The weather has been cold and yet after a short but bracing cruise this afternoon as I write, the most beautiful bands of sunlight are pouring themselves in through my windows, dancing tantalising reflections across my ceiling—a sight unseen when blocked in by other boats. I am in awe. I am content. I am lost in the simple pleasures of boating, of movement, and of changing seasons.

There are also sounds that cannot be expressed through pictures: the haunting lone call of a moorhen, the delightful tumbling song of hedgerow birds, the nasally honking of geese, the gentle slow wingbeats that belie a swan’s size. And then there is my thudding heart; bursting with happiness for the springtime that I know will now unfold at double speed before me.

I am here. I am within it. I am glad.

Fox Blog: Why an April Narrowboat Holiday is the Perfect Spring Getaway

Skies seem endless and filled with promise and I ponder the joy of keeping moving, along these watery roads, never returning to where I started. But alas, this year personal commitments mean we can’t venture too far and that’s okay because after many spells afloat throughout these past 16 years, and having travelled much of the network, I know that whatever stretch we find ourselves on, there will still be magic:

Delightful dawn choruses to wake me in the morning, ducklings darting around after mum in a cacophony of continual yet endearing quacking, grasses and wildflowers billowing along the towpath and finally—a feeling of warmth penetrating the windows. As the season progresses I know I will feel myself steadily thawing, my mind drifting to the promise of local cruises in dappled sunlight, working locks in the still silence of lighter evenings.

Fox Blog: Fearful of Locks? How to work one even if you’ve never done it

Winter has felt long this year, but getting back to my narrowboat and clearing out the debris of this coldest season before untying the ropes and flinging the doors open to spring, has felt as magical as it always does. Because wherever I wander, there is nothing quite like the sights and sounds of England’s waterways in springtime.

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 First Cruise of the Year 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.

cat in basket narrowboat

Why Cats Make Great Ship-Mates

Cats are independent yet affectionate, and they can comfortably adjust to smaller living spaces, a perfect fit for narrowboat life. They also provide entertainment and emotional comfort, especially during those quiet evenings on-board.

Whenever I visit my friend, Lina, who lives aboard a narrowboat, we enjoy cosy nights of cats, candlelight, and wine. Many years ago, after one such evening, a small white cat followed me along the towpath as I left her boat. The following morning, she appeared again on the back deck at 6:30 a.m., politely insisting she be let in! Thirteen years and hundreds of miles of canal travel later, Molly is still a devoted boat cat. As I said to Lina, “Friends that boat together, stay together.” That could apply to Lina and me… or Lina and her cats.

First Days Onboard: Letting Them Adjust

A new cat should be kept indoors for at least 2–3 weeks (4–6 weeks is better) to allow them to familiarise themselves with the boat as their territory. This helps prevent them from wandering back to a previous home, and ensures they feel safe before exploring outside.

Creating Comfy “Lookout Spots”

Cats love to observe their surroundings. Space is limited on a narrowboat, but a cat will love any furnitre or fittings that will elevate them to be able to see out of the window. Some cats may prefer the dinette, kitchen worktop, or the roof! Whatever the choice, having high vantage points helps cats feel secure and engaged.

Boat Cats Fall In – Here’s Why It’s Okay

It’s a common worry for boaters: what happens if your cat takes an unexpected dip? Many confident cats misjudge a gunwale now and again. The good news is that cats are natural swimmers, and most climb out, shake off the embarrassment, and return to exploring as if nothing happened. Boat owners often note that their cats are far more upset about being towel-dried than the fall itself! Just offer warmth and reassurance, and watch for any signs of illness—a soggy moggy moment usually becomes just another charming chapter in life afloat.

Safety Tips for Cats on Canal Boats       

Microchip and ID: A collar with a phone number and your boat name is a good idea, in case your cat wanders too far.

