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.

As the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in England on July 19^th 2021, there are now no limits on social contact, meaning people can meet inside or outside with as many people as they want. This will give holiday makers far more choices of places to visit on the Fenland waterways.

However, at Fox Narrowboats we are keeping our safety measures in place. We will be asking that customers continue to wear a mask in reception and for boat handovers. Hand sanitiser will be available for all staff and customers, and our triple clean boat procedures will remain in place, as we want to do everything that we can to keep our staff and customers safe.

Once you are safely underway on your narrowboat holiday you may be looking at your guidebook and deciding where to stop for lunch. One of the great joys of travelling by boat is being able to moor up at a waterside pub or restaurant for a meal. So here are three of our favourite waterside dining establishments to visit now that restrictions have lifted.

The Swan on the River 

You may recognise The Swan on the River, Littleport from the 2021 University Boat race presentations at the finish line.  You will find this pub on the River Great Ouse and you can visit their own mooring, or the Environment Agency moorings opposite, and enjoy some good pub food, including ham hock terrine, rack of ribs or gammon steak. There’s a lovely atmosphere, great service from friendly staff and dogs are welcome. The outdoor seating area is lovely in the summer months. Cruising from our hire boat base to The Swan on the River will take you about 18 hours as a return trip.

The Swan on the River
1 Sandhill,
Littleport,
Ely
CB6 1NT

http://www.swanontheriver.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/swanontheriverpub

Crown Lodge Hotel

The Moorings Restaurant at the Crown Lodge Hotel in Outwell is just a short walk from Outwell Boat Basin.  From Crown burgers to waffles, and for breakfast or Sunday roasts we recommend advanced booking, (01945 773391).

At The Moorings meals are created from locally sourced ingredients, and they are proud of their AA Rosette, which is awarded to restaurants that stand out within their local area. Their afternoon tea has been awarded ‘Best in Norfolk’ by the EAT Norfolk food and drink awards. You’ll find this picturesque countryside hotel on a stretch of the historic Well Creek waterway, so if it’s an early afternoon tide at Salter’s Lode you could stop for a breakfast at Crown Lodge on the way.

Crown Lodge Hotel
40 Downham Road,
Wisbech,
Outwell,
PE14 8SE

https://www.thecrownlodgehotel.co.uk

The Crown Lodge Outwell | Facebook

The Cutter

On the River Ouse in Ely you can also visit The Cutter. There are great river views here, with an outside seating area where you can eat, whilst watching canal boats meandering along the river. They sometimes offer live music in the beer garden. The Cutter serves pub classics like fish and chips, fillet steak, burgers, sausage and mash and Sunday roasts, with locally sourced ingredients. They also offer sandwiches and bar snacks.

The Cutter
42 Annesdale,
Ely
CB7 4BN

http://www.thecutterinn.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/thecutterinnely

If you can picture yourself cruising down the river looking for a country pub to stop at then have a look at our holiday narrowboats for hire. Our 2022 season is now open for booking and specific boats for some months are already busy.  If you book and pay for your 2022 holiday now you can also avoid the hikes in the VAT rate scheduled for 30th September and 30th March.

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.)

The post 3 Waterside Pubs to Visit Now Restrictions Have Lifted appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Are you planning to surprise your loved one this spring?

Looking for something different to the usual ideas, gifts, hotels and breaks?

Want to avoid staying in an overbooked hotel with dozens of other couples?

The answer is to book a romantic getaway, on a narrowboat, this year!

This surprise boat trip with your partner is an alternative idea for a romantic break. Our narrowboats are available to hire from April onwards, and will give you something to look forward to. Escape crowded hotels and enjoy the solitude of your own boat on the quiet waterways. As the warmer weather encourages animals out of hibernation you may see ducks, swans and moorhens with their fluffy young ones bobbing along behind them. Listen out for the high-pitched shriek of a bright blue kingfisher on the canals. As the vegetation bursts into life in April you will see cowslips, primroses and daffodils near England’s waterways. Trees will blossom and herons will form breeding colonies in the crowns of any tall trees close to water.

On a short boating break with the one you love you could travel towards Ely or Peterborough and explore the Middle Level Waterways, The River Ouse or The River Nene. Here are our top three ideas for a cosy boat trip for two.

