1. Planning a Narrowboat Holiday

If you’re thinking about your next trip, these posts are full of tips and ideas to help you plan with confidence, whether it’s your first holiday or your fiftieth.

collage spring 2025 – april narrowboat holiday is the perfect spring get away

• Don’t Book a Narrowboat Holiday – Before Trying this One-Minute Hack
  Smart narrowboaters subscribe to this blog before booking; find out why and get insider tips to make your holiday stress-free.
• First-Time Narrowboat Holiday? Here’s What the Internet Wants You to Know
  From managing locks to keeping dogs safe on board, discover the advice seasoned boaters wish they had before their first cruise.
• Buying a Slice of Heaven – My Experience of Buying a Narrowboat
  If you’re planning to go boat shopping but are a novice, it is always a good idea to enlist an “in-the-know” friend to accompany you.
• Why an April Narrowboat Holiday is the Perfect Spring Getaway
  Spot wildlife, enjoy cosy waterside pubs, and cruise through peaceful Fenland landscapes in the best season for a trip.

2. Family Life and Shared Adventures

Narrowboating is full of moments big and small that bring families closer together; from learning to steer to tending a rooftop garden, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.

milla & daughter narrowboat alice elgie

• Boating Adventures with Four-Legged Friends
  With endless towpaths for walks, relaxing cruising time, and cosy evenings on deck, boating is perfect for pets as well as people.
• Narrowboat Roof Gardening (with or without children!)
  Gardening from the boat teaches patience and wonder, perfect for little hands and curious minds alike.
• Why Your Kids Will Love a Narrowboat Summer Holiday
  From spotting ducks to steering the boat, discover how a narrowboat holiday offers adventure, relaxation, and family bonding without leaving the UK.
• A Writer’s Experience of a Family Narrowboat Adventure
  In an increasingly busy world, an escape to life on the cut gives families the chance to slow down and reconnect.

3. Romance, Rest and Reconnection

Sometimes a canal boat holiday is just about slowing down, spending time together, or finding a little magic in everyday moments.

• Narrowboating Through Winter
  There is a quiet romance to basic meals cooked on the fire, giving you permission to hunker down and switch off from the world.
• The Lovers Guide To The Fen Waterways
  Scenic views, cosy pub lunches, and strolling hand in hand along cobbled streets make the Fenland waterways a perfect romantic getaway.

4. Living a Slower, Greener Life

Life on the cut encourages a gentler rhythm and a closer connection to the world around you; mindfulness, seasonal awareness, and simple eco-friendly choices can make every trip feel special.

greener living on a narrowboat

• Mindfulness on the Waterways
  Mindfulness is a way of being within the community, both human and animal, and it helps keep canals peaceful for everyone.
• A Simpler Greener Freer Lifestyle On Board A Narrowboat
  Use your move afloat or narrowboat holiday to slow down, reconnect with nature, and consider the impact of technology and your environmental footprint.
• Autumnal Foraging on the Towpath
  Enjoy seasonal treats while treading lightly, and discover the beauty and bounty of the hedgerows.

5. Places, Nature and Inspiration

From wildlife to seasonal scenery, waterways maps to historic destinations, there is always something to inspire you on the canals.

• Spring On The Cut
  Nature through a narrowboat window draws you in like nothing else, offering an immersive, ever-changing view of the world outside.
• Autumn On The Water – Diary of Living On A Narrowboat
  Reeds sway and leaves twirl across the water, a reminder of the beauty of seasonal change.
• Exploring Cambridgeshire’s Wildlife: Spotting Flora and Fauna with Fox Narrowboats
  Swans, kingfishers, and more, there is always something new to spot around every river bend.
• The Seven Wonders of the Fenland Waterways
  From medieval bridges to breath-taking scenery, take a canal journey through hidden Fenland wonders.
• A Canal-Themed Christmas, Dreaming of Your 2026 Waterways Escape
  While our boats rest for winter, imagine frosty towpaths, festive days out, and the timeless beauty of Ely Cathedral.
• Puss in Boats: Can Cats Live Afloat On A Narrowboat?
  From towpath adventures to roof-top sunbathing, discover how boat cats enjoy life on the cut.

We hope these highlights inspire your own adventures on the waterways this year. There is always something new to discover.