Life Jackets: Many cats are fine without one, but nervous or adventurous felines may benefit from a cat-specific buoyancy aid like the Baltic Maja, with secure straps, a lifting handle, and high-visibility colours.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Boat Cats                    

Reboarding Solutions: Canal sides are steep. When working cargo boats were towed by horses, occasional underwater ramps were built in, to allow a horse to climb out, should they take an unexpected dip. A cat could climb out if you have a rope or cylindrical fenders at water level. Carpet tiles or hessian sacks draped over the side are good for claw grip. Some boaters keep a fisherman’s landing net for rescuing a soggy cat.

ginger cat by riverside | ahmed

Outdoor cats may need careful monitoring. Some owners wait hours for their cat to return home, before setting off on a cruise, while others lock cats indoors at night for safety. Boat life allows their natural hunting instincts to thrive and exploring towpaths, hedgerows, and nearby fields keeps cats active and busy. Just remember that cruising schedules may need to adapt to a cat’s wanderings.

Some cats are happiest staying inside, especially those unaccustomed to roaming. Mental stimulation is crucial: scratching posts, cat grass, window hammocks, and interactive toys are lifesavers on wet or rainy days.

Practical Living Solutions for Boaters with Cats

Space may be limited, but there are ways to make life comfortable for both cat and owner:

Litter Tray: A bathroom or shower room works best.

Drying Station: Keep a towel handy beside the door for unexpected splashes.

Famous Boat Cats & Nautical Kitty Lore               

Cats have been companions on boats for centuries. Modern social media celebrates adventurous felines—from Instagram “boat cats” documenting life afloat to historical ship’s cats protecting cargo and keeping rodents at bay.

Take Dolly the Cat, who famously stowed away from the Isle of Wight on a luxury motor cruiser, only to be found via microchip weeks later in Poole—a charming reminder that some cats are born to explore!

Fox Narrowboats Hire

While we don’t recommend bringing a cat on a short holiday narrowboat hire, dogs are most welcome on both holiday and day boats! If you’re considering full-time liveaboard life with a cat, hiring a Fox Narrowboat first gives you a safe way to test the waters. You can see how the lifestyle feels, how you and the cat might adapt to life on the water, and whether this unique way of living suits your family.

Check booking availability

Share Your Cat Stories            

Now we’d like to hear from you. Do you know of any cats on board? Has your cat ever taken an accidental swim? How did they handle it? Would your cat run away to sea like Dolly the Cat? Share your cat-pics and stories with us on Foxboats Facebook or tag us on Instagram.

See how many liveaboard cats you can spot on your next Foxboats holiday.

Photo Credit: Ginger cat by riverside Ahmed on Unsplash Grey cat on stump Anna Keibalo on Unsplash . Cat in basket licenced dreamstime.

The post Puss in Boats: Can Cats Live Afloat On A Narrowboat? appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

passed lock | alice elgie

That winter, with ice cracking around our ears as we slept, we found beauty in simplicity, strength in embracing limited resources, and thrived coming up with ingenious ways to get through, such as ferrying rubbish and waste on our young daughter’s sled down to the nearest towpath facilities station, or working together with neighbours to join up hosepipes so we could each connect to the nearest unfrozen tap. Community is something that always stands out whenever I talk to fellow boaters about life on the water and I can attest that there’s nothing like a harsh winter to bring out the best in people.

Nowadays though I’d like to think I’m a more seasoned winter boater, knowing how to get prepared well in advance for these colder days, how to keep the fire burning through the night, and also how to ensure my boat is safe, especially if it’s being left alone for a cold spell. For a start, you’ll find me stocked up with wood and smokeless coal before there’s even so much as a nip in the air so that when it’s time to bring the coal bucket out of summer storage from the front well-deck, I’m ready to go. Kindling and logs might also be gathered throughout the year and stored on the roof, but be aware that they will need to have dried for approximately one year before you burn them. Wet wood in a small boat does not create the kind of toasty, cosy atmosphere I like to go for in this season!

