to new homes, and be sure to dig out your waterway map books so you can get to planning some adventures for the coming year. In my opinion there’s nothing like pouring over physical maps to get the excitement bubbling!

river map planning – skylar_tv

With so much to see on the British Waterways in spring, from the first buds and bulbs bursting out, to ducklings and signets and (hopefully!) equally cheery faces on maiden cruises, if you’ve been tucked up in a winter mooring it’s important to untie the ropes and head off exploring. Plus, there’s nothing like the thought of your first stroll down the towpath—or cruise on the back of your boat—in a t-shirt, to motivate that first move following a cocooned winter.

Are you curious about a narrowboat cruise? Why not book onto one of our skippered boat trips!

www.foxboats.co.uk/boat-trips/

skippered boat trip fox narrowboats march

Which brings me to the last—but by no means least—important chore of spring cleaning: the exterior. It can be easy in winter to let the leaves, dirt and chimney dust clog up your roof, not to mention the odd bag of coal chucked up on a cold, dark night or a length of wood gathered on a dog walk and stored only to be forgotten. Having a clear up and then washing and polishing your paintwork will give everything a final lift. You can buy a boat washing shampoo, as well as polish, from any good boat chandlery and a simple vinegar spray will do the trick to sparkle up your windows. If you have canopies, a good brush down and wash using whatever the manufacturers suggest will ensure your narrowboat is spring-ready and with the final touch of a bunch of daffodils, you’re good to go and enjoy this new season!

Photo credits: River map Skyler Smith on Unsplash

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

The post Spring ‘Narrowboat’ Clean appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

spring narrowboat on the waterways

Having now lived on narrowboats for many years I can concur that carrying coal and bags of laundry down a muddy towpath can certainly lose some of its ‘being joyfully connected to the elements’ charm after several months. Certainly there have been many winters where I have pondered if there is space to fit a washing machine on my boat. However, being present to the first precious gifts of spring does indeed more than make up for any of those hardships and failed daydreams.

first spring lock – alice elgie

Just yesterday morning I woke to dry windows inside, blue sky outside and felt the first  faint but euphoric realisation that somewhere in the not too far distance, spring is brewing. It made me reminisce about early spring 2011—one of my first on a narrowboat—when I lounged on the roof writing whilst chatting to passing boaters, my daughter peddling up and down the towpath on her bike talking to the ducks and geese. In that moment I simply couldn’t imagine a better way to live in England because for me, it was everything at its best: nature, friendliness and freedom.

If you would like to be one of the first to experience spring on the waterways, book your holiday with Fox Narrowboats

In the first throws of spring, winter quickly becomes a distant memory. My dreams of an on-board washing machine fade into the background as hand-washed clothes blow in the breeze and there is abundant space on the doorstep where we can roam and find adventures along secret paths, in wide open fields and amongst the trees. I think that’s it for me, that on a narrowboat we can live right in the heart of an unfurling spring. Each morning the air tastes fresher and I feel more at peace as I lay still listening to a visiting chaffinch or watch moorhens as they scurry in and out of their nest. The world comes alive all around me and somehow, the quiet cocoon that winter can be, makes me even more aware of each minuscule change.

Want to know why an April narrowboat holiday is the perfect spring getaway on our Fox blog?

And when I do have to do a laundrette run, I know it will no longer be plagued by a cold, muddy walk to sit looking sorrowfully out through steamed-up windows onto a dreary street. Instead us ‘washers’ will chat to each other with bright smiles as we watch our clothes go round and I will be reminded of the valuable people connection that would be lost if I were to relent to having a washing machine on my boat.

2026 Spring Canal Boat Holiday Offers

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

The post Looking Toward Spring appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Here are some of the birds, plants, and animals you might meet on your journey.

1) Birds of the Fenland Skies

Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or a curious beginner, the Fens are a brilliant place to spot water birds and rare species.

kingfisher | vincent van zalinge

Kingfishers: If you’re lucky, you might spot a flash of electric blue darting across the water. Although they nest in the riverbanks, it’s pretty rare to see one; so look out for them in the morning or at dusk.

