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

Want to avoid the crowds of a boat trip in summer?

Want to save money on the cost of day boat hire?

Want to make some memories with family and friends?

Then pack yourselves a picnic and come out on a day boat trip!

Hiring a narrowboat for a day is a great way to get together with friends. Some people choose a day boat for a special family gathering. Enjoy the changing colours of the countryside on an autumn boat trip in the Fenland waterways. A midweek booking could offer you a low cost day out, at this quieter time of year. You’ll benefit from avoiding the busier summer holiday boaters on the water. Our local, calming surroundings are quite idyllic at this time of year.

A midweek break is a real chance to re-charge your batteries; and if exercise is your thing you can walk alongside the boat sometimes and help with the lock. Choosing your own journey and stopping points is well suited to those with an adventurous spirit. Enjoy the views, the wildlife and the history of Cambridgeshire as you cruise through ancient villages and towns. Take your binoculars and camera to take advantage of the nature-spotting opportunities, from kingfishers and other birds on and around the water, to flowers, and animals grazing in the fields.

If you haven’t tried day boat hire before, imagine learning to steer, working the locks and chatting to fellow boaters on your journey. Our staff will train you in boat handling basics before you set off.

A day trip out boating is a truly relaxing experience, giving you a well-earned break. You may also like to bring along your dog, as all our boats are dog-friendly. (Remember to bring poop bags and a lead.) It is also possible to purchase a special harness with a handle on top in case your pet decides to jump in. This will allow you to lift your dog out of the water in places where the embankments are too steep for them to climb out. You can read more about bringing your dog here: Canal Boating With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide.

We have two very comfortable day boats available to hire: The March Adventurer and the March Explorer. On board our cosy day boats are a galley area with hob, fridge and a sink so that you can make heart-warming snacks and drinks. There is also a dinette, equipped with crockery and cutlery. Before leaving 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. You can also grab fish and chips in Outwell.

Each boat has a toilet and seating area and you’ll find a 12v mobile phone charging point on board, so that you can keep taking pictures with your phone.

There is also plenty of outdoor seating at the front so everyone can enjoy the fresh autumn air with a mug of hot tea or coffee. In case of rain there is a see through cover at the front for your comfort. You may like to visit a cosy country pub as you cruise through the countryside.

Our hire boat base is between the River Ouse and the River Nene, and you could cruise eastwards through the Middle Level Navigations, towards the pretty village of Upwell. This trip will take you around six and a half hours to cruise there and back.

Alternatively if you travel west, towards Peterborough, you’ll pass through the peaceful countryside, across the Greenwich Meridian before arriving at Ashline Lock and the ancient market town of Whittlesey before winding the boat and heading for home.

Whether you’re a family getting together to mark an anniversary or milestone birthday, or a group of friends celebrating a special occasion, day boat hire in the Fens this autumn is a great way to relax, unwind and recharge.

Read more: Day Boat Hire near Cambridge and Ely

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 Amazing things to do, Canal Blog, Ely & Cambridge, Featured articles

wine tasting cambridge

Want to try narrowboating on England’s quieter rivers?

Or taste champagne in a world famous college?

View internationally acclaimed works of art?

You may like to visit the ‘city of perspiring dreams’; a world famous University City. Cambridge is the home of students, bikes and colleges; a place to go shopping while admiring the incredible architecture. Obviously you’ll want to take a walking tour of the famous university grounds: The University of Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges. You may also check out the churches and chapels; particularly King’s College Chapel, a true masterpiece of English craftsmanship. There is also a great choice of shopping and restaurants in Cambridge and in the evening you can drink in the ancient pubs that once served famous Cambridge scholars.

However, here are three more unusual and less obvious things to see and do around Cambridge.

1) Arrive by Narrowboat

Your cruise to Cambridge can include pretty walks, wildlife and wildflowers, and traditional pubs as part of your holiday. This is the English countryside at its most idyllic; uncrowded waters and beautiful little rivers. On the way, make time to stop in Ely to browse antiques and visit the cathedral.

Your narrowboat journey from our hire boat base in March, to Ely will include pretty little villages, churches, waterside pubs and a short stretch of tidal river. The journey from Ely to Cambridge takes about five hours by narrowboat, along The Great Ouse and The River Cam. Along the way you will get to use boater operated electric locks. The navigation for powered craft ends at Jesus Green Lock, but above the lock Scudamore’s offer a wide range of tour and self-hire punting options. Punting is a traditional Cambridge pastime; see famous landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, while floating down the River Cam.

