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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Fayres & local events, Featured articles

copyright ely eel festival

Image*: Ely Eel Festival

Are you new to eel throwing?

Or have you been following this annual event?

Most importantly, who will be named World Eel Throwing Champion 2021?

All this and more will be revealed at the next Ely Eel Festival.

Sadly, the much loved Eel Festival has been cancelled for 2020, in line with current Government health advice. However, the team are already working together on bringing you an even bigger, better Eel Festival and Food & Drink for 2021.

Ely (pronounced EE-lee) is a cathedral city in Cambridgeshire, about 14 miles north-northeast of Cambridge and about 80 miles from London. It’s a popular destination on our narrowboat holidays, because of the old English charm and character, waterside antique shops and stunning cathedral.

The origin of Ely’s name is obscure, but possible meanings are thought to be “district of eels” or “eel island”. Before the draining of the Fens, Ely was an island. Eels are ray-finned elongated fish. The annual festival in their honour involves local traders, acts, demonstrations, celebrity chefs and community organisations. The Eel Food Safari offers jellied eels, roasted eel, eel pate and other eel related cuisine. The weekend also includes a food and drink festival, and an Eel Day parade. This year’s event had been planned with a VE Day theme, meaning that the food events would have included some ‘old fashioned’ inspired recipes, and the carnival style parade would have been led by a WW2 vehicle, followed by Army and Air Cadets and band.  Ely’s ‘Ellie the Eel’ would have wiggled its way to Waterside and into Jubilee Gardens for plenty of eel related activities. There was also going to be 1940’s singers, dancers, and a wartime tribute.

The highlight, of course, is the World Eel Throwing Competition. No eels are harmed in the competition, just stuffed toys! The World record of 17.7 meters was set in 2013. The competition is open to everyone. There are some rules; you have a few practice throws and then when you are ready you have your measured throw with the “golden eel”.  Each hourly winner receives a certificate and the overall winner of each category receives a trophy.

A narrowboat cruise to Ely takes about 18 hours return trip from our hire boat base in March. After the Middle Level waterways your boat will navigate a short length of tidal river between Salter’s Lode and Denver Sluice. You will also pass through the pretty, twin villages of Upwell and Outwell, where the village streets line both sides of the river, and you’ll see shops, pubs and churches along the way.

If you want to extend your holiday, Cambridge, on the River Cam is just 5 hours cruise from Ely, passing through some electric locks and the village of Fen Ditton.

If you want to make Ely part of your 2021 holiday plans Check availability here.

In the meantime, please stay safe, listen to Government Advice and we look forward to welcoming you to a Fox Narrowboats holiday as soon as it is safe to do so.

Don’t miss more articles about what to see and do when narrowboating in the Fens: Sign up to follow this blog in the sidebar on the right.

*image copyright Ely Eel Festival | Eel Day 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Books TV online narrowboating, Canal Blog, Featured articles

norfolk broads

Are you staying at home at the moment?

Do you love the British waterways?

Want to explore the UK canals from the comfort of your armchair?

You may like to revisit Channel 4’s television series, Great Canal Journeys.

There is a large selection of episodes from the series available to view on demand on All 4, Channel 4’s streaming service. In this scenic and heart-warming TV series, actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales take some spectacular canal journeys across Britain and abroad. (To watch Channel 4 on demand you simply have to sign up with an email address and view on your TV, tablet or computer.)

Back in 1990 this couple were on the first narrowboat to travel the newly restored section of the Kennet and Avon between Bath and Devizes, and they have been advocates for canals and their restoration ever since. Although the programme originally focused on their life-long love of British canals, later episodes see them taking boat journeys in countries all around the world.

In England Tim and Pru have explored the Kennet and Avon, the Llangollen Canal, Oxford, and the Grand Union Canal. However, they have not yet featured our local Fenland Waterways in the programme, sometimes referred to as the “waterways best-kept secret”.  BBC Countryfile presenter, Adam Henson, described the Fenlands as “a hidden gem,” in the Ely Standard.

In one episode Tim and Pru explore the Norfolk Broads, discovering the area’s unique way of life, its ruins, fens, marshes and woodlands.

Watch: Series 8 Episode 1: The Norfolk Broads

This episode might give you a sense of what our own local area is like. From our hire boat base in March you can cruise the Middle Levels, River Nene, River Great Ouse and River Cam. The Fenlands are such a unique landscape, offering picturesque towns and villages, and stunning open skies.

