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.

christmas boat hire gift voucher

Are you and your family thinking about trying canal boating? Or maybe you’re already seasoned narrowboaters? This Christmas, consider giving an experience, rather than material possessions, that just take up space. A Fox Narrowboats gift voucher offers the opportunity to create unique family memories together next year.

The Fenland Waterways are one of the quietest boating areas in England; a place to visit charming market towns, and impressive historic buildings. The unusual flat landscape, created by the draining of the fens, offers easy navigation with photogenic, huge skyscapes. A gift voucher offers the flexibility to create a bespoke holiday that suits everyone in your crew.

Why Choose a Fox Narrowboats Gift Voucher?

Our marina in Cambridgeshire is surrounded by some of the most beautiful waterways. A boating holiday suits couples, families, and friends, so it’s an adventure for all. This holiday can be as active or as relaxing as you like, so it’s suitable for all ages. The creature-comforts on board are intended to feel like a home from home. Even our day-hire narrowboat has a galley complete with hob, fridge and sink, a dinette equipped with crockery and cutlery, a toilet and a seating area. Imagine travelling at your own pace through serene landscapes and historic towns. A fens waterways experience also offers that chance to get up close to nature, getting amongst the ducks, moorhens dragonflies and other wildlife.

day hire fox narrowboat

Holiday dates and durations are flexible; so after receiving their Christmas gift voucher your loved one can choose their trip length, from a day trip to a weekend break, or a longer holiday.

What Makes a Narrowboat Holiday Special?

You can give the gift of reconnecting with nature, as your friend or family member can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while cruising on water. While our boats do have electricity and mobile phone signals, it’s a chance to unplug and relax, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. For anyone new to boating it’s an opportunity to learn new skills. Being the skipper of a narrowboat is a fun and rewarding experience, and easy to learn. Our staff will show you the ropes, and you will get the chance to use the locks and navigate from mooring to mooring.

How to Buy a Fox Narrowboats Gift Voucher

If you’d like to treat the whole family to an unexpected outing, our day hire vouchers for a trip on a narrowboat are for up to 10 people. Tuition, lifejackets and fuel are all included. With lots of room at the front and back of the boat everyone can be outside while cruising the rivers and taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife: Read more.

Call or email Fox Narrowboat reception to buy a Christmas voucher, for a most unusual, yet  thoughtful gift.

Make the gift even more special by including an Imray guidebook of the Fenland Waterways, a picnic set with hamper, or a cosy blanket for the trip. Glam Grazing by Gem offers a selection of sandwiches, pastries, sweet and savoury treats for your guests. These are all homemade and some are presented with ribbon and fresh flowers. Let us know if you want these added to your experience.

glam grazing picnic gift

“The whole day was an amazing adventure, they took us through the information needed, unrushed and easy to grasp, all correspondence was spot on, detailed and efficient. The boat was great, equipment was great, very clean and well kept. A perfect day out on the river. I highly recommend this company for your boating trips. Lovely people and so kind and gentle. We will definitely be back again next year. The food they recommended (Glam Grazing) was fabulous too. All delivered ready for our trip.” – TripAdvisor

Now is the Time!

Avoid the chaos of Christmas shopping. Buy a gift voucher now, and make this festive season truly memorable for your loved ones.

Call or email Fox Narrowboat reception to buy a gift voucher.

The post A Fox Narrowboats Gift Voucher: The Present That Promises Adventure appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

All in the golden afternoon

Full leisurely we glide;

For both our oars, with little skill,

By little arms are plied,

While little hands make vain pretence

Our wanderings to guide.

This dreamy poem, at the beginning of the children’s novel, Alice in Wonderland, describes a real boat trip in Oxford, where three young girls once begged Lewis Carroll to tell them a story about “The dream-child moving through a land, Of wonders wild and new…” It describes perfectly the lazy feeling of drifting along a river, enjoying the serenity of nature, and the tranquillity of being on the water.

