canal boat lock oxfordshire

Couples who narrowboat together, stay together! Am I right? OK, so maybe I’m biased, but I think canal boating is the perfect way to spend quality time with your Valentine. Over the years many celebrity couples have been spotted out cruising together on the English canals. Who have you seen on the waterways?

1, 2, 3

In no particular order the first three couples on our list are Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, Kiera Knightly and Rupert Friend, and David Suchet (Poirot) and his wife Sheila. The media reported that they have all enjoyed boating on the British waterways. David and Sheila actually spent six years living on a 53-foot narrowboat, ‘Prima Donna’ which they found in Stratford-upon-Avon. Pirates of the Caribbean actress Keira Knightley rented a canal boat in London in 2010 and was seen walking the towpath with her actor partner.

So I asked on Facebook, what other celebrity couples have been seen boating together?

4

Bernard Booth commented that he saw Tim and Pru, and Harrison Ford and Calistoga Flockhart on the Llangollen canal. Of course, many others have spotted famous narrowboaters Tim and Pru around and about. Fawlty Towers actress Prunella Scales, and her husband actor Timothy West have been boating for decades, and starred in their own charming TV travel series, Great Canal Journeys.

5

Harry Potter actor Timothy Spall and his wife Shane were keen canal boaters for several years, and have been seen on the Grand Union canal. Spall later swapped his narrowboat for a seaworthy barge.

6

James Spencer was moored at Fox Narrowboats until last June when he moved his boat back onto the canals. He said he often used to see Timothy Spall, Roberta Taylor and her husband Peter Guinness when they had narrowboats moored near to his at Whilton Marina. He also met Tim and Pru at Braunston historic boat rally and has photos of them relaxing. “We did make it on to a TV programme about holidays when TV crew were filming at Braunston bottom lock and filmed us locking. Roberta and Peter Guinness boat was called ‘A Waste of Time.’ I did ask why, and apparently it was a play they had appeared in.”

7

It’s not a canal boat, but Russell Brand and his wife Laura shipped their wedding guests down the River Thames on a paddle steamer. Their wedding was at Remenham Church near their home in Henley-on-Thames, and wedding guests included Noel Gallagher, Jonathan Ross and David Baddiel.

8

In 2021 Sir Rod Stewart bought a narrowboat for his wife Penny’s 50th birthday. Speaking on Loose Women, Penny said it had always been her dream to have a canal boat and renovate it. She likes the idea of a slower lifestyle.

9

For couples with kids a narrowboat holiday is a great idea. Coleen and Wayne Rooney think so anyway. They took their four boys for a trip along the Shropshire Union Canal last year.

10

But Peter Green won the most famous celebrity couple afloat when he commented on Facebook, “I had the Queen and Prince Philip on my boat! Slight cheat as it was on the Thames. Diamond jubilee taking them to a garden party near Henley. Also had the Queen solo in 2009 and the Princess Royal in 2018. My boat is ‘Alaska’, built in 1883.”

Could you and your partner be the next glamourous couple to cruise the waterways? Check out availability for this year’s narrowboat holiday now!

Fox Boats director, Paula Syred told me, “Strictly come Dancing’s Neil Jones and Rick Wakeman and his wife, have been day hire customers of ours.”

So if you want to holiday like a celebrity, Fox Narrowboats is a great choice! Read: How to Holiday Like a Celebrity Without it Costing a Fortune

Get more fun narrowboat articles by signing up for our blog updates. Subscribe on the right, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

Image credit: Deposit Photos

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houghton mill wiki cc cmglee

What are you like at sticking to New Year’s resolutions? Does goal setting make you feel disheartened? Does the thought of optimistic pledges and promises just make you groan?

#houghtonmill #wickenfen #strethamengine #fenswildlife #nenevalleyrailway

A more cheerful way to start the year is by creating a ‘bucket list’ of fun things to do.

A bucket list is traditionally a list of things to do before you kick the proverbial bucket, but after enduring two years of coronavirus restrictions, we thought that now is a good time to plan a few things to look forward to. Here are our best suggestions for fun things you can do while narrowboating in the Fens.

Learn to work a lock and steer a boat. Locks are easy to operate and at Fox Narrowboats we have qualified instructors that will give you full training during the boat handover. If you’re wondering if it’s difficult to learn the ropes read: What’s it Like to Actually Steer a Narrowboat?

Visit ‘Mother’, a thatched structure at Wicken Fen by Studio Morison. The nature reserve here is a favourite with our customers. This art installation is inspired by the restorative qualities of the beautiful fen landscape as described in Richard Mabey’s book ‘Nature Cure’. It is a sculptural structure, and also a pavilion, that you can sit inside, and contemplate nature. Read: How to Get Top Author’s ‘Nature Cure’ on a Narrowboat Holiday

Visit Houghton Mill, a National Trust property on the River Great Ouse. Centred on an island on the Great Ouse at Houghton, stands Houghton Mill a large timber-built watermill with operational machinery. The Mill is open to the public at weekends, and flour is still milled and sold to visitors.

Visit Stretham Engine, five miles south of Ely on the Old West River. It is the sole surviving operational steam engine in the Black Fen. It was installed in 1831, replacing four wind pumps. The engine has limited opening times in the summer months. This steam-powered pumping station was used to drain the Fens in the 19th and early 20th centuries. https://strethamoldengine.org.uk

Spot wildlife, like the great crested grebe and the occasional kingfisher. On a riverside walk, or in our local nature reserves, you may see dragonflies, damselflies, otters or water voles. Read: 3 Ways to See More Fenland Wildlife

Try punting on ‘The Backs’ in Cambridge. The River Cam navigation for powered craft ends at Jesus Green Lock, but above the lock Scudamore’s offer a wide range of tour and self-hire punting options. Punting is a traditional Cambridge pastime; see famous landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, while floating down the river. Read: Three Amazing Things to Do in Cambridge

The Nene Valley Railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. From here you can take a trip aboard a heritage steam or diesel train. This can be planned as part of a narrowboat cruise towards Peterborough. Read: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love.

Treat yourself to a meal at a riverside pub. The Swan on the River at Littleport may be recognised as the finishing point for the 2021 Oxford Cambridge boat race. Read: Three Waterside Pubs to Visit.

Cruise over an aqueduct. Mullicourt aqueduct carries Well Creek over the Middle Level main drain.

Take a photo of St Ives Bridge; a 15th century bridge crossing the River Great Ouse in St Ives. It is one of only four bridges in England to incorporate a chapel. Other photo opportunities on the waterways include wide skies at sunsets and sunrise with silhouettes of wind farms against the horizon.

And finally, moor up in the middle of nowhere, such as a quiet mooring at Benwick on the Middle Level navigation, (this village is a hidden gem). Read: Six Stunning Moorings on the Middle Level.

Plan Ahead

The New Year can often put us in the mood for planning ahead, so why not give yourself something to look forward to and organise this year’s narrowboat holiday? Booking in advance can mean better availability, and with Fox Narrowboats you’re more likely to get the boat of your choice. It’s also easier to get time off work on your intended dates if you plan well ahead.

What’s on your narrowboating New Year’s Bucket List? Let us know on Facebook.

