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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Foxes News
medowgate web 003

March Explorer

Community Involvement With Meadowgate School.

Tracey Baxter our Finance Director jumped at the chance of organising a boat trip for some Sixth Form students from Meadowgate school in Wisbech, following an approach by the lock keepers daughter at Marmont Priory lock Chrissie Norton, who works at the school.Medowgate Web 001

The students and their assistants joined the March Explorer at Marmont Priory Lock. They helped with the operation of the gates and paddles before cruising along Well Creek through the villages of Upwell and Outwell taking a turn at the helm.

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wildlife to spot

There was a fish and chip lunch in Outwell and lots of wildlife to spot including coots, grebe, heron, swans and ducklings.

Tracey said, “It was great to get out of the office for the day and to take the trip to Outwell which is one of my favourites on the whole of the UK Inland Network. I’ve done this journey more times than I would care to remember since the waterway reopened to navigation in the 1970’s thanks to the work of the Well Creek Trust.  Each time there is something different to see and experience.”medowgate web 002

 

 

 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Pubs & restaurants

As the summer narrowboat holiday season approaches we asked the Fox Narrowboats team what are some of the best pubs on the Fenland waterways? They were only too pleased to do some pub-related research, and suggested these three riverside pubs along some of our favourite holiday narrowboating routes.

The Acre

the-acre-pub-marchThe Acre is a popular riverside pub not far from our holiday hire boat base. Known for its friendly staff, prompt service and home-cooked Sunday carvery (sometimes accompanied by live jazz) this pub is a local favourite of ours.

Fox Boat’s Tracey says, “We popped into the Acre for a quick lunch recently. The service was quick and the food, breaded Camembert was well cooked and attractively served.”

The Acre has been recently refurbished, has a warm friendly atmosphere and is good value for money. It’s very convenient for boaters as the moorings are close to the pub, but booking is advisable.

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

The Swan on the River

swan pub march riversideCruising from March to Ely will take you about 18 hours as a return trip, and we recommend The Swan for your refreshments while you’re in the area. There’s a lovely atmosphere, great service from friendly staff and dogs are welcome. The outdoor seating area is really lovely in the summer months.

Fox Boat’s Paula says, “We went to The Swan on the River on a Wednesday evening. The pub was busy and there was a good vibe about the place. The bread that accompanied my prawn cocktail was homemade and I chose liver and bacon for my main which was on a two-course-for-£11 deal.

My partner had a starter of creamy mushrooms and a main of steak. All the food was well cooked and well-presented so we will definitely go back again.”

There are six free, visitor moorings at The Swan but they cannot be reserved in advance.

The Swan on the River
1 Sandhill, Littleport, Ely CB6 1NT
http://www.swanontheriver.co.uk

The Cutter

cutter pub march riversideIf you do head down the River Ouse to Ely you must also check out The Cutter. This award winning, busy pub was taken over and restored by TLC Inns in 2006 and offers great service, frequent menu changes and fantastic river views, with an outside seating area. You can also eat in the informal bar or in the more formal, airy, stylish restaurant. It’s the perfect place to enjoy large food portions while watching canal boats meandering along the river.

The Cutter
42 Annesdale, Ely CB7 4BN
http://www.thecutterinn.co.uk

If you can picture yourself meandering down the river this summer visiting riverside pubs, then check our availability now for this summer’s canal boat holiday!

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Navigation articles

project hereway fenland waterways restorationIf you’re new to narrowboating in Cambridgeshire you may not know about the planned restoration of the Forty Foot River between Welches Dam and Horseway Lock. Project Hereward intends to restore this historic navigation link between the Middle Level and the Great Ouse and bring this waterway back to life for all users.

Here are six secrets about Project Hereward that every Fenland boater should know.

1) This 2 ½ mile channel of 40 foot drain was navigable as recently as 1995, but is now neglected and overgrown with vegetation: Not a fish or a boat in sight.

2) Historical importance: As it was constructed around 1649 it actually pre-dates the Duke of Bridgewater’s first canal by over 100 years!

3) The Forty Foot River is midway between March and Ely and is the broken link in a chain of waterways from the Great Fen in the West to Wicken Fen in the East. When restored it would link the rest of the UK canal network through the Middle Level to the Great Ouse system.

4) It could be a key part of the future Fenland Waterways Link because it will make it possible for boats to travel from the Middle Level to the Great Ouse System without crossing the tidal river at Salter’s Lode.

