fox narrowboat hire on the fens waterways

Question – What’s green and yellow with a flash of red, floats below sea level, but isn’t a submarine ?

Answer – the Fox narrowboat that could be part of your next holiday!

The Fox narrowboat hire fleet is based on the Middle Level in March, in Cambridgeshire. The Middle Level is a largely man made group of rivers lying between the River Nene and the River Great Ouse. They were formed in the 17th century by the draining of marshy fens. As the land dried out it shrank resulting in (not a lot of people know this) most of the Middle Level being below mean sea level.

Fox boats give you unique luxury access to this beautiful and historic world, rife with wildlife, big sunsets and nearly forgotten history. Those of us who live or regularly boat here have kept this a well guarded secret, but I’m going to ‘spill the beans’ and let you in on it.

march waterways by local artist Adrian Veater Peterborough

Three out of four of the Fenland Market Towns offer visitor moorings. Although the big Tesco near the Fox hire base in March provides a good opportunity to stock up before your departure, the town centre moorings in March offer shopping opportunities, pubs and takeaways.

Ramsey

ramsey 40ft mooring

The extensive new visitor moorings in Ramsey finally offer the opportunity to explore this fascinating and rewarding town (also with a close by Tesco superstore).

ramsey dock 2017

An interesting feature is the Great Whyte, the main shopping street which had previously been the port until the river was built over in the 1850s. The river still flows below and is visible from the morning’s (https://ramseytunnels.co.uk)

ramsey basin

Whittlesey

Whittlesey offers limited moorings at the back of a leisure centre and only a short walk from the historic market place. The highlight of Whittlesey’s year is the annual Straw Bear Festival in January when residents disguise themselves as bears by wrapping up in straw. (https://strawbear.org.uk)

Fenland History

Fenland has had many nicknames over the years and each one sheds a different light on the various aspects of its history.

Medieval

In Medieval times the area had a number of major ecclesiastical establishments, including Crowland, Ramsey, Chatteris and Thorney Abbeys, as well as Ely and Peterborough Cathedrals. Reflecting this ample provision for the spiritual, the name The Holy Land of the English was applied.

17th Century

Prior to the draining of the Fens in the 17th Century by a Dutchman, Cornelius Vermuyden, the area was often referred to as The Great Eastern Swamp, or The Old Drowned Lands.

The first drainage scheme was intended to provide relief from flooding during summer months and gave rise to the description The Summer Lands.

World War II

During WWII the productive rich black soil of the Fens was put to use feeding the country, which was in danger of going hungry as the German blockade of shipping tightened. The area then acquired the deserved nickname The Breadbasket of Britain.

The flat countryside, devoid of hills to disturb its great panoramic landscapes, has given rise to the name The Land of the Three-quarter Sky.

But we prefer to think of it as Fox Narrow Boat country!

In the Middle Ages Fenland enjoyed so many religious institutions that it attracted the description the ‘Holy Land of the English’. Not all have survived, but the March church of St Wendreda boasts a double hammer beam roof featuring 118 carved angels.

roof church st wendreda

The founder of the Victorian Society, and former Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman wrote that the angel roof of St Wendreda’s church was ‘worth cycling forty miles into a head wind’ to see.

Those who have braved a fierce Fenland wind blowing from the Urals, uninterrupted by hills or trees, will appreciate quite how much effort is required to cycle so far in these conditions. And those who have visited St Wendreda’s will also appreciate quite how well that effort is rewarded – though the roof remains just as spectacular, even if less strenuous means of transport are used when visiting!

In the 19th century the only way agricultural workers in remote Fenland villages went anywhere was by walking. In 1896 the Vicar of Stretham resolved that if people couldn’t easily get to church, he would take the church to the people.

floating church fenland uk

In 1896 a floating church was commissioned to serve the Fenland parish of Holme. At the time Holme had 42 houses spread over a distance of between two and four miles from the parish church by road, whereas they were all within one mile of the river, and 26 of them practically bankside.

Unable to ring bells from a conventional spire (which wouldn’t have fitted under the low fenland bridges), the Floating Church (or ‘Ark’ as it came to be known) flew two flags, those of St Andrew & St George, to announce that services were about to start. Between its launch and October 1904, a choir was formed, needlework and bible classes held, and 74 baptisms are recorded as having taken place on board.

In 1907 the barge was abandoned near Ramsey St Mary before being sold off to a group of young men who renamed it ‘Saint’s Rest’, converted it into a houseboat.

I’m the author of the Imray boating guide “Fenland Waters” – available from Foxs. If you’d like to know more of the history of our ‘secret’ world I invite you to buy a copy. Chris Howes.

