spring narrowboat on the waterways

Having now lived on narrowboats for many years I can concur that carrying coal and bags of laundry down a muddy towpath can certainly lose some of its ‘being joyfully connected to the elements’ charm after several months. Certainly there have been many winters where I have pondered if there is space to fit a washing machine on my boat. However, being present to the first precious gifts of spring does indeed more than make up for any of those hardships and failed daydreams.

first spring lock – alice elgie

Just yesterday morning I woke to dry windows inside, blue sky outside and felt the first  faint but euphoric realisation that somewhere in the not too far distance, spring is brewing. It made me reminisce about early spring 2011—one of my first on a narrowboat—when I lounged on the roof writing whilst chatting to passing boaters, my daughter peddling up and down the towpath on her bike talking to the ducks and geese. In that moment I simply couldn’t imagine a better way to live in England because for me, it was everything at its best: nature, friendliness and freedom.

If you would like to be one of the first to experience spring on the waterways, book your holiday with Fox Narrowboats

In the first throws of spring, winter quickly becomes a distant memory. My dreams of an on-board washing machine fade into the background as hand-washed clothes blow in the breeze and there is abundant space on the doorstep where we can roam and find adventures along secret paths, in wide open fields and amongst the trees. I think that’s it for me, that on a narrowboat we can live right in the heart of an unfurling spring. Each morning the air tastes fresher and I feel more at peace as I lay still listening to a visiting chaffinch or watch moorhens as they scurry in and out of their nest. The world comes alive all around me and somehow, the quiet cocoon that winter can be, makes me even more aware of each minuscule change.

Want to know why an April narrowboat holiday is the perfect spring getaway on our Fox blog?

And when I do have to do a laundrette run, I know it will no longer be plagued by a cold, muddy walk to sit looking sorrowfully out through steamed-up windows onto a dreary street. Instead us ‘washers’ will chat to each other with bright smiles as we watch our clothes go round and I will be reminded of the valuable people connection that would be lost if I were to relent to having a washing machine on my boat.

2026 Spring Canal Boat Holiday Offers

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

The post Looking Toward Spring appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

milla & daughter narrowboat alice elgie

With endless towpaths that mean miles of walking, cruising time that inspires chilling out, and long summer evenings lounging on the front deck or dark nights cosied up in front of the fire; what’s not to like for our four-legged friends?

Personally, I’ve never been without a dog on the waterways and after fifteen years on the canal, I’d like to think we’ve all found our feet and paws. My dear departed dog, Milla, spent most of her life enjoying all that was on offer and despite buying her a life jacket when we first started out, we found she soon gained her boating wings and would opt instead to lie down on the back with her chin hanging over the gunwale catching the cruising breeze or, sitting on the front with our daughter watching the world go by. There is no doubt that in her nearly eighteen years of life, the waterways brought her much pleasure!

milla & daughter alice elgie

Let the Canal & River Trust teach you about safe boating with your dogs

For our little terrier, Pepper, it’s another story. So tiny that I worry about her easily being knocked off the roof by wind, I opt instead to make her a bed on top of the back hatch, attaching her lead to the boat. However, she still has a lot of savvy and when we’re moored, she’s found her place on the bow of the boat, with an added umbrella to protect her from summer rays!

dog princess pepper umbrella alice elgie

It’s unimaginable to me to not have a four-legged friend by my side for narrowboat adventures and if my husband is at the tiller I like nothing better than jumping off at a bridge and taking a stroll with our pooch. I like to speed up and get ahead, especially on a quiet stretch, as it gives me that feeling of being far from the madding crowd and I’ll make sure I’ve always got a bag with me as sometimes I’ll find things to forage in the hedgerows as we mooch, such as wild Mirabelle plums in summer, or blackberries in autumn—perfect for a sweet evening crumble when we’re moored up.

Fancy a Fox Narrowboat Holiday with your pooch? Then read our ultimate dog guide! [insert link:https://www.foxboats.co.uk/canal-boating-ultimate-dog-guide/]

Having a dog by my side is an important addition to narrowboat life and whilst finding one savvy enough to stroll up and down the roof without fear of falling might be slim, finding one who is happy to slot into a laid-back life on the cut, is not so difficult!