5) Although there are already over 600 boats on the Middle Level Navigations this new waterway would draw more leisure craft to the waterways and holiday and day-boat hire would increase. Because this will be an easier and more convenient route from the River Nene to the Great Ouse, more boats will be expected to travel through the Middle Levels benefitting many local businesses and attractions.

6) Phases 1 and 2 are already underway! Phase 1 is to evaluate existing problems on the forty foot drain between the locks. Phase 2 is to create a detailed plan of action for a revitalised Waterway For All, and negotiate with the Environment Agency and riparian landowners.

What Next?

The Project Hereward team meets formally every month: Phase 3 is to cost the plan!

The waterways that make up the Middle Level system are a mixture of natural rivers and man-made channels that were started early in the 17th century. Our hire boat base in March is at the heart of the Middle Levels. Browse possible holiday routes here and explore the Middle Levels for yourself this summer!

You may also like: Fox Boats Mooring Customer is First Narrowboat in Old Bedford in 2015.

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

narrowboat-hire-easy-cruisingIf you’re new to narrowboating and haven’t tried a canal boat holiday before there may be some mistakes that you don’t even know you’re making. Before planning your first narrowboat holiday you may have several misconceptions about boating and inland waterways. So, here are five myths busted by an experienced narrowboater.

1) Barge Holiday or Long Boat Holiday?

A long boat is a Viking boat – so the chances are you are thinking about a narrowboat! However, many people refer to all canal boats as barges, because of their origins as cargo-carrying boats. These days a barge is usually a wide-beam cargo-carrying boat, and a colourful holiday boat is more likely to be a narrowboat.

2) I Can’t Drive a Narrowboat!

Yes you can! You may also be surprised to learn that you need absolutely no prior experience and the team at Fox Boats will make you more than welcome, showing you the ropes and advising you on routes, mooring places and pubs! We’ll make sure you’re comfortable with handling the boat before you set off, and will show you how to operate a lock (it’s easier than it looks.) We want you to feel confident enough to really enjoy your holiday on the Fenland waterways.

3) Is it dark in there?

I used to live on a narrowboat and this was a question that I got asked sometimes. A typical narrowboat may have 10 windows, two portholes and glass doors at the front. A boat that is all portholes can sometimes be a little dark inside, but many boats are light and airy within. Some designs have a little ‘pigeon box’ on the roof which lets light in through the ceiling. Others may have a sort of glass fish-eye lens in the ceiling. Fox hire boats are light and airy with plenty of windows either side.

4) It’s a Bit Like Camping Isn’t It?

No, it really isn’t. A narrowboat will generally have running water, heating, a full size cooker, gas and a fridge. It is much more comfortable to go on a canal boat holiday than to spend the night in a tent. A typical narrowboat from our hire fleet offers a radio and CD player, hoover, microwave, hairdryer, 240v electrics, 12v mobile phone charging point, a USB Charging point in the saloon, a flat Screen TV with DVD, and gas central heating. So a narrowboat holiday is definitely not “roughing it”!

5) Are the Fenland Waterways Connected to the Norfolk Broads?

No, they are separate waterways, but many of the British canals and inland waterways are connected to one another. The canals in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds are all connected, in fact there are about 2000 miles of navigable canals in the UK. This main part of the canal network is connected to the Middle Level Navigations (where we are) by travelling the River Nene through Peterborough and Northampton to the Grand Union Canal.

A boating holiday on the Fenland waterways is a bit like boating on the Norfolk Broads, but with more than twice the distance available to navigate. This means the waterways are less crowded, allowing you to peacefully cruise through nature reserves, villages, towns and expansive flat landscapes undisturbed.

To find out more about boating on the Fenland Waterways you may like to follow us on Facebook or sign up to receive fun and informative blog articles by email. (See ‘Follow Blog’ in the sidebar on the right.) We never share or sell email addresses, you details are safe with us.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Navigation articles

fenland-waterways-cotterstock-churchWhen you’re looking for a canal boating holiday you have to decide where to go. The Norfolk Broads offer a cruise without locks, The Llangollen canal offers a stunning view from the Pontcysyllte aqueduct and Birmingham offers more miles of canal than Venice. The Kennet and Avon is known for the Caen Hill Flight and the Regents Canal offers the famous sights of London.