It is evident watching these programmes that Timothy and Prunella now enjoy taking life at a gentle pace, and appreciating nature. There is also something very poignant about watching their relationship, and seeing them reminisce about past memories.

At the time of writing this article, UK residents have been advised to stay at home, to avoid the spread of the Corona Virus (COVID-19). It has forced many of us to take life at a gentler pace and appreciate the small things, such as nature, family connections and our relationships with our loved ones. Tim and Pru’s narrowboat adventures remind us that getting away from modern, busy distractions, and focussing on our human relationships is something that we all need from time to time.

During these challenging times let’s slow down, reconnect and create new memories.

Stay connected: Subscribe on the right to receive more stories of British canal journeys, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

You may also like: How to Holiday Like a Celebrity Without it Costing a Fortune.

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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Foxes News, Navigation articles
Middle Level Commissioners

 

 

 

 

Update on navigation licencing for Middle Level Waters

Important Notice.

The Navigation Advisory Committee have reviewed the position in relation to introduction of licences for Middle Level Waters which was due to take effect from 1st April this year. The committee agree that in light of the COVID-19 situation and reflecting on the impact this will have on the boating community, the date when boats will need to be licenced has been set back to 1st September 2020. The licence fee will now also be further discounted so that it will be equivalent to 50% of the Environment Agency (EA) Anglian Waters charges. One other change is that the Middle Level will not be issuing EA visitor licences as agents for the EA this year and hence there will no longer be a 25% cap in place for this.
Recognising that some applicants may find themselves in a financial hardship situation then it will be possible for such a vessel owner to request that arrangements be made to spread the cost of the licence over a four-month period, by making arrangements for direct debit payments as an example.
Applications for licencing for vessels (for the period 1st September 2020 until 31st March 2021) can be made anytime between now and the end of October. Due to current government advice on social contact the application forms are only available via the navigation page of our website www.middlelevel.gov.uk (for powered vessels the application form is already available and for unpowered vessels this will be added shortly). Applications can only be accepted by post or email until further notice, with payments being made by: enclosing a cheque, by card over the phone by arrangement, or by filling in the card payment section of the application form.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to do, Canal Blog, Featured articles

 

Spring time is not just about warmer days, daffodils and Easter eggs. For narrowboaters it means the start of the boating season, and on the Fenland waterways it’s time to untie our ropes and get back out there cruising under those stunning Fenland skyscapes.

A boating holiday around East Anglia offers peaceful cruises and pretty walks, cosy pubs and restaurants, and shopping in ancient villages and towns. You can even cruise all the way to Peterbrough or Cambridge for a bit of a city break, discovering art galleries, museums, history and architecture. Near Peterborough you can get all nostalgic and visit the steam trains of the Nene Valley Railway.

Our local waterways are the Middle Level, River Nene and River Great Ouse and are far less crowded than the Norfolk broads. If you head west from our hire base in March you will cross the Greenwich meridian line at Floods Ferry, and cruise 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 you can head on towards Littleport, Ely and Cambridge. (See the full map of our suggested holiday routes.)

Research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress, lowers feelings of anxiety and depression, and gives us energy. There’s something about travelling by canal boat that allows you to be right up close to the natural world around you, yet never a moment away from a nice sit down and a cup of tea! Like the scenery? Stop and moor up. Boating is an unhurried style of holiday.

In the spring the waterways are less crowded than in the summer time, but the weather is often just perfect for boating. Enjoy blossoming trees and primroses as you pass through pretty villages. At this time of year swans, ducks and geese proudly swim along with rows of newborn young following behind. Our local waterways are home to otters, kingfishers, hares and foxes.

Try shopping for Easter chocolate in Peterborough, Ely, Cambridge or smaller picturesque market towns along the way. Then take a tea break in somewhere quaint like The Samovar Tea House; a cosy café in Ely, serving a variety of loose teas and coffees, brunch, lunch and home-made cakes.

Narrowboat hire prices are often cheaper in the spring time than they are in the summer. If you book online today you could save 10% on your Easter holiday! (You may also like How to Save Money on Your Narrowboat Holiday.)

For more ideas to add to this year’s holiday plans, sign up for digital 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 get insider knowledge about the Fenland Waterways.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Booking budget tips, Canal Blog, Featured articles

boat booking reservation

Are you aware of how last-minute plans can affect your holiday costs?

Did you know that late booking can ruin your holiday arrangements?

Want to know how to protect yourself from disappointment?