Alice Elgie is a nature-loving writer who shares words about her wandering lifestyle through hold-in-the-hand letters and recorded reflections. aliceelgie.com

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Living space and storage

It is likely that your carefully chosen new home will be considerably smaller than your current home on land.

credit: cluett carpentry

Storage space will be limited, so get creative and selective about what you take with you. Certainly, if buying new fixtures and fittings, space saving furniture will be an important consideration. There are companies which offer custom furniture and furnishings for narrowboats for example Elite Furnishings. You may be able to source a specialist narrowboat carpenter such as Cluett for inspiration. They explain that narrowboats are full of dead spaces. It’s a great opportunity to innovate and customise. Here are some ideas:

• Extra cabin draws and cupboards
• Galley spice & ingredient racks
• Customised food storage
• Contemporary marine bathroom fixtures
• Futon sofa bed for narrowboats that fit under the gunwale

credit: elite furnishings

https://elitefurnishings.co.uk/

Order narrowboat furniture online

https://www.sofabedbarn.co.uk/

To maximise your comfort, you may consider living a more minimalist lifestyle. Think about what you really need and what you could let go of. There may be less privacy and potentially more noise from other boaters, particularly if you are moored in a communal space such as a marina.

You will almost certainly need to adapt to a slower pace of life, which is, after all, why you chose the narrowboat lifestyle in the first place. However, this will mean travel plans for an important meeting will require more careful thought.

Maintenance and Repairs

Similar to any vehicle, narrowboats require regular maintenance, including cleaning, painting, and engine upkeep. Its a good idea to get a gas safety check. If the boat is rented its a legal requirement for gas certification.

Bear in mind that not only your home but also your form of transport is at risk. Fuel, mooring fees, licensing, and maintenance points can be found on out on our: the costs of living on a narrowboat blog article being financially prepared for unexpected repairs and costs is vital, particularly if you are not able to carry them out yourself. More information about Fox narrowboat repairs and servicing.

narrowboat on fox slipway service complete

Weather and Seasons

Living on a boat means facing the elements directly. No matter what time of year you begin your narrowboat life, seasons will be an important factor. Particularly challenging, is Winter, with cold temperatures, freezing conditions, strong winds, and potential ice and snow. Ensuring your boat is well-insulated and equipped for winter living as well as choosing appropriate clothing will ensure your comfort in the long Winter months.

Fox narrowboat during winter

Narrowboat journey seasonal planning

Off season

Different times of the year also impact journey planning. During the Winter months, (December to February) many canals and locks may be closed for maintenance or due to freezing conditions. Reduced daylight hours can limit your cruising hours.

Canal trust’s indepth guide to preparing your boat for winter

Spring time

As Spring approaches, (March to May) as the weather warms, rising water levels can lead to potential flooding. The government produces a flood warning service

High season

Summer (June to August) is the peak season and the busiest time of year for narrowboaters.With longer daylight hours, you can enjoy extended cruising time and explore more. Remember to pack your sun hat and high factor sun cream. Autumn (September to November) is a good time to enjoy a cruise through the beautiful colourful foliage and begin preparing your boat for the colder months.

Navigation notices

All year round it’s essential to stay updated on the latest information regarding canal closures, maintenance works, weather and water level changes.

River Advice for Boaters (RAB) | Anglian Waterways

www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices

There is a mine of information available here to plan your route ahead of time, take into account the distance you want to travel in the time you have available.

Booking moorings in advance where possible is advisable, especially during peak seasons, particularly in popular destinations.

By considering these factors and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your narrowboat experience, regardless of the season.

Fox narrowboats navigation data 

Finances

If you intend to work while living on your boat, think about the potential impact on your income and employment opportunities in the area or costs relating to travelling to other areas.

Safety and Security

On and off the water there are safety and security issues to think about. Installing a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguishers if they aren’t already there and checking them regularly is vital and could be lifesaving. There are other issues to consider that only come with living aboard a boat.

Lakeland Leisure produce a comprehensive boat safety guide

Will you be safe walking on towpaths and jetties at night where there may be inadequate or no lighting. Consider how you will keep visitors to your boat safe, accessing lifejackets for them. Do you need additional security such as alarms for your boat, and if you own a car, where will you park it when you are cruising. While careful planning is crucial, maintain flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations.