But if you’re looking for peace and tranquillity on your narrowboat holiday you may cast aside those “celebrity” waterways in favour of the East of England’s best kept secret; the Fenland waterways. Here are four little-known waterways that every discerning holiday boater should know.

The River Nene

At the end of the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal boats can connect with the River Nene, the tenth longest river in the UK. This navigable river meanders through the valleys, hills, villages and towns of Northamptonshire, before arriving in Peterborough. Here you will find a Cathedral, Queensgate Shopping Centre, Key Theatre and the Nene Valley Railway. Ferrymeadows Country Park on the Nene in Peterborough offers watersports, walking, jogging, cycling, horse-riding, a train ride, and fishing surrounded by meadows, lakes and woodland. There are also a number of cafes and a busy events and activity programme.

From here you can then boat onwards to the Middle Levels.

The Middle Level

These quiet waterways are a combination of natural rivers and man-made channels offering a very relaxing way to visit a variety of picturesque towns and villages. The levels are actually below sea level and have to be pumped up to sea-level in order to keep the land drained. The town of March offers several places to eat beside the water and a beautiful church just a short walk from Foxboats marina. You can take your hire boat right through the centre of the two villages Upwell and Outwell, cruising past pubs, houses, gardens and shops.

The River Great Ouse

If you’re looking for a charming journey through olden England then head for the fourth longest river in the UK. A boating holiday on The Great Ouse can take in Ely Cathedral, the historic market town of St Ives, the Oliver Cromwell Museum, Buckden Great Tower (where Catherine of Aragon was imprisoned) and the market town of St Neots.

The River Cam

The Cam is a tributary of the River Great Ouse and joins it just south of Ely at Popes Corner. Cambridge is a stunning city and a boating holiday along the River Cam will take in Kings College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs. You can moor your hire boat below the last lock, by Jesus Green at the limit of the navigation and explore all of the history, entertainment and food that Cambridge has to offer.

Any one of these four rivers can offer you a fantastic boating holiday, and can be easily reached from our hire boat base at March, Cambridgeshire. Our Fenland market town is just a short journey from London and is situated on the banks of the old course of the navigable River Nene. If you’re looking for a great uncrowded alternative to those more well-known English waterways; and if you’re into discovering beautiful fenland countryside and historic towns and cities all at your own pace then you are probably looking for the East of England waterways. (But don’t tell those other navigations – they do get jealous!)

Now, which of our boats appeals to you, for this summer’s holiday cruise?

Still undecided? Sign up for free blog updates to get the best waterways tips that those other UK canals don’t want you to know! (See ‘Follow Blog’ in the sidebar to the right of this article).

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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Charity, Foxes News
St Georges Fayre 2015
St Georges Fayre 2015

St Georges Fayre

Our fundraising for charity of the year  2016 MAGPAS Air Ambulance is now well underway. Our Easter treasurer hunt was well supported by our mooring customers and netted £34.50 We are looking forward to again running boat trips at the March St George’s Fayre on Sunday 24th April.  Boat trips leave from March Town Bridge on the hour and half hour from 10am until 4pm  costing £3.  Advanced booking is already open if you contact the office on 01354 652770.

Once again Gary will be your skipper as you view March from the waterway, may be spot the build plate under the town bridge and perhaps you will see an elusive kingfisher swoop in front of the boat in search for a meal.

Come and experience for yourself why Ratty said “There is nothing–absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” – Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows,

Private evening skippered trips will also be available later this year. The cost is £100 per boat and is for up to 10 guests. It involves a skippered boat trip for 1 ½ hours commencing at 7pm, a steward is on had to serve tea, coffee and biscuits.  The trip journeys through the town of March with its picturesque moorings and return. Trips can be booked by telephoning 01354 652770. These trips are idea for family celebrations and small interest group activities. The dates available are 23rd, 24th,25th,  26th May, and  20th, 21st, 23rd June. Contact us for details.

Magpas logo for printing (large)

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

March Summer Festival

march summer festival 2016 juneMarch Summer Festival is a free event and in 2016 it will be held on 10th June. You can expect music and activities appealing to all ages and tastes and an open air stage set up in West End Park for the weekend.

March is nestled in the Fens on the Middle Level Waterways close to the River Ouse and River Nene. If you enjoy live music, (pop, dance, jazz, brass and folk) alongside a funfair and a variety of food vendors then why not kick off your narrowboat holiday with a festival?