You’ll be more likely to see swans, ducks and geese. Swans glide alongside the boat as if escorting you, while moorhens bob around the reeds with their chicks in tow. Herons keep impossibly still, but you may notice one on the bank, poised to catch a fish in the shallows.

Marsh Harriers and Owls: In more open areas, keep an eye on the sky. These larger birds of prey are often spotted circling overhead.

marsh harrier | paul kelly

Top Spotting Tip: When you’re moored up, a narrowboat allows you to observe without disturbing the wildlife, like a floating bird hide! The waterfowl may even approach you.

2) Towpath Botanicals

Walking the towpath is not only a chance to stretch your legs, but also to enjoy a closer look at the wildflowers and plants lining the banks.

Purple Loosestrife and Yellow Flag Iris are out in the summer, adding splashes of colour to your journey. Reed beds rustle in the breeze, creating a habitat for many small creatures.

yellow flag iris | martin wemyss

In spring and early summer, you might spot cow parsley, wild poppies, and meadowsweet, while later in the year, blackberries offer the opportunity for a little wild foraging. There are brilliant towpath foraging tips, and a muffin recipe, by narrowboater Helen here: Foraging With Children.

blackberry raspberry cake | micheile henderson

Why It Matters: Noticing these small details can turn an ordinary walk into a mini nature treasure hunt for kids, or a mindful practice for grown-ups.

3) Creatures Great and Small

While you’re relaxing on deck or strolling the towpath, keep your eyes peeled for shy mammals and water-loving insects.

Water voles (think Ratty from Wind in the Willows) are often seen along Cambridgeshire’s quieter waterways. My favourite are dragonflies and damselflies dancing above the surface on sunny days, their shimmering wings catching the light.

Hares and deer sometimes appear at dawn or dusk in the open countryside beyond the riverbanks. And of course, frogs and newts can be found near weedy stretches of canal and pond-like areas.

deer divide | zero

Family Bonus: Even children used to tech can’t help but be curious when a dragonfly lands on the roof of the boat or a tiny frog hops across the path.

4) Nature Reserves along the Way

Cruising with Fox Narrowboats puts you within reach of several wildlife-rich destinations.

Welney Wetland Centre: A must for bird lovers, this reserve is part of the Ouse Washes and is famous for its migratory swans and waders. The best way to visit is to take a taxi from either Denver or Littleport to the centre. Fox Route 1 will take you on the River Ouse and you can reserve tickets for the centre online.

Wicken Fen: One of the oldest nature reserves in the UK, Wicken Fen offers a magical mixture of sedge, water, and sky. You can moor nearby and take a walk through the boardwalks to explore rare habitats. From the moorings on Wicken Lode it is a short walk to the National Trust Visitors Centre and café.

wicken fen | phil hearing

Roswell Pits, near Ely: A peaceful spot for watching birds and dragonflies, and a good place to stretch your legs before heading into Ely town.

Planning Tip: Check mooring locations in advance if you’d like to combine cruising with a visit to these wild havens.

5) Slow Travel, Rich Encounters

What makes wildlife spotting from a narrowboat so special? It’s the combination of stillness and surprise. One moment you’re making tea in the galley, the next, you’re calling out to everyone because a deer just leapt across the bank. It’s not staged or rushed, it’s real, and it stays with you.

Whether you’re a family looking to connect, or a couple seeking peace and quiet, nature finds a way of making your narrowboat journey unforgettable.

Ready to Drift into Nature?

At Fox Narrowboats, we’re proud to help families, couples and nature lovers discover the hidden wildlife wonders of Cambridgeshire’s waterways. All of our boats come with the comforts of home, and the convenience of being close to nature.

Book your holiday narrowboat today and begin your own slow adventure.