The post Moving onto a narrowboat: storage, maintenance, safety & seasonal considerations appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

living on a narrowboat river cam

There are now thousands of canal boats on Britain’s inland waterways, although it’s difficult to estimate exactly how many of those are liveaboards. The inland boating community is diverse, and includes middle-aged divorcees, retired couples, young professionals, people on low incomes, and canal heritage enthusiasts. Some people like the alternative lifestyle, others hope it may be a cheaper lifestyle. Some are foreign tourists exploring England’s canals, and some boaters are able to continuously cruise because they work from home. Recent TV programmes like Canal Boat Diaries and Travels by Narrowboat show the pros and cons of living aboard.

Challenge Accepted!

If you are thinking of living on a narrowboat, here are some things to consider: You will have to declutter your possessions in order to manage living in a smaller space with limited storage. Extra chores will include disposing of your own domestic waste and sewage, and regularly refilling the water tank. Engine maintenance is essential, as your 12volt electric supply and even the running water in the taps will depend on it. The changing price of red diesel will affect your home budget and you will need to buy propane gas in bottles. If your work or personal commitments make continuously cruising impractical, you will also need to find a mooring.

At Foxboats marina, we have a mooring stipulation from our local authority of no more than 10 months out of 12 occupancy of the boats on site.  However, many liveaboards choose to continuously cruise during the summer, and take a mooring in a marina like ours for the winter. This way you enjoy the convenience of a mooring for half the year, and exploring the waterways when the weather is warmer. Many moorings have a good sense of community where you can get to know your neighbours.

Taking the Plunge

If you have considered the potential challenges of life afloat then you are ready to take the plunge. It can be quite freeing to live with less material possessions. Consider the sense of independence and accomplishment knowing that you are responsible for supplying your own gas and electric. You’ll enjoy feeling connected to nature when watching swans, ducks and moorhens glide by outside your windows. You will become more economical with water and you may like to learn new skills such as marine engine maintenance, boat refurbishment or painting roses and castles. The towpath may now be your running track or cycle route if you want to get fit. Will you settle down on a mooring or will you consider a new career as a roving canal trader?

I love it when I discover a fictional character that lives on a boat. Here are three that you may not have heard of: Movies That Feature Narrowboating Life.

You may also like: The Truth About Living Aboard A Boat: 3 Books You Should Read

I spent 13 years living on canal boats and during that time many people I met assumed that I was bravely living without any modern comforts. People would ask me if it was cold in winter, and whether living aboard was a bit like camping? But nothing could be further from the truth: Modern narrowboats are extremely comfortable. Here are four surprising creature comforts you will find on a Fox narrowboat.

Read: Is it Cold in Winter? The Answer Might Surprise You!

If you’ve already enjoyed a few hire boat holidays and now feel ready to take the next step towards owning your own boat. Here are our top three suggestions for getting a boat: Get Afloat! 3 Ways to Get a Boat.

But if you’d like to ‘try before you buy’, check availability now for your next narrowboat holiday, to see if this is the right lifestyle for you.

Peggy

For more inside info about life on boats, enter your email address in the box in the right side bar (‘Follow blog’) and we’ll send you articles direct to your in -box. (We never share or sell email addresses, this is just to send you our latest blog posts.)

Credit: Deposit Photos Narrowboat on the River Cam 

The post The Pro’s and Cons of Living on a Canal Boat appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

(The Answer Might Surprise You!)

Have you ever wondered if it’s cold in winter, living on a narrowboat? I spent 13 years living on canal boats and during that time many of my friends were concerned that I was “roughing it;” imagining that I was living simply without any modern comforts. People would ask me if it was cold in winter, and whether living aboard was a bit like camping? But nothing could be further from the truth: Modern narrowboats are extremely comfortable. Here are four surprising creature comforts you will find on a Fox narrowboat.

1) Heating

Gas central heating is fitted on all of our boats, so being cold is not an option. While we don’t hire out the boats during the winter months, customers may like to use the heating during autumn or spring time holidays: The good old British weather can be a little unpredictable! The gas heating runs off of propane gas bottles that are supplied with the boat and are included in the price. You will notice wall-mounted radiators throughout the boat. (See the video below).

Upon your arrival you will also find the beds ready made up for you with freshly laundered sheets, duvets and pillow cases, so that your nights on board are always cosy and warm.