You may also like: How to Cruise Your Way into Fitness this New Year

No time to plan your holiday right now? We get that. Instead, subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. We’ll send you two articles a month full of narrowboat holiday ideas in the Fens. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

Image credit: Houghton Mill by Cmglee, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

 

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Peterborough cathedral night

Traditionally Christmas is a time for carols and choirs, candle-lit services, holly and ivy, decorated trees, and children’s nativity plays. So it’s a popular time to visit your local church, or even a cathedral if you live near to one. We are lucky enough to be based between two stunning and historically significant cathedrals.

Peterborough Cathedral

This Christmas Peterborough Cathedral is offering concerts, with choirs and brass, carol services, a candlelight tour, a Christingle Service, and a theatre production of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ as well as the usual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

Peterborough Cathedral was rebuilt in the 12th century, and like Durham and Ely Cathedrals it has remained largely intact. It is the burial place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

To get to Peterborough by narrowboat from our Fox Narrowboats hire base is a 12 hour return trip, which is ideal for a short break. On the approach to Peterborough the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock. There are visitor moorings on the River Nene along the length of a park which are convenient for the city centre. (Read more about this cruise: March to Ferry Meadows Country Park.)

If you visit Peterborough on your narrowboat holiday next year you can check out what events are on at the cathedral while you are in the area by looking at the website: Peterborough Cathedral

Alternatively, turning left from our marina you will shortly come to the Fenland market town of March where you will find free visitor boating moorings on either side of the town bridge. March to Ely is about 18 cruising hours return trip. (Read more about this cruise: March to Ely narrowboat holiday.)

Ely Cathedral

This cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because it is visible from miles away as you approach it. This Advent and Christmas Ely Cathedral is offering Christmas services and concerts with the Cathedral Choir, and various family-themed activities. There is also seasonal shopping in the cathedral shops, homemade festive food in the Almonry, guided tower tours up the Octagon Tower or West Tower, and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.

But you don’t have to visit at Christmas to enjoy a cathedral tour, including access to the unique Octagon Tower and the Monastic Buildings around the cathedral grounds. While you are there you can also visit the Stained Glass Museum. Also in Ely you can see Oliver Cromwell’s House, which is now a museum, the Ely Museum at the Old Gaol, and the antiques centre close to the river. There’s so much to see here it’s worth stopping overnight. If you’re visiting Ely by narrowboat the city centre is just a short walk away from the moorings, up a steep hill.

If you visit Ely on your narrowboat holiday next year check out what events are on at the cathedral while you are in the area by looking at the website:  Ely Cathedral

Cambridge

Although Cambridge is famous for being a university city, it does not actually have its own cathedral. However, there are plenty of historic churches to appreciate when you visit. Cambridge falls within the Diocese of Ely (Church of England) and is associated with Ely Cathedral. Many of the churches in the city are affiliated with university colleges, having strong historical connections. All Saints’ Church is a beautiful Victorian Grade-II listed structure. Our Lady and the English Martyrs has late 19th century, neo-Gothic architecture, a tall spire, wonderful stained-glass windows and many historic elements. Great St Mary’s Church is near the Visitor Information Centre on Peas Hill, and dates from the late-15th century. Discover the 18th-century galleries and a tall bell tower, which can be climbed to see panoramic views of the city centre. There are many more noteworthy churches and colleges to wander around during your visit to Cambridge, and the journey there by narrowboat is beautiful.

From Ely to Cambridge is about five hours cruise each way. Read more about this narrowboat cruise: Ely to Cambridge.

Christmas in England is a chance to appreciate Gothic churches, choirs, and bustling markets in ancient towns. However, you could also include all of these joys on your narrowboat holiday next year. Check here to see what holiday dates are available.

You may also like: Four Churches to Visit When it’s not Even Christmas

PS: A festive gift for you! Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to get the latest helpful holiday tips for next year. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

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ely cathedral visited by great canal journeys

Gyles and Sheila are back on our screens, and in case you missed it you can catch up with their Great Canal Journey to Cambridge and the Fens by watching episode one of series 13 on All 4.

Actor Sheila Hancock and author and presenter Gyles Brandreth took over presenting the show in November 2020. (Read TVs Great Canal Journeys Has Two New Skippers). They were narrowboat novices at that point, but have since taken to cruising and steering canal boats with heart-warming humour and enthusiasm.

At the beginning of series 13 they started their journey in the town of March, where Fox narrowboats are based, and travelled along the old course of the River Nene to visit Emneth, then south down the Great Ouse to Ely Cathedral, and finished their trip in Cambridge, learning about the poet, Rupert Brook.

Early on in the journey Sheila was seriously impressed by the Fenland scenery; she loved the spaciousness of the panorama, “It’s all sky!” They learned that the sea level is still rising in the Fens, so it is inevitable that large areas, previously reclaimed from the sea, will eventually be underwater once more.

There were some pretty views of the village of Upwell before they arrived at Emneth to visit the vicarage. This was once home to Reverend Wilburt Audrey, author of the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine books. The Reverend died in 1997 but Gyles and Sheila were invited in to chat to his daughter about the inspiration for the popular books.

Back on the River Ouse Gyles and Sheila were stunned by the view of Ely Cathedral across the Fens as they approached Ely. Ely was once an island, before the draining of the Fens, and the cathedral dates back to the 11th century. The inside of the cathedral is huge, and gloriously impressive. The programme showed the unique octagon lantern tower before a segment where Ely Cathedral Boy Choristers practiced their medieval Plain Song. The cathedral was built on the site of a monastery, founded by Etheldreda, a local Anglo Saxon princess. This episode explains that it may have taken one hundred years to build the current version of the cathedral.

Back on their canal boat, inspired by their visit to the cathedral, Gyles and Sheila had a thoughtful conversation about faith, god and their own mortality. It was fun to watch their affectionate friendship as Sheila teased Gyles about his fashion sense, and his habit of name-dropping celebrities’ names.

South of Ely the two friends met an artist and tried landscape painting. Although they both lacked confidence in their abilities they had a go anyway. In Cambridge Kings College “oozes history” said Gyles. It’s alumni include Rupert Brook, who in 1914 wrote the patriotic poem ‘The Soldier’. Gyles and Sheila checked out previous hand written drafts of the famous poem. Then they had cucumber sandwiches and tea at the vicarage, discussing the poet, who had tragically died aged only 27.

Finally Gyles and Sheila ended their trip by drinking Pimms in the sunshine, in an ancient meadow moored on the River Cam.

A cruise from March to Ely takes nine hours, and then Ely to Cambridge is about five hours cruise. Of course you can travel at your own leisurely pace and stop somewhere overnight along the way.

If you want to take your own great canal journey next year check availability now. We have some great holiday deals to enjoy. And you can order sandwiches and other treats to be waiting on board for you from Glam Grazing.

You may also like: How to Experience Some Great Canal Journeys from Your Own Home

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.

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hebden bridge yorkshire canal licenced

Are you a fan of TV’s Great Canal Journeys?

Have you enjoyed watching Kevin Shelley’s Travels by Narrowboat?

Are you an arm-chair narrowboater?

Then you’ll love BBC Four’s Canal Boat Diaries.

This series follows Robbie Cumming as he embarks on a 300-mile journey across the Midlands and northern England in his narrowboat. It’s a soothing video diary of one man and his boat, soaking up the scenery and visiting canal side towns and villages along the way. If you don’t have a boat yourself it’s the perfect way to sit back, relax and enjoy the narrowboat lifestyle, from home.