Love canal boating? Make 2026 your year on the waterways! For inspiring tips, seasonal ideas, and surprising insights for your next Fenland adventure, enter your email in the ‘Follow Blog’ box on the right-hand side, and we’ll send new articles straight to your inbox.

Peggy Melmoth is a writer who spent thirteen years living on canal boats with her family. She writes about narrowboat holidays, life on the waterways, and finding adventure in everyday moments at www.narrowboatwife.com

The post Fox Narrowboats: Highlights from Our Blog in 2025 appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

But what about the Fenland Waterways? The flat landscape here doesn’t really lend itself to towering aqueducts, but our peaceful waterways still offer plenty of history, wildlife, and fascinating structures. Here are our suggestions for the ‘Seven Wonders of the Fenland Waterways’, each offering something special for any hire boaters visiting the area.

1. St Ives Medieval Chapel Bridge

st ives medieval chapel bridge

This impressive 15th-century bridge is one of only four remaining chapel bridges in England. The picturesque stone arches and historic chapel across the Great River Ouse, make it one of the most beautiful sights on the Fenland waterways. This is still a place of worship, and it also hosts various arts events. Can you imagine all the traders, monks, and travellers who crossed this bridge in times gone by? There are public moorings at St Ives Quay (with a water point) and The Waites. Moorings are also available for customers at The Dolphin Hotel.

2. Ely Cathedral

ely cathedral

Ely Cathedral, is sometimes known as the “Ship of the Fens,” and can be seen for miles across the flat Fenland landscape. This stunning medieval masterpiece dates back to 1083 and is known for its breath-taking octagonal lantern tower. Boaters can moor up in Ely and take a short walk from the moorings, to explore its magnificent architecture and history. Don’t miss the stained glass museum while you are there!

3. Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs

bridge of sighs cambridge

While Venice may have the original, Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs is a beauty in its own right. Built in 1831, this elegant covered bridge at St John’s College crosses the River Cam and can be visited on foot. In Cambridge, the furthest you can travel by narrowboat in the summer is to Jesus Green Lock, because the Cambridge Backs are busy with small unpowered craft, called punts. Hiring a punt on the Backs is a Cambridge tradition, but you’ll see more of the River Cam by hiring a narrowboat.

4. St German’s Pumping Station

st germans pumping station – bob evens

The Fenlands are a landscape shaped by water, and St German’s Pumping Station plays a crucial role in keeping them navigable. The modern station, completed in 2010, replaced a Victorian-era pumping system and is one of the largest pumping stations in Europe. It helps prevent flooding in over 700 square kilometres of land, showcasing the engineering marvels that keep the Fenlands afloat. The Middle Level Main Drain leading to the station is not part of the navigable waterways and cannot be accessed by boat. Instead, you may like to visit Stretham drainage engine, a steam-powered engine built in 1831. Or even better, Prickwillow Museum, just east of Ely, tells the story of the changing face of the Fens and its network of drainage systems and pumping stations. This museum contains a collection of large diesel pumping engines which have all been restored to working order.

5. The Middle Level Navigation

This complex network of rivers, drains, and channels connects the Fenland waterways with the River Nene and the Great Ouse. Dating back to drainage schemes of the 17th century, the Middle Level provides boaters with a fascinating route through remote landscapes, historic villages, and abundant wildlife. It’s a true hidden gem for adventurous cruisers. Fox Boats marina is on the Middle Level.

6. Buckden Great Tower

Bukden Great Tower St Hugh’s Church – Richard Kelly

Standing on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Buckden Towers has a fascinating royal history. This striking medieval tower was once a residence of the Bishops of Lincoln and, most famously, served as a place of imprisonment for Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, after their divorce. A visit here offers a glimpse into Tudor intrigue and the fate of a wronged queen. There are public moorings on the River Great Ouse at Huntingdon and the 66 bus runs every 30 minutes. Buckden Towers is now a conference and retreat centre. The grounds, but not the buildings, are open to visitors, and dogs are not allowed.

7. The River Great Ouse

March Mole River Ouse

As the fourth-longest river in the UK, the River Great Ouse is the lifeblood of the Fenland waterways. Winding its way through stunning countryside, historic towns, and past centuries-old landmarks, it offers some of the most scenic and enjoyable boating routes in the region. Whether you’re mooring up in charming Ely, exploring St Ives, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the open water, the Great Ouse is a true wonder in itself.