1) Peterborough

From March to Ferry Meadows Country Park is a 12 hour return trip by narrowboat, which is ideal for a short romantic break. On the approach to Peterborough the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields. If you stop at the visitor moorings beside the park you can explore the city centre, where you can enjoy shopping, the theatre, markets and all the restaurants you would expect to find in a major city. However, you can also enjoy peaceful waterside walks, cycling, fishing or a cup of tea in the cafe at Ferry Meadows Park. This destination has all the benefits of city life plus some added rural relaxation.

2) Downham Market

If you’re adventurous and want to get off the beaten track, then from the River Ouse you can cruise along the relief channel and moor the narrowboat at Downham Market. This little town on the edge of the Fens has a variety of shops for stocking up with provisions, as well as a local market held on Fridays and Saturdays. The town dates back to the Middle Ages, and was once known for its butter market and horse fairs. Check out the Victorian clock tower when you visit, and wander around hand in hand imagining that you’ve gone back in time together…

3) The Pub

A romantic break away would not be complete without a romantic meal. Waterside pubs offer the chance to moor up outside, and it’s therefore only a short walk home to your boat at the end of the evening. A waterways guide book is provided with your boat and will show you many cosy pubs along the route you have chosen. The Fox Boats team like to eat at The Acre in March, The Swan on the River near Ely, and The Cutter. Read: Our Top 3 Pubs for Your Fenland Narrowboat Holiday

You may also like: The Surprising Narrowboat Break Your Valentine is Going to Love

That article will tell you all about Urban Fox, a pretty little boat, painted brightly in the Fox Boat colours of red, yellow and green. Need more inspiration? You’ll also love Two Valentines Breaks to Fall in Love With.

And finally, here are our top 5 romantic ideas to rock your boat.

Want to learn more about boats and boating? Subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar and get insider knowledge about the Fenland Waterways; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

The post Top 3 Romantic Destinations on the Fenland Waterways appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

gathering at Salter’s Lode prior to the cruise. Photo Mike Daines

Following on from the IWA Campaign cruise on the Old Bedford river on 19th and 20th August 2018 prior to the IWA Festival at water at St Neots we can update you on the progress.

Only one narrow boat made it through the Old Bedford Sluice at Salter’s Lode, which demonstrates the difficulties in accessing the Old Bedford River from the tidal Ouse.  Two other narrow boats and a 22ft sailing yacht, which had crossed The Wash to take part, also attempted to get through the sluice gate, but failed despite valiant efforts by all concerned.  These attempts took place over three different tidal windows when a level was reached, to allow passage through the single guillotine gate, but the tidal entrance was too shallow and silted to allow any but the shallowest boat through.

Three portable craft were put directly into the Old Bedford River by the sluice gate at Salter’s Lode, and so a flotilla of 4 boats set off and reached Welney, about half way along the waterway, by the Sunday evening.

On the Monday morning the four boats continued their journey along the river, encountering much more weed along this section which made the passage slower, and

Old Bedford River Campaign Cruise photo by Mike Daines

arrived at the closed lock at Welches Dam soon after midday.  Those supporters viewing the flotilla from the bank included some of the boaters who had been unsuccessful in getting through the sluice, the crew of a boat who had arrived at the other end of the Horseway Channel (who had walked the short distance to Welches Dam lock along the towpath of the derelict Horseway channel), and a TV news reporter with camera and drone.  After photos and interviews had taken place, the flotilla set off to return to Salter’s Lode, and the narrow boat successfully passed back through the Old Bedford Sluice on the ebbing tide on the Monday evening.

Chris Howes, IWA Eastern Region Chairman and skipper of Lily May, the one narrow boat that managed to get on to the river, said “On behalf of IWA and the other boaters taking  part in this event I would like to thank EA and MLC staff for their support in enabling the campaign cruise to take place.  We look forward to working further with EA to come to a resolution regarding the continued closure of Welches Dam and the difficulties in accessing the Old Bedford River, as well as working with them on other initiatives in the Anglian Region.”

Pat Fox wife of our company founder Charlie accompanied Chris Howes on the journey from Salters Lode to Welney on the Sunday.  When Pat and Charlie were running the business Pat says that  in the 1970’s their hire boats regularly used the Old Bedford river to access the Great Ouse at Denver many of these customers used the Ship Inn at Purls Bridge and the Three Tuns at Welney for moorings and refreshment.  On the campaign trip Pat met Peter Cox  a local historian from Tipps End.

Pub sign Three Tuns Welney

Peter visited the marina on Friday 31st August to place the Three Tuns boat register with Fox Narrowboats for safe keeping.  Peter takes up the history of the Three Tuns.

