All our boats are winterised and tucked up to sleep until spring-time, while we retreat indoors with mince pies and hot drinks.

cape fox narrowboat

But while our narrowboats are resting and the towpaths sparkle with morning frost, this season can be the perfect moment to dream ahead, to map out next year’s adventures, imagine warm spring mornings on the waterways, and maybe even drop a festive hint (or three) about the holiday you’d love in 2026.

Because even though Fox Narrowboats doesn’t offer winter cruising, there’s still a touch of Christmas magic to be found along the East Anglian waterways… and a boat hire holiday to look forward to when our season begins again in April.

Festive Magic at Wicken Fen

One of the loveliest winter destinations in our region is the National Trust’s Wicken Fen, which sparkles with seasonal activities this time of year, from nature trails and cosy café treats to family-friendly festive events.

wicken fen mooring windmill – phil hearing

And while you can’t cruise there right now, it’s fun to picture yourself moored at the GOBA moorings on Wicken Lode, ready to stretch your legs on a crisp morning. From the mooring, it’s just a short stroll to the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre and Café, where you can warm up with light refreshments and soak up the winter wildlife. Venture a little further into the village and you’ll find The Maid’s Head, a traditional 13^th century thatched pub, ready to offer hearty food and a comfortable seat by the fire. It’s the kind of simple winter pleasure that boaters love: nature, community, and an excuse for a hot drink you definitely earned by walking at least 200 metres.

A Cathedral at Christmas

We’re lucky to be within cruising distance of Ely; well known for its antique centres, ancient narrow streets, timbered houses and medieval gateways. This cruise is a four day short break at 4.5 hours cruising per day, or a relaxed one-week holiday, cruising only 2.5 hours per day.

Read: Four Churches to Visit When it’s Not Even Christmas

inside ely cathedral –

Ely Cathedral always hosts a variety of Christmas services and events throughout November and December, including the annual Christmas Gift and Food Fair, carol services, and special concerts. But it’s stunning to visit at any time of year; highlights include tours of the medieval Octagon Tower, and a visit to the Stained Glass Museum.

Check out the highlights of Fox Route 1.

Imagining a Christmas on the Water

If Santa can circumnavigate the globe in one night (with no stoppages, no mooring restrictions, and apparently no weed-hatch issues), it’s fair to say the man knows a good transport system when he sees one.

Some say he even pops over the Fens now and then during a test flight. The stillness of the winter waterways is perfect for fine-tuning reindeer-navigation, after all. And if he happened to glance down at March Marina and spot our fleet taking their winter rest… well, we imagine he’d approve.

fox narrowboats marina

We might not cruise in December, but the thought of future adventures makes winter feel warmer. The slow, thoughtful pace of canal boating pairs wonderfully with the cosy, reflective mood of the season. Christmas, in a way, is the boater’s natural habitat: hot drinks, twinkly lights, and a good excuse to plan next year’s routes with a notebook and a biscuit tin.

The Perfect Christmas Gift for a Future Boater

If you’ve been particularly good this year, you could always drop a few gentle hints about how nice it would be to spend a week aboard Platinum Fox or Silver Fox in the spring sunshine…

fox narrowboat gift vouchers 2026 – call reception

Our 2026 season opens in April, and Christmas is a popular time for families to book their summer holiday or plan a slow, scenic break later in the year. A narrowboat holiday isn’t just another present, it’s a chance to unwind, reconnect, explore hidden waterways, and see the world at three miles per hour.

And if someone in your life prefers clear instructions over hints, feel free to forward them this blog post. Santa likes girls and boys that know what they want for Christmas!

Order Gift Voucher

Give Fox reception a call to get yours! 01354 652770

Until Spring…

While the boats slumber through the colder months, we’re here preparing them for another year of adventures, polishing, repairing, repainting, and ensuring every vessel is ready for you when cruising begins again.

So this Christmas, whether you’re curled up at home or out exploring winter nature reserves, take a moment to imagine your future self, gliding through sunlit reeds, mooring near a riverside pub, or making a detour down Wicken Lode for a slice of cake.

Spring will be here before you know it.

Book a 2026 Fox Narrowboat

From all of us at Fox Narrowboats:

Wishing you a peaceful, magical Christmas, and happy planning for your 2026 waterways holiday.

1. PS. 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 articles straight to your inbox. (We never share your email address, and we won’t overwhelm your inbox. We’re not naughty – we’re nice!)

Photo credits: Wicken Fen Phil Hearing on Unsplash , Ely Cathedral deposit photos,

The post A Canal-Themed Christmas: Dreaming of Your 2026 Waterways Escape appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

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.