Robbie has previously done bar work, graphic design and illustration while travelling on his boat ‘Naughty Lass’. He says, “It’s my home, work space and transport, rolled into one.”

In the first episode Robbie says, “This program is all about showing you the real side of boating.” For example he has been living aboard without a fridge, and so he meets up with a marine electrician who helps him to install a 12 volt fridge on board. Later he is shown pumping out his sewage tank. But these moments of showing the gritty “real side” of boating are far outnumbered by the stunning, sunshiney scenery viewed as sweeping, stunning aerial shots.

At the beginning of the episode he tackles a tunnel in Staffordshire which is so low that he has to remove everything from the canal boat roof, and crouch down while steering it through! As he travels, filming the local scenery, locks and waterways, he shares canal facts and history. For example, he explains that snake bridges are ingeniously designed so that a horse can cross the canal without the line snagging. (Before engines came along all canal boats were horse drawn.) In Staffordshire he travelled some narrow canals with single locks, and really narrow tunnels, but his goal is to eventually explore all of the canals and navigable rivers in the UK.

He visits a still-working Victorian Pottery that looks like the set of Peaky Blinders, and travels the Harecastle Tunnel, which takes 40 minutes and is dubbed the ‘Scarecastle Tunnel’. The throbbing engine echoes loudly in the darkness, but originally there was a towpath for the horses passing through this tunnel. This programme shows what little random adventures one can have while exploring England by narrowboat. Robbie discovers ancient canal-side mile markers that look like gravestones, he pays his respects at Ian Curtis’s grave, (lead singer of Joy Division), meets the locals in village pubs, explores Macclesfield, and rises to the challenge of cooking on board with whatever he can find, having not seen a shop for a while.

It’s a pleasure to watch the spectacular scenery and sunshine, drifting past aqueducts, coloured narrowboats and green fields, all accompanied by relaxing music, and a likeable, easy-going presenter. Robbie thinks the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire has to be one of the most scenic waterways.

So could he ever go back to living on land?

“I don’t think so… This is my lifestyle now. I’ve had to adapt to it. I think I’d miss it if I gave it up.”

Is this the most relaxing programme on TV right now? Ease into your sofa, lose yourself in the landscape and see for yourself.

Watch Canal Boat Diaries on BBC iPlayer. Or catch up with Robbie on his YouTube channel.

You can also help to fund Robbie’s travels around the canal system and increase the quality of his narrowboat ‘voyagelogs’ by supporting him on Patreon. He now makes around two videos a month, each one taking over 20 hours to make filming, researching, editing, voice overs and writing and recording his own music. The Canal Boat Diaries are not only his passion but thanks to the viewers, are now his source of income.

Ready for your own canal adventure? Try booking a daytrip or a narrowboat holiday now. Check availability here.

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

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Does modern life stress you out?

Ever wanted to sell your possessions and live on a boat?

Would you enjoy the narrowboat lifestyle?

grand union canal narrowboats

In 2017 Kevin Shelly quit his ‘bricks and mortar’ lifestyle, bought a canal boat, and set out to explore 2,500 miles of the UK’s inland waterways. He began to document his lifestyle change with videos that became increasingly popular. There are now six seasons to watch (40 episodes) with a seventh series on the way.

So began an amazing journey, not just around the canal network but also within Kevin. Episode by episode narrowboat life transformed him from an exhausted man, to someone well-rested and contented. There’s something very soothing about watching Kevin narrate his gentle travels; letting the viewer absorb the feeling of travelling slowly through nature. Viewers relax as Kevin enjoys the simple pleasures in life, such as a canal-side pub, or the odd bacon and egg sandwich. The series portrays the laid-back spirit of discovering new places by boat, while Kevin learns about narrowboat life. If you’re new to narrowboating it’s a chance to get the feel of what it’s like. If you’ve been boating before it’s an enjoyable way to imagine yourself back on the water.

On Kevin’s Maiden Voyage in episode one he travels along the Leicester Branch of the Grand Union Canal, and more recently in season six he re-visited Northamptonshire’s waterways by ascending the Foxton flight, of 10 locks again. This reminded him of the very beginning of his adventure when he first bought his narrowboat, ‘Aslan’. Our narrowboat hire base is ‘next door’ to Northamptonshire in nearby Cambridgeshire.

The Grand Union Canal stretches 137 miles from London to Birmingham, and the Northampton Arm branches off to the east at Gayton Junction. Here there are 17 narrow locks as the canal descends to join the navigable River Nene. Cruising in this direction a narrowboat would eventually pass through Wadenhoe, Oundle, Fotheringhay, and Peterborough; all of which can be easily visited by hiring a boat from Fox Narrowboats. (See Fox route 4 Peterborough to Fotheringhay.) The River Nene is one of the quieter UK rivers, and a great place for a relaxing boating or fishing trip.

What’s different about Travels by Narrowboat is Kevin’s dry sense of humour. He is unpretentious and sometimes quirky, when musing about whatever and whoever he encounters along the way. This programme shows us, at a gentle pace, the parts of England that only canal users get to see; the old bridges and canal locks, ancient villages, and natural wildlife. Kevin Shelley is the antidote to our shiny celebrity culture. If you want to watch an ordinary man follow his dream, work a lock, make a curry or repair an engine this is the down to earth TV show you are looking for.

If you’d like to float down a canal with Kevin and enjoy the sights and sounds of England by narrowboat you can watch Travels by Narrowboat on Amazon Video or on Vimeo on Demand.

Travels by Narrowboat blog

If you want to take your own travels by narrowboat this year check availability now. We have some great holiday deals to enjoy this summer.

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.

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Alarmy MTDCKJ licence 10 Nov 2020
Alarmy MTDCKJ licence 10 nov 2020

Alarmy MTDCKJ licence 10 Nov 2020

Do you dream of going on great canal journeys?

Are you stuck at home when you’d rather be boating?

Fancy living vicariously through the travels of others?

You may like to check out Channel 4’s new series of Great Canal Journeys.

After ten series of navigating the canals, lakes and river of the world, Prunella Scales and Timothy West’s televised canal journeys have sadly come to an end. Best known for playing Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, Pru’s struggle with Alzheimer’s became a poignant aspect of the programme, and has now forced the couple to stop filming. The beloved actors have a lifetime of canal boating experience behind them, and their passion for it made them the ideal presenters of this show.

However, Channel 4 has opted to continue the series with two new presenters, actor Sheila Hancock and author and presenter Gyles Brandreth. They’re not a couple, but they are friends who have previously appeared alongside each other on Celebrity Gogglebox. The charm of the original travel programme really lay in watching Tim and Pru’s wonderful marriage on screen, so I thought that changing the remit to two travelling friends might change the mood somewhat. To ease the transition Timothy West joined Gyles and Sheila in the first episode, which aired on 8th November 2020.

“I don’t even know stern from aft!” says Gyles. The friends confess they know nothing about canal boating, but that Tim and Pru have told them anyone can do it. “We are throwing ourselves in at the deep end, and hoping we float!” says Gyles.

The episode begins with Tim welcoming them onto a day-boat at Broxbourne on the River Lee, for a bit of basic training in steering, operating a lock and mooring up. Then their first real journey beings at Pangbourne on the Thames, where they board a 70 foot wide beam. They investigate the bathroom and there is a comedy moment as Gyles accidentally pulls a handle off the toilet, showing viewers that anyone new to boating can make mistakes! During the episode they cruise towards London through Henley, Cliveden and Royal Windsor, and invite a historian on board to chat about the history of the Thames.