Discover the Wonders for Yourself

The Fenland waterways may not have grand aqueducts or boat lifts, but they offer a unique charm, history, and beauty that make them a wonder to explore. From medieval bridges to royal intrigue, from engineering marvels to breath-taking scenery, these seven wonders showcase why a boating holiday in the Fens is an unforgettable experience.

Ready to explore the Seven Wonders of the Fenland Waterways? Book your narrowboat adventure with Fox Narrowboats and set off on a journey through history, nature, and hidden gems!

Are you new here? Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to get the latest helpful holiday tips for this season. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll just be sending you selected articles from our blog.)

Image credits: St Ives Bridge – Fox, Ely Cathedral – istock, Bridge of Sighs – Deposit, St germans pumping station wiki CC SA-3.0 Bob1960evens, Bukden Great Tower St Hugh’s Church wiki CC BY-SA-4.0 Richard Kelly 

The post The Seven Wonders of the Fenland Waterways appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

If you have ever wondered…

Where’s the nearest pub?

Is there a shop near here?

And where can I moor?

Our new interactive waterways map has the answer. It shows where you are on the navigation and what useful things you might find nearby. So for example, if you are moored in March on the Old River Nene, by the park; the map will show you that you are near to a Sainsbury’s store, the museum, and the Oliver Cromwell restaurant. Icons make it really easy to see nearby shops, restaurants, pubs and places of interest. You can use the map on your smart phone, tablet or laptop, to find your next mooring and plan your route. (All of our boat have WiFi.) Or when you arrive you can just moor up and then check out what happens to be nearby.

waterways google map march

Business icons may have a link to more details. So for example, The Oliver Cromwell restaurant link takes you straight to the hotel website, where you can check the menu and book a table. Tapping the March Museum icon displays a photo of the museum, and a summary of what you can see there, plus a link to the website to find out the entry costs and more. (Spoiler alert: Admission is free!) March museum is in the heart of the town centre and offers a fascinating insight into our local social history through a number of displays and collections, with interactive elements.

iphone waterways map

Our hire boat marina is based in March, but you’ll soon want to head off exploring the waterways with your boat, and this is where the map comes into its own. You can easily zoom in and out of the map using your fingers on a hand-held device. The map is based on Google maps, so it has all the same functionality; such as viewing areas in map view, satellite view and street view. If you search for your intended destination, for example, “Outwell”, the map will display the general area, so you can look at your mooring options before you arrive. Food options in Outwell include Stotts Fish and Chip shop, or the Crown Lodge Hotel. A local place of interest on the map is St Clements Church. Clicking the icon brings up the address, a brief description and a photo of the church.

Navigation information such as turning points, locks and moorings are included; and boating services such as pump-out and water, rubbish, recycling, and elsan emptying. There are also navigation notes, such as warnings of underwater obstructions, staunches or fast flowing water.

search and filter map POI’s

You can filter the results displayed on the map, for example to show only historic sites, nature reserves, only railways stations or only locks. Select what you are looking for, and then zoom out to see all of our local waterways, and view how many options there are. Zooming out you can really see how much waterways there are to explore in the Fens. The River Nene will take you west to Wadenhoe, the Cam will take you south to Cambridge, and the Little Ouse River will take you east to Brandon, a pretty Suffolk market town. Explore the ‘Things to See’ filter to discover historically significant churches and unusual local attractions like Stretham Old Engine Museum.

You don’t have to wait until your narrowboat holiday to use this map though. Check it out now, and have a play around. You can plan your ideal route and think about the things you want to see and do on your next boat trip.

See the map now: Fox Narrowboats Fenland Waterways Map

For free walking and cycling maps check out: Exploring the Fens on Foot with Minimal Effort

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.

The post Fascinating New Interactive Fens Waterways Map for Narrowboaters appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

anglesey abbey house – credit: wiki cc stephen turner

As the nights begin to draw in and Christmas music begins to ring out around the country, you may be planning Christmas activites with the family. Here are 3 family-friendly Christmas attractions close to our waterways  and activities you can visit during the 2022 / 2023 festive season.

Meet Father Christmas at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

The National Trust-run Wicken Fen Nature Reserve sits alongside Burwell Lode, and they have a few Christmas activities planned over the festive period. The reserve is the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and is situated in England’s most famous fen.