Houghton Mill 1966 -BesselDekker Public Domain

Do you enjoy spending time exploring England’s rich heritage and visiting places that evoke a nostalgic charm? Isn’t it wonderful when an ancient building sparks your imagination, transporting you back to a distant past? Here are just some of the historical gems you can visit on a canal boat holiday in Cambridgeshire.

Houghton Mill

Houghton Mill is a National Trust property on the River Great Ouse. Centred on an island on the river, this large timber-built watermill still has operational machinery. Flour is still milled and sold to visitors at the weekends.

Houghton Mill CC BY SA 3.0 Cmglee

Stretham Engine

Five miles south of Ely on the Old West River is the sole surviving operational steam engine in the Black Fen. It was installed in 1831, replacing four wind pumps. This steam-powered pumping station was used to drain the Fens in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is open to the public on selected Sundays between April and October, 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

old stretham engine inside cc 2.0 Ashley Dace

Peterborough Cathedral

This cathedral was rebuilt in the 12th century, and has remained mostly intact. It is the burial place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. On the approach to Peterborough by narrowboat, the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock.

peterborough cathedral-old image cc wiki public domain

The Nene Valley Railway

This historic railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. From here you can take a trip aboard a heritage steam or diesel train. This can be included as part of a narrowboat cruise towards Peterborough. Read: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love.

Ely Cathedral

This cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because it is visible from miles away as you approach it. Enjoy the cathedral shops, and a cathedral tour, including access to the unique Octagon Tower and the Monastic Buildings around the cathedral grounds. While you are there you can also visit the Stained Glass Museum.

Oliver Cromwell’s House

Also in Ely you can see Oliver Cromwell’s House, which is now a museum. There’s so much to see in Ely it’s worth stopping overnight. If you’re visiting Ely by narrowboat the city centre is just a short walk away from the moorings, up a steep hill.

Museums

Cambridgeshire’s local museums are often low-cost or free. Wherever you travel by narrowboat you are likely to come across one. There is one in March, Whittlesey, one in Peterborough, and one in Ely. The more unusual ones are Oliver Cromwell’s House, and The Stained Glass Museum. Prickwillow Museum tells the story of the drainage of the Fens, the history of the local area, and showcases restored diesel engines.

Cambridge

One of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists visiting the UK, this ‘city of perspiring dreams’; is a world famous university city. Cambridge is good for shopping, restaurants, and getting cosy in ancient English pubs. Try punting on the river, stroll around some of the 31 colleges looking at impressive architecture, and wander among the bicycles and students.

Cruising Through History

Among these eight suggestions you will find quirkiness, famous sights, nostalgia, heritage and heaps of British charm. What could be more quintessentially English than visiting these ancient places by narrowboat?

cruising with fox narrowboats Nassington

Check narrowboat availability for this summer!

Hey! Are you new here? Subscribe on the right to receive more secrets of the undiscovered Fenland waterways, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

The post Cruising Through History: Exploring Cambridgeshire’s Waterways with Fox Narrowboats appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Traditionally Christmas is a time for carols and choirs, candle-lit services, holly and ivy, decorated trees, and children’s nativity plays. So it’s a popular time to visit your local church, or even a cathedral if you live near to one. We are lucky enough to be based between two stunning and historically significant cathedrals.

Peterborough Cathedral

This Christmas Peterborough Cathedral is offering concerts, with choirs and brass, carol services, a candlelight tour, a Christingle Service, and a theatre production of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ as well as the usual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

Peterborough Cathedral was rebuilt in the 12^th century, and like Durham and Ely Cathedrals it has remained largely intact. It is the burial place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

To get to Peterborough by narrowboat from our Fox Narrowboats hire base is a 12 hour return trip, which is ideal for a short break. On the approach to Peterborough the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock. There are visitor moorings on the River Nene along the length of a park which are convenient for the city centre. (Read more about this cruise: March to Ferry Meadows Country Park.)

If you visit Peterborough on your narrowboat holiday next year you can check out what events are on at the cathedral while you are in the area by looking at the website: Peterborough Cathedral

Alternatively, turning left from our marina you will shortly come to the Fenland market town of March where you will find free visitor boating moorings on either side of the town bridge. March to Ely is about 18 cruising hours return trip. (Read more about this cruise: March to Ely narrowboat holiday.)

Ely Cathedral

This cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because it is visible from miles away as you approach it. This Advent and Christmas Ely Cathedral is offering Christmas services and concerts with the Cathedral Choir, and various family-themed activities. There is also seasonal shopping in the cathedral shops, homemade festive food in the Almonry, guided tower tours up the Octagon Tower or West Tower, and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.