“The waterways teaches history that can’t be found in books. They show us how to go with the flow,” says Sheila. (If you like history you can visit Cambridge Universities, Ely Cathedral and Oliver Cromwell’s House on a Fox Boats holiday.)

Then Sheila, 87, joins a women’s rowing team, proving that it’s never too late to try something new. Gyles also is a likeable character. He jokes about doing a Titanic Leonardo DiCaprio impression, while standing on the bow as they enter London by boat.

I had my reservations about this show going forward without the loveable Tim and Pru, but actually it has the same life-affirming vibe, showing us that getting out on the water can make you feel alive! Although Tim and Pru had 40 years of boating experience to share with the viewers, these two are demonstrating that anyone can give boating a go, and learn new skills. Is it still heart-warming and funny? Absolutely. Are there stunning aerial views of waterways, and intriguing glimpses into life afloat? Of course.

If it’s some time since you’ve been boating, this new version of Great Canal Journeys will inspire you to get back out on the water. At Fox Narrowboats you can ease yourself in gently with day boat hire, or take a week’s long break on a comfortable holiday boat. We are now taking bookings for next year.

If you missed the first episode of Great Canal Journeys you can watch it on demand on All 4, Channel 4’s streaming service. (To watch Channel 4 on demand you simply have to sign up with an email address and view on your TV, tablet or computer.)

You may also like:

How to Experience Some Great Canal Journeys from Your Own Home

Cruise Like Tim and Pru from Great Canal Journeys: How to Reconnect With the Ones You Love

How to Holiday Like a Celebrity Without it Costing a Fortune

Keep in Touch: Subscribe on the right to receive more stories of British canal journeys, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

Photo: Licenced stock photo Alarmy MTDCKJ 10 Nov 2020 OY48986454

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Image: St Wendreda’s Church short walk from our Marina
(credit below)

The idyllic ancient architecture, candlelight, holly and ivy, and special services such as carols, advent, christingles and nativities make this a wonderful time of year to visit a church.

However, official statistics from the Church of England* suggest that Christmas is now the only time that British families go to church. While festive services remain ever popular, Sunday congregations are seeing a steady decline in attendance. If you’re planning a canal boat holiday on the East Anglian waterways we would hate for you to miss out on the stunning churches that we have on our doorstep.

Here are four churches you won’t want to miss on your canal boat holiday next year.

St Wendreda’s Church

Before you set off from Foxboats marina in March, check out St Wendreda’s Church which is just a short walk away. This beautiful church is the oldest in our town and is known for its magnificent double-hammer beam roof with 120 carved angels; it is regarded as one of the best of its kind. John Betjeman described the church as “worth cycling 40 miles in a head wind to see.” (If you want to try this you are welcome to bring your bicycles on a narrowboat holiday!)

St Peter’s Church

As you cruise through the Middle Levels you will come to the village of Upwell on the Well Creek; one of the most picturesque villages on the Fenland waterways. St Peter’s Church originating in the 13th century, is well worth a visit because of the unusual tower. Inside there are 25 carved oak angels in the roof looking down into two Victorian galleries.

Ely Cathedral

If your holiday plans are taking you along the River Ouse then you must visit Ely’s skyline-dominating cathedral. Its origins have been traced back to AD 673 and it has a historical connection to William the Conqueror. The cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because of its dominant position in the landscape, visible from miles away. Its most notable feature is the central octagonal tower, with a lantern above.

The gothic architectural design is stunning and you can also take a tour, around the Stained Glass Museum, which has a fascinating collection of rescued stained glass windows stretching back 1,300 years.

Ely has good moorings, and there is plenty more to see in this charming, ancient town so it’s worth stopping overnight.

Kings College Chapel

If you have time on your holiday, do continue from Ely along the River Cam to Cambridge where there are many churches and chapels to visit, as well as the impressive university colleges. Don’t miss St Peter’s Chapel, the smallest church in Cambridge dating back to the 12th century. St Mary the Great is known as the university church and all distances in Cambridge are measured from its location. And finally, King’s College Chapel is a true masterpiece of English craftsmanship.

Not Just for Christmas

So, while it may be that more people will watch the Queen’s speech this year, than go to a Christmas church service, remember that churches aren’t just for Christmas. They are a wonderfully preserved part of our heritage, with stories to tell and incredible craftsmanship to behold. Make sure to include some churches into your holiday plans with Fox Narrowboats next year.

For more surprising stories of things you didn’t know about the Fens and Cambridgeshire subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just surprisingly interesting articles about our local waterways!)

*The Telegraph 28th October 2016.

Image Wiki Commons
By David Iliff (User:Diliff) – Commons file St Wendreda’s Church Ceiling, March, Cambridgeshire, UK – Diliff.jpg, CC BY 3.0,

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narrowboat mooring couple

Ever thought of living on a boat?

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 narrowboat holiday

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

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

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.

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st ives bridge cambridgeshire fox narrowboat
st ives bridge cambridgeshire fox narrowboat

st ives bridge cambridgeshire – credit: fox narrowboat

Nav Data | March to St Ives Bridge: 52 miles, 6 locks, 15hrs cruising

As the days shorten and Autumn approaches, you may want to consider a 7 – 10 day cruise for the perfect escape.

You could choose to visit the Lodes and travel up to visit the stunning nature Reserve at Wicken Fen.

wicken fen visitors centre

wicken fen visitors centre – credit: fox narrowboats

However, why not branch off from the main route, West onto the Great Ouse for a leisurely journey of 19 miles and with only two locks to negotiate, from Pope’s Corner to St. Ives.

Popes Corner

See our waterways map for full route information

From Pope’s Corner, bearing right towards Earith, you will find yourself joining a section of the Ouse known as the Old West River, a curious name for a river which flows eastwards.

On route, look out for Stretham Old Engine, a restored land drainage pumping station open to the public on certain days.

A great stop for refreshments is The Crown Pub in Earith.

Although mooring is currently not available here, you can take advantage of a 48 hour free public mooring on the frontage at nearby West View Marina.

St Ives

St Ives, (not to be confused with its Cornish counterpart), is famed for its 15th century chapel bridge, one of only four in England. St Ives has also historically been the home of some of the biggest markets in the country, with its Monday market still a central feature of the town centre.

St Ives Lock introduces two features, it is interesting to explore if you aren’t familiar with them.

Firstly, it is fitted with a guillotine bottom gate if you haven’t been on the Nene this could be your first self operated guillotine – now electric and operated by EA key which reduces the possibility of hand injuries. At the top there are conventional mitre gates. Secondly the lock chamber is an irregular shape, having been widened on one side for part of its length to increase the number of boats that can fit.

At busy times it’s common for a selection of cruisers, narrowboats other small craft and the odd widebeam to find themselves sharing the space.