See our interactive fenland waterways map for historic sights, moorings, pubs, restaurants & things to see and do on the middle level.

If you are interested in exploring the Fenland Waterways Foxs have day hire narrowboats and holiday boats available.

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.)

Image Credit: Chris Howes (except: Fox Narrowboats; top image & church roof St. Wendreda)

The post Narrowboating & Route History Of The Middle Level Towns appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

If you have ever wondered…

Where’s the nearest pub?

Is there a shop near here?

And where can I moor?

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

waterways google map march

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

iphone waterways map

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

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

search and filter map POI’s

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

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

See the map now: Fox Narrowboats Fenland Waterways Map

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

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

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

Our hire boat base in March is ideally situated for exploring the Middle Level by narrowboat. This is a fascinating interconnected waterway which will take you through the idyllic riverside villages of Upwell and Outwell on your way to The River Ouse and Cambridge. Alternatively if you are travelling west you can head towards the River Nene and Peterborough. Or you could just explore the Middle Level at a leisurely pace, and enjoy big skies, wind farms and kingfishers.

We asked a few boaters, where do you like to moor on the Middle Level? These are just some of their suggestions.

Upwell and Outwell

Upwell and Outwell are two villages that run either side of the Well Stream, and so give you the feeling that you are cruising down the middle of the road! There are various visitor moorings here, operated by the Well Creek Trust. Amy of historic narrowboat Willow likes the moorings by the church in Upwell because of the lovely edible plants. It is also an opportunity to find out about the Wisbech to Upwell tram which used to operate in these parts.  See if you can find out which children’s story book is based on this tram?

Glady Dacks

Glady Dacks Staithe on Well Creek is a lovely mooring just west of Nordelph. It’s on the left between Upwell and Nordelph.

Angle Bridge

Just south of Angle Bridge on Bevill’s Leam is a “wild” mooring, meaning not an official visitor mooring. There is therefore a bit of clambering needed here. Angle Corner Bridge is on the Twenty Foot River between Old River Nene and Angle Corner on Bevill’s Leam: a broad canal.

Some of the wild moorings on the Middle Level have a 45 degree bank and a lot of reeds to negotiate. But if the visitor moorings are busy on a sunny summer weekend you may find yourself looking for a wild mooring, for which you may need to use a gang plank to get to the bank. However, the solitude of a wild mooring can be so idyllic; and a much needed chance to really get away from it all.

Benwick

Carol Sargent says, “We have hired quite a few times from Fox’s. This year we did the Middle Level ring. Benwick is amazing. Love going through Upwell and Outwell to the church moorings. It’s a lovely quiet waterways.”

Leaving the link route at Flood’s Ferry and heading towards Ramsey, there are visitor moorings at Benwick and Ramsey, at the end of High Lode. The public mooring in Benwick, has only room for one boat, but it has convenient piled sides, concrete top and bollards, which is easier to negotiate than a wild mooring. Stop here for the pub and shop.

Woodwalton Fen

Woodwalton Fen is a beautiful nature reserve and wetland site west of Ramsey, recognised for its wildlife. It provides a refuge for thousands of species of Fen animals and plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the country.

Ramsey is a town at the end of the Middle Level Navigation, on Ramsey High Lode, a broad canal running from Ramsey (which is a dead end) to the Old River Nene.

If you’re cruising towards Ramsey there is a mooring just under the second bridge, and a village shop with a pub there. Ramsey is four hours cruise from Fox Narrowboats marina, and is also home to the Ramsey Rural Museum. Check their website for the current opening times. https://ramseyruralmuseum.co.uk

You may like to read more about the history of the Middle Level here: Middle Level. Our narrowboat holidays can be taken as a week, weekend break or midweek breaks. Check availability today: Middle Level Narrowboat Holidays.

You may also like to read: Secrets of the Middle Level Waterways

We are indebted to boaters Simon Judge, Amy-Alys Tillson and Carol Sargent for help with this article, who were kind enough to let me know their favourite moorings on The Middle Level.

If you enjoy reading about the Fenland waterways 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 Six Stunning Moorings on the Middle Level appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

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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Want to get away from it all, but have no time for a holiday?

Then grab your nearest and dearest and take a day trip from March to Upwell, through the Middle Levels in Cambridgeshire. Getting up close to nature, and travelling at a relaxing pace can do wonders for your mental health, and leave you feeling rejuvenated, and ready to take on whatever 2020 throws at you next!

This lovely cruise will take about six and a half hours, and you are guaranteed dozens of fascinating photo opportunities along the way.