2) Wine Tasting Day with Champagne and Lunch

Cambridgeshire Wine School’s Wine Tasting Saturdays run from 11am-4pm tasting 13 wines starting with Champagne and including a delicious 2-course lunch in the price. These events are held in a beautiful Cambridge College and each day includes a demonstration of sabrage – opening a bottle of Champagne with a sabre!

3) History and Heritage

The University of Cambridge Museums and Collections are all within short walking distance of the city centre. There are more than five million works of art, artefacts and specimens in one square mile of Cambridge. The University’s collections are a world-class resource for researchers, students and members of the public. Cambridge has England’s highest concentration of internationally important collections outside London. Are Museums Ever Fun? The Answer Might Surprise You.

Travelling by boat has to be the prettiest and most relaxing way to visit these historical tourist attractions. June is a great time to visit Cambridge because of the Buskers and Street Performers Festival, and Strawberry Fayre, a colourful music festival. It’s not too early to book for next year if you have some specific dates in mind.

Our luxury narrowboats can be hired for weekend, midweek or week breaks as well as 10, 11 or 14 nights. You can get up to 10% off when you book online, and prices include fuel and a damage waiver. (Also, there are no surprise credit card charges with our secure payment system!)

You may also like: 3 Things You Must Do When Visiting Cambridge or 4 Night Break on the river Great Ouse

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 Amazing things to do, Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Fayres & local events, Featured articles

A narrowboat holiday on The River Nene offers stunning countryside and charming villages with stone cottages and thatched rooves. This navigable river in Cambridgeshire is a lovely, quiet waterway, but in September there are some extra things to see and do.

The Nene Valley Festival takes place from 14-22 September, celebrating the area through a nine day programme of outdoor events, theatre productions, concerts, guided walks, brewery tours, food and drink festivals, wine tasting, art and craft workshops.

To get there by boat from our hire boat base in March you would travel through the Middle Levels. The full route to Peterborough is described here: March to Ferry Meadows Country Park; and it is a 12 hour return trip. However, if you want to see some of the festival you could plan a longer cruise. Along the Old River Nene you will cross the Greenwich Meridian, then Ashline Lock and the ancient market town of Whittlesey is an attractive place to moor. Beyond Whittlesey you pass through open country, and as you travel towards Peterborough you will see the cathedral across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock. During the Nene Valley Festival there will a Nene Wetlands Bat Walk at The Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre, on the evening of Saturday 21 September 2019.

A short branch of the River Nene leads from Stanground lock. Travelling by boat, turn left here and you will find visitor moorings along the length of the park which are convenient for visiting Peterborough and the cathedral. Peterborough celebrated the 900th anniversary of its iconic cathedral last year, and hosts a variety of events all year round.

The Nene Valley Railway is a preserved railway running between Peterborough Nene Valley and Yarwell Junction.  Relax in a restored wooden panelled coach and go back in time, on a heritage steam or diesel train.

You may also like: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love

Family friendly events in September include Cyclefest, Heritage Family Fun Day at Rushden Lakes and Bushcraft Skills at Ferry Meadows Country Park.

As you cruise up river from the centre of Peterborough you will see parts of the acres of meadows, lakes and woods that make up The Nene Park. It runs for around six miles alongside the River Nene. On a longer holiday you can take your boat towards Fotheringhay and Oundle. From Ferry Meadows to Fotheringhay is a 12 hours return trip. The buildings in Oundle date back from the 17th, 18th and 19th century. Market Day is Thursday with a selection of at least 20 market stalls.

A Hidden Heritage Tour starting at Peterborough Museum is on every Saturday afternoon at 2pm; just turn up or pre-book. This is a fun guide to the interesting and undiscovered past of Peterborough – from earliest times, to the secrets of the Saxon abbey and Cathedral precincts, to the modern city.

Offering some beautiful views and striking landscapes, the Nene Valley is an oasis of tranquillity with a variety of family activities and heritage to explore. If you carry on upstream from Peterborough the river has a number of interesting towns and villages to visit on the way to Northampton. The Nene eventually links up with the Grand Union canal. Read more about The River Nene, (routes, maps and top attractions).

Ready to book? Search our special offers.

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Note: This article refers to the Nene Valley Festival 2019. For up to date info on the festival check the official website. Nene Valley Festival.