Father and Mother Christmas will be visiting the reserve in the lead-up to Christmas, and you can bring the kids to meet them in the Fen Cottage. While waiting to meet Father and Mother Christmas, the kids can then join the elves for a Christmas decoration workshop.

The Wicken Fen Festive Woodland Trail is also open from the 26th of November, and you can enjoy a wander through the fen on a raised boardwalk. It’s the perfect way to get some family exercise in the great outdoors if you have already started tucking into the mince pies…

Visit National Trust website for more info

Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey is thought to have been founded by Henry I in 1135, and it then served as a priory from the early 13th  century until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. In 1596, Anglesey Abbey was bought by the Fowkes family, who converted the remains of the priory into a house in 1609.

During December, the ground floor of the house will be fully dressed for Christmas and open for the public to enjoy, with the highlight being the tree in the Tapestry Hall.

anglesey abbey gardens – credit: wiki cc the wub

The Abbey will run its Winter Lights show from the 9th of December through the 23rd of December. Entitled “Nature by Night, Nature by Light,” the light show aims to be an after-dark journey that brings the beautiful gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life.

In addition to the light show, stalls will sell an array of delectable festive treats.

Christmas at Anglesey Abbey

Booking Winter Lights

Wisbech Christmas Fayre

The market town of Wisbech lies just north of March and will be hosting a Christmas Fayre on the 11th of December.

The fayre will feature a wide range of stalls offering festive gifts and delicious seasonal food. The event will kick off at 10 a.m., and there will be plenty of live music and dancing, as well as free children’s attractions and interactive family activities to keep everyone entertained until around 3 p.m.

There will be plenty of Christmas treats, such as mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and hot chocolate, available at the food stalls. While at the handicraft stalls, you can find decorations for your Christmas tree, artisanal wrapping paper, and hand-made cards. Christmas trees and hampers will also be available alongside handcrafted toys and games, and you can even purchase this year’s Christmas jumper!

www.fenland.gov.uk/wisbechchristmasfayre

If you like the idea of exploring the Fenland waterways by boat check out our narrowboat holiday availability for the 2023 season.

The post Family Friendly Activities Around the Cambridgeshire Waterways this Christmas appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

oliver cromwells ghost tour

Are you planning a narrowboat holiday for next year?

Or are you local to March, and Cambridgeshire?

Do you like exploring new places?

Whether you’re one of our current mooring customers, enjoy our dayboat hire, or hoping to visit the mysterious Fens, these upcoming Halloween events will give you some inspiration for things to see and do locally.

1) Ely: Hallowe’en Ghost Tours

On every Saturday evening in October visitors can discover the spooky streets of this medieval city, see haunted historical homes and look out for spectral apparitions! The tour departs and ends from Oliver Cromwell’s house.

Visit Ely/What’s On.

Add on a creepy cruise aboard the Liberty Belle for a frightful trip down the autumnal river with The Boatman. Terrifying Tales and Creepy Cruise Tour.
The ghost walks are not just at Halloween though. If you visit us next year Ely Tourist Information Centre is a one stop shop for all guided walks and tours: Choose from discovering Ely’s monastic buildings, The Eel Trail, The city centre and riverside, or Signs and Symbols – which includes fascinating stories from Ely’s past. Read more: Guided Walks.

Ely is claimed to be one of England’s spookiest cities. If you travel by Fox narrowboat the cruise from March to Ely takes in ancient inns and the murdered ghosts of Southery, plus legends of violence and death surround the Fenland isle of Littleport: Read more in The Spooky Truth About Cruising to Ely.

If you’re on a boating holiday in Cambridgeshire next year you can cruise beyond Ely to Cambridge. Check out the museum’s events page for dates of local walking tours.

2) The Haunted House Tour at Oliver Cromwell’s House

Oliver Cromwell’s former home is now a museum and tourist information centre; great to visit at any time of year. But on 26th October 2022 they offer The Haunted House Tour – a chance to visit after dark and find out about the ghostly sightings, sounds and feelings experienced by staff and visitors alike. Not recommended for under 12’s. Read more.
To get there by narrowboat, travel east from our hire boat base to the River Great Ouse. The house dates back to the 13th century and Oliver Cromwell and his family lived there for ten years from 1636 to 1647.

Ghastly guided ghost walk of Ely

3) Witches and Witchcraft

On 27th October meet at Oliver Cromwell’s House for a Witches Walk, learn about the witch trials that took place in the area, and more. You could finish your evening with a witches ‘brew’ at The Cromwell Bar and Grill on Forehill. Read more:  Witchcraft Tour.

