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.

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)

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.

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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.

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The post A Day in the Life: Experience the Serenity of Fox Narrowboats’ Routes appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Are you looking for that elusive family holiday; the one that can please all of the people all of the time? Relaxing, yet adventurous, a change from everyday life, without the modern day hassle of traffic and airports?

We’ve got the perfect family holiday for you. Enjoy beautiful scenery and quality time together, explore new places and learn to steer a boat and work a lock.

Boating appeals to all ages; so everyone can be as active or relaxed as they like. You could buy fish and chips, or find a pub or restaurant along the way, as you travel. Our boats are fully equipped with a cooker, fridge and sink, crockery and cutlery.

A picnic offers the opportunity to spend some quality family time together, gets everyone outdoors and costs very little money. Find out where to shop, where to stop and what to bring in: How to Use Your Canal Boat Holiday to Plan the Perfect Picnic

Beginning in March at our hire boat base, you can travel the Middle Level and visit the Ramsey Rural Museum or the twin villages of Upwell and Outwell. Stop at The Crown Lodge Hotel moorings, meet friendly lock keepers, and see wind farms and kingfishers. The River Great Ouse is a beautiful river which takes you to visit St Ives, Ely and Cambridge. Alternatively, the River Nene towards Peterborough offers stunning countryside, attractive villages, and beautiful lock surroundings with ancient mills.

For the Parents

Maybe mum would like to stop at the visitor moorings on the waterfront in Ely? While you’re there you can visit the antiques centre, the city centre shops, the famous Ely Cathedral and the museum at Oliver Cromwell’s House.  Or in Cambridge try shopping, restaurants and punting, while admiring the incredible architecture. Buy her a book before you go: Books for the Narrowboat Mum.

Check out The Ultimate Mother’s Day Surprise

Perhaps Dad sees himself in the role of Captain? Before you set off, one of our qualified instructors will explain how to steer the boat and operate the locks, so you will be fully trained in boat handling. Pubs are marked on the maps and cruising guides, to provide refreshments for the crew.

There is nothing like the feeling of steering a narrowboat, gliding under tree branches, noticing ducks passing you by on the rippling water. There is an amazing sense of freedom, and a feeling of being connected to nature, in a way that you don’t get when travelling cocooned inside a car. Travelling slowly allows you to notice everything that is around you.

Read: What’s it Like to Actually Steer a Narrowboat?

Fox Boats staff can help you to decide upon a holiday route, but you may also like to look at the options online: Fox Boats Routes. Even if you have never navigated a lock before you will find it is manageable with two adults on board. Older children may enjoy helping with locks and mooring the boat, you just have to make sure they understand all of the relevant safety information.

For the Kids

Make some simple safety rules for younger children, such as no running on the towpath, stay close to a grown-up and keep away from the edge.

If your older children like ghost stories or fantasy novels (Philip Pullman based part of Northern Lights in the Fens) why not include some paranormal investigation into next year’s boating holiday? Our local ‘Horrible Histories’ include ghost stories, legends of drownings, and tales of disappearances and violence.

Read: How to Hunt Fenland Ghosts, Even When it isn’t Halloween

For cosy family evenings on board our boats have WiFi, DVD players and charging points for your devices.

Festivals

Most festivals offer children’s activities, live music, market stalls, food stalls and real ales at the beer tent. You could plan your holiday to coincide with St George’s Fayre, Strawberry Fayre, March Fest, Ely’s Aquafest, or Ely Folk Festival.

Read: Four Festivals to Visit by Narrowboat this Summer

You may find that discovering rural England at a lazy three miles per hour with your family by your side is a holiday memory to treasure. If you’re ready to try booking a daytrip or a holiday for this year or next Check availability here.

You may also like: The Top 5 Tips for a Family Narrowboat Break

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