But you don’t have to visit at Christmas to enjoy a cathedral tour, including access to the unique Octagon Tower and the Monastic Buildings around the cathedral grounds. While you are there you can also visit the Stained Glass Museum. Also in Ely you can see Oliver Cromwell’s House, which is now a museum, the Ely Museum at the Old Gaol, and the antiques centre close to the river. There’s so much to see here it’s worth stopping overnight. If you’re visiting Ely by narrowboat the city centre is just a short walk away from the moorings, up a steep hill.

If you visit Ely on your narrowboat holiday next year check out what events are on at the cathedral while you are in the area by looking at the website:  Ely Cathedral

Cambridge

Although Cambridge is famous for being a university city, it does not actually have its own cathedral. However, there are plenty of historic churches to appreciate when you visit. Cambridge falls within the Diocese of Ely (Church of England) and is associated with Ely Cathedral. Many of the churches in the city are affiliated with university colleges, having strong historical connections. All Saints’ Church is a beautiful Victorian Grade-II listed structure. Our Lady and the English Martyrs has late 19th century, neo-Gothic architecture, a tall spire, wonderful stained-glass windows and many historic elements. Great St Mary’s Church is near the Visitor Information Centre on Peas Hill, and dates from the late-15th century. Discover the 18th-century galleries and a tall bell tower, which can be climbed to see panoramic views of the city centre. There are many more noteworthy churches and colleges to wander around during your visit to Cambridge, and the journey there by narrowboat is beautiful.

From Ely to Cambridge is about five hours cruise each way. Read more about this narrowboat cruise: Ely to Cambridge.

Christmas in England is a chance to appreciate Gothic churches, choirs, and bustling markets in ancient towns. However, you could also include all of these joys on your narrowboat holiday next year. Check here to see what holiday dates are available.

You may also like: Four Churches to Visit When it’s not Even Christmas

PS: A festive gift for you! Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to get the latest helpful holiday tips for next year. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

The post How to Visit a Cathedral on Your Narrowboat Holiday appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

On Armistice day you may be surprised to learn that cargo-carrying narrowboats were an important part of England’s war effort, and that many women volunteered to steer these boats when the boatmen were called up to fight. In her memoir The Amateur Boatwomen, Eily Gayford used her war time journals to write about her time training all-woman canal boat crews during the Second World War.

Read more: Secrets of the Amateur Boatwomen

So, on this day when we think of those who gave their lives, think also of the working boaters who kept our canals carrying essential cargo throughout the Second World War.

Next weekend The City of Ely Parish Council and Royal British Legion Branch invite all people in Ely to join them at the Cathedral on Sunday 14th November 2021 for a spectacular and moving service, as well as a march through town, parade and Act of Remembrance in the Market Square. All services at Ely Cathedral are open to everyone. Thousands of people visit Ely Cathedral every year and visitor tickets can be booked in advance. Cathedral tours include behind the scenes access to the cathedral’s unique Octagon Tower, the West Tower and the Monastic Buildings dotted around the cathedral grounds. During the year the cathedral also hosts various events such as storytelling, talks, fairs and concerts, so check their website if you’re planning a Fenland narrowboat holiday next year.

A narrowboat cruise from March to Ely takes nine hours, and Ely Cathedral can be seen for many miles across the surrounding Fens.  A tour of the Octagon tower on a fine day offers some stunning views.  A top tip when visiting Ely by boat is to visit midweek when the visitor moorings are less busy.

You could also visit Ely Museum, a bright and friendly local history museum, located in the Bishop’s Gaol in the centre of the historical city. The museum takes you on a journey through time from prehistory to the twentieth century. Last weekend Ely Museum welcomed the teams from Khaki Devil and Great War Huts, who are leading experts on the British Army during the Second World War for a living history day.

If you’re visiting Ely by boat you may also like to see Oliver Cromwell’s House which has been refurbished to show how it may have looked during Cromwell’s lifetime. The beautiful Stained Glass Museum is also in Ely Cathedral and displays an inspirational collection of stained glass, from medieval to modern.

You may also like: Are Museums Ever Fun? The Answer Might Surprise You

Our narrowboat holidays in the Fenlands are a wonderful opportunity to get lost in the past, wandering around quaint villages and market towns, and travelling like the boatmen of yesteryear. If you want to take your own nostalgic canal journey next year check availability now. We have some great holiday deals to enjoy.

If you enjoy reading about the Fenland waterways 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.

Image: Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Gyles and Sheila are back on our screens, and in case you missed it you can catch up with their Great Canal Journey to Cambridge and the Fens by watching episode one of series 13 on All 4.