St Ives’ most unusual historic building is a delight to see – the chapel that stands on the middle of the partly Mediaeval town bridge. There are just four bridges in the country that share this feature (the others being at Bradford-on-Avon, Rotherham and Wakefield), with st Ives being the only one you can cruise through. The building has also at other times been a doctor’s surgery, a toll-house, an inn and even a brothel.

st ives chapel on the bridge

St Ives Chapel Jo Edkins (inside) Rob Noble CC-BY-SA-2.0

But there’s much more to St Ives, with its attractive riverfront, intriguing museum, historic parish church (which had the misfortune to lose its spire to a direct impact from a WW1 aeroplane in 1918) and useful shops, pubs and restaurants. The Norris Museum is a small but fascinating free museum unveils the story of Huntingdonshire from ancient times onwards, covering social history, personalities, wartime experiences, archaeology, science and technology, art, costume and transport. See the Norris Museum facebook page for upcoming events in September.

copyright norris museum cambridgeshire

copyright – norris museum cambridgeshire

A great place to linger although if you’ve made good time, you can always consider cruising on a further 11 miles to Huntingdon.

Fox Narrowboat Holiday

To visit St Ives you can take a Fox Narrowboat holiday from March. We suggest 10 nights or more to take in a good number of sights and comfortable cruising time.

Book Now

 

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cambridge university
cambridge university boat holiday

cambridge university licenced

Embark on an adventure with Fox Narrowboats as we uncover Cambridgeshire’s hidden gems along its picturesque waterways. From quaint villages and historic landmarks to serene natural spots, we’ll guide you through the top destinations that make this region a must-visit. Join us as we reveal the unique charm and beauty that await you on a Fox Narrowboats journey.

The Fenland waterways have been described as “a hidden gem” by BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson, who has visited us and been on a Fox narrowboat. He really enjoyed the uncrowded rivers and open countryside packed with wildlife. Local tourist attractions include Ely Cathedral and the world famous Cambridge University.

Ely

denver windmill boat holiday cc wiki tony bennett

denver windmill cc wiki tony bennett

To get to Ely by boat you will pass through the picturesque villages of Upwell and Outwell. This trip involves the passage of a short length of tidal river between Salter’s Lode and Denver Sluice. Pass Denver Windmill and café, and carry on along the Ouse to moor up near Ely’s antique shops. In Ely you can visit the cathedral, museum, and Oliver Cromwell’s house.

Cambridge

Not exactly a ‘hidden’ gem, as it’s known for the world famous university, but by cruising the River Ouse you can visit the ‘city of perspiring dreams’ by canal boat. The city is home to students, bicycles, and impressive architecture. There are 31 university colleges; don’t miss King’s College Chapel, a masterpiece of English craftsmanship. Cambridge is also good for shopping, eating out, and cosy old English pubs. Currently the river Cam into Cambridge is closed to navigation. Access is possible by train from Ely or Waterbeach.

Fayres and Local Events

Our hire boat base is in the charming market town of March, which hosts St George’s Fair in April, and March Summer Festival in June. Ely hosts a family-friendly Aquafest in July with a fun fair, beer tent, burger bar and stalls. Everyone enjoys the decorated raft race on the river. Ely Folk Festival offers three days of real ale, Morris dancing, ceilidhs, workshops and music sessions. Strawberry Fair on Midsummer Common is a renowned free music festival, bringing over 30,000 visitors to Cambridge each year. When in Cambridge your cruise will actually take you through Midsummer Common and onwards to Jesus Green and the public moorings near the limit of the navigation.

Historic Sites 

Houghton Mill boat holiday CC SA 3.0 Cmglee

Houghton Mill – CC SA 3.0 Cmglee

There are too many to mention them all, but you may like to see Houghton Mill, a large timber-built watermill with operational machinery. Flour is still milled and sold to visitors at weekends. Stretham Engine is a 19th century steam powered pumping station, once used to drain the Fens. The Nene Valley Heritage Railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. (Read: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love.) There’s also Ely Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, and several unusual museums, including the Stained Glass Museum in Ely.

stretham old engine fox narrowboats

stretham old engine – fox narrowboats

Pubs and Restaurants

One of the great joys of travelling by boat is being able to moor up at a waterside pub or restaurant for a meal. The Moorings Restaurant at the Crown Lodge Hotel in Outwell is just a short walk from Outwell Boat Basin. The Cutter Inn is a smart pub and restaurant located on the river Great Ouse in the heart of Ely, with fantastic river views. Search for more food and drink options on our interactive canal map.

fenland waterways google map for boaters

fenland waterways google map for boaters

Discover more hidden gems in over 250 original blog articles about the Fens waterways, Cambridge, Ely and  riverside villages. Find out about amazing things to do and see. Read about narrowboating celebrities, narrowboating TV series’, and get local insider knowledge from our guest bloggers.

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  1. PS. We have just added some special offers on March Adventurer from now to the end of the season. https://www.foxboats.co.uk/day…/day-boat-hire-adventurer/
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Can you imagine taking a serene journey along Cambridgeshire’s picturesque waterways with Fox Narrowboats? From the tranquil morning mist lifting off the canal, to the vibrant sunset over the water, you can explore a typical day aboard a narrowboat. You’ll discover the great feeling of leisurely cruising, being the skipper of your own boat, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll take in the sights, and get a glimpse into the unique narrowboat lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the canals, join us for a peaceful and inspiring adventure with Fox Narrowboats.

cape fox hire narrowboat

The day begins at 9.30am as you arrive at our marina for some basic instruction with our friendly staff, in steering and handling a narrowboat. We have two colourfully painted day boats; the March Adventurer, and the March Explorer, and either boat can accommodate ten passengers (and your dog if you have one!) Day boat hire is popular for family get-togethers. Here’s what Rebecca wrote on Tripadvisor:

“Lovely day out! We really enjoyed ourselves. Would highly recommend for young families. What could be better than cruising down the river in a narrowboat? Thank you!” – Rebecca (June 2024)

children on narrowboat break

Our hire boat base is in the charming Fenland market town of March, so you may begin by starting the engine, untying the ropes, and cruising through March, before stopping for breakfast. Try The Acre riverside pub if it’s the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) or Ye Olde Griffin Hotel any day of the week, turning right from the town centre moorings.

If you continue your journey past the Twenty Foot junction you will see the impressive Coldham Wind Farm. When you reach Pophams Eau junction, take a right towards Three Holes junction, where you’ll find a good spot to moor.

This boating route is good for seeing wildlife, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and letting the kids try their hand at some net fishing. On your way back to March, relax with a drink overlooking the moorings at The Ship Inn, or indulge in some afternoon tea at the Exchange Tea Parlour. (Afternoon tea options include a Classic, Gin, Sparkling, Deluxe, Gluten Free, Vegan, Cheese Lovers’ and Children’s.)

This route includes about four hours of cruising time, so there is plenty of time to stop and enjoy time “on the bank”. You will be returning to the marina by 6.00pm.

You may also like to celebrate a relationship milestone or a significant birthday on board. Jill says, “The whole day was an amazing adventure, they took us through the information needed, unrushed and easy to grasp, all correspondence was spot on, detailed and efficient. The boat was great, equipment was great. Very clean and well kept. A perfect birthday out on the river. I highly recommend this company for your boating trips. Lovely people and so kind and gentle. We will definitely be back again next year. The food they recommended was fabulous too. All delivered ready for our trip.” – reviewed September 2023.

Fox Narrowboats Reviews

Google Reviews

If you’re celebrating a special occasion Glam Grazing can supply afternoon tea, antipasti, or a cheese lovers graze box. Alternatively, try a sweet treat box with Prosecco. More catering choices here: Glam Grazing by Gem.