The Cambridgeshire Fens were one of the last places in England where people still believed in witchcraft. In the 1640s, Sir Matthew Hopkins, known as the Witch Finder General, was extremely active in the Fenlands. Ely, was the place where anyone locally accused of witchcraft would be brought to trial. Read more: Finding Fenland Witches For the Curious Canal Boater.

If you’re not local to Ely join us for a narrowboat holiday next year, and discover museums, ghost tours, Escape rooms and other tourist attractions in Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge. All of this while travelling at the relaxed pace of three miles an hour, taking in stunning scenery, and having all mod cons on board with you.

If you like the idea of exploring the Fenland waterways by boat check availability for next year now.

For more haunting ideas to add to next year’s holiday plans, sign up for digital updates from this blog. (We never share or sell email addresses – your details are safe with us.) Just look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the sidebar on the right and sign up today!

Image credit: Oliver Cromwell’s House

The post Three Halloween Walking Tours For Fenland Boaters appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Did you go on holiday last year? Did you mainly work from home? Were you hoping it would be all back to ‘normal’ by now?

If there’s one thing 2021 has taught us it’s to be flexible with whatever we have planned! But it’s also important to have hope, and plan holidays and get-togethers to look forward to.

While the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an increase in common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, our blog offered some good tips to help you to cope.

Read: How a Narrowboat Holiday Can Improve Your Mental Health

For those wanting to be well-prepared before setting off on a trip, we shared a few insider secrets that every new boater should know. These simple safety tips will ensure that your first cruise is a great success, and that everyone has the best holiday.

Read: Get Ready to Go Canal Boating (Even if You’ve Never Done It)

In February the UK government advised against booking a summer holiday abroad in 2021, and introduced quarantine hotels. On Valentine’s Day romantic restaurants and hotels were closed due to lockdown. So some couples opted for booking a romantic narrowboat break to look forward to later in the year, knowing that all bookings were covered by our Covid guarantee.

Read: Valentines: Why Narrowboats Are the Most Romantic Break

In March, you might have wondered whether it was even wise to book a canal boat holiday. This article explains why narrowboat staycations actually became a popular choice. (Early booking for 2022 is advisable.)

Read: Can I Book a Narrowboat Holiday for 2021?

Have you ever wondered if it is difficult to go around corners in a canal boat? What happens if you run aground? How do you turn a 70 foot narrowboat around? In this blog post we shared Zen and the art of narrowboat handling with you. Boat handling is such a fun skill and can be learned at any age, from childhood to retirement, which makes a narrowboat holiday such a great experience for family groups.

Read: 3 Skipper’s Tips to Start Steering a Holiday Narrowboat

As the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in England in July, there were no longer limits on social contact, meaning that people could meet inside or outside with as many people as they wanted. This gave holiday makers far more choices of places to visit on the Fenland waterways. However, at Fox Narrowboats we kept all of our safety measures in place, including our triple clean boat procedures, as we do everything that we can to keep our staff and customers safe.

Read: 3 Waterside Pubs to Visit Now Restrictions Have Lifted

Does your boat have a distinctive bow? Do other boaters ask you, “What number is it?!” Are you proud to know the history of your boat? Then you may be the owner of a Charlie Fox narrowboat!

Read: Charlie Fox Narrowboats: Where are They in 2021?

Actors Gyles Brandreth and Sheila Hancock returned to our screens in 2021, and in case you missed it you can catch up with their ‘Great Canal Journey’ to Cambridge and the Fens by watching episode one of series 13 on All 4. They started their journey in the town of March, where Fox narrowboats are based, and visited Emneth, Ely Cathedral, and Cambridge.

Read: Great Canal Journeys visit Cambridgeshire Fens

And finally, are you intrigued by England’s legends and mysteries? Want to discover local folklore on your narrowboat holiday? Got any Harry Potter fans in your family? The Cambridgeshire Fens were one of the last places in England where people still believed in witchcraft. Discover the witchy history of Cambridgeshire’s Fens in our Halloween article.

Read: Finding Fenland Witches For the Curious Canal Boater

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed reading these highlights from last year’s blog. Never miss an article again. Just 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 take a canal holiday this year check availability now. We have some great deals to look forward to.

