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 Are you visiting the Inland Waterways Association Festival of Water at St Neots this August?

Do you want to tick off a boating area new to you?

Are you interested in exploring the tidal Nene?

This journey is for experienced private boaters only. It is not permissible to do this journey on a hire boat!

A journey through the Middle Level Navigations to the River Nene, offers many opportunities to moor in open countryside, unwind, and look out for kingfishers and other wildlife. Include the Fenland market town of Wisbech into your holiday plans and you can also discover a stately home, a luxury cinema, an award winning brewery and a Charles Dicken’s original manuscript! On the tidal River Nene, in the far north-east of Cambridgeshire, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of narrowboating, and discover the surprising wonders of Wisbech.

1) The River Nene

Wonder Number One is the navigable River Nene itself. To get to Wisbech you’ll need to take the channel to the Dog in a Doublet sluice and then follow the Nene to Wisbech. This is a beautiful narrowboat  route because the Nene is such a quiet river, with stunning countryside and attractive villages. Beyond the Dog and Doublet Lock it is a 15 mile tidal adventure to Wisbech harbour. Registered craft can pass through the lock,  but call 01733 202219 before you arrive to arrange passage. (Read the Strong Stream Advice for the River Nene.)

2) Wisbech Museum

This museum opened in 1847, making it one of the oldest in the UK. Among the rare and unusual artefacts to be seen is the original transcript of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens! Wisbech Museum also has regular activities for children, so the whole family can enjoy a day out.

3) Elgood’s Brewery

Elgood’s Brewery was established over 200 years ago and has been run by the Elgood Family since 1878. It was one of the first classic Georgian Breweries to be built outside of London, and they have won numerous independent brewing awards. Check out the lovely gardens at the property when you visit.

4) Luxe Cinema

Luxe Cinema is considered to be the best cinema in Wisbech because they have comfortable sofas and armchairs, instead of the usual type of theatre seats. They offer blockbusters, special screenings of classic films and occasional special event viewings. This would make a really cosy treat on your holiday if it’s a rainy day.

5) Peckover House

On the North Brink on the banks of the River Nene you will find Peckover House, which was built around 1722. This classic Georgian House breaks the street line by being set back from the terraces to either side, and offers beautiful walks, stunning gardens and a strong history. It’s frequently used to film period dramas, including BBC’s David Copperfield. Don’t miss it if you visit Wisbech!

If you enjoyed this article about Wisbech, 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!)

Before planning your journey it is essential to speak to the Lock Keeper at Dog in a Doublet and the Wisbech Harbour office !

You may also like: The 3 Best Moorings When Narrowboating on the Nene

The post The Five Wonders of Wisbech appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Kind permission: Jan Pickles

As summer draws to a close there are still plenty of fun local events, exhibitions and fairs planned for Autumn in the Fens. Here are eight great incentives to book a September narrowboat holiday.

1) It’s Quieter

If you already follow our blog you may know that the Fenland waterways are the quieter alternative to the Norfolk Broads. Some boaters prefer the East Anglian waterways to the main canal system because of the uncrowded peace and tranquillity they offer. In September the waterways are even quieter still, leaving more choices of perfect mooring spaces for the autumn boater.

2) March and District Museum.

Your Fox Narrowboat holiday will begin at our hire base in March, and on September 9^th Geoffrey Lee will be giving a talk on the History of Fire Fighting at The March Museum. The building itself dates from 1851 and was originally a girls’ grammar school. Set up as a local folk museum, the displays show the life and times of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries and ongoing to the present day. The museum is run by volunteers, and there are no paid staff.

3) Skylark Garden Centre

The Skylark Garden Centre in March offers a Giant Maize Maze, Pesky Pigeon, Tractor Ride, Pig Racing and more. The Skylark Maize Maze and Funyard runs throughout September, on the weekends.

4) Peckover House

A short cruise away from March is the picturesque village of Upwell. From this pretty mooring you can take the quick bus journey to the Georgian town of Wisbech to visit Peckover House. Here the current exhibition is A Georgian Town in the Fens: A miniature model of Wisbech in 1795, accompanied by an overview of how the town would have been to live in during the late Georgian age. The ‘model village’ includes everything, from the grandest houses to the smallest privies.

5) Wisbech Fair

Wisbech Statute Fair is a funfair held in September, occupying the whole of Chapel Road Car Park and part of Somers Road Car Park. The Fairground rides and stalls are sited in Chapel Road Car Park.

6) September Ball

Situated on a stretch of the historic Well Creek waterway, The Crown Lodge Hotel in Outwell offers moorings, and is hosting a September Ball. Entertainment will be provided by a live four-piece band, The Funtime Frankies. There will also be a cocktail and canape reception followed by a hog roast hosted by the Fruit Pig Company.

7) Whittlesey Festival

If your narrowboat holiday takes you onto the River Nene you may discover the ancient Fenland market town of Whittlesey. The Nene – Ouse Navigation link meanders alongside the Manor fields, south of the town.

Whittlesey Festival is held on the first Sunday of September and begins with a community parade through the town alongside an impressive classic car display. A climbing wall, swing boats and pony rides will be found on the church yard green and the market place hosts live singers, musicians, marching bands and dance displays throughout the day. The streets will be lined with speciality stalls, including arts and craft.

If you’re headed up the Nene you may also like our article The 3 Best Moorings When Narrowboating on the Nene.

8) It’s Cheaper!

When the hustle and bustle of the summer season is over we offer some very affordable bargain breaks. Check out the prices of our boats, depending on the size of your party – and note that booking online gives you a further discount! Choose a three night short break (Fri-Mon) or a seven night week (Mon-Mon or Fri-Fri). Our all-in price includes hire, damage waiver and fuel.

Check September prices here

The post 8 Surprising Reasons to take a September Narrowboat Holiday appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.