passing lock in winter | alice elgie

Curious about how warm it is on a narrowboat? https://www.foxboats.co.uk/narrowboats-is-it-cold-in-winter/

It’s also important to remember that the canal freezes so if you’re a continuous cruiser you’ll want to make sure you’re where you’re happy to be for a time—ideally close to a water point and facilities but also with the realisation that water points freeze too so start as you mean to go on with water conservation! I like to channel our industrial past and those bargees who worked historic boats through all conditions, often crammed into a boatman’s cabin with their entire family. You might not agree, but I think there is a romance to sink washes and basic meals cooked on the fire…and if you’re lucky enough to work from your boaty home it can feel like permission to switch off, hunker down and forget about the world ‘out there’.

Mood-boosting tips to beat the winter blues! https://www.foxboats.co.uk/three-foxy-mood-boosting-tips-for-this-winter/

On a practical level, make sure you’ve topped up your engine and heating system with antifreeze otherwise you might end up with a cylinder head cracking or a radiator pipe splitting. Also ensure you’ve paid some attention to any gaps in hatches, portholes and doorframes, and if you’re planning to leave your boat for a time but aren’t confident to winterise it yourself, you could ask a marina to carry out the draining of your water system and radiators and turning off of water pumps to avoid burst pipes and seals.

Whilst my 15 years on the water haven’t been without the odd hiccup, once settled into the rhythm and quirks of boat life you’ll find that winter—whilst sometimes a challenge—can be the thing that sets your life at the helm in stone…although I for one am hoping this winter won’t be quite as bracing as 2010!

Photo credits: Alice Elgie

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 Narrowboating Through Winter appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

From my narrowboat living room on this early evening of early autumn, I look out through my open door to a sky that merges seamlessly from cobalt blue at the top through to lighter blues, pale creams, yellows, oranges and finally deep red just above the darkened tree line. Geese fly in formation across the scene, their honking therapeutic in the otherwise still, drawing in of night. The long narrow strip of water stretches out ahead of the bow and its quiet inky ripples reflect on my ceiling… wavering, wandering lights.

autumn on the water – alice elgie

I wonder how many more evenings there will be like this, how much longer before we descend into the full darkness of winter. Already as I walk along the towpath to collect drinking water I catch the occasional drift of a wood-burner coughing and spluttering its way out of hibernation, forming streams of grey black smoke across the canal. There is something comforting about this departure from those afternoons spent lounging on the roof of the boat as we drifted along the cut during the long hazy summer. Perhaps it is the realisation that we can now begin to retreat inside — without question or explanation — to rest and recharge our jittery souls.

Looking for tips on how to capture these beautiful autumnal fenland sunsets near Fox Boats?

And yet there is too, a sense of melancholy in the air.

Some days I catch my heart as it mourns sorrowfully for the beginning of summer when we wandered along untouched towpaths where wild flowers and grasses grew in abundance, where we were able to crouch down within them and become better acquainted, ‘why, pleased to meet you Meadowsweet and Timothy’…

riverside cottage – tanya barrow

Times where we would rest in the cool shade of dappled woodlands listening to woodpeckers, feeling spongy moss beneath our fingertips and feet.

I think of the ‘Country Wines’ boat, their hedgerow creations crowding the deck, the chat we shared, the wine we bought – and then drank on a peaceful still evening as swallows swooped ahead, back when my heart wavered with joy knowing they were only just arriving.

This evening I watch them swoop low to the water and somehow my heart sinks with the knowledge that soon they will leave.

Fancy trying your hand at some birdwatching with the RSPB?

RSPB bird watching – jonny gios

Yet on another autumnal day I stare out of my writing room window and am immediately buoyed by this new season. Reeds shoot up ahead of me, swaying in the fresh breeze, interlaced with the ever-disappearing pink blooms of Great Willowherb. Tufts of grasses offer a brown hue and the first orange-tinged leaves are twirling gently toward the water’s surface like ballerinas pirouetting.