2) Entertainment

Although you might imagine a narrowboat holiday is the perfect time to go “unplugged” and recover from any smart phone addiction, you will actually find a 12v mobile phone charging point on every boat, plus WiFi and a USB charging point in the saloon! All boats are fitted with a 12v and 230v socket for charging mobile phones, laptop computers and camcorders.

You will also find a radio and CD player on board, a flat screen TV with DVD player, and a flat screen TV in the master cabin. So when you’re not out exploring the villages, towns and beautiful scenery you can relax in comfort on the boat.

3) Fine Dining

Don’t imagine that your meals on a boat have to go back to basics. The galley on board is fully equipped with a four burner hob, full sized oven, microwave, toaster, and 240v electrics. There is also a fridge with a small freezer compartment and beautiful Denby crockery, for serving up your culinary masterpieces. Just like at home you can order your groceries online and we’ll put them on board for you, ready for the start of your trip.

4) Mod Cons

Other surprising modern conveniences on board include a hoover and a hairdryer. All of our boats are fully equipped for your comfort during your holiday. Click here for a full list of what’s on board. The hire price also includes all fuels used (diesel and gas), VAT, car parking, towels and bedlinen.

Have a look around Silver Fox – a luxury narrow boat suitable for a family or a group.

Silver Fox – Narrowboat from Paula Syred on Vimeo

Winterised

Right now the planks and poles have been removed from our hire boats and we’ve started our winter maintenance. Some of the UK waterways freeze during the winter, so before they do we “winterise” our boats by pumping the bilges, emptying the water tanks and switching everything off. (Read more: How Winter Threatens to Damage Your Narrowboat – 3 Ways to Protect Yourself)

So, yes it is cold in winter on a Fox Narrowboat, but only because they are not in use! For a holiday at any other time of year they are well equipped for a warm and comfortable luxury break. We are now taking bookings for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Search narrowboat breaks.

PS. Want to know more about boats and boating? 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 Narrowboats: Is it Cold in Winter? The Answer Might Surprise You! appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Narrow Margins

When unfortunate circumstances forced her family to downsize their home, author Marie Browne and her husband Geoff opted for narrowboat life. Their budget just about stretched to a ramshackle, 70ft ex-hotel boat called ‘Happy Go Lucky’. This funny, heart-warming memoir follows the couple, plus their children and dog on their journey from Braunston, where they bought the boat, to Cambridge, where they had booked a residential mooring. After leaving the Grand Union Canal their journey took them down the River Nene, through the Middle Level navigations and on to the River Ouse, before arriving on The River Cam. This means that you get wonderful descriptions of many of the routes covered by Fox Narrowboats, accompanied by witty, descriptions of a family “learning the ropes” of narrowboating for the first time. The boat also requires extensive refurbishment to turn it into a comfortable home, which the family undertake while living aboard.

Here are three things we can learn from Marie Browne’s ‘Narrow Margins’.

1) We need less “stuff” than we think

Marie’s family downsized from a nice house with a comfortable lifestyle, to a 70ft narrowboat. At the beginning of the book they had to do a major “life laundry”, throwing non-essential items into a skip and vastly reducing Marie’s much-loved collection of shoes. But by the end of the book they have fallen in love with their minimalist lifestyle afloat.

2) How to Slow Down

Near the beginning of their journey, Marie and her mum sat on the bank with a picnic. “It was strange, I had absolutely nothing to do and I couldn’t remember when I had last talked to her without having to clock-watch or be disturbed by phones ringing. We spent a happy afternoon under a tree, just chatting.”

3) Anyone Can Learn to Work Locks

“We approached the first lock slowly and with a certain amount of trepidation, but the training kicked in and absolutely nothing went wrong.”

If you’ve already been on a narrowboat holiday this book may be a lovely reminder of your first ever journey afloat. Despite the challenges Marie faces on board, the book still communicates the tranquil beauty and wonder of life afloat, providing an insight into a slower lifestyle of chatting on the towpath and watching the world go by.

Marie Browne has since written three more memoirs about narrowboat life; Narrow Escape, Narrow Minds and Narrow Focus.

If you’d like to make a narrow escape from clock-watching and ringing phones check availability now, for your next narrowboat holiday. If you enjoy reading about life on the canals 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.

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