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Photo credits: Kingfisher by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash. Marsh Harrier Paul Kelly on Unsplash. Yellow flag Iris Martin Wemyss on Unsplash. Blackberry and raspberry cake micheile henderson on Unsplash. Deer Divide By Zero on Unsplash. Wicken Fen Phil Hearing on Unsplash

The post Exploring Cambridgeshire’s Wildlife: Spotting Flora and Fauna with Fox Narrowboats appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

credit: Fox Narrowboats

1) A Floating Home Full of Surprises

There’s something magical about stepping aboard your very own boat for the week. It’s not just a holiday; it’s an experience. Fox Narrowboats come fully equipped with all the comforts of home: a galley kitchen, shower, toilet, and separate bedrooms. Boats like the 55 foot cruiser, Platinum Fox, even offer a double bed and two singles — ideal for families.

platinum fox narrowboat double bed cabin

As you unpack and explore, the kids will love claiming their bunks, opening every cupboard, and plugging in their gadgets to the USB sockets. (Yes, there’s power for tablets!) But don’t be surprised if the real fun starts when the devices are forgotten and they’re out on deck watching the world go by.

platinum fox narrowboat single beds in cabin

Browse the boats: Choose a holiday narrowboat.

2) Everyone Gets Their Own Space

Unlike cramming into a tent or squeezing into a hotel room, a narrowboat offers separate cabins, giving children and parents a little space. Older kids can chill with their phones or read a book, while adults enjoy steering the boat, making lunch, or catching up over a cuppa. It’s the best of both worlds: togetherness, with the option to retreat.

3) Bring the Dog Too

Yes, the family pet is invited. Our canal holidays are dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join the adventure. Dogs love trotting along the towpath, exploring mooring spots, or snoozing on deck while the boat gently chugs along. Just remember a life jacket for smaller breeds, and a lead for adventurous ones!

credit: dog with life vest Matt Seymour

The kids will appreciate that the dog can come to the pub, tag along on walks, and be part of the fun every step of the way.

You may also like: Canal Boating With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide

4) A Screen-Free Adventure (Sort Of)

They may not know it yet, but the children are actually going to enjoy being outdoors. A child that was previously glued to a screen may find themselves sitting on deck watching the ducks, or walking the towpath, simply because there is so much to see and do. The boat will be travelling at less than four miles per hour so it’s possible to walk and keep up with the boat. Simple jobs like mooring up the boat together give a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of being part of a team. At the end of the day the whole family should feel tired in a good way, relaxing at a waterside pub, before taking a short walk back to the boat for a good night’s sleep.

Marmont Priory Lock

5) Easy Access to Family-Friendly Days Out

Our hire boat base in Cambridgeshire allows easy boating access to the Middle Level and several navigable rivers, with plenty to explore along the way. Think picnics in the sunshine, spotting kingfishers, and visiting historic sites like Ely Cathedral or Oliver Cromwell’s House. Interested in culture? You can cruise all the way to Cambridge and explore the University colleges or try punting on the river Cam. Museums, windfarms, old churches, local music festivals, quaint villages, ancient mills, medieval streets, fish and chips, and traditional pubs are just some of the things you can enjoy when you’re cruising in the Fens.

There’s something for everyone, from curious teens to inquisitive little ones (and grown-up history geeks, too).

6) Become Part of the Crew

If your weekdays feel like ships passing in the night, a narrowboat holiday brings you all back together… in the same boat! (Groan.) Before you set off, we’ll show you the ropes (literally), teaching your crew how to navigate and handle the boat safely. When you cast off and begin your first cruise there is a wonderful sense of freedom, and you’ll find you begin to spend quality time together.

credit: Scott Precious

Kids love getting involved, learning mooring knots, working the locks, or even having a go at steering, under supervision. Suddenly, everyone has a role. Even doing the dishes feels like an adventure when you’re chugging gently along on the river, with the countryside rolling past your window.

Ready to Make This Summer Unforgettable?