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

Image credit:  Fox Narrowboats

The post 9 Unexpected Things We Learned About Narrowboating in 2021 appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Cambridge

George and the Chocolate Factory – Open Cambridge

This is a free children’s workshop. Discover the story of George Cadbury, a Quaker entrepreneur poor housing of workers in factories across Birmingham. There will be exciting storytelling, craft and of course some chocolate! The event is suitable for under 12s.

Info & booking

Spies, Lies and Double Agents

This is a paid walking tour that runs on multiple dates that uncovers Cambridge spying from the earliest days to recent. Walk along quaint Cambridge street and unearth how the Tudor monarchs made the university a Spy HQ with code cracking and undercover agents. Churchill called the Cambridge code-breakers “the geese that laid the golden eggs.”? Then there’s James Bond, Miss Moneypenny the Big Five, and much more…

Learn more

Robot Club

At the Makespace Cambridge on 16 Mill Lane, the robot club gathers on the 2^nd Saturday of every month. It’s for beginners to pros. All you need is a love of Robots. If you have one then bring it along to work on or show off.

Ely

James Marsh Flights of Fancy
12^th May – 31^st Aug 2021

James Marsh is a painter, illustrator, designer and author, best known for his striking album covers for new wave band Talk Talk. Hypergallery will present a pop-up exhibition at Haddenham Arts Centre, featuring Marsh’s most interesting album and singles covers published in large scale format as exquisite limited edition prints.

Escape Room at Oliver Cromwell’s House
Sat 22nd May 2021 – Sun 31st Oct 2021

Have you ever fancied yourself as a detective? Here’s your chance to solve ‘The Curious Case of Curator Chadwick’

Search for clues, solve puzzles and discover the whereabouts of the cryptic Curator. Here is part of the plot! It’s 1910 and the Vicar of St. Mary’s Church has rented the Tithe Room out of the Vicarage to his dear friend, Curator Cornelius Chadwick. After a few weeks, he mysteriously disappears!

More info & booking

The Great Family Explorer Hunt, Trails and Crafts
Fri 23rd Jul 2021 – Tue 31st Aug 2021

Interactive family trails will be running throughout the summer, certain days will include craft activities. No need to book. There are adult entrance fees but children go free.

https://stainedglassmuseum.com/holidayactivities

For more events in Ely

http://www.visitely.org.uk/whats-on/

For more events in Cambridge

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-kingdom–cambridge/events/

Please note that some of these events are not accessible from our local waterways, they are however great things for mooring customers to visit when on their boats with accesibility to a car. Fox Narrowboats provide canal boat holidays and day boat hire. To check availability visit our booking page.

The post 6 Things to do in Ely and Cambridge this Autumn 2021 appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

My friend, and fellow former Senior Proctor (though a year or two before I was Senior Proctor!), Gordon Johnson, asked me to write a few words about the bit of river — Sandall’s Cut — that is hosting the boat race this afternoon, as it also did in 1944. Here are those few words, which I hope you’ll find interesting.

I thought it’d be helpful to overlay a modern map with some reasonable approximations of old courses of some of the Fen rivers, which I’ve colour-coded for convenience. Red shows the course of the Ely Ouse from around 1110 to 1830.

Green shows an old course of the Little Ouse before it was diverted north. No one is entirely sure when that happened. In the Middle Ages, the old Ely Ouse and the old Little Ouse joined roughly where indicated, and then flowed off to the northwest towards Outwell as the Wellenhee (from where Welney gets its name) along what is now the mouth of Littleport Boathaven, and on to Wisbech.

The yellow course is the old course before the river was diverted in the early twelfth century to run through Ely and allow stone to be brought from Barnack Quarry in Northamptonshire, along the Nene to Wisbech, Wellenhee to Littleport, and on to Ely on the red course, to build the cathedral.

This red course via Prickwillow is the one we’re interested in today. Sandall’s Cut, the course used for the boat race, is the long, straight section you can see connecting the two open ends of the old red course.

Before drainage began in the seventeenth century, Wisbech was a sea port on The Wash. Cargo was unloaded there onto smaller boats, which took the Wellenhee across to Littleport, where it was reloaded onto yet smaller boats for the circuitous and difficult journey via Prickwillow to Ely, shown in red.