We don’t offer rowing boat hire at Fox Narrowboats, but better than that, we are now offering skippered boat trips along the tranquil waters of the Middle Level. We already offer day boat hire, and narrowboat holidays, but these new boat trips are for those visitors who don’t want to steer a boat. Departing from our marina in March, Cambridgeshire, just allow our qualified skipper to take the tiller, and point out the many interesting features that can only be seen from the river. Each boat trip is 90 minutes aboard the ‘March Explorer’. This is our newest day hire narrowboat with room for 10 passengers on board. There is a seating area undercover as well as toilet on board. There is also plenty of space to sit outside on a summers day and enjoy being close to nature.

From our hire boat marina you will leisurely glide along the old course of the River Nene, which is a quieter river, and part of the Fenland waterways network. The waterways that make up the Middle Level system are a mixture of natural rivers and man-made canals that were started in the early 17th century. An unexpected consequence of the draining of the Fens was the shrinking of the dried out land. Most of this area is now below sea-level, because the land has sunk, so the Middle Level rivers now have to be pumped up to sea-level to drain the land.

The town of March is a short train journey from Cambridge or London, and was once a small island community. It was developed as a Tudor Port, and later as a railway town in the 19th century. The River Nene flows through the town centre, so pretty cottages and buildings, open fields and parks can be seen from the river banks as you pass through. If you are already familiar with March, this is a chance to learn about our riverside history and see the town from a different perspective. Boat cruises begin and end at Fox Narrowboats marina. Look out for kingfishers, fish, heron and dragonflies, as “full leisurely we glide.”

We expect these trips to be popular, and availability is limited, so book your own “golden afternoon” now.

90 min boat trips – June 2024

Book Now: Skippered Boat Trips on March Explorer

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Why not make Mothering Sunday extra special this year by suggesting that her favourite family members get together for a memorable daytrip to March, in Cambridgeshire?

Mothers’ Day and Mothering Sunday are actually two separate things, although they are held on the same day in England. Mothering Sunday is traditionally the fourth Sunday in lent, when parishioners return to their ‘mother’ church. Mothers’ Day first started in the 1950’s, as a way to say thank you for all of the things that mothers do. Planning a family day out boating on Cambridgeshire’s peaceful inland waterways could be a lovely way to say ‘thank you’ this Mothers’ Day (10^th March 2024).

Hire a Narrowboat

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. Our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery, a hob, a fridge and a sink in the galley area, so you can make snacks and hot drinks on board, or bring a picnic. There is also a toilet, dinette, and a seating area. We can arrange to have groceries, or an afternoon tea waiting for you on board. Alternatively, you can stop at a waterside pub for refreshments, or visit a fish and chip shop for dinner.

Our annual boating season begins in April, so you can book a day trip in advance and surprise your mum with the news on Mothers’ Day. Boating appeals to all ages and is a great way to bring the family together.

Read: The Top 3 Mothers Day Ideas For The Narrowboat Mum

Day boats ‘March Adventurer’ and ‘March Explorer’ can carry up to ten people each.  Prices start from £260 and include fuel and insurance.

Find out more about our day boat hire.

Read All About It

Alternatively, if your mum, wife, or gran is a woman who enjoys narrowboating, or dreams of getting afloat, then you may also consider getting her a book revealing the pro’s and cons of parenting on board. When my children were young we lived on board a narrowboat, so I loved seeking out stories about mothers on canal boats; both biographical and fictional.

Read: Five Surprising Mothers Day Gifts for the Narrowboat Mum

Pushing the Boat Out

But perhaps you’re looking for more than a book, flowers or chocolates as a gift? Maybe you are looking for that elusive family holiday; the one that can please all of the people all of the time? Relaxing, yet adventurous, a change from everyday life, without the modern day hassle of traffic and airports? We’ve got the perfect family holiday for you. Enjoy the scenic countryside and quality time together, explore new places and learn to steer a boat and work a lock.

Read: Why Narrowboating is the Perfect Family Holiday

It’s more than a Mothers’ Day gift, but if you have been planning a multi-generational holiday this year, then boating has something for everyone. Fox Narrowboats in Cambridgeshire is a short distance from London, ideally located for everyone to get together. After all, what better day than Mothers’ Day to get together and appreciate one another’s company, and plan special treats for the year ahead?

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Navigation planning on a Fox day boat

With September just around the corner and the children back to school, why not take a mid-week day afloat for some relaxation?