Whether it’s the freedom of the open water, the novelty of boat life, or the simple joy of shared experiences, a narrowboat holiday creates memories your kids will treasure for years.

credit : Fox narrowboats

Book your floating family adventure with Fox Narrowboats today, and discover the joy of slow travel, together. Booking on our website gets you an instant online discount.

Don’t miss more articles about what to see and do when narrowboating in the Fens: Sign up to follow this blog in the sidebar on the right.

Photos credits: dog life vest Matt Seymour on Unsplash, mooring Scott Precious on Unsplash

The post Why Your Kids Will Love a Narrowboat Summer Holiday appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

spring 2025 narrowboat holiday

Why Go Boating in April?

April is when nature bursts back into life. Picture the blossom on the trees, and the plants and towpath-grass lining the waterways, making your journey as scenic as it is peaceful. It’s also the perfect time for spotting wildlife. Who doesn’t love to see a mother duck bobbing past their boat with a row of her ducklings in tow? The swans will be nesting, and if you’re lucky you could also glimpse a flash of a kingfisher, or a heron.

fox narrowboats heron

For families, an Easter holiday on the water is a unique and fun experience. You may like to bring some chocolate eggs for a boat-based Easter hunt. When my kids were young we lived on a narrowboat, and hid Easter eggs in a field near the towpath for our children to discover. Many of our local towns host Easter events and markets, perfect for a family outing. If you enjoy exploring history, you can moor up and visit iconic sites like Ely Cathedral, Ramsey Abbey, or even our charming home town of March, before the summer crowds arrive. Other local events in spring include St Georges Fayre in March, and Ely Eel Festival, home to the world eel throwing competition!

st georges fayre march april 2025 poster credit fenland gov

Spring’s mild temperatures and longer daylight hours make it a great time for walking and cycling along the towpaths. If you want to bring your dog on a boat trip, just let us know at the time of booking. And of course, no boating holiday is complete without stopping at a cosy waterside pub or café. Enjoy a drink or a classic cream tea as you take in the view. You might also want to browse local markets in Ely or St Ives, picking up fresh veg to cook up a delicious meal in the galley on-board.

Why Book Your Holiday Early?

Booking your holiday in advance means you get the best pick of boats and travel dates, so you won’t miss out on your ideal trip. Spring cruises are sometimes better value than peak summer breaks, making them a budget-friendly option.

spring 2025 holiday booking fox narrowboat st ives river

The weather in April and May is pretty mild, with crisp mornings and sunny afternoons—ideal for comfortable cruising. You’ll also find the waterways much quieter than in summer, meaning less waiting at locks and more choice when it comes to available moorings. If you’re new to narrowboating, this is the perfect time to give it a go. With fewer boats on the cut, you can take your time and enjoy a relaxed introduction to life on the water. (Our staff will show you what to do, if you’re new to this.)

Plan Your Spring Boating Break

A narrowboat holiday in April is the perfect way to slow down, enjoy the beauty of nature, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a get-together with a group of your closest friends, Fox Narrowboats has a boat to suit your needs. Book early to make sure you don’t miss out—your springtime adventure in Cambridgeshire awaits!

collage spring 2025 lily flower credit fox

Ready to start cruising? Get in touch with Fox Narrowboats today and start planning your trip!

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Image Credits: St Georges Fayre Fenland.Gov Easter Eggs Jasmine Waheed on Unsplash. Fox Narrowboats Facebook photos

The post Why an April Narrowboat Holiday is the Perfect Spring Getaway appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

fens waterways | credit: see posts

Are you thinking of booking a romantic boat trip in February? Or perhaps you want to surprise your mum with an idyllic Mother’s Day outing? Are you curious about a day in the life of a liveaboard boater? Last year on our blog we covered all of these topics, and we also enjoyed watching ‘Narrow Escapes’, learning the cost of living aboard, and we published a mini-guide to our must-see local attractions. Here are some of the best parts of 2024 on the Cambridgeshire waterways.

The third Monday in January is “Blue Monday”; the most depressing day of the year. But this was only created in 2005 by a travel firm, so the “science” is of dubious credibility! However, the media now use the idea of the January blues to promote self-care and mental health awareness. So, if you are feeling a little bit gloomy this month, we hope that daydreaming about narrowboating will cheer you up!