An alternative route to the boat trip above, is cruising west to Floods Ferry where you will cross the Meridian line and reach the junction of the Old River Nene and Whittlesey Dyke. Carry on the Old River Nene (left hand fork) to moor at Benwick and visit the Five Alls pub, where muddy paws and boots are welcome!  This is such a great route for a picnic, wildlife spotting and net fishing with children.  There is also a small playground in the High Street. This cruise also takes about four hours. For a slightly longer journey (six hours return) head towards Whittlesey to experience the fun of operating a lock together.

Read more about: Day boat hire routes.

Read more about day boat hire.

Our full waterways map

Fox Narrowboats offers a relaxing ‘Day in the Life’ experience for both seasoned boaters and newcomers. Your route may include a breakfast stop, stunning views of a wind farm, and opportunities for wildlife spotting and net fishing. Grab a pub lunch, an afternoon tea, or a grazing box from Glam Grazing. Finally, upon your return at 6.00pm you can reflect on the memories of a peaceful and inspiring day on the water. Don’t forget to take photos!

Our day boat hire is available to book online on boats March Adventurer and March Explorer. Alternatively call our friendly reception staff who will advise and help you book. But book soon, because our day boats are popular at weekends especially in the summer months.

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.

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Houghton Mill 1966 -BesselDekker Public Domain
Houghton Mill 1966 cc wiki BesselDekker PD

Houghton Mill 1966 -BesselDekker Public Domain

Do you enjoy spending time exploring England’s rich heritage and visiting places that evoke a nostalgic charm? Isn’t it wonderful when an ancient building sparks your imagination, transporting you back to a distant past? Here are just some of the historical gems you can visit on a canal boat holiday in Cambridgeshire.

Houghton Mill

Houghton Mill is a National Trust property on the River Great Ouse. Centred on an island on the river, this large timber-built watermill still has operational machinery. Flour is still milled and sold to visitors at the weekends.

Houghton Mill CC BY SA 3.0 Cmglee

Houghton Mill CC BY SA 3.0 Cmglee

Stretham Engine

Five miles south of Ely on the Old West River is the sole surviving operational steam engine in the Black Fen. It was installed in 1831, replacing four wind pumps. This steam-powered pumping station was used to drain the Fens in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is open to the public on selected Sundays between April and October, 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

old stretham engine inside cc 2.0 Ashley Dace

old stretham engine inside cc 2.0 Ashley Dace

Peterborough Cathedral

This cathedral was rebuilt in the 12th century, and has remained mostly intact. It is the burial place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. On the approach to Peterborough by narrowboat, the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock.

peterborough cathedral-old image cc wiki public domain

peterborough cathedral-old image cc wiki public domain

The Nene Valley Railway

This historic railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. From here you can take a trip aboard a heritage steam or diesel train. This can be included as part of a narrowboat cruise towards Peterborough. Read: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love.

Ely Cathedral

This cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because it is visible from miles away as you approach it. Enjoy the cathedral shops, and a cathedral tour, including access to the unique Octagon Tower and the Monastic Buildings around the cathedral grounds. While you are there you can also visit the Stained Glass Museum.

Oliver Cromwell’s House

Also in Ely you can see Oliver Cromwell’s House, which is now a museum. There’s so much to see in Ely it’s worth stopping overnight. If you’re visiting Ely by narrowboat the city centre is just a short walk away from the moorings, up a steep hill.

Museums

Cambridgeshire’s local museums are often low-cost or free. Wherever you travel by narrowboat you are likely to come across one. There is one in March, Whittlesey, one in Peterborough, and one in Ely. The more unusual ones are Oliver Cromwell’s House, and The Stained Glass Museum. Prickwillow Museum tells the story of the drainage of the Fens, the history of the local area, and showcases restored diesel engines.

Cambridge

One of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists visiting the UK, this ‘city of perspiring dreams’; is a world famous university city. Cambridge is good for shopping, restaurants, and getting cosy in ancient English pubs. Try punting on the river, stroll around some of the 31 colleges looking at impressive architecture, and wander among the bicycles and students.

Cruising Through History

Among these eight suggestions you will find quirkiness, famous sights, nostalgia, heritage and heaps of British charm. What could be more quintessentially English than visiting these ancient places by narrowboat?

cruising with fox narrowboats Nassington

cruising with fox narrowboats Nassington

Check narrowboat availability for this summer!

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narrow boat similar to narrow escapes licenced

In recent years there has been an increasing number of documentaries on TV about narrowboat life; from Great Canal Journeys, presented by charming and respected British actors, to liveaboard diaries from Robbie Cumming and Kevin Shelly. The latest series, Narrow Escapes, can be seen at Channel 4 On Demand.

In the first episode, father and son Paul and Chris take their floating pizzeria through the Peaks, while solo boater Emma embarks on an epic adventure. It’s fascinating to see the changes Paul and Chris have made to their boat, including fitting a wood-fired pizza oven.  Later episodes follow various live-aboard characters, either buying their first boat or renovating their current boat. Boaters live and work all over  the UK canal network, so it’s a chance to check out the scenery from the Kennet and Avon Canal in Somerset to the Bingley Five Rise in Yorkshire, without ever leaving your armchair! This series offers a serene escape from your everyday life.

Here are eight more reasons to watch Narrow Escapes:

Diverse Stories: Discover the unique and inspiring stories of people from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds who call the canals their home. It’s also a fascinating insight into the different jobs that boaters do, in order to finance their floating lifestyle. Over the course of 20 episodes we meet a yoga instructor, a comedian, a florist and a theatre worker. Some have started boat-based businesses, from selling restored bicycles on the towpath, to selling pizzas from a boat, or running a hotel boat on the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Lifestyle Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the canal lifestyle, from continuous cruisers to business owners operating from their boats. See the funny side of the lifestyle, watching Joel, ‘The Angry Boater’ do his comedy stand-up show.

Affordable Living: Learn how young people and others are finding creative, affordable housing solutions amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

Community Spirit: Experience the sense of community among canal dwellers, showcasing the support and friendships that thrive on the water.

Historical Context: Explore the rich history of England’s canal systems and how they’ve evolved to support modern living. Featured engineering wonders of the waterways include the Caen Hill flight of 29 locks, the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct and the Anderton Boat lift.

Practical Tips: Pick up valuable tips and advice on canal living, boating, and maintaining a narrowboat. If you’re thinking of buying a boat, this shows you the actual highs and lows. Witness the challenges canal dwellers face and how they overcome them, offering a real and relatable glimpse into their lives.

Behind-the-Scenes: Meet the workers and volunteers who maintain the waterways, learning about the vital roles they play in keeping the canal system running smoothly.

Adventure and Freedom: Get inspired by retirees and others who have embraced the freedom and adventure of life on the canals.

If you’d like a taste of that freedom and adventure yourself, join us on a narrowboat holiday, or try day boat hire, in Cambridgeshire, a short distance from London. Narrow Escapes offers a rich tapestry of stories and experiences that highlight the charm, challenges, and allure of life on England’s canals. Here at Fox Narrowboats, we’d love to introduce you to our less-crowded waterways, so  that you can  have your own  adventure.

Want to learn more about narrowboating? For surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out on the Fenland Waterways, enter your email address in the box in the right side-bar (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send you articles direct to your in box. (You will not receive any marketing emails, just a couple of articles a month about boating info!)