Taking a day off to go messing about in boats will boost your mental health and create special memories with your loved ones. Get up close to nature and take photos as you travel at a leisurely pace through the Middle Level in Cambridgeshire. A typical return boat journey will take six or seven hours, so it’s a chance to really slow down. Go with a group of friends for an unusual hen party or stag do, or celebrate a special family occasion. Our day boats carry up to 10 passengers, and everyone can have a go at steering.

A short train journey from Cambridge or London, you will find us in the Fenland market town of March. If this is your first time narrowboating we will show you the ropes. We’re a friendly family-run business, so you can ask us any questions before you set off. You can either cruise east towards the picturesque villages of Upwell and Outwell, or west through Ashline Lock to Whittlesey.

Our colourful day boats are the March Adventurer and the March Explorer. Both boats have a seating area and a toilet, and you will find the galley on board complete with hob, fridge, and a sink. Each boat has a dinette, equipped with crockery and cutlery so you can make snacks and hot drinks as you travel. (Grab food at Sainsbury’s or Iceland, in March, or at the riverside village store in Upwell.)

For a special occasion order food from Glam Grazing by Gem and it will be in the fridge on board when you arrive. Choose from a traditional afternoon tea, a gentleman’s afternoon tea or a selection of graze boxes. The Sweet Treat Box is perfect for a birthday as it includes Prosecco and a selection of homemade, freshly prepared cakes. There is also a children’s afternoon tea and a gluten free option.

There’s enough room on the boat for everyone to sit outside, and dogs are welcome.

Read: Canal Boating With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide.

If it rains there is a see-through cover at the front of the boat, or you could take shelter in a cosy country pub along the way.

Enjoy the views, the heritage and the wildlife as you cruise on the water. Day boating customers have spotted kingfishers and other birds, and animals grazing in the fields as they drift lazily through the countryside.  If you like to stay active you can walk alongside the boat sometimes, and help with the locks.

Check out the stunning local scenery in this short video clip:

A mid-week break in September means you avoid the summer holiday crowds, and save money on the cost of boat hire. The autumn colours make the scenery quite idyllic at this time of year. The flat landscape allows you to travel under a panorama of big skies, perhaps passing through a mesmerising windfarm if you are headed to Outwell.

You may also like: 5 Memorable Things to See on a Day Boat Trip

There are some great offers available this September with some days reduced from £225 to £200. Search Day Boat Hire.

For more surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out in Cambridgeshire, 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.)

Photo & Video Credit: Fox Narrowboats

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Credit: Fox Narrowboats

Now that the weather is getting colder it has inspired me to start browsing the internet for some holiday ideas for next year! If you’re new to exploring the Fenland waterways you may like to use the internet to plan your next canal boat cruise, and daydream about the places you are going to visit.

If you’re new to boating don’t overestimate the distance that you can travel. While four miles per hour is the agreed maximum speed, in reality you will travel slower than this, and will stop for locks, pubs, shopping, wandering and exploring. It can take twenty minutes to work through a lock, and this could be longer if you find the lock in use when you arrive and have to wait.

Some boaters like to plan ahead, thinking about where to stop for lunch, or where you will moor the boat overnight. Alternatively, other people prefer to be more flexible about where they will end up. On some of the UK canal network you can moor almost anywhere on the towpath, but on our local rivers you may need to work out where you are headed. It is not always possible to moor wherever you like on a tidal navigation. Some rural moorings have steep banks which make it difficult to access the boat. It is also impossible to moor in some inner city areas where the towpath is sometimes solid paving or concrete, with no mooring bollards or rings provided. The ‘off side’ of the canal, opposite the towpath side, is usually private land and therefore not available for visitor mooring.

Environment Agency and other mooring sites are listed in the waterway guides and maps provided with your hire boat. Our company is also a member of GOBA so on the river Great Ouse their moorings are also available for holiday use.

If you are new to boating you may find it easier with two or more adults on board. It is not safe for young children to help with the locks and they will need watching while the boat is passing through a lock, so bear that in mind when you plan how many adults are to be in your crew. However, older children can and do enjoy boat handling if they are supervised.

Your holiday could be completely rural and quiet, or include a particular town or city that you have wanted to visit. We provide Imray guide books and Lockmaster maps with each holiday narrowboat. The Imray canal guide books cover our local area and describe local restaurants, pubs and attractions as well as detailing the locations of locks and boater’s facilities.