Other Boats

As you set off from our hire boat base in March you will see moored boats on their end of garden moorings, and see the backs of local houses, as you pass the overhanging trees. Glide under old arched bridges, alongside grassy green riverbanks, and become a passing spectator on rural life. You may see the local swans quietly going about their business, or a live-aboard narrowboat here and there, complete with portholes, fenders, and roof storage boxes. When you pass another cruising boat, be sure to nod a friendly greeting in their general direction.

Windmills

As the landscape opens up into stunning wide skies with the clouds reflecting onto the rippling water, you will travel through a spectacular wind farm. The vast flat panorama of big skies give you an amazing sense of freedom, and the tranquil spinning of strange windmills, is quite mesmerising.

Marmont Priory lock

Enjoy the satisfaction of approaching a lock that your crew mates have prepared in advance for you. Carefully steer through the gates, minding the cill, and working as a team, winding the paddles, and holding the ropes. Then leave the lock, tidily closing the gates behind you and head into one of the most picturesque villages in the Fens.

The Villages

At the twin villages of Outwell and Upwell pretty reeds line the grassy riverbanks, and the bushes and telegraph poles are reflected in the tranquil water. The chimneys and windows of red brick houses are overlooking the waterside, and little GRP cruisers are tucked cosily into their moorings. Absorb this sense of a slower pace of life, as your boat approaches the village church.

Fish and Chips

When you get to Upwell you may like to visit Rav’s Fish & Chips, or J R Stott fish and chips, in Outwell. Then turn the boat and head back to the hire boat base under blue skies and fluffy clouds, with wide expanses of long grass on either side of you as you cruise. The flat scenery here gives a wonderful feeling of space, on the return journey. Then you pass the same steep gardens, moored boats and waterside murals again.

As you approach our hire boat base you will see a familiar sign, announcing our moorings, diesel, gas, and chandlery, and as you slowly turn the corner you will see the recognisable red and green livery of the other Fox narrowboats, moored in the marina.

You could finish off your day by wandering into March to eat at Shooters American Diner, Riverside Fish and Chips, The Exchange Tea Parlour and Restaurant. There are more food options in the tourist information guide supplied with the boat.

You may like to check out The Frustrated Boater on YouTube for short videos that show you the kind of things you might see on a Fox Narrowboat trip. There is a great little video showing the March to Upwell trip; taking you there and back in eight minutes!

Our day boats will carry up to 10 people, with lots seating at the front. In case of a rain shower there is a see through cover at the front and plenty of seating inside. Read more: Day Boat Hire details

You can book online or call our friendly reception staff who will advise and help you to book. Our day boats are popular at weekends, especially in the summer months so be sure to book early. If your trip cannot go ahead due to COVID-19 and government advice, full refunds will be given. Check out our Coronavirus Guarantee.

You may also like: Your Guide to Narrowboating in the New Normal

The post 5 Memorable Things to See on a Day Boat Trip appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

The Fenlands

Fox Boat owner Chris shares his thoughts on Fenland names throughout time.

What’s in a name ?

Fenland has been described by many nicknames over the years – and each one sheds a different light on various aspects of its history..

In the Medieval times the area had a number of major ecclesiastical establishments, including Crowland, Ramsey, Chatteris and Thorney Abbeys, as well as Ely and Peterborough Cathedrals. Reflecting this ample provision for the Spiritual, the name The Holy Land of the English was applied.

Prior to Vermuyden’s draining of the Fens, the area was often times referred to as The Great Eastern Swamp, or The Old Drowned Lands.

Vermuyden’s first drainage scheme was intended to provide relief from flooding during summer months and gave rise to the description The Summer Lands.

During WWII the productive rich black soil of the Fens was put to use feeding the Country, which was in danger of going hungry as the German blockade of shipping tightened. The area acquired the deserved nickname The Breadbasket of Britain.

The flat countryside, devoid of hills, with its great panoramic landscapes has given rise to the name The Land of the Three-quarter Sky.

And because it is home to Fenland’s only service marina, which builds the best boats, and hosts the only hire fleet, us boaters also call it Fox Boat Country !

If you enjoyed this post consider reading Five Things You’ll Love about teh Middle Levels

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 What’s in a name ? appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Historian and Author Bill Smith

Local Historian and Author Bill Smith tells us about the Upwell and Outwell Tram Projects. Bill has been a member of the Well Creek Trust since the 1970’s when our own founder Charlie Fox was also a member. This is a unique article Bill has written for us and edited by Susan Lowe.  It is the first time he has publically mentioned the dontation that enable the project to get started Ted Harper.