Suddenly I feel overcome with joy and wish I could bottle it: this feeling, this appreciation, this ‘in the moment’ of life, and I realise I am thankful that in this wandering floating home there are so many windows and (still) open doors that I am unable to ignore the ever-changing nature that spills in and — albeit sometimes reluctantly — brings me joyfully into the heart of each season.

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

Photo credits: House on the river Tanya Barrow on Unsplash Bird watching RSPB UK Jonny Gios on Unsplash

The post Autumn On The Water – Diary Of Living On A Narrowboat appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

foraging pot blueberries | natalia marcelewicz

 We’ve had an abundant final foraging month of summer loaded with rich golden and purple Victoria plums along with small yellow Mirabelle plums, which we have eaten fresh and also made into crumbles. But autumn is truly where foraging comes into its own with, it seems, a shiny berry at every turn.

yellow mirabelle plums | gaelle marcel

I think most of us are familiar with blackberries—or brambles as my mum was adamant they were called when she was a child growing up in North Yorkshire. There’s of course nothing better than plucking a handful and scoffing them as you stroll, but this plentiful and versatile fruit is also perfect for jams, crumbles, and syrup that works a treat on top of fluffy pancakes.

Fancy trying your hand at making blackberry syrup? 

/www.wildfooduk.com/wild-food-recipes/blackberry-syrup/ 

But blackberries are really just the tip of the forage-berg at this time of year, especially if you’re looking to load up on a good vitamins, or get ahead with your sustainable Christmas presents. In my opinion, rose hips are a vastly underrated fruit that you’ll find poking out of hedgerows the length of England’s canals. These oval red shiny berries are chock-full of vitamins A, B and D, as well as more vitamin C than an orange or lemon! In fact, this unassuming hedgerow fruit was a staple of wartime Britain when, with produce scarce, they were made into syrup, which was administered to children to keep them healthy.

foraging for blackberries | candace mathers

Even for myself growing up in the 80s, I remember well the sight of crab apples and rose hips squished into a ‘jelly bag’ hanging over a bowl in the kitchen. My mum was a wartime child herself and knew the benefits of our hedgerow plants and thankfully, passed these traditions down to me and also my daughter. Foraging folklore is in the hands of all of us and retaining such knowledge is an important part of retaining autonomy in our lives.

blackberries crumble homemade | duncan kidd

Feeling like you need a boost of Vitamin C? Try this simple River Cottage recipe:

Now I know some of you might be cross at me for mentioning Christmas, but if you’re trying to be more sensitive to sustainability and aiming to make a lesser impact this year, then I encourage you to look out for the first frost and then go in search of the beautiful purple jewels abundant in our hedgerows. Sloe gin makes a wonderful gift, is super satisfying to make, and watching it ferment in the corner for several months provides a gentle reminder of the harvest this season of autumn brings.

Go out, explore, forage, and enjoy!

If you want to be ready for a sustainable Christmas, try this recipe: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/sloe-gin

Note: When foraging, please make sure you use a reliable identification book!

Alice Elgie is a wandering writer with an appreciation for time spent in nature: slowintotheseasons.substack.com

Image credits: Blackberry pot Natalia Marcelewicz on Unsplash. Mirabelle plums Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash Blackberry pot Candace Mathers on Unsplash  Crumble Duncan Kidd on Unsplash

The post Autumnal Foraging on the Towpath appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

greener living on a narrowboat

Being in the shower when everything went dark was quite the experience, but luckily it wasn’t a power cut and no, it’s not an everyday occurrence on water. Instead, I was on my first ever family narrowboat holiday and the appointed skipper had decided on an early-morning journey through Braunston Tunnel…

Life on a narrowboat is different to a house however, and familiarising yourself with those differences might save you from being up the canal without a paddle.

Conserving Energy

For me, as a (mostly) continuously cruising liveaboard, I always have a solar panel on the roof to keep my power topped up but still it’s important to be mindful—unless you want your entire roof to be covered in panels with little space left for spring flowers.