When you’ve decided on your direction of travel and your ‘must see’ attractions, and towns, you will need to calculate how long the trip will take you and whether it is possible in the time you have available. You can use the guide book supplied with the boat  to help with this.

Alternatively, get the internet to do the planning for you! There are a number of canal route planners online. CanalPlanAC is an interactive online guide covering the inland waterways. It can be used to find local information such as pubs and shops. You can choose to assume a seven hour travelling day, or select your own preferred travelling times. The results page displays a lovely aerial map (by Google) and an optional slideshow of photographs so that you can imagine your cruise.

To plan you holiday select March marina as your starting point, then choose an out and back trip. Select a destination, for example Ely visitor moorings. The default time spent travelling is seven hours per day, but you may want to choose less than this, (say four hours) for a leisurely holiday cruise with lots of exploring on land! When the system displays your results you can click on any location on your journey to see a map and photos. It will also show you the nearest water point, rubbish disposal point and place to turn the boat around. You can also use this website on board. Wi-Fi is available on all our boats, which also have in-car chargers and 240v power supplies. There is a 1.25GB allowance for short breaks and 2.5GB per week.

You can also choose from our holiday route suggestions on this website. Our route guides will talk you through the boating journey, show highlights on the waterways and places to visit. You will cruise through rivers, canals and open sections during your boat hire holiday.

Now all you need is a boat! Choose which Fox Narrowboat would suit your family or group for a holiday and get day dreaming about the warmer weather!

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Great news! We’re back open for boat hire, mooring customers and the workshop, and we’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, and meeting some new people this spring and summer (at a safe social distance!)

As the UK slowly began to ease out of lockdown our local river Great Ouse hosted the Cambridge boat race on April 4^th. Cambridge won the 166th men’s Boat Race, and Cambridge also won the Women’s Boat Race, winning by less than one length. The race was moved from its usual residence along the Thames to Ely in Cambridgeshire due to Covid. Check out this guest post about the boat race channel, Sandall’s Cut. (If you’d like to cruise this route by narrowboat we recommend a four night break to comfortably visit Ely.)

So, as staycations are expected to go ahead, and we look forward to the reopening of pubs and restaurants, how can you best enjoy your post-lockdown freedom?

Take a Day Trip

Our day boats can accommodate your household and support bubble before 17^th May, but when restrictions are finally eased a boat may carry up to 10 people. (Check current government guidelines.) There is lots of seating up front, so everyone can enjoy the scenery and wildlife as you cruise along with a mug of tea or coffee. You can even bring your dog.

Turn your day trip into a special occasion by pre-ordering a grazing box or traditional afternoon tea from Glam Grazing by Gem.  Her other catering choices include an antipasti graze box, a sweet treat box with prosecco, or a cheese lovers graze box and more.

Alternatively, moor your narrowboat outside J R Stott Fish & Chips in Outwell, to collect your supper, or stop at the idyllic moorings of Outwell basin. It is here that the Wisbech Canal used to join the Well Creek. The parish church of St Clement, Outwell is worth exploring while you are in Outwell.

Take a Holiday

Those three words that many of us have longed to hear! Our narrowboat holidays are an idyllic way to travel and explore Cambridge’s Universities, Ely Cathedral, or Ferry Meadows park. Relax on board our cosy narrowboats and discover the stunning Fenland countryside. It is hoped that May 17^th will introduce significant changes to our everyday lives, as pubs and restaurants may reopen their indoor spaces. It is possible that holiday boaters will be able to meet inside – still following the rule of six or two household restriction.

A narrowboat holiday is done at your own pace, you decide when and where to go and where to moor your boat. Our narrowboat holiday breaks can be taken as a week, weekend break or midweek breaks. The boats are comfortably fitted with all mod cons and if you’re new to boating we’ll show you the ropes.

Safety

We have a number of Covid-19 safety measures in place. Some of our boat handover procedure is now on video and we undertake triple cleaning between hire customers.

Read more: Holidays 2021: Narrowboat Staycations to Go Ahead

If you’re ready to plan your adventure on the Fenland waterways Check the boat you want is available now.