Read our top three tips to secure your ideal holiday boat and dates.

As this year’s cruising season approaches many boaters have already booked their narrowboat holiday with Fox Narrowboats. If you haven’t already booked your Fenland waterways getaway read on to avoid the risks of making last minute holiday plans.

1) Procrastinate and Miss That Date!

British holidaymakers are now becoming more aware of the benefits of early booking, which include getting the exact dates that you want and grabbing competitive prices online.

2) Don’t Delay When Booking Time Off

Although searching for last minute deals has a certain edgy thrill, it can be disappointing to then find you just can’t get the time off work. You may find it’s easier to book annual leave if you plan way ahead, before your co-workers do. Remember you may also have to consider your partner’s work commitments, and other scheduled family arrangements and plans.

3) Don’t Miss the Boat

This one is important. Don’t fall in love with the narrowboat that suits the size of your group and has all the home comforts you love, if you haven’t even booked it yet. If you are a couple you will save money by hiring a smaller boat. If you are a family group, or a gang of friends, you are going to need a bigger boat.

For example Rural Fox sleeps 2-4 people; Platinum Fox sleeps 4-6. A large group of seven could share Silver Fox, a luxury narrow boat suitable for a group, and share the cost.

At Fox Narrowboats you’re more likely to get the boat of your choice if you browse what’s available now, and reserve it early. Have a look at floor plans, colour photographs and a full list of on-board equipment and comforts. The Fox Boats fleet are either cruiser or semi-traditional sterns: Narrowboat stern types.

Stay in the UK in 2020

A UK narrowboat holiday is a stress-free way of avoiding any concerns about flights, ferries, coaches and trains to the EU. For an idyllic Fenland holiday you will not need a visa, passport, or a mobile phone data roaming package! You are also welcome to bring your dog on holiday at Fox Narrowboats. Keep it simple and enjoy a British canal holiday this summer!

We have a limited number of available boats and dates and are currently taking bookings for this year’s boating season. Will you join us on an adventure?

If you enjoyed these tips about early booking, sign up to follow our blog in the right sidebar. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just holiday inspiration and insider knowledge about our local waterways!)

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Holiday deals & special days

mothers day boat trip idea

Are you looking for a special gift idea this Mothering Sunday?

Something more original than flowers or chocolates?

Something that she’ll remember for years to come?

A family boat trip on the Fenland Waterways could be just what you are looking for.

Cruise into your mum’s good books this year by suggesting that her favourite family members get together for an unforgettable day-trip to March, in Cambridgeshire.

Mothers Day and Mothering Sunday are actually separate celebrations, although they are held on the same day in the UK. Mothering Sunday is traditionally the fourth Sunday in lent that you return to your mother church within your area, while Mothers Day originated in the UK in the 1950’s, as a way to say thank you for all of the things that our mothers do for us.

In 2020 the day falls on Sunday March 22nd, and the Fox boating season begins in April. If you book a day-trip now you could surprise your mum with the idea on Mothers Day. Boating appeals to all ages; so family members can be as active or relaxed as they like. You could bring a picnic, buy fish and chips, or find a pub or restaurant along the way.

Our day boats are equipped with a hob, fridge and sink, crockery and cutlery, a toilet and a seating area. On board you’ll also find a 12v mobile phone charging point, so that you can keep taking pictures of mum’s special day.

Before you set off, one of our qualified instructors will explain how to steer the boat and operate the locks, so you will be fully trained in boat handling.

“Eight of us hired a narrowboat here for a day this week. We absolutely loved it! Very helpful advice and instructions which we appreciated.

The boat itself is lovely, especially enjoyed being able to sit at the front and watch the world go by. There are cooking facilities on board (a hob) which we made good use of with bacon rolls in the morning! Well stocked with plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, frying pan and kettle.

We took a leisurely trip on the river and moored up at a public mooring spot and had a short walk to a pub (The Five Bells in Upwell) which was very pleasant. Also enjoyed mooring up later in the day for our dinner.

All eight of us thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would happily hire again. Thanks for a lovely day!”

A narrowboat travels at around three miles an hour, and our staff will help you to plan your route and timings before you set off.

The Fenland waterways in Spring time are really peaceful, with spectacular scenery. If you are used to the more touristy areas of England’s canals you may be surprised at how uncrowded our local navigations are, with long stretches of open water, and stunning vast sky-scapes.

This year, show your mum, gran, step-mother, or partner just how much you appreciate her, and make some treasured memories together.