Image Credit: nenevalley.net

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

On our Spring 4-night narrowboat break aboard Rural Fox we headed out onto the river Great Ouse.  Our first day after a cruise of 3 ½ hours and having negotiated the Marmont Priory lock we moored for the night in Outwell and headed to the Crown Lodge Hotel for dinner.

Rural Fox
galley
saloon

The following morning after a breakfast cooked on board we arrived at the Salters Lode lock for the tide crossing to Denver.  We gained an insight into what to expect from Paul the lock keeper and very soon we had crossed the tidal waters and were on to the river Great Ouse.  We moored for the evening at the Environment Agency moorings in Littleport and headed off to find the memorial to William Harley, grandfather of the ‘hog’.  William Harley was born in Littleport in 1835.  In 1859 he immigrated to Oswego and went on to have children.  One of his children was William Sylvester Harley who went on to form the Harley-Davidson Motor Company with Arthur Davidson in 1903.

William Harley memorial, Littleport

The following morning after an early start we arrived in Ely, from here we took a 20-minute train journey onto Cambridge.

In Cambridge we visited Scudamore’s to take a punt tour along the College backs.

I was intrigued to find out that the well-known Mathematical bridge is officially known as the wooden bridge and that back in 1963 students hung an Austin 7 car under the Bridge of Sighs having used 4 punts to get it there.

As a lover of cheese we then visited the Cambridge Cheese Company for some delicacies and before returning to the train we visited the Eagle pub for refreshment.  The pub has an RAF bar that has the inscriptions by World War II airmen covering the ceiling and walls.  In 1953 it was in this pub that Francis Crick interrupted the patron’s lunchtime on 28th February to announce that he and James Watson had ‘discovered the secret of life’ and they had come up with their proposal for the structure of DNA.  Here you can sample the special ale Eagles DNA.

The wooden or Mathermatical Bridge
Kings College
Cambridge Cheese Company
Cambridge Cheese Company
The Eagle
RAF Bar, The Eagle

After a fun day and short train journey we were back to Ely and the moorings where we stayed for the evening.

The following day was an early start and we headed down to Denver and crossed on the lunch time tide to wind our way back to March.  We crossed the Middle Level Main Drain at Muilicourt aqueduct before passing Outwell and Upwell, here we would have liked to stop at The Five Bells for a meal as I have previously eaten here and the food is plentiful however our holiday ended the following morning so we continued on to March for the night and moored in the town centre.

 

 

Total cruising hours for this journey 18, miles 58, locks 6.  Note there is a Tide Crossing to take into account when planning this journey.  Please consult Fox Narrowboats or the lock keepers at Salters Lode or Denver for crossing times when planning your trip.

This blog was written by Emily our general manager based on her boating holiday in May 2019

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

last minute family deals narrowboat

Looking for a cheap canal boat holiday?

Hoping for a last minute deal on a narrowboat break?

Are you researching online discounts?

Our last minute offers could be just what you are looking for. We understand that searching for holiday bargains can be time consuming, which is why we’ve put together this simple article to help you to find our latest deals.

Checking our last-minute discounts on our narrowboat holidays is easy using our website holiday search option.   Simply select your hire type, number of guests, and preferred holiday start date, using the holiday search box. You will immediately be able to see the offers available, on different narrowboats, with breaks beginning on different dates. Prices start from just £699.

A family boat trip offers real quality time together, and eliminates the hassle of road traffic and airport queues that are usually associated with holidays abroad.  So get the kids away from the TV and their devices and out enjoying the beautiful Fenland waterways this summer! (Don’t panic – there is still a TV and WiFi on board, and charging points for all their devices!)

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. Towpath walks, helping with the locks and playing in the countryside will help maintain the fitness levels of the whole family. Older children may enjoy steering the boat, or helping to plan the cruising route.

A picnic also offers the opportunity to spend some quality family time together. Check out these three simple tips: How to Use Your Canal Boat Holiday to Plan the Perfect Picnic.

Before setting off you will be shown how to steer the boat, and children will be provided with life jackets, and made to feel part of the crew. You can even bring your dog.

However, prices can vary depending on when you want to travel.  If you are looking for a low-cost boating holiday, and you are flexible about when you can go away, then consider taking a break outside of the main school holiday months of July and August. Our boating season runs from March through to the beginning of October.

So, for up to date pricing and discounts simply select your dates in the holiday search box and book your holiday easily and securely online. There are no credit cards charges and the all-in-one price includes boat hire, fuel, and a damage waiver. You can even save up to 20% off the hire prices by booking online.

