Is it safe?

Where can we go?

And will the pubs be open?!

So many questions!

We’re happy to be open again, currently offering day boat hire for groups following government guidelines. We are also now taking bookings for holidays from the 4th July, so you may have some questions about what a narrowboat holiday is going to look like in the new (not) normal.

Is it Safe?

Please be reassured we are doing all that we can to make your holiday a safe experience. See our short video – Hiring a boat during COVID.

The government advice is to continue to wash your hands regularly, especially before and after using any public service or structure, so this will include locks and public facilities around the waterways.

To reduce the risk of transmission through touching facilities or locks that have been used by others it is advisable to wash your hands or use hand gels frequently to reduce the risk of catching coronavirus. You may also want to wear face masks in enclosed public spaces, such as shops.

During your holiday you should also remember to maintain social distancing, and only allow members of your household aboard your hire boat. Be considerate of other boaters by keeping your distance when using shared waterside services.

Where Can We Go?

We have a number of suggested waterways routes that are now open to navigation. Our local rivers are beautiful places for people to enjoy exercise and being in the outdoors, close to nature. As well as keeping your distance from other towpath users, keep your distance from moored boats where people may be living aboard.

Many local organisations and businesses will be offering imaginative new ways of enjoying life after lockdown. The Visit Ely team have planned a programme of tours ‘with a difference’ including an Eel Trail walk with a picnic, or cream tea; and twilight trails, which are walks that end with a cocktail.

Oliver Cromwell’s House, in Ely, is due to reopen on July 3^rd. To start with they will open only their souvenir and gift shop and their Tourist Information Service. Plans to open the historic house to visitors should follow at the end of July. In the meantime, join their Architectural Historian in learning all about Oliver Cromwell’s House from the outside; all the history and the hidden secrets! This will be followed by coffee and cake at Poets House.

As more tourist attractions reopen you may find you have to book ahead, as attractions limit the number of visitors they can have at any one time. There may also be other new steps in place to ensure everyone’s safety, so your visit may be a little different.

Will the pubs be open?

Many waterside pubs are marked on the maps and cruising guides that are provided with your hire boat, but please do bear in mind that some of these may be temporarily closed due to the coronavirus situation. However, other pubs, such as The Five Bells, at Upwell, have been offering a takeaway service throughout this period of uncertainty. Their menu is on their website. If you are planning to visit a particular pub or takeaway, you may like to use the WiFi on your hire boat to get up to date information on line about current business opening hours.

We are a warm, friendly, family business, looking forward to welcoming you here at our marina, for a much deserved break away from home. We expect to be busy so check availability now for this summer, or the 2021 season. Our holiday bookings are open from 4th July 2020. If your holiday cannot go ahead due to COVID-19 and government restrictions, full refunds will be given. Check out our Coronavirus Guarantee.

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 2020.

The post Your Guide to Narrowboating in the New Normal appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Do you live in Peterborough, Wisbech, Ely or Huntingdon?

Want to get together with some friends and family?

Have you thought about hiring a narrowboat, just for a day?

A relaxing boat trip on the Cambridge river network could be just the thing you’re looking for.

Imagine exploring the wonders of the beautiful East Anglian waterways, on board a luxury day boat, with a group of your best friends. Some people choose the Fenland waterways for a special family gathering. Whoever you travel with, here are three great reasons for booking day boat hire in March this summer.

1) The Boat is Gorgeous

We have two luxury day boats available to hire: The March Adventurer and the March Explorer. They are colourfully painted, have a nostalgic charm, and you can chug along peacefully with up to ten people on board. (You can also bring your dog!) Each boat has a cute little galley area complete with a hob, fridge and sink, for making refreshments en route. There is also a dinette equipped with crockery and cutlery, a toilet and a seating area. On board you’ll find a 12v mobile phone charging point, so that you can keep taking pictures with your phone.

2) The Scenery is Stunning

You’ll find our hire boat base between the River Ouse and the River Nene, not far from Cambridge, and your cruising journey will take in local wildlife, kingfishers, flowers and quaint cottages.

If you meander through the Middle Level Navigations eastwards, towards the village of Upwell you’ll pass through the Marmont Priory lock before the village unfolds before you. Upwell really is one of the prettiest villages in the Fenlands. It will take you around six and a half hours to cruise there and back.

If you cruise west, towards Whittlesey and Peterborough, you’ll go through plenty of peaceful countryside, and pass Floods Ferry Marina Park. The route crosses the Greenwich Meridian before arriving at Ashline Lock and the ancient market town of Whittlesey.

3) The Choice of Food

At Whittlesey you can turn your boat above the lock, and picnic in Manor Fields before beginning the journey back to March. Read our best tips for a narrowboat picnic.

If you are planning a picnic you can do a food shop at Sainsbury’s or Iceland, near our hire boat base in March. If you are heading to Upwell you will find the village store on the riverside. Outwell’s village shop is a two minute walk from the river.

In Upwell you can stop to eat at The Five Bells, which has a beer garden. Their full menu is on their website: Five Bells Inn. Alternatively, carry on to Outwell basin for a picnic at the former junction of the Wisbech Canal. For a more lavish treat The Moorings Restaurant at The Crown Loge Hotel offers large group meals and afternoon tea. For both of these options we recommend advanced booking!

Back in March, The Acre is a popular riverside pub not far from our hire boat base. It’s known for its friendly staff, prompt service and warm friendly atmosphere. Shooters American dinner is also riverside and is a great treat for children and the young at heart.

Good Value

“We had a lovely day out starting off at March and arrived at Outwell just in time for a fish and chip supper from Stotts. The boat is well equipped with inside and outside seating. We were fortunate to have a lovely day out and our Captain Claire and mate Debs were great. We are hoping to do it again this year. Very good value for money. Would highly recommend.” – Karen K – Trip Advisor

Whether you’re a group of friends celebrating a special occasion, or a family getting together to mark an anniversary or milestone birthday, exploring these secret rivers and waterways will give you a wonderful day out.

Read more: Day Boat Hire near Cambridge and Ely

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The post Why You Should Hire a Narrowboat for the Day near Ely appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.