Want to treat your mum to a day afloat this year? Check here for availability of boats and dates to suit you and buy a gift voucher.

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.)

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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Guest & customer articles

Proving the curvature of the earth on the Old Bedford River, Chris Howes explores!

From the secure perspective of the 21st Century we all know which camp we belong to, Zetetics or Globularists. No longer do heated arguments rage in the Pub over whether the Earth is flat (Zetetic) or round (Globularist). However in the 19th Century this important concern was a hot subject for debate. Thanks to its straightness the Old Bedford River became the proving ground for the counter arguments.

In 1838 Samuel Rowbotham endeavoured to prove the earth flat by making observation along the 6 mile straight above Welney. Using a telescope he observed barges six miles away. Samuel argued that if the earth was round (as some scientists then argued) the barges would only be visible for 3 miles before they disappeared from sight as a result of the curvature of the Earth. As he could still make the barges out that were 6 miles distant, ipso facto there was no curve.

We now understand that Rowbotham’s apparent ability to see further than the expected 3 miles was caused by the phenomenon of the refraction (bending) of light over water.

This apparent ‘proof’ stood unchallenged until 1870 when Alfred Russel Wallace, inspired to renewed scientific scrutiny by Charles Darwin’s work on evolution, conducted a further experiment on the Old Bedford River. Three barges, each with a pole of identical length erected on them, were moored at two mile intervals. If the earth was flat, the tops of the three rods would line up when observed through a telescope. However the second marker was a clear 32 inches above a line between the first and third markers, proving, quod erat demonstrandum, the curvature of the Earth.

Remarkably, when these measurements were employed to calculate the diameter of the earth, a figure of 7,920 miles was achieved. We now believe, with the benefits of modern scientific instrumentation, that the diameter of the earth at the equator is 7,926 miles !

If you are interested in exploring the Fenland Waterways we have day hire narrowboats and holiday boats available.

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.)

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Booking budget tips, Canal Blog, Featured articles, Holiday deals & special days

valentines river

Romantic getaways to Venice or Paris have become somewhat cliched. You can still push the boat out this year, without sitting in a gondola or climbing the Eiffel Tower.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, let us inspire you with some of our more romantic themed holiday ideas, whether you’re planning a city break with a special someone this year, or a first holiday together, English narrowboating is full of old-fashioned romance.

Here are some ideas to make wonderful memories with that special someone.

Get Back to Nature

There’s something so romantic about cruising the waterways on a canal boat; just the two of you. Imagine the tranquility of being moored in the countryside and cooking dinner in your own little galley, then eating outside on deck, looking up at the stars. The cruising itself is a real adventure, never knowing what scenery the next day has in store for you. Boating is such a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life.

On a short boating break with your partner, you could travel towards Ely or Peterborough and explore the Middle Level Waterways, The River Ouse or The River Nene.

Enchanted Sight Seeing

Visit the charming twin villages of Upwell and Outwell, and then carry on to cross the tidal River Ouse. If you’re heading this way don’t miss the Oliver Cromwell Museum and the many shopping opportunities at Ely. Alternatively, for historic market towns, meadows, lakes and woods cruise towards the River Nene Country Park and visit Peterborough.

Romantic Restaurants

On the approach to Peterborough the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields. If you stop at the visitor moorings beside the park you can explore the city centre, where you can enjoy shopping, the theatre, markets and all the restaurants you would expect to find in a major city. Ely and Cambridge also offer many romantic restaurants, and the waterways en route provide a choice of cosy waterside pubs.

A waterways guide book is provided with your boat and will show you many places to eat along whichever boating route you decide to take.

City Breaks

City breaks are a popular choice for couples: Offering a romantic blend of convenience, and culture, our top recommendations are Ely, for the waterside antique shops and stunning cathedral, and Cambridge for the history, colleges, shopping and restaurants.

Avoid Honeymoon Hotspots

Avoid crowded hotels this year and enjoy the solitude of your own boat on the quiet East Anglian waterways.

Our Rural Fox narrowboat is perfect for a couple, and the price includes VAT, diesel, gas, car parking, towels and bedlinen. Brand new in 2019, Rural Fox is a luxury narrow boat with fully fitted galley and a saloon with a folding table for eating.

Our boats are available to hire from April onwards, and offer something really special for you both to look forward to this year.

Love canal boating? For more surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out on the Fenland Waterways, 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.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Booking budget tips, Canal Blog, Featured articles

narrowboat on fens

Are you up for a vibrant music festival this year?