For instance, charging whilst the boat is moving and therefore the engine is on and boosting your batteries is always useful, and device battery time can be prolonged by occasionally switching off. When it comes to using items such as hair straighteners and hairdryers, why not avoid sending sparks flying due to power overload by embracing narrowboat life with a sense of simplicity and carefreeness? I like to let my hair dry naturally in the (hopefully) sunny summer weather, or perched in front of a toasty wood stove!

Need to be tempted to leave the hairdryer at home? Then check out this post:

10 Great things about living on a narrowboat – Fox Blog

Using Less

When it comes to water, you’re bound by what you can carry on board and if there’s more than one of you and you’re all indulging in daily Hollywood showers, then it’s not going to last too long. But here’s the thing: are we not all meant to be thinking about our environmental impact?

There are of course plentiful stations along the canals and rivers where you can top up your tank, but being resourceful first is always a plus. If you’re on a boat just for a holiday, then it might also encourage you to question longer term, if you really need to leave that tap running whilst brushing your teeth…

Caring for your Community

From grey water that goes back out into the canal to then be enjoyed by our beautiful wildlife, to the amount of rubbish we produce that then gets sent to landfill, life on a narrowboat certainly makes you think carefully about waste.

When it comes to shower and washing-up water choosing natural products is always best, for us and also for the feathered and gilled friends we share the waterways with. As for rubbish, when you have to store it on your boat and take it yourself to a disposal point slimming down on packaging is always at the forefront of my mind.

Black water can be disposed of at a pumpout facility as shown in the Imray guides.

The Fun Factor

Perhaps it doesn’t sound like fun to always be thinking about these things but actually, it can be very relaxing. The less you have, the less you have to worry about so why not use your move afloat—or narrowboat holiday—as an opportunity to get back to basics, considering not only the environment, but also the impact that ‘always on’ technology might be having on you and your family. Pulling out a battered copy of Monopoly or Scrabble might be just the bonding experience you’ve been waiting for.

Freedom of the Open Road Canal

Of course, it’s the sense of independence that’s the big selling point for narrowboat life. Imagine: everything you need is on board with you, so why not switch off the Smartphone, pack some books, leave the hairdryer at home and experience ultimate freedom, even in the sense of a shower on the move—with or without light!

If you would like to find out a little more about what you can expect on board

Narrowboat holidays all you need to know – Fox blog

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 A Simpler Greener Freer Lifestyle On Board A Narrowboat appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

As you sit with your coffee or glass of wine, and look through your many photo memories, you may consider making a more permanent lifestyle change to live on the water. If you want to “try out” a narrow boat then you could hire a narrow boat for 1 or 2 weeks.

The narrowboat holiday experience

carefree Fox Narrowboat holiday

A narrowboat break offers a carefree experience. Many basic amenities are included in the cost, such as fuel for the boat, car parking while you are away cruising, towels, bedlinen and WIFI. Much like when you check out from a hotel room, at the end of your holiday, you return your narrowboat to the pickup point, where it is checked over and maintained, refreshed and replenished for use by the next customer. You can find the answer to many of your questions about what costs are covered on a narrowboat holiday at:

https://www.foxboats.co.uk/faq/

Living full time on a narrowboat

permanently living on a narrowboat

However, the reality of full-time living on the water, requires more planning. Once you have decided to make a narrowboat your permanent home, when looking for your ideal residence, the price you pay for your boat, reflects the level of convenience and luxury you are looking for.

How much does it cost to build a narrowboat?

How much does it cost to live on a narrowboat?

You’ll be responsible for fuel, mooring fees, licensing, and maintenance. Consider making a list of your current living expenses to look at how the day-to-day running costs compare to those of living on dry land.

narrowboat mooring couple

Mooring fees

Mooring fees are calculated by the length of your boat and the area it is to be located. Like house prices, they can be much higher in certain parts of the country than others, so you could check to see how these compare to the Council Tax you pay if you own or rent your current home.