Peter Cox hands over the register to Pat Fox

This old exercise book, referred to as a Boat Register, was kept at the pub and used as a ‘visitors book’ for boaters (mostly on NBs) from May 1968 to Dec 1997 during the time that Mabs and John Waring ran and lived at the old-fashioned Fenland riverside pub. There are some large gaps in recorded visits – I don’t know if that’s an error by the pub, or indicative of navigation problems.

I doubt it was co-incidence that the Register was started shortly after John Waring arrived at the Three Tuns from the Middle East in 1967/68 to join his wife Mabs (Madge) who became licensee in 1966, nor that the first entry was by the then Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), Lionel Munk, who arrived in NB ‘Sheerwater II’ on 14th May with other IWA members.

Five NBs at the Three Tuns, 29th March 1997. (details in the Register).
(Photo by Patrick Barry who lived at Welney Hotel, Bedford Bank West.)

Mabs died in 1995 and John took on the licence, and when he died in 2001 the brewery closed the pub with the Register locked inside. Luckily it was salvaged in 2008 just prior to the pub’s demolition and handed to me “to look after” as I’m a local historian and webmaster of the Welney Website. As keeper not owner, I cannot gift the book to anyone, but am happy to offer it to Fox Narrowboats on a long-term loan basis to use as they wish, provided they return to me if requested or make it available to anyone with justified reason for claiming ownership or a better reason for being its keeper.

Peter Cox, Tipps End, Welney, August 2018. (p@whfh.org.uk)

Fox Narrowboats are corporate members of The Inland Waterways Association (IWA). The IWA is the membership charity that works to protect and restore the country’s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers.  IWA is a national organisation with a network of volunteers and branches who deploy their expertise and knowledge to work constructively with navigation authorities, government and other organisations.  The Association also provides practical and technical support to restoration projects through its expert Waterway Recovery Group.

If you enjoyed this article you may wish to read

John Revell’s inspiration ahead of the Old Bedford campaign cruise

John Revell Old Bedford river conquered

#LoveYourWaterways #FabulousFens

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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.

wiki – cc commons – Theyellowtulip

 Are you visiting the Inland Waterways Association Festival of Water at St Neots this August?

Do you want to tick off a boating area new to you?

Are you interested in exploring the tidal Nene?

This journey is for experienced private boaters only. It is not permissible to do this journey on a hire boat!

A journey through the Middle Level Navigations to the River Nene, offers many opportunities to moor in open countryside, unwind, and look out for kingfishers and other wildlife. Include the Fenland market town of Wisbech into your holiday plans and you can also discover a stately home, a luxury cinema, an award winning brewery and a Charles Dicken’s original manuscript! On the tidal River Nene, in the far north-east of Cambridgeshire, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of narrowboating, and discover the surprising wonders of Wisbech.

1) The River Nene

Wonder Number One is the navigable River Nene itself. To get to Wisbech you’ll need to take the channel to the Dog in a Doublet sluice and then follow the Nene to Wisbech. This is a beautiful narrowboat  route because the Nene is such a quiet river, with stunning countryside and attractive villages. Beyond the Dog and Doublet Lock it is a 15 mile tidal adventure to Wisbech harbour. Registered craft can pass through the lock,  but call 01733 202219 before you arrive to arrange passage. (Read the Strong Stream Advice for the River Nene.)

2) Wisbech Museum

This museum opened in 1847, making it one of the oldest in the UK. Among the rare and unusual artefacts to be seen is the original transcript of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens! Wisbech Museum also has regular activities for children, so the whole family can enjoy a day out.

3) Elgood’s Brewery

Elgood’s Brewery was established over 200 years ago and has been run by the Elgood Family since 1878. It was one of the first classic Georgian Breweries to be built outside of London, and they have won numerous independent brewing awards. Check out the lovely gardens at the property when you visit.

4) Luxe Cinema

Luxe Cinema is considered to be the best cinema in Wisbech because they have comfortable sofas and armchairs, instead of the usual type of theatre seats. They offer blockbusters, special screenings of classic films and occasional special event viewings. This would make a really cosy treat on your holiday if it’s a rainy day.

5) Peckover House

On the North Brink on the banks of the River Nene you will find Peckover House, which was built around 1722. This classic Georgian House breaks the street line by being set back from the terraces to either side, and offers beautiful walks, stunning gardens and a strong history. It’s frequently used to film period dramas, including BBC’s David Copperfield. Don’t miss it if you visit Wisbech!