Please note, we have a limited number of narrowboats for hire at our marina, and when we feature special offers these holidays often sell quite quickly, so all our discounts are subject to availability.

If you can’t find the hire boat or holiday dates you are looking for using our holiday search box then don’t hesitate to give us a call on +44 (0) 1354 652770.  We are a small, friendly, family-run business, and are always happy to give you advice about a holiday that will suit your budget.

Check out what to bring: Don’t Go On a Canal Holiday Without These 5 Kids Essentials

 

To ensure you don’t miss out on our latest holiday tips and advice, sign up to our blog updates in the side bar on the right. Look for ‘Follow Blog’ and click ‘Subscribe’.

 

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

narrowboat hire online discount

Do you find that luxury cruises are just out of your price range?

Do you lack the funds for the lavish yachting holiday you deserve?

Are you still struggling to save for a boat of your own?

No problem! A narrowboat holiday on the Fenland Waterways is a low-cost solution to your waterways wishes.  These uniquely British boats are quirky, slim and specifically designed to navigate the inland waterways. Canal holidays offer very good value for money.

Boat-lovers searching for a convenient vacation this summer need look no further than Cambridgeshire to quench their thirst for adventure and discover some of England’s hidden treasures. If lavish boating holidays are beyond your budget we have several low cost alternatives for families, friends and couples on a budget.

  1. Group Narrowboat Hire

If you want to enhance your relationships with your friends or family, suggest hiring a narrowboat as a group together. Some of our holiday boats sleep up to seven people, with all modern conveniences on board for your comfort. Make memories together, visiting quaint market towns, and mooring at country pubs, sharing picnics and meals out, and browsing ancient streets, cafes and shops. Self-catering in your own little gallery kitchen will save you more money; and fuel, Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels are all included in the holiday cost.

  1. Day Boat Hire

Want to spend even less? The March Adventurer and The March Explorer can accommodate up to 10 people for a day out, so bring along a group of people that you love, and even bring the dog if you like. There is lots seating at the front so everyone can enjoy the scenery and wildlife. In case of rain there is a see-through cover at the front and plenty of seating inside. Bring a picnic, or grab some fish and chips for an economical way to eat out in the countryside. Our day boats are very popular at weekends, especially in the summer, so be sure to book early. Prices start at just £160 depending on the time of year that you take the boat out.

  1. Online Discounts

Booking a holiday online can often save you money. Search by price range, holiday type or boat on our Special Offers Page.  You could also try booking out of season. When the busy summer season is over we offer some very affordable bargain breaks. Also, it’s not too early to think about planning ahead for Spring 2020. The best priced deals are often the first to go, so save money by booking your canal boat holiday early. Our all-in price includes hire, damage waiver and fuel.

It might not have the glamour of a yacht, or the extravagance of a cruise ship, but narrowboat holidays come with the freedom to steer your own boat and plan your own itinerary.

With these three low-cost options ready and waiting, it’s time to take action. Check out our special offers today.

You may also like: How to Save Money on Your Narrowboat Holiday

Hey! Are you new here? Subscribe on the right to receive more holiday tips from the 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 Canal Blog, Featured articles

Are you avoiding booking a holiday in the EU this year?

Are you considering a UK Staycation, amid all of the Brexit Uncertainty?

You are not alone.

This summer cost-savvy Brits are choosing narrowboat holidays, and shunning European destinations.

Repeated delays to Brexit have discouraged travellers from booking early, and instead motivated them to look for alternative holiday ideas. In May 2019 Thomas Cook announced a £1.5bn loss and claimed UK customers were delaying their holidays for this summer, because of the political deadlock around Brexit.

In the wake of the 2016 UK European Union membership referendum The Guardian reported that more and more Brits were staying at home, instead of holidaying abroad, and overseas tourists were choosing UK holidays because of the favourable exchange rate.

Continuing uncertainty about the costs of holidaying abroad has led to more and more British people deciding to holiday in the UK. For holiday-makers staying local and looking for great value, a narrowboat holiday is the perfect solution.

‘Staycation’ is a combination of the words ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’ describing the trend of holidaying at home and locally due to the tough economic climate. The obvious advantages of a staycation are less time spent travelling, and more cultural familiarity. More holidays taken at home will also boost our local economy!

Long waits at airports can be so stressful with children. However, driving to our narrowboat hire base in Cambridgeshire, you will enjoy the familiar road signs and traffic rules that you know and love! Then enjoy free parking for your car at our marina, while you continue your holiday travels by boat; it’s such a leisurely, peaceful way to enjoy the British countryside.

