Here are some of the birds, plants, and animals you might meet on your journey.

1) Birds of the Fenland Skies

Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or a curious beginner, the Fens are a brilliant place to spot water birds and rare species.

kingfisher | vincent van zalinge

Kingfishers: If you’re lucky, you might spot a flash of electric blue darting across the water. Although they nest in the riverbanks, it’s pretty rare to see one; so look out for them in the morning or at dusk.

You’ll be more likely to see swans, ducks and geese. Swans glide alongside the boat as if escorting you, while moorhens bob around the reeds with their chicks in tow. Herons keep impossibly still, but you may notice one on the bank, poised to catch a fish in the shallows.

Marsh Harriers and Owls: In more open areas, keep an eye on the sky. These larger birds of prey are often spotted circling overhead.

marsh harrier | paul kelly

Top Spotting Tip: When you’re moored up, a narrowboat allows you to observe without disturbing the wildlife, like a floating bird hide! The waterfowl may even approach you.

2) Towpath Botanicals

Walking the towpath is not only a chance to stretch your legs, but also to enjoy a closer look at the wildflowers and plants lining the banks.

Purple Loosestrife and Yellow Flag Iris are out in the summer, adding splashes of colour to your journey. Reed beds rustle in the breeze, creating a habitat for many small creatures.

yellow flag iris | martin wemyss

In spring and early summer, you might spot cow parsley, wild poppies, and meadowsweet, while later in the year, blackberries offer the opportunity for a little wild foraging. There are brilliant towpath foraging tips, and a muffin recipe, by narrowboater Helen here: Foraging With Children.

blackberry raspberry cake | micheile henderson

Why It Matters: Noticing these small details can turn an ordinary walk into a mini nature treasure hunt for kids, or a mindful practice for grown-ups.

3) Creatures Great and Small

While you’re relaxing on deck or strolling the towpath, keep your eyes peeled for shy mammals and water-loving insects.

Water voles (think Ratty from Wind in the Willows) are often seen along Cambridgeshire’s quieter waterways. My favourite are dragonflies and damselflies dancing above the surface on sunny days, their shimmering wings catching the light.

Hares and deer sometimes appear at dawn or dusk in the open countryside beyond the riverbanks. And of course, frogs and newts can be found near weedy stretches of canal and pond-like areas.

deer divide | zero

Family Bonus: Even children used to tech can’t help but be curious when a dragonfly lands on the roof of the boat or a tiny frog hops across the path.

4) Nature Reserves along the Way

Cruising with Fox Narrowboats puts you within reach of several wildlife-rich destinations.

Welney Wetland Centre: A must for bird lovers, this reserve is part of the Ouse Washes and is famous for its migratory swans and waders. The best way to visit is to take a taxi from either Denver or Littleport to the centre. Fox Route 1 will take you on the River Ouse and you can reserve tickets for the centre online.

Wicken Fen: One of the oldest nature reserves in the UK, Wicken Fen offers a magical mixture of sedge, water, and sky. You can moor nearby and take a walk through the boardwalks to explore rare habitats. From the moorings on Wicken Lode it is a short walk to the National Trust Visitors Centre and café.

wicken fen | phil hearing

Roswell Pits, near Ely: A peaceful spot for watching birds and dragonflies, and a good place to stretch your legs before heading into Ely town.

Planning Tip: Check mooring locations in advance if you’d like to combine cruising with a visit to these wild havens.

5) Slow Travel, Rich Encounters

What makes wildlife spotting from a narrowboat so special? It’s the combination of stillness and surprise. One moment you’re making tea in the galley, the next, you’re calling out to everyone because a deer just leapt across the bank. It’s not staged or rushed, it’s real, and it stays with you.

Whether you’re a family looking to connect, or a couple seeking peace and quiet, nature finds a way of making your narrowboat journey unforgettable.

Ready to Drift into Nature?

At Fox Narrowboats, we’re proud to help families, couples and nature lovers discover the hidden wildlife wonders of Cambridgeshire’s waterways. All of our boats come with the comforts of home, and the convenience of being close to nature.

Book your holiday narrowboat today and begin your own slow adventure.

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Photo credits: Kingfisher by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash. Marsh Harrier Paul Kelly on Unsplash. Yellow flag Iris Martin Wemyss on Unsplash. Blackberry and raspberry cake micheile henderson on Unsplash. Deer Divide By Zero on Unsplash. Wicken Fen Phil Hearing on Unsplash

The post Exploring Cambridgeshire’s Wildlife: Spotting Flora and Fauna with Fox Narrowboats 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.

spring 2025 narrowboat holiday

Why Go Boating in April?