Historic waterside pubs and quiet rural moorings make narrowboat day hire the perfect romantic getaway. If you hire a boat for one day you can enjoy a peaceful cruise getting close to nature under the wide Fenland skies. If you’re celebrating a relationship milestone, or even planning a marriage proposal, we can arrange for some fancy food platters to be available on board.

From last February, read: This Valentines Offer is a Romantic Idea for Couples

Planning a family day out boating on Cambridgeshire’s peaceful inland waterways can be a lovely way to say ‘thank you’ this Mothers’ Day (30th March 2025). If your family are new to canal boating, our experienced instructors will show you how to steer the boat, moor up and work the locks. You can stop at a waterside pub for refreshments, or visit a fish and chip shop for dinner.

From last March, read: Hire a Canal Boat for Mothers Day

In 2024 we began offering skippered boat trips along the Middle Level waterways. Setting off from our marina in March, allow our qualified skipper to take the tiller, and point out the many interesting things that can only be seen from the river. Each boat trip is 90 minutes aboard our newest day-hire narrowboat.

Read: New: Skippered Cambridgeshire River Trips on a Canal Boat

The TV documentary series, ‘Narrow Escapes’ was new to Channel 4 in April 2024. It features various roving canal traders, live-aboard characters, and boaters renovating their current boat. This series offers a lovely escape from the January blues. Who doesn’t love a bit of armchair canal-boating?!

Read: 8 Good Reasons to Watch Channel 4’s Narrow Escapes

From the tranquil morning mist lifting off the canal, to the vibrant sunset over the water, imagining a typical summer’s day aboard a narrowboat in the Fens, may also lift your spirits.

Read: A Day in the Life: Experience the Serenity of Fox Narrowboats’ Routes

If you’ve ever dreamed of living on a boat, then you could hire a narrowboat from us for one or two weeks, to see if you take to it, “like a duck to water”. You can find the answer to many of your questions about what the costs may be in last autumn’s article:

Read: The Costs Of Living On A Narrowboat

Making such a major lifestyle change can be scary, but… if you enjoy being scared, then snuggle up with some Fenland-inspired horror fiction from M R James, and consider visiting these eerie, reclaimed marshlands and isolated villages by boat. Laughing children, rattling chains, and a wandering nun are just some of the spectres you may encounter on a narrowboat holiday, in one of England’s most haunted areas!

Read: Halloween: Five Haunted Destinations for Your Narrowboat Holiday

If you have never been to the Fens, and want to visit charming English villages, as the skipper of your own canal boat, then we have the answer: Discover the hidden gems of Cambridgeshire’s waterways on a journey, where historic landmarks, and scenic landscapes await at every lock and bend.

Read: From Locks to Landmarks: A Guide to Cambridgeshire’s Must-See Attractions by Boat

Our canal boat hire base can be found on the Middle Level, between the River Ouse and the River Nene. Our friendly, family business has been here for generations, offering you a warm welcome, from the descendants of respected local boat builder, Charlie Fox.

If you enjoyed reading ‘A Year in the Life of Fox Narrowboats’, look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the sidebar on the right and enter your email address. We’ll send you occasional stories, tips and advice about narrowboating around the Fens. (We never share or sell email addresses – your details are safe with us.) If you want to beat the winter blues and book a canal holiday in 2025 check availability now.

Waterways Map

You may also like: Why January is the Best Time to Book Your Hire Boat Holiday

The post A Year in the Life of Fox Narrowboats appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

kings college cambridge river

Have you ever been to the Fens?

Do you want to visit charming English villages?

Can you imagine being the skipper of a narrowboat?

Our canal boat hire base can be found in the Fenland Waterways, on the Middle Level, between the River Ouse and River Nene. Our friendly, family business has been here for generations, offering you our many years of experience, and a warm welcome, from the descendants of boat builder, Charlie Fox.