If you enjoyed this article about Wisbech, subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

Before planning your journey it is essential to speak to the Lock Keeper at Dog in a Doublet and the Wisbech Harbour office !

You may also like: The 3 Best Moorings When Narrowboating on the Nene

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Are you a food and dining enthusiast?

Do you love cooking at home?

Are you a follower of TV chefs?

Whether you are eating in or dining out on your narrowboat holiday there are plenty of ways to enjoy good food in the Fenlands of Cambridgeshire.

Shopping

You may like to bring some basic food supplies with you when you arrive at our narrowboat hire base to begin your holiday. However you could also do a food shop here in March at nearby Sainsbury’s or Iceland. If you’re hiring a day-boat you could stop to shop in Upwell Village stores on the riverside, or at Outwell village shop, which is a two minute walk from the river. On a longer holiday cruise you will find Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s in Ely, or Asda in Peterborough, conveniently beside the river.

If you like to shop local, seeking out organic produce and browsing farmers markets then you’ll love this article about British Food Fortnight. How to #LoveBritishFood While You Hire a Narrowboat

Cooking

Our holiday boats are equipped with a fridge with a small freezer compartment, and a gas cooker, which has a four ring hob, oven and a grill. So you should be able to cook most things that you would normally cook at home. Here are six of the best suggestions, tried and tested by real boaters. The 6 Best Narrowboat Summer Holiday Recipes

There are also some great ideas in the Narrowboat Recipes Facebook group.  You may also like this selection of recipes ‘From the Galley’ written by the team at Boatshed. I enjoyed the Camembert and Spinach Tortilla!

During National Picnic Week in June, our blog offered three simple steps to the perfect waterside picnic. How to Use Your Canal Boat Holiday to Plan the Perfect Picnic

Eating Out

We asked the Fox Narrowboats team about some of the best pubs on the Fenland waterways and they suggested these three riverside pubs Our Top 3 Pubs for Your Fenland Narrowboat Holiday

Gerald and Paula also visited The Ship Inn at Brandon Creek.  They sat at a table looking down The Great Ouse river towards Denver and watched the early evening boats travel downstream towards Denver Lock. Read more: Review of The Ship.

There’s nothing quite like visiting a succession of traditional English pubs on your narrowboat holiday. If you decide to cruise towards Cambridge here are 5 Places to Stop for a Drink When Cruising on the Cam. Cambridge also has a wonderful selection of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. As well as a guided tour of Kings College you could also book yourself a wine tasting day with champagne and lunch in the beautiful college of Gonville and Caius.

If you enjoyed this article about food and dining, subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

The post Fenland Food and Dining: The Ultimate Boater’s Guide appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

The Acre

The Acre is a popular riverside pub not far from our holiday hire boat base. Known for its friendly staff, prompt service and home-cooked Sunday carvery (sometimes accompanied by live jazz) this pub is a local favourite of ours.

Fox Boat’s Tracey says, “We popped into the Acre for a quick lunch recently. The service was quick and the food, breaded Camembert was well cooked and attractively served.”

The Acre has been recently refurbished, has a warm friendly atmosphere and is good value for money. It’s very convenient for boaters as the moorings are close to the pub, but booking is advisable.

The Acre
9 the Acre, March, March PE15 9JD

The Swan on the River

Cruising from March to Ely will take you about 18 hours as a return trip, and we recommend The Swan for your refreshments while you’re in the area. There’s a lovely atmosphere, great service from friendly staff and dogs are welcome. The outdoor seating area is really lovely in the summer months.

Fox Boat’s Paula says, “We went to The Swan on the River on a Wednesday evening. The pub was busy and there was a good vibe about the place. The bread that accompanied my prawn cocktail was homemade and I chose liver and bacon for my main which was on a two-course-for-£11 deal.

My partner had a starter of creamy mushrooms and a main of steak. All the food was well cooked and well-presented so we will definitely go back again.”

There are six free, visitor moorings at The Swan but they cannot be reserved in advance.

The Swan on the River
1 Sandhill, Littleport, Ely CB6 1NT
http://www.swanontheriver.co.uk

The Cutter

If you do head down the River Ouse to Ely you must also check out The Cutter. This award winning, busy pub was taken over and restored by TLC Inns in 2006 and offers great service, frequent menu changes and fantastic river views, with an outside seating area. You can also eat in the informal bar or in the more formal, airy, stylish restaurant. It’s the perfect place to enjoy large food portions while watching canal boats meandering along the river.