April is when nature bursts back into life. Picture the blossom on the trees, and the plants and towpath-grass lining the waterways, making your journey as scenic as it is peaceful. It’s also the perfect time for spotting wildlife. Who doesn’t love to see a mother duck bobbing past their boat with a row of her ducklings in tow? The swans will be nesting, and if you’re lucky you could also glimpse a flash of a kingfisher, or a heron.

fox narrowboats heron

For families, an Easter holiday on the water is a unique and fun experience. You may like to bring some chocolate eggs for a boat-based Easter hunt. When my kids were young we lived on a narrowboat, and hid Easter eggs in a field near the towpath for our children to discover. Many of our local towns host Easter events and markets, perfect for a family outing. If you enjoy exploring history, you can moor up and visit iconic sites like Ely Cathedral, Ramsey Abbey, or even our charming home town of March, before the summer crowds arrive. Other local events in spring include St Georges Fayre in March, and Ely Eel Festival, home to the world eel throwing competition!

st georges fayre march april 2025 poster credit fenland gov

Spring’s mild temperatures and longer daylight hours make it a great time for walking and cycling along the towpaths. If you want to bring your dog on a boat trip, just let us know at the time of booking. And of course, no boating holiday is complete without stopping at a cosy waterside pub or café. Enjoy a drink or a classic cream tea as you take in the view. You might also want to browse local markets in Ely or St Ives, picking up fresh veg to cook up a delicious meal in the galley on-board.

Why Book Your Holiday Early?

Booking your holiday in advance means you get the best pick of boats and travel dates, so you won’t miss out on your ideal trip. Spring cruises are sometimes better value than peak summer breaks, making them a budget-friendly option.

spring 2025 holiday booking fox narrowboat st ives river

The weather in April and May is pretty mild, with crisp mornings and sunny afternoons—ideal for comfortable cruising. You’ll also find the waterways much quieter than in summer, meaning less waiting at locks and more choice when it comes to available moorings. If you’re new to narrowboating, this is the perfect time to give it a go. With fewer boats on the cut, you can take your time and enjoy a relaxed introduction to life on the water. (Our staff will show you what to do, if you’re new to this.)

Plan Your Spring Boating Break

A narrowboat holiday in April is the perfect way to slow down, enjoy the beauty of nature, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a get-together with a group of your closest friends, Fox Narrowboats has a boat to suit your needs. Book early to make sure you don’t miss out—your springtime adventure in Cambridgeshire awaits!

collage spring 2025 lily flower credit fox

Ready to start cruising? Get in touch with Fox Narrowboats today and start planning your trip!

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Image Credits: St Georges Fayre Fenland.Gov Easter Eggs Jasmine Waheed on Unsplash. Fox Narrowboats Facebook photos

The post Why an April Narrowboat Holiday is the Perfect Spring Getaway appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

We’re counting down the days now, until the hire boat season opens, and for the first time in two years our plans are working to schedule. Cape Fox has had her bottom coated and is now going to the paint shop for the finishing touches to be added. The Sparkle Oven Cleaning Company have just made the cookers on board all shiny, and we’re ready for the 1st April!

Around here, the first signs of spring are the daffodils, primroses and chocolate eggs appearing everywhere, along with the sound of the first narrowboats chugging cheerfully down the river on a day trip or an Easter holiday. The waterways in spring are less crowded than in summertime, new waterfowl are born and the amateur photographer can take photos of all the tree blossoms. There is something very photogenic about the stunning skies of the Fenlands remote landscapes. You only need a smart phone to capture the sunset reflected in the water, or the local ducklings, cygnets and dragonflies. Don’t forget to take pics of you and the gang steering the boat and working the locks, to show everyone back home.

If you’re on a narrowboat holiday with us this Easter, spring is a great time to visit and discover the wonder of WWT Welney Wetland Centre. Not far from the River Great Ouse, it’s a perfect place to start exploring the wetlands, get up close to the wildlife and make memories with your family. For peace of mind, reserve your tickets and pay in advance online. The best way to visit is to take a taxi from either Denver or Littleport to the centre. Fox Route 1 will take you on the River Ouse. You could also see Denver Sluice on this holiday. Without its complex engineering, tens of thousands of homes in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk would be flooded. Denver Sluice plays a key role in river navigation, conservation, water abstraction, agricultural and land drainage and fisheries.

Also near the River Great Ouse, RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is a complex of lakes and traditional riverside meadows. Explore and see ducks, swans, geese, terns, a variety of dragonflies and maybe even otters. These lakes began life as a flooded sand and gravel quarry next to riverside meadows.

On a narrowboat holiday this spring you could head west from March crossing the Greenwich meridian line at Floods Ferry and on to Whittlesey, Stanground, Peterborough and the Nene valley. Alternatively, if you travel east to Upwell and Outwell, then cross the tide at Salters Lode and head on towards Littleport and Ely and Cambridge you’ll visit pretty villages and ancient cities. Imagine starting your day with a coffee and a hot cross bun in the sunshine on the deck of your canal boat. Then try shopping for Easter chocolate in Peterborough, Ely, Cambridge or smaller picturesque market towns that you can visit by boat.

Alternatively, with Easter just around the corner why not treat the family to a day hire voucher?  You can then choose when to take a trip afloat. Call 01354652770 for a voucher or book a day out online.

Our well-equipped, comfortable boats are the best way to discover the waterways around the Cambridgeshire Fens. To get more tips and advice about travelling these navigations sign up now to receive regular articles by email (See ‘Follow Blog’ to the right of this article.)

Image Credit: Welney Wetlands Centre 2022 – Deposit Photos MikeLane45

The post Last Chance to Book an Easter Canal Boat Holiday appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.