These waterways in the east of England, are a unique network of navigable rivers dotted with wildlife, pubs and history, and are perfect for exploring by boat. Popular holiday routes are March to Ely, Ely to Cambridge, March to Peterborough and Peterborough to Fotheringhay. Our blog is packed with photos and suggested restaurants and pubs, historic sights, and things to do. These unusual waterways make it possible to cruise from March to Northampton via Peterborough. In the other direction; a boater could travel from March to Ely and Cambridge. The journeys include quaint English villages and towns, scenic countryside and dramatically photogenic Fenland skies and windmills.

Locks and Lock Keys

In Cambridge, the furthest you can travel in the summer is to Jesus Green Lock, because the Cambridge Backs are busy with small unpowered craft, (called punts). Hiring a punt you can see some of Cambridge’s most famous bridges and buildings, such as the Bridge of Sighs, and King’s College Chapel. Jesus Green and Midsummer Common are perfect green spaces to moor up a narrowboat for a picnic, and then explore Cambridge on foot. Baits Bite Lock is currently closed (November 2024) so there is no access to Cambridge until at least the next boating season (2025). It is however possible to hop on a train from Ely or Waterbeach

Notable points on the Fenland Waterways

Salters Lode lock, Denver Lock and Denver Sluice are notable points on the Fenland Waterways. The tidal Great Ouse means navigation is different to an ordinary manual lock and you’ll need to call ahead to check the locking times. If you’re used to boating in other parts of the UK you will find a normal windlass doesn’t work very well around here! An Abloy key, (provided) unlocks the control panels on the Nene and Ouse locks. The Middle Level Yale key provides access to the unmanned locks at Ashline and Lode End, and to the facilities block in March. There is also a special windlass on the middle level (confusingly called an Ouse key) that operates the slackers (paddles) at Ashline and Marmont Priory.

Historic Landmarks

Your holiday route may take you to Ely Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, and several unusual museums, including the Stained Glass Museum in Ely, and Oliver Cromwell’s house. Houghton Mill, is a working watermill that sells flour to visitors at weekends. Stretham Engine is a 19th century steam powered pumping station, once used to drain the Fens. The Nene Valley Heritage Railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. You won’t have time to see all of these in one holiday!

Food and Drink

Of course, a narrowboat holiday isn’t complete without exploring traditional pubs and enjoying riverside dining. If you make it as far as Cambridge, visit the oldest pub on the River Cam, The Fort St George. This authentic British pub dates back to the 16th century and contains oak beams, large windows, and an Inglenook fireplace for cosy evenings, plus plenty of comfy furniture so you can soak in the view of the River Cam. The Moorings Restaurant at the Crown Lodge Hotel in Outwell is just a short walk from Outwell Boat Basin. The Cutter Inn is a smart pub and restaurant located on the river Great Ouse in the heart of Ely, with river views. (Search for more food and drink options on our interactive canal map.)

Narrowboating in the Fens is also great for spotting local wildlife like swans, herons, and sometimes even kingfishers along the canals.

To be honest, exploring Cambridgeshire’s unique waterways by canal boat offers an unforgettable blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and local charm. From navigating the locks and discovering quaint towns, to visiting historic landmarks and enjoying traditional riverside pubs, each journey promises a relaxed pace and a deeper connection with the local heritage. Whether you’re cruising past the impressive towers of Ely Cathedral, watching kingfishers dart along the water’s edge, or enjoying a pint at a centuries-old pub in Cambridge, the Fenland Waterways invite you to experience the heart of East Anglia from a new perspective.

Feeling inspired? Plan your next narrowboat adventure, through the picturesque landscapes of Cambridgeshire.

For more essential tips about our local locks and landmarks enter your email address in the box in the right side bar (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send you articles direct to your in-box. (We never share or sell email addresses, this is just to send you our latest blog posts.)

The post From Locks to Landmarks: A Guide to Cambridgeshire’s Must-See Attractions by Boat appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.