Great news! We’re back open for boat hire, mooring customers and the workshop, and we’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, and meeting some new people this spring and summer (at a safe social distance!)

As the UK slowly began to ease out of lockdown our local river Great Ouse hosted the Cambridge boat race on April 4^th. Cambridge won the 166th men’s Boat Race, and Cambridge also won the Women’s Boat Race, winning by less than one length. The race was moved from its usual residence along the Thames to Ely in Cambridgeshire due to Covid. Check out this guest post about the boat race channel, Sandall’s Cut. (If you’d like to cruise this route by narrowboat we recommend a four night break to comfortably visit Ely.)

So, as staycations are expected to go ahead, and we look forward to the reopening of pubs and restaurants, how can you best enjoy your post-lockdown freedom?

Take a Day Trip

Our day boats can accommodate your household and support bubble before 17^th May, but when restrictions are finally eased a boat may carry up to 10 people. (Check current government guidelines.) There is lots of seating up front, so everyone can enjoy the scenery and wildlife as you cruise along with a mug of tea or coffee. You can even bring your dog.

Turn your day trip into a special occasion by pre-ordering a grazing box or traditional afternoon tea from Glam Grazing by Gem.  Her other catering choices include an antipasti graze box, a sweet treat box with prosecco, or a cheese lovers graze box and more.

Alternatively, moor your narrowboat outside J R Stott Fish & Chips in Outwell, to collect your supper, or stop at the idyllic moorings of Outwell basin. It is here that the Wisbech Canal used to join the Well Creek. The parish church of St Clement, Outwell is worth exploring while you are in Outwell.

Take a Holiday

Those three words that many of us have longed to hear! Our narrowboat holidays are an idyllic way to travel and explore Cambridge’s Universities, Ely Cathedral, or Ferry Meadows park. Relax on board our cosy narrowboats and discover the stunning Fenland countryside. It is hoped that May 17^th will introduce significant changes to our everyday lives, as pubs and restaurants may reopen their indoor spaces. It is possible that holiday boaters will be able to meet inside – still following the rule of six or two household restriction.

A narrowboat holiday is done at your own pace, you decide when and where to go and where to moor your boat. Our narrowboat holiday breaks can be taken as a week, weekend break or midweek breaks. The boats are comfortably fitted with all mod cons and if you’re new to boating we’ll show you the ropes.

Safety

We have a number of Covid-19 safety measures in place. Some of our boat handover procedure is now on video and we undertake triple cleaning between hire customers.

Read more: Holidays 2021: Narrowboat Staycations to Go Ahead

If you’re ready to plan your adventure on the Fenland waterways Check the boat you want is available now.

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.

Image: Deposit 253862888 danjmh

The post Lockdown Easing Means Hope for Holidays appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Is it wise to book a canal boat holiday for this year? Here’s our advice for you, if you’re struggling to decide whether to make any plans for a waterways getaway this summer.

Many of us are really feeling the need for a holiday this year. If after weeks in lockdown your desire to travel is starting to get the better of you, you may even be tempted to start dreaming of travelling abroad. However, The UK government has recently advised against booking a summer holiday abroad, and has even discussed introducing quarantine hotels.

The end of the first lockdown last March saw holidaymakers desperate to get away on holiday, but with so many travel restrictions in place, it was easier to book a staycation than an overseas trip. So staycations are again anticipated to be popular this year, and early booking is advisable.

How could things change later on this year?

A narrowboat staycation could be an attractive option this year, as the coronavirus vaccine continues to be rolled out. There are hopes that the vaccine will allow UK travel restrictions to be eased later in the year.

Previously the Prime Minister said he was “optimistic” people will be able to have holidays this summer, but that it would depend on things like the vaccine programme going well. The government gave an update on lifting lockdown on the 22^nd February. Here is a useful BBC Article – Roadmap for lifting lockdown (23/02/21)

We are scheduled to open for holidays on 12th April 2021 if the roadmap allows.

Should I risk booking a canal holiday now?

We want to offer you peace of mind, so Fox Narrowboats have a flexible booking policy for your protection. This means that you could move your holiday to a later date with no ammendment fee if any coronavirus restrictions change your plans. Alternatively we also have a full no quibble refund, (terms apply).

Read the full details of our Coronavirus guarantee.

15% Discount

Now is a good time to book a Fox Boats holiday because there is currently a price discount of 15% available, due to the government’s VAT cut to 5% for the tourism and hospitality sectors. However, this is due to increase in April. So if you book and pay in full for your 2021 holiday by 31st March you will beat the 15% VAT price increase, as we are a cash accounting business.

Safety

We also have a number of Covid-19 safety measures in place. Day boats and holiday hire capacity are reduced to six people per group at the moment. Some of our boat handover procedure is now on video and we undertake triple cleaning between hire customers.

Read more: Holidays 2021: Narrowboat Staycations to Go Ahead

Check the boat you want is available now.

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.

The post Can I Book a Narrowboat Holiday for 2021? appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.