To be notified with new holiday information as it changes, sign up for 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 we’ll send you stories, tips and advice about narrowboating around the Fens in 2021.

Image: Deposit 253862888 danjmh

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The government has recently advised against booking a summer holiday abroad this summer, and discussed introducing quarantine hotels. Meanwhile, Valentine’s Day has just gone by and many of us are thinking of creative ways to surprise our partners; and yet romantic restaurants and hotels remain closed due to lockdown.

Booking a romantic narrowboat break is the perfect solution.

Your partner deserves a little getaway to look forward to later this year, and booking something in the UK is the safest option right now. England’s stunning countryside and rich heritage make it this year’s most romantic destination! We are looking forward to the day when boating will reopen and our holidays and day trips can continue. (Remember your booking is covered by our Covid guarantee.) Booking early will guarantee the dates that suit you and your plans.

Here are four reasons why narrowboats are the most romantic break right now.

A Different Date Every Day

One day you could be strolling hand in hand through a quiet nature reserve, the next you could be discovering the historical colleges and charming streets of Cambridge. From pretty village walks, quaint churches and cosy pubs, to the nostalgic steam trains of the Nene Valley Railway, the Fens offer an idyllic English countryside experience. Shop in ancient market towns and discover quaint independent shops. Then eat out in a fancy restaurant, or absorb the incredible architecture of Ely Cathedral. A waterways guide book is provided with your boat and will give you lots of ideas of places to stop, whichever boating route you decide to take.

More Glamour Than Glamping

A narrowboat is the perfect way to enjoy being close to nature with all the modern conveniences of staying in a holiday cottage. You may be surprised to discover that your boat comes equipped with radiator central heating, a microwave, hairdryer, WiFi, flatscreen TV with Freeview, full size oven, fridge, electric power points, and comfortable duvets and bed linen. It’s a cosy and secluded place to snuggle up with a glass of wine together at the end of the day. Enjoy the solitude of your own private boat on the quiet East Anglian waterways. Our Rural Fox narrowboat is perfect for a couple, and the price includes VAT, diesel, gas, car parking, towels and bedlinen. Brand new in 2019, Rural Fox is a luxury narrow boat with fully fitted galley and a saloon with a folding table for eating.

The View Changes Daily

A luxury hire boat is the romantic hideaway that moves, and the view changes every day. You may start the day moored in the countryside, with only swans and livestock as your neighbours, but by that evening you could be moored in historic Ely, wandering the ancient streets and deciding on the perfect romantic restaurant. Variety is the spice of life, and will keep your romantic holiday interesting!

New Experiences Create Shared Memories

If it’s your first time learning to navigate and steer a canal boat it can bring you closer together to develop these new skills. (Read: What’s it Like to Actually Steer a Narrowboat?) We offer free boat handling training at the start of your holiday. You get to plan your own route, and decide where to shop and where to eat as you go along. Take lots of photos and reminisce about these memories long after the holiday is over. An adventure shared is a bonding experience.

On a three night weekend break you could cruise to the cathedral city of Ely, or head along the pretty River Nene to Ferry Meadows Country Park. (Read more in: Two Valentine’s Breaks to Fall in Love With.) There’s nothing like spending quality time together cruising the waterways on your own narrowboat; just the two of you. Give yourself something really special for you both to look forward to this year.

Top tip: You can beat the VAT 15% price rise if you book and pay in full by 31st March 2021.

Love canal boating? For more surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out on the Fenland Waterways, 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.

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Want to avoid the crowds typical of a boat holiday in summer?

Want to save money on the cost of your narrowboat holiday?

Want to make some great memories with your family or friends?

Then pack your cosiest jumpers, and come canal boating in Autumn!

The benefits of cruising after the summer season has ended are the misty mornings and autumnal colours that make the canals so special at this time of year. With berries in the hedgerows and peaceful days on the water, with hardly any other boats around, you’ll find that our local, calming surroundings are idyllic at this time of year.

There is nothing like building up an appetite by working the locks, while a comforting casserole or stew is cooking on your boat.  Also, out of the main boating season you may find there is more chance of getting your first choice of boat, when you look at our holiday boat availability.