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skippered boat trips cambridgeshire

All in the golden afternoon

Full leisurely we glide;

For both our oars, with little skill,

By little arms are plied,

While little hands make vain pretence

Our wanderings to guide.

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

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

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

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

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

90 min boat trips – June 2024

Book Now: Skippered Boat Trips on March Explorer

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mooring a fox narrowboat

So, picture this: You’ve arrived at our marina for your first narrowboat holiday, and brought your luggage and groceries on board the narrowboat. You’ve had your boat handling training from one of our friendly instructors, and you feel more than ready to set off on an adventure. But where are you going to stop? Can you really just moor anywhere?

Although travelling the canals and rivers may look like a bohemian lifestyle that’s free from any rules and regulations, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind, before you pick your mooring spot.

First of all, be aware of whose land (or water) you are mooring on. Much of the UK canal network is maintained and managed by The Canal and River Trust. However, The Environment Agency manages the River Nene and River Great Ouse, The Conservators of the River Cam the River Cam and the Middle Level Commissioners the Middle Level navigations. These are the waterways you will be exploring on your Fox Narrowboat holiday. To be able to navigate these waterways or to take up one of the EA’s moorings in your own narrowboat, you will need to be registered with the EA, MLC or hold a Canal and River Trust (CRT) Gold Licence with Anglia Pass. However, all Fox boats come with the necessary licences, at no extra cost to you. As well as membership to GOBA and Friends of the river Nene who have visitor moorings dotted around the system.

Secondly, make sure you’re not mooring on a private mooring. The Environment Agency offers residential moorings and leisure moorings that are paid for by private boat owners. Even if the boater is away from their mooring it’s not OK to moor there – it would be like parking on somebody elses driveway! The EA offers permanent moorings. A good place to check for moorings is in the Imray guides which can be purchased and reserched before your holiday or from us on arrival.

The EA also offer a number of visitor moorings that are free to use for a maximum of 48 hours continuous use. These usually have mooring bollards to tie your ropes around, and there may be a sign confirming the amount of time you are allowed to stay. In some locations elongated mooring bollards accommodate changng river levels.

Some grass bank moorings in rural settings will have no bollards, and in these cases you will need mooring pegs. You can moor in most places along the towpath side of a canal but not a river most river banks will generally be private land. Some moorings are within walking distance of pubs, shops and cafes; others will be quiet, scenic and remote.

Using mooring pins may make for easier use of mooring areas, but just make sure not to moor your holiday boat near bridges, junctions, locks, or anywhere it could obstruct other boaters navigating the waterways. Also, do not moor in another company’s boat yard or marina without their permission. There is likely to be a charge, and there is no need with so many free moorings available while you’re cruising.

If there isn’t a refuse facility at the mooring please be a good citizen and retain your rubbish until you find one making the network a plesant place to explore.

If you’re used to travelling the main canal network you will find the Anglian waterways slightly different, with changing water levels, and some parts being tidal. Some visitor moorings have a landing stage, or a floating pontoon. Different locations will have different rules about how long you can stay, so check the signs.

But mooring isn’t all about rules and regulations – it’s also about being a decent human (or boater). Just be respectful of other users of the waterways, and don’t leave any rubbish behind when you leave the mooring. There’s nothing like peacefully travelling our local rivers, and then choosing the perfect location to stay the night.

See our moorings map for fens waterways

You may also like to read:

The Best Moorings for Your First Night on a Narrowboat

Six Stunning Moorings on the Middle Level

The 3 Best Moorings When Narrowboating on the Nene

Narrowboat moorings in Cambridgeshire.

If you’re looking for a less-crowded narrowboat holiday where you can enjoy stunning countryside and attractive villages, we’d love to welcome you on board one of our Fox Narrowboats this year.

Already got your own boat? We have moorings for 200 boats on a daily or a long term basis and can accommodate boats up to 70ft. Our secure flood proof lagoon provides excellent moorings, some with 240v electrical hook-up and several water tap supplies.

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Who was the last Englishman to stand up to the French?

Which annual religious festival held in Ely leant its name to a word meaning “showy but cheap and of poor quality”?

Who were the Littleport rioters and what did they do that was so bad that five of them were executed?

I subscribe to the theory “that the past is a foreign country”. I’m not that old, but when I was young I lived through times that we now look back on as being of great change. However to me at the time change was invisible – its was ‘same old – same old’. The Prime Minister was always either Ted Heath or Harold Wilson, and I was too young to realise that the 1960s were ‘swinging’. We all know that Fenland used to be very different. A marshy and difficult land with no proper roads and only a few tracks that were impassible in Winter. Often the only way to get around was on stilts or by water. In winter there were dehabiliting freeze-ups. The Fen Ague was a malaria like illness which did for local boy ‘made good’ – Oliver Cromwell. After the great freezes, came great floods. The struggle for existence was the battle against the elements.

In our modern sanitised society with proper roads and successful water management, the past can appear to have disappeared. But scratch the surface – and its echoes are often still to be heard !

One of the best means of rediscovering that past is through literature. There are three books which I particularly treasure and which vividly evoke a Fenland past.

These are Hereward the Wake: Last of the English. This was published in 1866  by the Rev Charles Kingsley (also known for writing the Water Babies). It tells of events in 1071/2 when the Anglo Saxon leader Hereward led resistance against the conquering Normans (1066 and all that) from his base in Ely. It popularised Hereward and elevated him into a Robin Hood type hero. There are varying accounts of Hereward’s life and struggles. I recently read one by an eminent historian denigrating Charles Kingsley’s as being hugely inaccurate. Somewhat in disgust I put aside this anaesthetised version and returned to Kingsley’s rip-roaring, dramatic and exciting version of this gripping tale!

Aldreth Mooring Fens Peter Scott

Aldreth GOBA Mooring Fens Sunset

It is difficult to imagine both life, and the pre-drainage landscape nearly 1,000 years ago. But Kingsley brilliantly paints a picture. Hereward refused to swear allegiance to the invading King William (a.k.a. ‘William the bastard!). He brilliantly defeated William’s troops at the river crossing on the Old West River near Aldreth as they marched on Ely from Cambridge. There is a remote GOBA mooring near this spot and a farm bridge now crosses the river. We’ve enjoyed mooring here several times, and I can report that we haven’t (yet) been troubled by the ghosts of the long slain Normans.

Aldreth Bridge River Ouse

Aldreth Bridge River Ouse

Hereward was later betrayed to William by the monks of Ely. There is a strong suggestion that Hereward’s successes relied heavily on the support and advice of his first wife Torfrida. However he was persuaded to divorce her and instead marry Alftruda, who in modern terms could be described as ‘more celebrity’. Under her influence he wimped out and lost his fire, eventually submitting and swearing allegiance to William the Conqueror.

Hereward

Hereward

Walking down Ely High Street I recently noticed a pupil of King’s School Ely wearing a sweat shirt emblazoned “Torfrida”. On inquiry I learned that one of the school’s houses is called Torfrida. I was delighted to learn that the ‘real brains behind Hereward’ had been so commemorated. (one of the other school houses is called Etheldreda – another name with major resonance in Ely !)