Annual boat licence

Much like any vehicle where you will currently pay for road tax, MOT and insurance, to cruise your boat on inland waterways, you are required to have an annual boating licence along with a Boat Safety Scheme certificate – valid for four years and a current insurance policy. Information on licencing can be obtained at:

Canal & River Trust Long Term Licence PDF

Middle Level Commissioners

Specialist boat insurance

Specialist insurance companies can advise on the appropriate cover you will need. However, if you are not looking for permanent moorings and want to be a ‘continuous cruiser’, do bear in mind you will need to move your boat to a different neighbourhood at least every fourteen days. This can involve additional costs like taxis or public transport if you maintain a car and need to move it to your new mooring location.

Fox narrowboats recommend Yacht Master Insurance

Other costs

As well as the cost of fuel (diesel) to run your boat and Wi-Fi connection, there is heating to consider.

When at a permanent mooring, you might have the option of paying for plug-in electricity onsite. However, many owners opt for the cosiness and ambience of a dual fuel system, with coal and wood burning stoves or a separate Calor gas water heater. Using a generator when the engine is running, is a reasonably cheap way to produce electricity when cruising, with just the oil to pay for.

More minor expenses taken for granted on land also add up. Emptying a pump-out toilet comes with a charge, although using a cassette model is usually free and can be emptied when you fill up your water tank. Laundry can be done on board if you have a portable washing machine, although drying is also important as condensation might be a problem, particularly in the colder months. So another essential expense could be using a launderette.

So, to summarise, the cost of living on a narrowboat varies and depends on your individual choices. One couple’s experience that might be helpful, can be found at:

https://barryandsandra.com/the-costs-of-living-on-a-narrowboat/

Maybe you would want to consider a trial period or “hybrid” living situation initially to get a better sense of ongoing expenses.  While the financial aspects are important, the unique charm of life on Britain’s waterways is a priceless experience, unlike any other.

The post The Costs Of Living On A Narrowboat  appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

At the time of writing the UK is in coronavirus lockdown, and everyone except keyworkers have been asked to stay at home. If you are safe at home and looking for new books to read, you may like these three suggestions, which are real-life accounts of families living on boats. 

Whether you are an experienced boater, or new to narrowboat holidays, true stories of families on board are a wonderful glimpse into the practicalities of boating life. I lived on a narrowboat for six years with my husband and two young children and wrote a blog about it called The Real Life of a Narrowboat Wife. At that time I was interested in reading stories of other parents who had chosen a life afloat, to see how their experiences compared with mine.

Ramlin Rose

My favourite book at that time was Ramlin Rose, by Sheila Stewart. The author interviewed several boatwomen who were born and bred on horse-drawn boats, and recounted their experiences as seen through the eyes of a fictional boatwoman, travelling on the Oxford Canal through the Great War, the Depression, the Second World War and the decline of the canals. The harsh reality of raising a family while working incredibly hard and long hours is captured in this poignant account. There are several books about the history of the cargo carrying boats that were once and essential part of Britain’s transport system; but this is a rare account of the lifestyle from the point of view of the women. The details of their daily lives, shopping, cooking and parenting while steering a boat, are fascinating to read.

Narrow Margins

As cargo-carrying boats faded into the history books, the canals started to become a place for leisure cruising and holidays, and living aboard became a lifestyle choice.

When financial circumstances forced her family to downsize their home, author Marie Browne and her husband Geoff bought a 70ft ex-hotel boat called ‘Happy Go Lucky’ to live on. This funny, heart-warming story follows the family’s journey from Braunston, to Cambridge. After leaving the Grand Union Canal their adventure took them down the River Nene, through the Middle Level navigations and on to the River Ouse, before arriving on The River Cam. So the book contains great descriptions of some of the routes covered by Fox Narrowboats. Their lifestyle change forced them to downsize to a more minimalist lifestyle, and they learned how to live at a slower pace of life. Read more: 3 Things this Book Can Tell Us About Narrowboat Holidays

Mud

Mud is the story of the challenges of adolescence and grief, as a family move from a house in London to a Thames barge in Essex, and tackle a number of difficult life-changes. It’s a fictional account based on the experiences and recollections of the author, Emily Thomas. In this dark comedy, the family of seven assorted siblings and stepsiblings navigate their way through parental alcoholism, bereavement and loneliness, as told through the eyes of teenage Lydia. Uplifting and beautifully written in diary form, this charming, absorbing novel describes living through teenage emotions in the early eighties, on a leaky houseboat.