Travelling by boat means that your travel expenses are minimal, leaving much more of your holiday budget available to spend on dining out, and local attractions. Self-catering will also save you money this summer. Cooking in a narrowboat galley with a view of the water, river-birds and natural scenery is a real pleasure. Or on a sunny day you can look out for a picturesque barbeque location along the riverside.

Colourfully painted, traditional narrowboats are unique to England, and ours offer comfortable beds, a bathroom and shower, TV, DVD, and central heating for your holiday. The villages and towns, culture and countryside of Britain can be explored at a leisurely pace here in the Fenlands of Cambridgeshire. Some of the highlights of this area include Ely Cathedral, and the University Colleges of Cambridge.

So don’t let Brexit uncertainty ruin your holiday plans. Book a Fenland narrowboat holiday today!

See what dates we have left for 2019 or book your 2020 holiday with us.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Historic sites

Are you looking for scenic walks and waterside pubs this summer?

Do you enjoy wandering around idyllic villages and market towns?

Want to explore a historic network of man-made waterways?

More than seven million visitors go to the Norfolk Broads every year, attracted by the beautiful countryside, wildlife, history, cultural activities and shopping opportunities. Norfolk has become famous for the man-made Broads, a National Park with over 125 miles of navigable waterways, which is teeming with holiday cruisers in the summer months.

But this popularity can make boating a busy, and at times, overcrowded experience. Cambridgeshire, Norfolk’s nearest neighbour to the west, is a great uncrowded alternative to the Broads. Here you can hire a canal or barge style boat for a more comfortable living space. Our narrow boat hire base is central to the Fenland waterways; a lesser-known man-made network of navigations. From here you can explore the beautiful countryside, wildlife, history, cultural activities and shopping opportunities of the Fens, without struggling to find a mooring space during busy times.

Countryside

The Fenland Waterways are a large network of rivers and canals packed with wildlife. These navigations in the East of England include the River Ouse, the River Nene and the Middle Levels: interconnected waterways of rivers and canals.

Jan Pickles (narrowboater, and co-author of UK River and Canal Info) says, “We love the peace and tranquillity of the River Nene, as opposed to canals at this time of year.”

Blogger and narrowboater Sue from nb No Problem loves cruising the East Anglian rivers with her husband and two border collies. The Nene is her favourite river and she advises taking it slow so that you can enjoy the beautiful lock surroundings with ancient mills.

History and Culture

Visiting Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, or Northampton, by narrowboat allows you to explore churches, art galleries, museums and the famous colleges of Cambridge University at your leisure. Don’t miss Ely Cathedral and Oliver Cromwell’s house if you’re cruising on the River Ouse.

Shopping

If you stop at the visitor moorings beside Ferry Meadows Park you can explore Peterborough city centre, to enjoy shopping, the theatre, markets and all the restaurants you would expect to find in a major city. If you take a holiday cruising in the opposite direction, you’ll find high street brands, local markets and bohemian boutiques in Cambridge. You may also discover quaint little market towns along the way, for local produce; and Ely is well-known for its antique shops.

If you want to enjoy a narrowboat holiday while avoiding the overcrowded Norfolk Broads, the Fenland Waterways could be just what you are looking for: They are one of England’s best kept secrets! Our warm, friendly family business and boating holiday experience stretches back generations. We’ll give you some training in boat handling if you need a refresher. Join us for a holiday break, or day hire with friends this summer.

Not ready to book yet? 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

Have you seen the latest addition to the flags flying here in the mooring basin?

Fenland Flag Centre

Our newest addition to the flags that we fly here is the Fenland Flag designed by James Bowman. On the flag design the yellow centre background recognises agriculture, the blue on either side represents the waterways and in the middle is a “Fenland Tiger”.

According to the website British County Flags  the term “Fen Tigers” was first used of the local inhabitants by Dutch engineers who arrived to assist with the drainage of the Fens, resulting in considerable land reclamation. The locals apparently exhibited some hostility to the incomers and were given the term “tigers” as a result. The concept was sufficiently recognised in the twentieth century for tigers to be included as supporters in the arms.

The Fenland Flag travels by narrowboat on the tidal river Thames (photo Simon Judge)

Local boater Simon Judge has travelled the Inland Waterways with his flag

Sarah Cliss wrote in the Fenland Citizen earlier this year about James quest for the Fenland Flag.