Another historical novel which vividly conjures up ‘lost Fenland’ is Cheap Jack Zita, published in 1893 by Sabine Baring-Gould. The period after major wars is often one of great social change. Returning soldiers often cause unemployment, grain shortages and inflation. This was evidenced more recently by the great changes which swept Britain after WWll (leading to the surprise election of a reforming Labour Government and the establishment of the National Health Service). This novel is a wholly fictional account based on actual events. It starts outside the great Galilee porch on Ely Cathedral. The death in 879 of Ethelreda, founder of Ely Cathedral was commemorated annually by holding a fair, St Etheldreda’s Fair, which became commonly known as St Audrey’s Fair. Cheap and flashy goods were often sold at the fair, leading to ‘St Audrey’ becoming abbreviated to the word ‘tawdry’. A ‘cheap jack’ was a seller of cheap inferior goods, typically a hawker at a fair or market. Zita was the eponymous daughter of a cheap jack. This is another fast moving and exciting tale which details the landscape and hardships of the area (particularly along the River Lark). It culminates in May 1816 with an account of the actual the march from Littleport to Ely of angry and frustrated rioters. The riot was halted by soldiers and during the following assizes in Ely 23 men and one women were condemned, and five hanged. Plaques commemorate their terrible fate. In Ely, near the Cathedral, and a stone plaque was installed on the west side of St Mary’s Church which ends “May their awful Fate be a warning to others” The other convicts were transported to Australia.

Gallillee Porch Ely Cathedral cannon

Cannon at the Gallillee Porch Ely Cathedral

The expression ‘the queens of crime’ refers not to female villains, but to the four authors Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Margery Allingham and Ngaio Marsh. Dorothy L Sayers (June 1893 – December 1957) grew up in first in Bluntisham, and later in Christchurch where her father was rector. The family seat of her aristocratic fictional detective, Lord Peter Wimsey’s was Denver. Wimsey helped defend his brother, the 16th Duke of Denver, when he became the chief murder suspect in Sayers’ novel ‘Clouds of Witnesses’ in which he was tried by his peers, before the full House of Lords. Her choice of the name ‘Denver’ for the fictional Dukedom reveals her Fenland roots.

Bluntisham church near st ives fens waterways

Bluntisham church near st ives fens waterways

Her 1934 mystery the award winning ‘The Nine Tailors’ is set in the fictional fenland village of Fenchurch St. Paul. The end of the book includes a vivid description of a massive flood, and it is hard to avoid the conclusion that Sayers must herself have witnessed similar flooding while growing up in the fens. It is rumoured that several characters in the book share names with graves in Bluntisham churchyard.

Wisbech Upwell Tramway historic photo

Wisbech Upwell Tramway historic photo

Deserving an honourable mention in our Fenland Literature ‘hall of fame’ is the Rev. Wilbert Awdry (June 1911 – March 1997) creator of Thomas the Tank Engine. The Rev Awdry served as Minister in the South Cambridgeshire villages of Elsworth with Knapwell, Bourn and in Emneth (Norfolk). He was a fan of Wisbech and Upwell tramway, and in his book Toby the Tram Engine, Toby, and the coach Henrietta are based on stock used on the line.

the steam tram wisbech old photo

the steam tram wisbech old photo

The last book which, through its powerful and sometimes almost poetic prose, draws us back into a more recent past is Tom’s Midnight Garden (first published 1958) by Philippa Pearce. This story for children slips between a present in the 1950s and a late Victorian past in the 1880s – 1890s. It memorably includes a description of skating from Ely to Great Shelford (near Cambridge) along the frozen rivers Ouse and Cam during the ‘mini ice age’ which permitted the great frost fairs held on the river Thames, and described by Dickens.

Tom's Midnight Garden Book Cover

Tom’s Midnight Garden book cover

The late Mike Rowse, several times Mayor of Ely, and dedicated local historian, once related to me that Philippa Pearce (the author) once visited Ely Cathedral and read the skating passage from the pulpit. He described it as a moving and unforgettable experience.

I have been a devotee of skating since reading the book as a child. Outdoor skating is an unique experience and it is of great regret to me that warmer winters appear to have largely relegated it to the past!

Cheap Jack Zita, published in 1893 by Sabine Baring-Gould, Tom’s Midnight Garden, written by Philips Pearce in 1958

Blog by C Howes

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cruising on fox narrowboat fens river

Ah, the quieter waterways of Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, where narrowboats glide gracefully along wide picturesque rivers, under big skies, offering a unique way to explore the county’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or a first-time boater, mastering the art of narrowboat etiquette will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise. From sharing the space, to respecting the environment, there are a few written and unwritten rules that ensure harmony on the water. Here at Fox Narrowboats we have qualified instructors that will give you full training during the boat handover, but in the meantime these tips and insights will help you to navigate the Fenland waterways with confidence and courtesy. So, grab a windlass, mind your manners, and let’s embark on a voyage of discovery!

  1. Share the Space: When passing other canal boats in the Fens, slow down, smile, nod and wave, and keep your distance. Stay on the right side of the waterway unless there’s a sign saying otherwise.
  2. Beep the Horn: In narrow stretches of the waterways, especially around blind corners, and at bridges, you can give a brief toot on your horn as a precaution, alerting any approaching boats from the opposite direction. Despite the slower pace, narrowboats can still get into accidents if you’re not careful. If you need to do an “emergency stop” it takes ages – as if in slow motion! Put the engine into reverse if you need to stop suddenly.
  3. Easy Does It: Keep your speed down to under four miles per hour; more like walking pace. It’s enjoyable to travel slowly and take in the sights, but it’s also expected, as it causes less disturbance to other users of the waterways. Travelling too fast produces a breaking wash that can disturb moored boats and birds’ nests, and wear away the riverbank. It’s good etiquette to pass moored boats at tickover.
  4. Teamwork at Locks: When you arrive at a lock, offer a hand to anyone already using it. Wait your turn, be patient, and make sure you leave the lock ready for the next boaters. This means wind down the paddles and close the gates behind you, unless you can see another boat approaching: Then you can leave the gates open for them to easily enter the lock. Locks can be a social place where you get to chat to other boaters and find out where they’ve been and where they’re headed. If the lock is wide enough for two boats, it’s good etiquette to save water by sharing the lock with another boat that is going in the same direction as you. Wasting water can lead to low water levels, which may even ground boats.

Don’t moor overnight on the bollards at a lock; these are just for those waiting to use the lock. Use the mooring pins provided with the boat, or a designated visitor mooring. You don’t need to learn any fancy mooring knots, we’ll teach you an easy one!

  1. Keep It Quiet: Keep the tunes and your voices down low, especially after dark. Remember, sound travels over water, so keep things peaceful for everyone nearby. Some boats are homes and families could be sleeping. The waterways are known for their serenity!
  2. Trash Talk: Put your domestic rubbish in the designated bins at the proper canal-side disposal points. You shouldn’t need to empty the toilet tank, this will be done at our boatyard, or you can use a facility with an appropriate sewage disposal point, and never into the canal or river. Using recycling facilities helps the environment. If you leave bags of food waste on deck overnight the local wildlife may think you are offering them a free buffet!

These six canal etiquette tips can keep you and your crew safe and stop you from making some simple mistakes on your first narrowboat holiday. But before you arrive at our marina, you could also check out these basic boating tips on our blog. Do You Make These Three Boating Mistakes?

Feeling ready to take the plunge? Choose the boat that suits the size of your crew here: Fox holiday fleet.

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