The Wisbech to Upwell Tram Projects –  Background and  history information.

The  memento  Projects is to celebrate the memory of the Wisbech Upwell Tramway. The Wisbech to Outwell Tramway opened as an experiment in 1883 and was extended to Upwell in 1884. At its peak, six trams a day in each direction provided passenger and, most importantly, freight services for local produce to Wisbech and then via the main railway link to larger towns and cities. Competition from motorised buses ended passenger services in 1927. Freight continued until 1966 when it was cut as part of the “Beeching Axe”. The final tram journey took place May 20, 1966.

Remembering the Tramway is of importance for all living in the area but also for those much further afield – for rail aficionados and enthusiasts, for local history lovers and tourists and also for millions of fans of Thomas the Tank Engine the creation of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry who was vicar of the nearby village of Emneth (1953 -1965). Toby the Tram Engine and his coach, Henrietta and later, Mavis, the Drewry diesel  tram (1952) were based on rolling stock used on the Tramway. Very little evidence of the former Tramway remain today which highlighted the necessity for the Wisbech to Upwell tram projects.

The idea for the Wisbech to Upwell Tram Project came from a conversation, back in the early 1980s  between William (Bill) Smith and Andrew Ingram (who had at that time written The Wisbech & Upwell Tramway Centenary Album -1983).   Andrew remarked to Bill that, “The people of Outwell and Upwell should have kept some reminders of the tramway.  It would have elevated those two villages as there is a vast interest in the old railways”.  Following that exchange, Bill decided to produce a tram memento for Outwell, the village in which he lives.

Bill first embarked upon producing a tram memento for the former tram yard site at Outwell and was given an old Norfolk County Council, spherical road sign marked “Outwell” that had been buried at Bexwell Airfield in1940 during the Second World War.  It would eventually form the centre-piece of the Outwell Memento.  Then, aided by his friends John Button and Tony Judd, he started to source discarded tram-related relics and other authentic railway materials contacting many organisations in the process. They spoke to staff at Bressingham Steam Museum who directed them to a railway “graveyard” at Hardingham in Norfolk.  Bill was offered two full-size Victorian tram wheels fixed to an axle (these gave birth to the Upwell memento idea) and other parts needed to make an installation for Upwell.  These very early tram wheels and axle were designed to run on “bull-head rail” the same type used for the Wisbech to Upwell tramway.

In April 2016 (03/04/2016) on behalf of the people of Outwell and Upwell, Bill submitted a planning application to the Borough Council King’s Lynn & West Norfolk (BCKLWN) for the two mementos to be located in the old tram yards of the two villages.  The submission was supported by  Outwell & Upwell Parish Councillors, local residents adjacent to each site and also the Middle Level Internal Drainage Board (at Outwell) and the Health Centre Managers (at Upwell).  In addition, Michael Walsh (BCKLWN, Property Services) also gave his support.

The Outwell Memento, phase one was unveiled July 2016 (pic A) by two of Outwell’s oldest residents, Norman Wenn and Iris Risebrow – pictured  with Bill Smith.  A vast selection of historical photographs, from Bill’s collection, was also put on display in St Clement’s Church.  The photographs were collected by Bill over the past 40 odd years that has resulted in him producing six local history books.

Welle Film Productions – a local film-making group – captured footage of the event with the intention of adding to it by following the future progress of the Wisbech to Upwell Tram Project.

About the same time, Bill being a Well Creek Trust (WCT) member since 1970 approached them to act as fund-holders for the cash donations that were being pledged for the Project.  WCT, which serves to maintain the ‘survival for all time’ of another local amenity once earmarked for closure – the Well Creek – was a natural choice as their constitution allows them to support other amenities.

Later that year the Project suffered a major setback involving ‘people and politics’ and a lengthy series of very unfortunate occurrences that saw the Upwell installation being put on-hold indefinitely and many of the railway materials that had taken so much effort to source were lost.  These events caused much anxiety and stress to many local people, particularly Bill and his family, and cast a dark cloud over what to that point had been an enjoyable and rewarding process for all involved.

Fortunately the realisation of the importance for the local area came to the rescue.  The Project was put back on track by a committee, primarily of WCT members rallied by Bill, who approached Wisbech Town and Elm and Emneth Parish Councils with the aim of applying for grant funding to produce further mementos for installation not only at Upwell but also along the entire Tramway route.