James Bowen, 47, has been pushing for the region to have its own official flag and came up with a design which include’s a tiger on a yellow background with blue stripes running down the edges on either side.

Mr Bowman said: “The obvious symbol of the Fens is the Fen Tiger. This designation derives from the sometimes violent opposition of the local population to the drainage schemes of the 16th and 17th centuries.

“The term has subsequently been used for various clubs and associations. The proposed design features a heraldic tiger placed in a central field of yellow, representing agricultural prosperity. The blue outer fields represent the region’s natural and man-made waterways.”

For the flag to be officially registered in the UK, Mr Bowman needs to prove to the Flag Institute that there is a clear expression of support for it.

He needs to pull together evidence of people using it and present it to the organisation.

To do this, Mr Bowman has made car stickers and postcards of the design and gathered support from across the area including MP Lucy Frazer.

The MP for South East Cambridgeshire wrote a letter to the Flag Institute in support of the idea.

In a letter to Mr Bowman, the MP wrote: “Thanks you for writing to me about your design for a Fenland Flag.

“I was pleased to receive to receive the postcard you enclosed bearing your Fenland Flag design. “It is certainly a very smart and well-thought-out design and I wish you luck in your efforts of getting it officially accepted by the Flag Institute.

“As such, I have written to the Flag Institute to express my support for your proposal.”

To keep upto date you can follow the Fenland Flag on Facebook

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

museum march ramsey

The Middle Level waterways are an unusual mixture of natural rivers and man-made canals in Cambridgeshire. When the Bedford Level area of the Fens was first drained in the 17th century, it created interconnected navigations that now link the River Nene to the River Ouse. Over the years the land here has sunk so that most of the area is now below sea-level. Middle Level rivers now have to be pumped up to sea-level to drain the land.

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. On a boating holiday beginning at our marina in March, you can easily visit these five places by narrowboat.

1) March and District Museum

Before you set off on your Middle Level cruise, check out this little museum in the heart of the town centre for a fascinating insight into our community’s social history.  A variety of displays and collections, along with audio points and interactive elements, will guide you through the history of the town, and admission is free.

2) St Wendreda’s Church

double hammer beam angel roof

It’s also worth seeing St Wendreda’s Church which is just a short 20 minute walk away from the town centre moorings. It’s the oldest church in our town and is known for its magnificent double-hammer beam roof with 120 carved angels; regarded as one of the best of its kind.  John Betjeman described the church as “worth cycling 40 miles in a head wind to see.”

 

 

 

 

3) The Acre

We think you’ll love this charming little backstreet pub beside the river, known for its friendly staff, prompt service and home-cooked Sunday carvery, which is sometimes accompanied by live jazz. This place is a local favourite of ours because of the warm, friendly atmosphere and good value food. If you want to eat there it’s worth booking a table in advance. There is outdoor seating for fair weather days, and there are moorings nearby if you are arriving by narrowboat.

The Acre, 9 the Acre, March, PE15 9JD

4) St Peter’s Church

As you navigate your way through the Middle Levels it is worth stopping at the picturesque village of Upwell on the Well Creek. St Peter’s is a 13th century church with an unusual tower. We love the 25 carved oak angels in the roof, looking down into two Victorian galleries. Try mooring at The Five Bells Inn for a real ale in Upwell. Beyond Upwell, Outwell Basin also provides some idyllic moorings and The Crown Lodge Hotel moorings are the last chance to moor for a drink before the tidal crossing at Salters Lode.

5) Ramsey Rural Museum

This independent museum on the edge of a small Fenland town is housed in renovated 17th century farm buildings. To get to Ramsey by boat you would cruise west in the opposite direction to Upwell and Outwell. The museum is full of items and exhibits donated by local companies and the public. There is a variety of machinery, implements and vehicles spanning 200 years of rural life, plus a Chemist Shop and a Cobblers Shop. A history of the drainage of the Fens can be found in the Pump Room along with tools used for hedging, ditching and turfing. We love browsing the second-hand bookshop and visiting the tea room for a piece of cake.

The Middle Levels are one of the best kept secrets of the UK waterways; so holiday makers benefit from uncrowded rivers and stunning scenery with wide open skies.

You may also like; Seven Surprising Differences We Discovered Cruising the Middle Levels. (From friendly lock keepers, to wind farms and kingfishers, this is what a Hotel Boat crew loved about our local waterways.)

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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