Why not make Mothering Sunday extra special this year by suggesting that her favourite family members get together for a memorable daytrip to March, in Cambridgeshire?

Mothers’ Day and Mothering Sunday are actually two separate things, although they are held on the same day in England. Mothering Sunday is traditionally the fourth Sunday in lent, when parishioners return to their ‘mother’ church. Mothers’ Day first started in the 1950’s, as a way to say thank you for all of the things that mothers do. Planning a family day out boating on Cambridgeshire’s peaceful inland waterways could be a lovely way to say ‘thank you’ this Mothers’ Day (10^th March 2024).

Hire a Narrowboat

If your family are new to canal boating, our experienced instructors will show you how to steer the boat, moor up and work the locks. Our day boats are equipped with cutlery, crockery, a hob, a fridge and a sink in the galley area, so you can make snacks and hot drinks on board, or bring a picnic. There is also a toilet, dinette, and a seating area. We can arrange to have groceries, or an afternoon tea waiting for you on board. Alternatively, you can stop at a waterside pub for refreshments, or visit a fish and chip shop for dinner.

Our annual boating season begins in April, so you can book a day trip in advance and surprise your mum with the news on Mothers’ Day. Boating appeals to all ages and is a great way to bring the family together.

Read: The Top 3 Mothers Day Ideas For The Narrowboat Mum

Day boats ‘March Adventurer’ and ‘March Explorer’ can carry up to ten people each.  Prices start from £260 and include fuel and insurance.

Find out more about our day boat hire.

Read All About It

Alternatively, if your mum, wife, or gran is a woman who enjoys narrowboating, or dreams of getting afloat, then you may also consider getting her a book revealing the pro’s and cons of parenting on board. When my children were young we lived on board a narrowboat, so I loved seeking out stories about mothers on canal boats; both biographical and fictional.

Read: Five Surprising Mothers Day Gifts for the Narrowboat Mum

Pushing the Boat Out

But perhaps you’re looking for more than a book, flowers or chocolates as a gift? Maybe you are 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 the scenic countryside and quality time together, explore new places and learn to steer a boat and work a lock.

Read: Why Narrowboating is the Perfect Family Holiday

It’s more than a Mothers’ Day gift, but if you have been planning a multi-generational holiday this year, then boating has something for everyone. Fox Narrowboats in Cambridgeshire is a short distance from London, ideally located for everyone to get together. After all, what better day than Mothers’ Day to get together and appreciate one another’s company, and plan special treats for the year ahead?

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The post Hire a Canal Boat for Mothers Day appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

nene park peterborough

Are you yearning for a unique and unforgettable holiday experience that combines the charm of waterways with the tranquillity of nature? Look no further than Fox Narrowboats, a renowned narrowboat holiday provider in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Nestled in the picturesque town of March, Fox Narrowboats offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the beautiful Nene Park Ferry Meadows and its heartwarming family-friendly facilities. Join us as we embark on a delightful long weekend journey, sailing the waters and exploring the wonders of Nene Park, Peterborough.

Setting Sail with Fox Narrowboats:

March welcomes you with its quaint atmosphere and the promise of an unforgettable adventure. Fox Narrowboats boasts a fleet of meticulously maintained narrowboats, ensuring comfort and convenience during your journey.

Exploring Nene Park:

nene park waterways

Our long weekend adventure takes us to Nene Park, a true gem in the heart of Peterborough. (journey time approx 13 hours return and 6 locks) The park is a haven of natural beauty, offering a diverse range of attractions for visitors of all ages. The crown jewel of the park is Ferry Meadows, a sprawling landscape boasting meadows, woodlands, and lakes.

Ferry Meadows: A Family-Friendly Oasis:

Ferry Meadows welcomes you with open arms, offering an array of activities that cater to families and individuals alike. The park’s well-maintained trails invite leisurely strolls, energizing bike rides, and pleasant picnics amidst the lush greenery. The idyllic lakes are perfect for fishing, birdwatching, and even kayaking, allowing you to connect with nature in unique ways.

For families, the park provides an abundance of options to create cherished memories. The adventure playgrounds will delight children as they climb, swing, and slide to their heart’s content. The miniature railway adds a touch of magic, offering rides that are sure to enchant the young and young at heart. And if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the park’s numerous bird species and resident animals will surely capture your attention.