At some point in the Middle Ages — dating is very difficult, maybe in the fifteenth century, but could possibly have been a bit earlier — a cut was made to connect Lynn (later King’s Lynn) with Littleport, Wisbech’s importance faded, and the once-mighty Wellenhee became a backwater, before finally being bisected by Vermuyden’s Bedford Rivers in the seventeenth century.
Most cargo now came up river from Lynn directly to Littleport in large vessels, but there it met with a problem.

This old, natural, course between Littleport and Ely was too shallow and unreliable for navigation — often too dry in the summer and too boggy in the winter — which is why Sandall’s, or Sandy’s, Cut was dug between 1828 and 1830, offering almost straight navigation on a canalised new river more than 100 feet wide and, at the time, 20 feet deep.

It’s said that some 20,000 navvies dug the cut over two and a half years, all by hand, of course, in those days. The Cutter Inn in Ely took its name not from the boats called cutters, but from those men who cut their way through Middle Fen and Padnal Fen to shorten and straighten the river, and who presumably liked a pint or two at the end of a hard day’s work!

Sandall’s Cut opened in 1830, and there was now a quick, reliable, deep, straight channel, suitable for larger boats, between Littleport and Ely, and river trade flourished.
Well, it didn’t flourish for long. Within twenty years, the railway connecting Ely to the south with Cambridge and London was extended north to King’s Lynn, and from 1850 cargo could travel directly from the docks at Lynn to London on the same day.

Sandall’s Cut’s heyday was short, which is why we’re left today with an impressive four and a half mile long, deep, wide canal that took nearly three years and cost a fortune to cut, connecting two quiet Fenland towns in the middle of nowhere!

If you wish to cruise this route by narrowboat you can check out our holidays and short breaks we recommend a 4 night break to comfortably visit Ely.

The post As Ely hosts the Boat Race looking at the course on the Ely Ouse. appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Want to try narrowboating on England’s quieter rivers?

Or taste champagne in a world famous college?

View internationally acclaimed works of art?

You may like to visit the ‘city of perspiring dreams’; a world famous University City. Cambridge is the home of students, bikes and colleges; a place to go shopping while admiring the incredible architecture. Obviously you’ll want to take a walking tour of the famous university grounds: The University of Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges. You may also check out the churches and chapels; particularly King’s College Chapel, a true masterpiece of English craftsmanship. There is also a great choice of shopping and restaurants in Cambridge and in the evening you can drink in the ancient pubs that once served famous Cambridge scholars.

However, here are three more unusual and less obvious things to see and do around Cambridge.

1) Arrive by Narrowboat

Your cruise to Cambridge can include pretty walks, wildlife and wildflowers, and traditional pubs as part of your holiday. This is the English countryside at its most idyllic; uncrowded waters and beautiful little rivers. On the way, make time to stop in Ely to browse antiques and visit the cathedral.

Your narrowboat journey from our hire boat base in March, to Ely will include pretty little villages, churches, waterside pubs and a short stretch of tidal river. The journey from Ely to Cambridge takes about five hours by narrowboat, along The Great Ouse and The River Cam. Along the way you will get to use boater operated electric locks. The navigation for powered craft ends at Jesus Green Lock, but above the lock Scudamore’s offer a wide range of tour and self-hire punting options. Punting is a traditional Cambridge pastime; see famous landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, while floating down the River Cam.

2) Wine Tasting Day with Champagne and Lunch

Cambridgeshire Wine School’s Wine Tasting Saturdays run from 11am-4pm tasting 13 wines starting with Champagne and including a delicious 2-course lunch in the price. These events are held in a beautiful Cambridge College and each day includes a demonstration of sabrage – opening a bottle of Champagne with a sabre!

3) History and Heritage

The University of Cambridge Museums and Collections are all within short walking distance of the city centre. There are more than five million works of art, artefacts and specimens in one square mile of Cambridge. The University’s collections are a world-class resource for researchers, students and members of the public. Cambridge has England’s highest concentration of internationally important collections outside London. Are Museums Ever Fun? The Answer Might Surprise You.

Travelling by boat has to be the prettiest and most relaxing way to visit these historical tourist attractions. June is a great time to visit Cambridge because of the Buskers and Street Performers Festival, and Strawberry Fayre, a colourful music festival. It’s not too early to book for next year if you have some specific dates in mind.

Our luxury narrowboats can be hired for weekend, midweek or week breaks as well as 10, 11 or 14 nights. You can get up to 10% off when you book online, and prices include fuel and a damage waiver. (Also, there are no surprise credit card charges with our secure payment system!)