The Cutter
42 Annesdale, Ely CB7 4BN
http://www.thecutterinn.co.uk

If you can picture yourself meandering down the river this summer visiting riverside pubs, then check our availability now for this summer’s canal boat holiday!

The post Our Top 3 Pubs for Your Fenland Narrowboat Holiday appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

river cam canal boating

An advantage of taking a British summer holiday is that there’s nothing quite like visiting a succession of traditional English pubs to enjoy a cosy, nostalgic feeling of times gone by. For those that enjoy a leisurely pub stroll, a canal boat holiday is possibly even better: Enjoy beautiful scenery and pretty villages, with the convenience of taking your holiday accommodation with you on your journey!

Here are five places to moor and seek out refreshments, as you lose yourself exploring by boat on the River Cam.

1) Upware

Next to Upware marina there are plenty of moorings along the frontage of the Five Miles From Anywhere, No Hurry Inn (formerly named the Lord Nelson). It was rebuilt in 1980, some time after the previous building was destroyed by fire in 1957.

King of Upware

In the 1850s a university club founded the Upware Republic at the Five Miles from Anywhere with a president, a consul, a treasurer, a justice, its own laws, and its own money. Then, in the 1870s, Richard Fielder MA, Member of Lincolns Inn, declared himself King of Upware. Wearing a red waistcoat and corduroy trousers, he would drink from a six-gallon jug of punch known as His Majesty’s Pint, and argue with passing bargees.

2) Clayhithe

The Bridge Hotel is opposite the large 19^th century yellow brick Conservators House at Clayhithe and has moorings for customers. There is also a, the plough 100 metre stretch of 48 hour mooring available just upstream of Clayhithe Bridge. (Mooring elsewhere, beside the towpath is forbidden by the Cam Conservancy.) Nearby in the village of Horningsea are the Plough and Fleece, and Crown and Punch Bowl public houses where food is available.

3) Fen Ditton

Stop in Fen Ditton to see thatched cottages and 16^th and 17^th century houses with graceful terraced lawns sweeping down to the river. You will find refreshments at The Plough Inn, the Kings Head, the Blue Lion or the Ancient Shepherds. This listed building was originally built as three cottages in 1540, and so it has plenty of traditional charm and character. It offers guest and house ales and a varied menu.

4) Chesterton

Chesterton is now a suburb of Cambridge and offers the travelling boater a popular riverside pub; The Tudor Green Dragon.

5) Cambridge

Passing through Midsummer Common and Jesus Green you will have your choice of The Fort St George, a popular riverside pub, The Boathouse, The Rat and Parrot, The Graduate, Midsummer House Restaurant and Restaurant Twenty-two.

So, get yourself moored up near Jesus Lock, and go forth and explore the pubs of Cambridge!

Ref. The information featured in this article can be found in The River Great Ouse and Tributaries, an Imray guide, by Andrew Hunter Blair.

Update: Since the Imray guide was published there have been a few changes. Fen Ditton and Chesterton no longer have visitor moorings, and there have been some notable changes to the pubs: The Tudor Green Dragon is now just the Green Dragon, The Graduate became the The Tivoli in 2011 and then burnt down earlier this year, and the Rat and Parrot is now closed. Also, please be advised that Midsummer House and Twenty Two are not places to just stop for a drink, but are lavish “fine dining” restaurants.

Travel to Cambridge by boat: Check availability
Cambridgeshire Day Boat Hire: Check availability

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This months riverside dining visit was to Grand Central in Ely on the river Great Ouse.  The restaurant situated in Annesdale was once the boathouse for Fenland boatbuilding company Appleyard and Lincoln. This is where our company founder Charlie Fox worked as an apprentice boatbuilder in the 1950’s.  As the name now implies the theme of the restaurant is Grand Central Station, New York.

The sharing bowl as a starter came on a large platter and consisted of southern fried chicken tenders, garic bread, crinkle cut potato dippers drizzled with marinana sauce, Wall Street BBQ wings, onion rings and a bowl of cheesy nachos topped with fiery chilli £13.95

For mains we chose a beef steak fajita, seasoned slices of beef steak with a smokey sauce £13.95 and a BBQ pulled pork fajita £12.95.  Both dishes were served on a bed of sizzling onions and peppers with flour tortillas.  On the side was grated cheese, lettuce and classic Mexican sauces.

Our visit was on Saturday 9^th May 2015 as a 6pm Walk in.  The staff were friendly and attentative.

Would we go back? Yes

Paula and Gerald.

sharing bowl

Mexican sauces

pulled pork

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