Comfort and Relaxation on Board:

meal prep is easy in the well equipped galley

After a day of exploring the park’s natural wonders, your Fox Boat becomes a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. Equipped with modern amenities, your narrowboat offers all the conveniences of home while allowing you to unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the water. Prepare a delicious meal in the well-appointed galley, or simply sit back and enjoy the sunset from the cozy living area.

Creating Lasting Memories:

As your long weekend journey comes to an end, you’ll find that the memories created aboard your Fox Narrowboat and amidst the beauty of Nene Park are truly unforgettable. From the serenity of the waterways to the laughter-filled moments in the park, this holiday experience is a tapestry woven with joy, connection, and nature’s beauty.

In conclusion, a long weekend narrowboat holiday with Fox Narrowboats in March, exploring Nene Park and Ferry Meadows in Peterborough, promises an enchanting experience for families and individuals seeking both adventure and relaxation. The park’s family-friendly facilities, coupled with the comfort and charm of a narrowboat, create the perfect recipe for an idyllic getaway. Whether you’re sailing along the waterways, exploring the park’s treasures, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, this unique holiday will leave you with cherished memories that last a lifetime. So, why wait? Embark on this journey of a lifetime and let the magic of Fox Narrowboats and Nene Park captivate your heart and soul.

Start planning your narrowboat cruise today! Check availability now for your next family adventure.

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Image credit: ferry meadows shutterstock (top) 

The post Exploring Nene Park, Peterborough: A Memorable Long Weekend with Fox Narrowboats appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Are you looking for the best gift ideas this year?

Does your mum deserve to get away from it all?

Want to surprise her with a family day out?

This year Mothering Sunday is on March 19^th and our annual boating season begins in April, so you can book a day trip in advance and surprise your mum with the news on Mother’s Day. Boating appeals to all ages and is a great way to bring the family together.

1) Day Boat Hire

Our colourfully painted luxury day boats, The March Adventurer and the March Explorer, are both equipped a small galley, a toilet and a seating area. On board you’ll also find a 12v mobile phone charging point, so that you can keep taking pictures of mum’s day out as you travel.

You and your crew will be fully trained in boat handling as part of the boat handover. One of our qualified instructors will explain how to steer the boat and operate the locks ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident before you set off. Day boat hire is a popular choice with families wanting to spend the day together to celebrate a special occasion. Making memories together can sometimes be the best gift.

2) Canal Boat Holiday

If you really want to push the boat out you could book a week on board with the family.

Read: Why Narrowboating is the Perfect Family Holiday

Although a holiday is not exactly the traditional Mothers Day gift, it will be a good opportunity to spoil your mum, and show her that she is appreciated; especially if the crew share the chores on board and take turns at cooking meals. On a longer cruise you would have time to visit Peterborough, Ely or Cambridge. If you stop at the visitor moorings on the waterfront in Ely, mum can visit the antiques centre, the city centre shops, the famous Ely Cathedral and the museum at Oliver Cromwell’s House.  Or in Cambridge she may enjoy shopping, restaurants and punting, while admiring the incredible architecture.

Get into your mum’s good books this year by suggesting that her favourite people get together for a memorable trip on the Fenland waterways.

3) Boating Books

Talking of books, that’s another good idea for a gift! If she dreams of a life aboard, or has already lived aboard a canal boat in the past, there are some great books about parenting on board. From historical novels to a modern travelogue through the French canals, the books in this article show various different aspects of boating with children.

Read: Five Surprising Mothers Day Gifts for the Narrowboat Mum

If she doesn’t want to read about parenting, try Favourite Boating Recipes by Cas Best instead, or the classic ‘Narrow Boat’ book by LTC Rolt. This lovely, lyrical diary of Tom and Angela’s travels back in 1939, has become a classic among canal-boat enthusiasts. Tom Rolt is now considered to be one of the pioneers of the leisure cruising industry on Britain’s inland waterways.

Read: Was This the Very First Narrowboat Holiday?

Whichever option you choose, giving your mum a narrowboat themed book, or experience, will make this Mothers Day a bit different this year and give her something to remember.

Day boat hire starts at £225 Search Day Boat Hire.

You may also like: 5 Memorable Things to See on a Day Boat Trip

For more surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out in Cambridgeshire, 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. (We never share or sell email addresses, this is just to send you our latest blog posts.)

The post The Top 3 Mothers Day Ideas For The Narrowboat Mum appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.