To beat the expiry date of the original planning permission Ted Harper a newcomer to the area  donated five hundred pounds to prompt the start of the Phase Two project. Sadly Ted died soon after the Upwell project had been unveiled but he did get to see our project reach fruition. Ted’s contribution allowed us to begin the building and installation of the Upwell Tram Memorial (Phase Two)  to go ahead before the middle of August 2019.  Local company, SDM Fabrication of March, offered its services free-of-charge to build and transport the memorial ready for public display.  The event took place on Saturday 27th July and Bill Smith awarded the unveiling honour to ninety-year old Mary Williamson whose husband Bill was manager (until 1974) of Coote & Warren Ltd coal merchants who had a branch at the Upwell tram depot.  Despite a downpour a good crowd turned out to witness the event and then attended the display of tram photographs and other memorabilia coordinated by Bill, assisted by Upwell WI and St Peter’s Church members.  The whole day was again filmed by Welle Film Productions – look out for more details once editing has been completed.

All pictures and text were supplied by William (Bill) Smith .

If you are interested in the Tramway Project Bill is giving a presentation with a unique collection of images at Upwell Village Hall on Friday 29th November Starting at 7.30pm. Address  6 New Road, Upwell, PE14 9AB all proceeds are for the Well Creek Trust and Tram Phase Three Project.

It is possible to visit the Tram Project on a day out by boat from our marina at March.

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, two to three times a month.)

The post The Wisbech to Upwell Tram Projects 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!)

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Do you live in Peterborough, Wisbech, Ely or Huntingdon?

Want to get together with some friends and family?

Have you thought about hiring a narrowboat, just for a day?

A relaxing boat trip on the Cambridge river network could be just the thing you’re looking for.

Imagine exploring the wonders of the beautiful East Anglian waterways, on board a luxury day boat, with a group of your best friends. Some people choose the Fenland waterways for a special family gathering. Whoever you travel with, here are three great reasons for booking day boat hire in March this summer.

1) The Boat is Gorgeous

We have two luxury day boats available to hire: The March Adventurer and the March Explorer. They are colourfully painted, have a nostalgic charm, and you can chug along peacefully with up to ten people on board. (You can also bring your dog!) Each boat has a cute little galley area complete with a hob, fridge and sink, for making refreshments en route. There is also a dinette equipped with crockery and cutlery, a toilet and a seating area. On board you’ll find a 12v mobile phone charging point, so that you can keep taking pictures with your phone.

2) The Scenery is Stunning

You’ll find our hire boat base between the River Ouse and the River Nene, not far from Cambridge, and your cruising journey will take in local wildlife, kingfishers, flowers and quaint cottages.

If you meander through the Middle Level Navigations eastwards, towards the village of Upwell you’ll pass through the Marmont Priory lock before the village unfolds before you. Upwell really is one of the prettiest villages in the Fenlands. It will take you around six and a half hours to cruise there and back.

If you cruise west, towards Whittlesey and Peterborough, you’ll go through plenty of peaceful countryside, and pass Floods Ferry Marina Park. The route crosses the Greenwich Meridian before arriving at Ashline Lock and the ancient market town of Whittlesey.

3) The Choice of Food

At Whittlesey you can turn your boat above the lock, and picnic in Manor Fields before beginning the journey back to March. Read our best tips for a narrowboat picnic.

If you are planning a picnic you can do a food shop at Sainsbury’s or Iceland, near our hire boat base in March. If you are heading to Upwell you will find the village store on the riverside. Outwell’s village shop is a two minute walk from the river.

In Upwell you can stop to eat at The Five Bells, which has a beer garden. Their full menu is on their website: Five Bells Inn. Alternatively, carry on to Outwell basin for a picnic at the former junction of the Wisbech Canal. For a more lavish treat The Moorings Restaurant at The Crown Loge Hotel offers large group meals and afternoon tea. For both of these options we recommend advanced booking!

Back in March, The Acre is a popular riverside pub not far from our hire boat base. It’s known for its friendly staff, prompt service and warm friendly atmosphere. Shooters American dinner is also riverside and is a great treat for children and the young at heart.

Good Value

“We had a lovely day out starting off at March and arrived at Outwell just in time for a fish and chip supper from Stotts. The boat is well equipped with inside and outside seating. We were fortunate to have a lovely day out and our Captain Claire and mate Debs were great. We are hoping to do it again this year. Very good value for money. Would highly recommend.” – Karen K – Trip Advisor

Whether you’re a group of friends celebrating a special occasion, or a family getting together to mark an anniversary or milestone birthday, exploring these secret rivers and waterways will give you a wonderful day out.

Read more: Day Boat Hire near Cambridge and Ely

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The post Why You Should Hire a Narrowboat for the Day near Ely appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

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 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!

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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

The post The Five Wonders of Wisbech appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.