Actor Sheila Hancock and author and presenter Gyles Brandreth took over presenting the show in November 2020. (Read TVs Great Canal Journeys Has Two New Skippers). They were narrowboat novices at that point, but have since taken to cruising and steering canal boats with heart-warming humour and enthusiasm.

At the beginning of series 13 they started their journey in the town of March, where Fox narrowboats are based, and travelled along the old course of the River Nene to visit Emneth, then south down the Great Ouse to Ely Cathedral, and finished their trip in Cambridge, learning about the poet, Rupert Brook.

Early on in the journey Sheila was seriously impressed by the Fenland scenery; she loved the spaciousness of the panorama, “It’s all sky!” They learned that the sea level is still rising in the Fens, so it is inevitable that large areas, previously reclaimed from the sea, will eventually be underwater once more.

There were some pretty views of the village of Upwell before they arrived at Emneth to visit the vicarage. This was once home to Reverend Wilburt Audrey, author of the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine books. The Reverend died in 1997 but Gyles and Sheila were invited in to chat to his daughter about the inspiration for the popular books.

Back on the River Ouse Gyles and Sheila were stunned by the view of Ely Cathedral across the Fens as they approached Ely. Ely was once an island, before the draining of the Fens, and the cathedral dates back to the 11^th century. The inside of the cathedral is huge, and gloriously impressive. The programme showed the unique octagon lantern tower before a segment where Ely Cathedral Boy Choristers practiced their medieval Plain Song. The cathedral was built on the site of a monastery, founded by Etheldreda, a local Anglo Saxon princess. This episode explains that it may have taken one hundred years to build the current version of the cathedral.

Back on their canal boat, inspired by their visit to the cathedral, Gyles and Sheila had a thoughtful conversation about faith, god and their own mortality. It was fun to watch their affectionate friendship as Sheila teased Gyles about his fashion sense, and his habit of name-dropping celebrities’ names.

South of Ely the two friends met an artist and tried landscape painting. Although they both lacked confidence in their abilities they had a go anyway. In Cambridge Kings College “oozes history” said Gyles. It’s alumni include Rupert Brook, who in 1914 wrote the patriotic poem ‘The Soldier’. Gyles and Sheila checked out previous hand written drafts of the famous poem. Then they had cucumber sandwiches and tea at the vicarage, discussing the poet, who had tragically died aged only 27.

Finally Gyles and Sheila ended their trip by drinking Pimms in the sunshine, in an ancient meadow moored on the River Cam.

A cruise from March to Ely takes nine hours, and then Ely to Cambridge is about five hours cruise. Of course you can travel at your own leisurely pace and stop somewhere overnight along the way.

If you want to take your own great canal journey next year check availability now. We have some great holiday deals to enjoy. And you can order sandwiches and other treats to be waiting on board for you from Glam Grazing.

You may also like: How to Experience Some Great Canal Journeys from Your Own Home

If you enjoy reading about the Fenland waterways 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.

Image Stock Lic: 414097358

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Attribution: Wikipedia Oxyman

If you’ve been browsing the internet reading about narrowboats you probably think you have a good idea of what a narrowboat hire holiday is like. It’s just slowly drifting through narrow canals and English countryside with occasional stops at country pubs right?

Or is it? I thought I’d feature one of our more unusual cruises which offers four things that you don’t normally see on the English canals!

The March to Cambridge holiday presents a seventeenth century sluice, the home of Oliver Cromwell, a thousand year old cathedral, and a world famous university city.

1) Denver Sluice

Denver sluice was first built in 1651 and has suffered many mishaps, collapses, closures and repairs since. It famously held back the sea from drowning most of Cambridgeshire and Suffolk; and Dorothy L. Sayers based some dramatic events around it in her renowned 1930s novel, The Nine Tailors.

The sluice plays a vital role in the drainage of the fens. It is here you would leave the Middle Level Navigations to cross the tidal river Great Ouse. Read more in our article: Our Top Safety Tips for the Salters and Denver Tidal Crossing.

2) Oliver Cromwell’s birthplace

As you travel up the Great Ouse, you’ll discover St Ives, famous in medieval times for its international fairs, and now famous as the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. Today it is a quiet market town with a variety of restaurants of different cultural origins from Italian, Chinese, Indian and a Greek Taverna. The town also has a number of pubs, hotels, tea rooms and cafes where you can eat. Lovely little shops can be found in Tudor style buildings and alleyways.

There are moorings at St Ives Quay (with a water point) and The Waites. Moorings are also available for customers at The Dolphin Hotel. Carry on cruising to Ely to visit Oliver Cromwell’s house.