If you have an adventurous spirit you will enjoy planning your route and choosing your own mooring places along the way. (Just don’t moor you holiday narrow boat near bridges, junctions, locks or in other company’s boat yards without their permission.) Enjoy the history of Cambridgeshire as you cruise through the ancient villages and towns. Take photos of the stunning views and wildlife, from birds on and around the water, to colourful waterside trees, and animals grazing in the fields.

Our boats are equipped with very efficient central heating, and all berths are supplied with a full set of freshly laundered linen, two pillows, a sheet and a duvet.

Autumn boating doesn’t need much planning. But bring some suitable clothes and footwear such as hiking boots, or wellingtons, and waterproof coats, to keep you warm and dry.

Every boat has a flat screen TV and DVD player, a radio and CD player, 240v electrics, and a microwave, so you could snuggle down for the night with popcorn and a movie. Or bring your own playing cards, and board games for those cosy evenings on board. You could also bring that book you have been meaning to read.

The Truth About Living Aboard A Boat: 3 Books You Should Read

See what other home comforts are provided on board: Equipment list.

You may also like to visit a local pub or restaurant for a hearty dinner; you will find details of these in your cruising guide. As the nights draw in you may find a torch helpful, for walks back from the pub along the towpath.

You may also like to bring along your dog, as all our boats are dog-friendly. You can read more about bringing your dog here: Canal Boating With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide.

We would love to hear from you to discuss your magical autumn adventure. Please get in touch with our friendly team and we will see how we can help.

Offer: We have a 10 night narrowboat holiday available commencing 25th September on Silver Fox, a narrowboat that sleeps 5-7*.

Missed the boat? Try booking for Autumn 2021. Check availability here.

Hey! Are you new here? Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to receive more helpful holiday tips about the Fenland Waterways. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

*Offer available at the time the article was posted

The post The Magic of Autumn Canal Boating appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Are you looking for a special gift idea this Mothering Sunday?

Something more original than flowers or chocolates?

Something that she’ll remember for years to come?

A family boat trip on the Fenland Waterways could be just what you are looking for.

Cruise into your mum’s good books this year by suggesting that her favourite family members get together for an unforgettable day-trip to March, in Cambridgeshire.

Mothers Day and Mothering Sunday are actually separate celebrations, although they are held on the same day in the UK. Mothering Sunday is traditionally the fourth Sunday in lent that you return to your mother church within your area, while Mothers Day originated in the UK in the 1950’s, as a way to say thank you for all of the things that our mothers do for us.

In 2020 the day falls on Sunday March 22^nd, and the Fox boating season begins in April. If you book a day-trip now you could surprise your mum with the idea on Mothers Day. Boating appeals to all ages; so family members can be as active or relaxed as they like. You could bring a picnic, buy fish and chips, or find a pub or restaurant along the way.

Our day boats are equipped with a hob, fridge and sink, crockery and cutlery, a toilet and a seating area. On board you’ll also find a 12v mobile phone charging point, so that you can keep taking pictures of mum’s special day.

Before you set off, one of our qualified instructors will explain how to steer the boat and operate the locks, so you will be fully trained in boat handling.

“Eight of us hired a narrowboat here for a day this week. We absolutely loved it! Very helpful advice and instructions which we appreciated.

The boat itself is lovely, especially enjoyed being able to sit at the front and watch the world go by. There are cooking facilities on board (a hob) which we made good use of with bacon rolls in the morning! Well stocked with plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, frying pan and kettle.

We took a leisurely trip on the river and moored up at a public mooring spot and had a short walk to a pub (The Five Bells in Upwell) which was very pleasant. Also enjoyed mooring up later in the day for our dinner.

All eight of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would happily hire again. Thanks for a lovely day!”

• Matt F on Trip Advisor.

A narrowboat travels at around three miles an hour, and our staff will help you to plan your route and timings before you set off.

The Fenland waterways in Spring time are really peaceful, with spectacular scenery. If you are used to the more touristy areas of England’s canals you may be surprised at how uncrowded our local navigations are, with long stretches of open water, and stunning vast sky-scapes.

This year, show your mum, gran, step-mother, or partner just how much you appreciate her, and make some treasured memories together.

Want to treat your mum to a day afloat this year? Check here for availability of boats and dates to suit you and buy a gift voucher.

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 The Ultimate Mother’s Day Surprise appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.