cambridge fens sky

Boating through Cambridgeshire is ideal for anyone who enjoys photography, whether you’re a talented professional, or just someone who can’t resist sharing beautiful moments on Instagram. From flora and fauna, to ancient architecture, here are some ideas to help you savour the scenery and take home more than just memories from your holiday.

What Makes the Fens So Photogenic?

The Fenland waterways have a special kind of beauty. Think endless skies reflecting in still waters, sunrise mist over quiet fields, and flocks of birds skimming the reeds. The landscape is flat, which means big skies and long, golden sunsets. Plus, the ever-changing light creates a moody atmosphere that you’ll want to photograph.

ely cathedral fens

Add to that the historic charm of riverside towns and villages, like Ely’s medieval cathedral or St Ives’ stunning chapel bridge, and you’ve got a pretty cool backdrop for every kind of shot.

st ives bridge

Photography Tips From the Towpath

You don’t even need an expensive camera to get good photos these days. Most smartphones can capture something pretty decent, and you can always tweak things in an app later.

fenland waterways

Golden Hour magic: Early mornings and late afternoons – known to photographers as the golden hour, offer soft, warm lighting that’s flattering for landscapes, and people.

Tell a story: Try capturing more than just the view. A candid photo of a family member making tea in the galley, or your dog watching ducks float by, make meaningful holiday memories. Get some pics of your crew operating a lock, or the skipper, steering the boat.

Snap with respect: The canals are home to colourful liveaboard boats, often beautifully painted. Feel free to photograph the boats, but avoid taking photos of people without asking first.

Keep it steady: On a moving boat, things can get a bit wobbly. Depending on the shot you want, you may need to moor up for a bit.

Use reflections: The calm surface of the waterways make brilliant mirrors. Look for moments when the water is still for stunning symmetrical shots.

Picture-Perfect Stops along the Way

There are some places along the Fenland waterways that are practically begging to be photographed. We like to think of them as the wonders of the waterways:

cambridge university bridge of sighs

St Ives Chapel Bridge: One of the last remaining bridges with a chapel, it looks like something from a fairy tale, especially at sunset. The chapel is still used as a place of worship today.

Ely Cathedral: Towering above the town, the “Ship of the Fens” can be seen for miles. Moor nearby and take a stroll through the charming ancient streets, to find your perfect angle.

Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs: This covered bridge with a romantic name and beautiful details wouldn’t look out of place in a Harry Potter movie. Best viewed from the water, so you may like to hire a punt; a small boat propelled by pushing a pole against the river bed.

The Middle Level Navigation: Remote, peaceful, and full of wildlife. Perfect for capturing that feeling of being far away from it all. Our marina is located on the Middle Level.

Capturing the Local Wildlife

Obviously, photographing animals requires some patience, but the Fens are full of good opportunities:

Look out for swans gliding past your boat, or herons lurking in the shallows. If you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher; a rare flash of blue darting over the water.

In the fields and skies, hares, kestrels, and owls all make appearances, especially if you’re travelling quietly.

fenland barn owl

Keeping the Memories Alive

Once you’re home, those photos will become some of your favourite souvenirs. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• Make a travel photo book with your favourite shots.
• Print and frame a standout picture from the trip.
• Share your best snaps on social media, and tag us @FoxNarrowboats! (Links to our socials are at the bottom of this page.)

Final Thoughts

A boating holiday is more than just a getaway, it’s a chance to really slow down and see things. To notice the curve of a bridge, the ripple of water, and the way light falls through the trees. Mindfully taking photos helps you to be in the moment, and appreciate the beauty of your journey.

So pack your camera (or just your phone), get on board, and discover just how photogenic a Fox Narrowboats holiday can be. Because the best views in Cambridgeshire are just waiting to be seen (and snapped) from the water.

For more tips and inspiration for your next boating holiday, pop your email in the box on the right-hand side of this page (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send our latest posts straight to your inbox. (We never share your email address, it’s just for the blog.)

Image credits: All – Deposit photos

The post Savouring the Scenery: Photographing Your Fox Narrowboats Adventure appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

But what about the Fenland Waterways? The flat landscape here doesn’t really lend itself to towering aqueducts, but our peaceful waterways still offer plenty of history, wildlife, and fascinating structures. Here are our suggestions for the ‘Seven Wonders of the Fenland Waterways’, each offering something special for any hire boaters visiting the area.

1. St Ives Medieval Chapel Bridge

st ives medieval chapel bridge

This impressive 15th-century bridge is one of only four remaining chapel bridges in England. The picturesque stone arches and historic chapel across the Great River Ouse, make it one of the most beautiful sights on the Fenland waterways. This is still a place of worship, and it also hosts various arts events. Can you imagine all the traders, monks, and travellers who crossed this bridge in times gone by? There are public moorings at St Ives Quay (with a water point) and The Waites. Moorings are also available for customers at The Dolphin Hotel.

2. Ely Cathedral

ely cathedral

Ely Cathedral, is sometimes known as the “Ship of the Fens,” and can be seen for miles across the flat Fenland landscape. This stunning medieval masterpiece dates back to 1083 and is known for its breath-taking octagonal lantern tower. Boaters can moor up in Ely and take a short walk from the moorings, to explore its magnificent architecture and history. Don’t miss the stained glass museum while you are there!

3. Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs

bridge of sighs cambridge

While Venice may have the original, Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs is a beauty in its own right. Built in 1831, this elegant covered bridge at St John’s College crosses the River Cam and can be visited on foot. In Cambridge, the furthest you can travel by narrowboat in the summer is to Jesus Green Lock, because the Cambridge Backs are busy with small unpowered craft, called punts. Hiring a punt on the Backs is a Cambridge tradition, but you’ll see more of the River Cam by hiring a narrowboat.

4. St German’s Pumping Station

st germans pumping station – bob evens

The Fenlands are a landscape shaped by water, and St German’s Pumping Station plays a crucial role in keeping them navigable. The modern station, completed in 2010, replaced a Victorian-era pumping system and is one of the largest pumping stations in Europe. It helps prevent flooding in over 700 square kilometres of land, showcasing the engineering marvels that keep the Fenlands afloat. The Middle Level Main Drain leading to the station is not part of the navigable waterways and cannot be accessed by boat. Instead, you may like to visit Stretham drainage engine, a steam-powered engine built in 1831. Or even better, Prickwillow Museum, just east of Ely, tells the story of the changing face of the Fens and its network of drainage systems and pumping stations. This museum contains a collection of large diesel pumping engines which have all been restored to working order.

5. The Middle Level Navigation

This complex network of rivers, drains, and channels connects the Fenland waterways with the River Nene and the Great Ouse. Dating back to drainage schemes of the 17th century, the Middle Level provides boaters with a fascinating route through remote landscapes, historic villages, and abundant wildlife. It’s a true hidden gem for adventurous cruisers. Fox Boats marina is on the Middle Level.

6. Buckden Great Tower

Bukden Great Tower St Hugh’s Church – Richard Kelly

Standing on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Buckden Towers has a fascinating royal history. This striking medieval tower was once a residence of the Bishops of Lincoln and, most famously, served as a place of imprisonment for Catherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII, after their divorce. A visit here offers a glimpse into Tudor intrigue and the fate of a wronged queen. There are public moorings on the River Great Ouse at Huntingdon and the 66 bus runs every 30 minutes. Buckden Towers is now a conference and retreat centre. The grounds, but not the buildings, are open to visitors, and dogs are not allowed.

7. The River Great Ouse

March Mole River Ouse

As the fourth-longest river in the UK, the River Great Ouse is the lifeblood of the Fenland waterways. Winding its way through stunning countryside, historic towns, and past centuries-old landmarks, it offers some of the most scenic and enjoyable boating routes in the region. Whether you’re mooring up in charming Ely, exploring St Ives, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the open water, the Great Ouse is a true wonder in itself.

Discover the Wonders for Yourself

The Fenland waterways may not have grand aqueducts or boat lifts, but they offer a unique charm, history, and beauty that make them a wonder to explore. From medieval bridges to royal intrigue, from engineering marvels to breath-taking scenery, these seven wonders showcase why a boating holiday in the Fens is an unforgettable experience.

Ready to explore the Seven Wonders of the Fenland Waterways? Book your narrowboat adventure with Fox Narrowboats and set off on a journey through history, nature, and hidden gems!

Are you new here? Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to get the latest helpful holiday tips for this season. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll just be sending you selected articles from our blog.)

Image credits: St Ives Bridge – Fox, Ely Cathedral – istock, Bridge of Sighs – Deposit, St germans pumping station wiki CC SA-3.0 Bob1960evens, Bukden Great Tower St Hugh’s Church wiki CC BY-SA-4.0 Richard Kelly 

The post The Seven Wonders of the Fenland Waterways 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.

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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/

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

London, of course, was the most popular city in terms of tourism, and the rest of the top 10 were Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Oxford, Bristol and Brighton. VisitBritain aims to encourage tourists to look beyond London, which attracted 16.7 million ‘staying’ visits last year.

Known for its university, beautiful architecture, students and so many bicycles, Cambridge is full of quirky English charm and history. Here are 3 essential things you must experience when visiting Cambridge by boat.

1) Heritage

Kings College Cambridge

When exploring the magnificent colleges of The University of Cambridge you’ll discover that some of them date back to the 13^th Century! Don’t miss the late Gothic architecture of Kings College Chapel which was started in 1446 by Henry VI and took over a century to build. Here you’ll see the largest fan vault in the world and some absolutely stunning medieval stained glass.X BoatingX CambridgeX cambridge universityX Craft shopX HeritageX PuntingX RiversideX Tourist cambridge

Wiki: Cambridge University

Image GNU attributed to: Sailko

2) Retail Therapy

glass making

You’ll find most of the main national shop names on the streets of Cambridge, but you’ll also discover the local charms and quaint architecture of craft workshops, antique centres, jewellers, and art galleries. Shopping in Cambridge is an unforgettable experience.

All Saints Garden – Arts Craft Market

Image: Licenced Shutterstock

3) Cruising the Rivers

river punting cambridge

If you’re visiting Cambridge you’ll want to try punting, but if you’re visiting on your own hired canal boat you can explore the waterways so much more. When deciding upon a relaxed route for your cruising holiday on the East Anglia waterways Cambridge is a consistently popular choice for our customers. On your way to Cambridge you’ll experience the beautiful British countryside and picturesque villages, discovering ancient churches, wildlife, wild flowers, traditional pubs and the history of the Fens.

Travelling at a leisurely pace, you decide where to moor and what you want to see first. It has to be the prettiest and most relaxing way to see Cambridge, and you can choose between a canal or a barge style of boat depending on your personal preference.

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