3) Ely Cathedral

The famous lantern tower of this cathedral can be seen for miles around, but Ely is also known for its antique centres, ancient narrow streets, timbered houses and medieval gateways. The waterfront is popular among walkers, cyclists and boaters. When you visit the cathedral you’ll see the delicate carved stonework of the Lady Chapel, and the Stained Glass Window Museum is a hidden treasure within the cathedral, with a display of over 100 original stained glass panels.

4) Cambridge

Cambridge is a beautiful city bustling with students and bicycles. The architecture of the ancient colleges is truly stunning, and if you want to enjoy an alternative kind of boating you must try punting. A good way to take in the city is an open top bus tour. Shopping offers an intriguing mix of craft workshops, antique centres, jewellers, art galleries and familiar high street stores.

If you’d like a canal holiday with a difference this journey offers a variety of “one off” experiences. Have a look at our full itinerary of cruises for more ideas on which places to visit.

The post 4 Things You Don’t Expect on a Narrowboat Holiday appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

With kind permission: Jan Pickles

If you’re planning a narrowboat summer holiday on the East Anglian waterways it’s fun to do a bit of online research before you go. There are a few Facebook groups dedicated to our local waterways such as Friends of the River Nene, Fen Boaters and Middle Level Boaters.

So I asked the local boaters on Facebook if they had any tips and suggestions of favourite moorings and best places to visit on the Cam, Ouse, Nene and Middle Levels?

Fred Ray responded with a link to his beautiful photo blog. Fred explored the Fen waterways before Easter last year, with his family on board narrowboat Calamity Jayne. One of the highlights was a visit to Ely cathedral. Fred was impressed and overawed by the sheer scale and beauty of the building. The ‘Ship of the Fens’ dates from the 11^th century. Fred’s blog displays examples of the intricate stonework, stained glass windows and painted vaulted ceilings. They visited the West Tower and climbed 288 steps to get some stunning shots of the flat fenlands all around, and looked down onto the top of the octagonal Lantern Tower. He even spied their boat from up there, moored down on the river! Their day out in Ely also offered shopping, playing in a country park and chip butties for lunch.

I also read on Facebook that the Five Miles in Upware, near Ely is has real ales, good food and plenty of moorings. On a Friday night they have a live band and during the summer live music in the garden. The Five Miles From Anywhere Inn is a modern, family-friendly pub-restaurant with a grassy riverside garden on the River Cam.

A visitor to our Facebook page recently suggested The Ship Inn at Brandon Creek. “They serve consistently great home cooked food and cater for celiacs and gluten diets really well. Best Treacle tart ever. Mooring over night when you go there too. There are also Environment Agency moorings alongside the pub: A truly pretty spot between two rivers – just like an island.”

Jan Moyes says, “We do have a house, but we don’t go there very often!” They spend most of their time on their boat, Pennymist. She says, “Cambridge is my favourite place and we have always been lucky in getting a mooring at Jesus Green lock, but there is not a lot of mooring. On the Nene, Midsummer Meadow is one lock and ten minutes cruise from Northampton and a much quieter mooring. Also The Kings Head at Wadenhoe is good. Most EA moorings on the great Ouse are good. I really like the Five Miles From Anywhere – and it’s a great place name! Upwell to Burwell is a nice little detour – lovely little village.”

‘H’ and Jan Pickles (and their three cats) have been exploring the Great Ouse and its tributaries on an old Seamaster river cruiser, and have collated their years of experience into a website that can be accessed on the move via mobile devices. UK River and Canal Info offers the kind of information that boaters only discover over years of exploring, so is a real help to holiday makers that are new to the area. They like to visit Wadenhoe, on the River Nene.

Jan says, “You can moor at the bottom of the pub gardens for free if you eat in The Kings Head. If you prefer not to eat, it’s a fee. There’s an E.A. water point there too, which is handy.

Further up the village you have the Old Barn Tea Rooms. They do a wicked cooked breakfast and lovely cakes, as well as gifts, plants and even free range eggs can be purchased there.

You can also moor a little further upstream against the SSSI (site of special scientific interest). It costs nothing to moor there and the pub and tea rooms are still within easy reach.”

Any one of these places is within easy reach of our hire boat base in March, and can be included in your holiday plans.

For more Fenland boaters recommendations and tips, plus our local boaty news and gorgeous narrowboating pictures make sure you’re following our Facebook page, and subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar – look for Follow Blog. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

The post Fenland Boaters’ Top Tips for Your Narrowboat Summer Holiday appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.