You may also like: 3 Things You Must Do When Visiting Cambridge or 4 Night Break on the river Great Ouse

Hey! Are you new here? Subscribe on the right to receive more secrets of the undiscovered Fenland waterways, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

The post 3 Amazing Things to do in Cambridge  appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Where can you go to unwind and reconnect your mind, body and soul? (Hint: it’s in nature.)

Head to the Fenland waterways, where the skies are big and the boats go slow!

National #RelaxationDay is every August 15^th, reminding us that rest and self-care are so important for our mental and physical health. This Relaxation Day why not slow down, take it easy, and read these suggestions for how to unwind? Whether you’re out on a day boat trip, or with us for a narrowboat holiday, here are 10 ways to chill out on a narrowboat.

1) Steer the Boat.

If it’s your first time boating, don’t worry. Our qualified instructors will give you training during the boat handover. By the time you leave our marina you will feel relaxed about steering a narrowboat.

We find our local canals to be much less crowded than others; which makes boating here a truly relaxing experience. (BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson described the Fenlands as “a hidden gem,” in the Ely Standard.)

2) Turn off all Electronics.

With ongoing concerns about smart phone addiction and technology dependency in modern society, we are beginning to recognise the benefits of going “unplugged” and reconnecting to the natural world once in a while. Don’t panic though – Wi-Fi is available on all of our boats, which also have in-car chargers and 240v power supplies. So you can reconnect your electronics again any time you feel the need to!

3) Walking Outside.

A good old fashioned country walk is a classic way to unwind. Towpaths and footpaths are ideal for nature lovers and ramblers. Enjoy the unique Cambridgeshire countryside by walking alongside the boat as you approach a lock. Or take a longer stroll when your boat is moored up.

“Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.”

4) Sit in Nature.

Whether you’ve rambled to the middle of nowhere and are sat meditating under a tree, or have decided to do some cloud-gazing while sitting comfortably on the back deck; absorbing your natural surroundings is a lovely way to relax. Watch out for flora, fauna and waterfowl and leave your troubles behind you.

5) Meander Around Town.

Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge offer plenty to see and do when you are off exploring away from the boat. Smaller places like Wadenhoe, Upwell and Outwell are great for a picturesque wander around too.

6) Go to a Farmers Market.

The Fenland’s rich black soil is some of the most productive in the country offering a wonderful variety of crops. The traditional markets scattered around the Fens are a great source of fresh local produce. Here’s a quick guide to market days in our various local towns.

7) Go for a Coffee Break.

After all that walking through markets and towns you may want to take a break. From The Old Barn Tea Rooms in Wadenhoe, to the trendy cafés of Cambridge, there’s a choice of places to relax with a coffee.

8) View Some Art.

In Ely you can visit Babylon Art Gallery on the Waterside, and The Stained Glass Museum at the cathedral. Ted Coney’s Family Portraits in Ely is an unusual pop-up gallery which opens on Sunday afternoons. In Cambridge you will be spoilt for choice with an impressive range of collections at Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard, Ruskin Gallery, New Hall Art Collection, and Byard Art Gallery. If you are travelling on the River Nene there are several art galleries to see in Peterborough.

9) Write Postcards.

Buy your postcards in the galleries, market towns and ancient streets of the Fenlands, and then amble back to your boat to write some good old fashioned postcards. A handwritten note is so much more personal than a Facebook status or an email. Have fun with posh pens, different colours or glittery gel pens, and relax as you reflect on your day and connect with loved ones.

10) Watch the Stars.

Say goodbye to light pollution and moor your narrowboat somewhere quiet and rural. Get comfortable and allow your thoughts to clear as you begin to connect with nature. Stargazing can alleviate stress and increase happiness. Have you ever thought that while looking at the stars, you’re actually looking at the past? The stars are millions of light years away so by the time their light reaches us, they may not even exist anymore…

If you feel you’d benefit from some relaxation days on a narrowboat check out our Narrowboat Hire Special Offers.

You may also like: Feeling Stressed? 5 Ways This Unknown Village Can Soothe Your Soul

Hey! Are you new here? Subscribe on the right to receive more secrets of the undiscovered Fenland waterways, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

The post #RelaxationDay: 10 Ways to Chill When you Hire a Narrowboat appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.