That’s not a rhetorical question. It’s what a narrowboat holiday in the Fens actually feels like. Not every minute of every day, (this is still a family holiday after all!) But more often than you might expect.

The holiday that moves at your own pace. Literally.

Fox Narrowboats are based in March, Cambridgeshire, right in the heart of the Fenland waterways. From here, you can cruise east towards the ancient cathedral city of Ely, west towards Peterborough, or south east towards Cambridge; arriving not via a ring road, or searching for a multi-storey car park, but along the river, approaching at a leisurely pace, the way travellers have for centuries.

fox narrowboat on holiday cruise

The speed limit on the navigation is 4mph, but you’re likely to be travelling even slower than that. Within about half an hour on board, you’ll be used to operating the boat, and moving at such a relaxed pace. You’ll begin to understand the old adage, ‘it’s about the journey, not the destination,’ because river cruising is just the best way to enjoy the huge open skies and flat horizons of the Fens.

No experience needed. No licence needed. No problem.

You don’t need any previous boating experience to hire a Fox Narrowboat. Before you set off, the team gives you a full hands-on briefing; steering, mooring, locks, everything. Most families are surprised by how quickly they get the hang of it all. Older children can even steer the boat.

The Fenland waterways are a particularly good choice for first-time boaters. Unlike most of the UK canal network, this stretch has very few locks; the landscape is flat and the rivers are wide. It’s also far less crowded than the Norfolk Broads in summer, which makes the whole experience feel more spacious and genuinely peaceful.

A floating home. A proper one.

If this is your first canal boat holiday you may be wondering if it’s comfortable enough, and whether there is really enough space for a family like yours?

fox narrowboat interior galley

Fox’s holiday boats are 5-star rated and fully equipped: fitted galley kitchen with oven, hob, microwave and fridge; hot shower; separate bedrooms. The Platinum Fox, our most popular family boat, sleeps up to six and has a double cabin and two singles; so everyone gets a proper bed. There’s a supermarket delivery service to the marina before you set off, so you can arrive to a stocked fridge rather than a frantic dash to a petrol station. If you feel like a treat, you can even arrange an afternoon tea or grazing box from Glam Grazing, delivered to the boat.

So it’s really not roughing it. It’s more like the perfect combination of modern comforts and nostalgic charm, and you can take these charming comforts wherever you choose to travel each day.

The week the whole family was in the same boat

The thing about a narrowboat holiday that nobody tells you before you’ve done one: it imperceptibly changes a family for a while. Not dramatically, not overnight; but by day two or three, something has usually shifted. The children are outside more. Conversations happen that wouldn’t happen in a hotel room or around a restaurant table. Somebody secretly enjoys learning to steer. Somebody else discovers a sense of accomplishment as they work through their third lock with confidence.

There are no organised activities and no schedule. You decide where to go and when to stop, based on how the day is feeling. Some days that’s a long cruise and a proper explore of somewhere like Ely or Huntingdon. Some days it’s mooring up early next to a field and doing absolutely nothing for an afternoon.

The dog can come too, the towpaths are perfect for walking alongside the boat.

Read more: Canal Boating With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide

What to do along the way

Depending on your route and how far you cruise, a week could include: The medieval city of Ely, Oliver Cromwell’s house, the colleges of Cambridge, riverside pubs, market towns, kingfishers, herons and swans. You may like to come back next year to do the bits you missed!

cambridge river uni aerial view stock | deposit

Fox Narrowboats Guide to Fenland Waterways

How long should you go for?

Fox Boats offer weekend breaks (3 nights), midweek breaks (4 nights), and full week holidays (7 nights), as well as longer breaks of 10, 11, and 14 nights for those who’ve been once and can’t quite face going back to normal life.

For families, a full week is so worth it. Holiday prices start from £979, and with up to six berths on the larger boats, that’s a family holiday that compares very favourably with a week abroad once you add up the flights, transfers, and an airport breakfast for everyone.

Check narrowboat availability

Ready to book?

July is peak season on the waterways; the days are as long as they get, the Fens are at their warmest, and the school holidays mean the whole family can actually come. Boats go quickly at this time of year, so if you’ve been thinking about it, this is the moment to stop thinking.

Tap here to check availability and book. Booking online gets you an instant discount.

No experience necessary. One week on the water. Memories that last considerably longer than that.

You may also like: Why Your Kids Will Love a Narrowboat Summer Holiday

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Peggy Melmoth is a writer who shares her memoir-style writing and poetry at Life, Locks and Literature.

The post Is Narrowboating the Best Family Holiday You Haven’t Taken Yet? appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

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 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 – 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 19^th 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

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

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.

Get the latest blog posts sent direct to your inbox by subscribing on the right; look for ‘Follow Blog’.

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/

The post Unlocking Cambridgeshire’s Hidden Gems: Fox Narrowboats’ Top Destinations appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.