Books From Amazon

These three books are available to order from Amazon. Before ordering check Amazon’s latest delivery information and answers to frequently asked questions during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

If you’d like to try living on a boat with your family check availability now for your next narrowboat holiday. As the coronavirus situation continually changes you may like to contact us first, with any questions, before booking online.

If you enjoy reading about life on the canals 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.

The post The Truth About Living Aboard A Boat: 3 Books You Should Read appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

(The Answer Might Surprise You!)

Have you ever wondered if it’s cold in winter, living on a narrowboat? I spent 13 years living on canal boats and during that time many of my friends were concerned that I was “roughing it;” imagining that I was living simply without any modern comforts. People would ask me if it was cold in winter, and whether living aboard was a bit like camping? But nothing could be further from the truth: Modern narrowboats are extremely comfortable. Here are four surprising creature comforts you will find on a Fox narrowboat.

1) Heating

Gas central heating is fitted on all of our boats, so being cold is not an option. While we don’t hire out the boats during the winter months, customers may like to use the heating during autumn or spring time holidays: The good old British weather can be a little unpredictable! The gas heating runs off of propane gas bottles that are supplied with the boat and are included in the price. You will notice wall-mounted radiators throughout the boat. (See the video below).

Upon your arrival you will also find the beds ready made up for you with freshly laundered sheets, duvets and pillow cases, so that your nights on board are always cosy and warm.

2) Entertainment

Although you might imagine a narrowboat holiday is the perfect time to go “unplugged” and recover from any smart phone addiction, you will actually find a 12v mobile phone charging point on every boat, plus WiFi and a USB charging point in the saloon! All boats are fitted with a 12v and 230v socket for charging mobile phones, laptop computers and camcorders.

You will also find a radio and CD player on board, a flat screen TV with DVD player, and a flat screen TV in the master cabin. So when you’re not out exploring the villages, towns and beautiful scenery you can relax in comfort on the boat.

3) Fine Dining

Don’t imagine that your meals on a boat have to go back to basics. The galley on board is fully equipped with a four burner hob, full sized oven, microwave, toaster, and 240v electrics. There is also a fridge with a small freezer compartment and beautiful Denby crockery, for serving up your culinary masterpieces. Just like at home you can order your groceries online and we’ll put them on board for you, ready for the start of your trip.

4) Mod Cons

Other surprising modern conveniences on board include a hoover and a hairdryer. All of our boats are fully equipped for your comfort during your holiday. Click here for a full list of what’s on board. The hire price also includes all fuels used (diesel and gas), VAT, car parking, towels and bedlinen.

Have a look around Silver Fox – a luxury narrow boat suitable for a family or a group.

Silver Fox – Narrowboat from Paula Syred on Vimeo

Winterised

Right now the planks and poles have been removed from our hire boats and we’ve started our winter maintenance. Some of the UK waterways freeze during the winter, so before they do we “winterise” our boats by pumping the bilges, emptying the water tanks and switching everything off. (Read more: How Winter Threatens to Damage Your Narrowboat – 3 Ways to Protect Yourself)

So, yes it is cold in winter on a Fox Narrowboat, but only because they are not in use! For a holiday at any other time of year they are well equipped for a warm and comfortable luxury break. We are now taking bookings for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Search narrowboat breaks.

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The post Narrowboats: Is it Cold in Winter? The Answer Might Surprise You! appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.