Or a quiet retreat cruising under our spectacular Fenland skies?

Perhaps you are looking for a budget narrowboat holiday?

We have a canal boat holiday to suit every kind of person; it just depends what time of year you would like to visit us, and which narrowboat route you plan to take.

Here are 10 surprising ideas for this coming year, taken from the highlights of last year’s blog posts.

1) The Romantic Holiday

If you want to avoid staying in an overbooked hotel with dozens of other Valentine’s couples this February, the answer is to book a romantic getaway, on a narrowboat, in the Spring! Our Top 3 Romantic Destinations.

2) The Festival Holiday

Join us for a short canal boat trip this April, at St George’s Fayre, or combine this year’s holiday with a summer festival. Enjoy live music, funfairs and market stalls, then head back to your holiday boat for some rest and recuperation. Four Festivals to Visit by Narrowboat this Summer.

3) The Easter Holiday

A Spring break away means that the waterways are less busy, the wildlife are awakening from hibernation and new baby animals and waterfowl are born. Daffodils, primroses and other seasonal flowers line the waterways. How to Grab a Last Minute Easter Boating Holiday.

4) The Art Lover’s Holiday

What’s a sophisticated narrowboater to do on a rainy day? Where can a cultured canal cruiser go to view art? And which local exhibitions are free to enjoy? Four Fenland Galleries for the Classy Canal Boater.

5) The Middle Level Holiday

Fox Narrowboats is in a great position, nestled in the centre of the Middle Level Waterways, not far from the idyllic riverside villages of Upwell and Outwell. This holiday will suit you if you want to visit ancient churches and charming old English pubs. Five Things You’ll Love About the Middle Levels.

6) The Quiet Retreat

While Norfolk is teeming with holiday cruisers in the summer months, Fenland boaters enjoy a quieter life. The Alternative Boating Holiday is by Narrowboat: Avoid the Busy Norfolk Broads.

7) The Budget Holiday

If lavish boating holidays are beyond your budget we have several low cost alternatives for families, friends and couples on a budget. Boating on a Budget: 3 Low Cost Alternatives.

8) The Family Holiday

School holidays used to be a time for children to spend their days running around outdoors, and a rural narrowboat holiday can give your family an experience reminiscent of simpler times. Last Minute Narrowboat Holiday: Deals for Families.

9) Back to School: The Cambridge Holiday

Visit the ‘city of perspiring dreams’; a world-famous University City. Cambridge is the home of students, bicycles and colleges; a place to go shopping while admiring the incredible architecture. Three Amazing Things to do in Cambridge.

10) The Spooky Holiday

And finally, whether you’re an enthusiastic paranormal investigator, or just someone with an appetite for history, heritage and old-fashioned storytelling, East Anglia is rife with ghost stories, legends of drownings, and tales of disappearances and violence. How to Hunt Fenland Ghosts, Even When it isn’t Halloween.

For more haunting ideas to add to this year’s holiday plans, sign up for digital 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 get insider knowledge about the Fenland Waterways.

You may also like: Why January is the Best Time to Book Your Hire Boat Holiday

 

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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Guest & customer articles, Historic sites, Towns & villages
The Fenlands

The Fenlands

Fox Boat owner Chris shares his thoughts on Fenland names throughout time.

What’s in a name ?

Fenland has been described by many nicknames over the years – and each one sheds a different light on various aspects of its history..

In the Medieval times the area had a number of major ecclesiastical establishments, including Crowland, Ramsey, Chatteris and Thorney Abbeys, as well as Ely and Peterborough Cathedrals. Reflecting this ample provision for the Spiritual, the name The Holy Land of the English was applied.

Prior to Vermuyden’s draining of the Fens, the area was often times referred to as The Great Eastern Swamp, or The Old Drowned Lands.

Vermuyden’s first drainage scheme was intended to provide relief from flooding during summer months and gave rise to the description The Summer Lands.

During WWII the productive rich black soil of the Fens was put to use feeding the Country, which was in danger of going hungry as the German blockade of shipping tightened. The area acquired the deserved nickname The Breadbasket of Britain.

The flat countryside, devoid of hills, with its great panoramic landscapes has given rise to the name The Land of the Three-quarter Sky.

And because it is home to Fenland’s only service marina, which builds the best boats, and hosts the only hire fleet, us boaters also call it Fox Boat Country !

 

If you enjoyed this post consider reading Five Things You’ll Love about teh Middle Levels

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.)

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