Last year wet weather refused to dampen the spirits of the people of March as they celebrated their sixteenth Festival Weekend. Hundreds of people gathered at West End Park to enjoy the music, parade of walkers, classic vehicles and floats and a variety of stalls and amusements. (There is a gallery of photographs of the event, courtesy of Anthony Hylton, at The March Summer Festival website.)

The weekend opened with ‘Rock in the Park’ on Friday evening. On Saturday the rain didn’t stop thousands of people lining the streets to watch the carnival parade, which involved over 500 people, plus a horse and cart! The main festival then began with local presentations and a fancy dress competition followed by an energetic dance routine performed by over 100 dancers.

The crowds also enjoyed a David Bowie tribute performer, ‘Picnic in the Park’ and a fun dog show. Later on, a day out in a Fox narrowboat for 10 people was one of 17 great prizes that were won in the Grand Draw. Our marina is surrounded by some very picturesque rivers. After the festival you could hire one of our narrow boats for a relaxed boat trip and cruise the Fenland waterways taking in the scenery and wildlife. There’s lots of room at the front and rear of the boat so that everyone can be outside. Inside the day boat has a galley, dinette, toilet and seating area. You could cruise through March eastwards towards the lovely village of Upwell, or alternatively take a trip west passing Floods Ferry Marina Park, arriving at Ashline Lock and the town of Whittlesey. For a longer journey, try taking out one of our holiday narrowboats for a three, four or seven day trip.

For other tips and ideas on enjoying the Fenland waterways this summer subscribe to our blog today. We never share or sell email addresses, we just send you occasional articles about boating. (See Follow Blog in the sidebar on the right.)

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

easter-boating-holiday-fenland-daffodilsFor many, the first signs of Spring are the daffodils and chocolate eggs appearing in the local shops, but for those living close to the waterways it’s the sound of the first narrowboat cheerfully chugging down the river on the Easter weekend.

The 2016 holiday season is just about to begin and our boats are ready to cruise; Silver Fox is looking particularly splendid with a new fridge, new curtains and new flooring. The day hire narrowboats have had their bottoms blacked and are now back in the water and ready for action!

If like me, you are a lover of boats and boating then as Easter approaches you may be thinking less about Easter bonnets, bunnies and treats, and more about where to go boating this year. Here are seven reasons to go boating on the Fenland waterways this Spring.

1) Perfect timing: A spring narrowboat holiday means that the waterways are less crowded, new waterfowl are born and other animals awaken from hibernation. Your cruise will also pass blossoming trees, daffodils and primroses.

2) WWT Welney Wetland Centre, not far from the River Great Ouse, is a perfect place to start exploring the wetlands and get up close to the wildlife. From Friday 25th March to Sunday 10th April you are invited to join the giant duck hunt!

3) Take Photos. Springtime on the waterways is inspirational for the amateur photographer: There’s something very moving about the stunning skies of the Fenlands, and the remoteness and tranquillity of the landscapes. Even with only a smart-phone you may find yourself capturing sunsets and sunrises reflecting in the water, and catching glimpses of ducklings, cygnets, snipe, lapwings, redshanks and dragonflies. Your hire boat itself will make a great focus point for a photo when it is moored in a tranquil beauty spot at the end of a busy day’s boating.

4) Something unusual to see: Denver Sluice dates back 400 years and without its complex engineering, tens of thousands of homes in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk would be flooded. It also plays a key role in river navigation, conservation, water abstraction, agricultural and land drainage and fisheries.

5) Discover local treasures: The Samovar Tea House is a unique and cosy café in Ely, serving a huge variety of loose teas and coffees, a daily brunch menu, a wide range of lunch options and a selection of delicious home-made cakes. They also sell a variety of tea ware and accessories, cards and gifts and the walls double up as a small art gallery showing a select range of artwork and photography for sale.

6) Beyond Boating: RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is a complex of lakes and traditional riverside meadows next to the River Great Ouse. If you fancy a trip away from your boat the lakes are a fantastic place to explore and watch birds with huge numbers of ducks, swans, geese, terns, hobbies and a variety of dragonflies.

7) Exploring quaint and picturesque market towns. Have you planned your cruising route yet? You could head west from March crossing the Greenwich meridian line at Floods Ferry and 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 and head on towards Littleport and Ely and Cambridge you’ll visit both pretty villages and ancient cities.

So don’t let anyone tell you that the Fenlands are boring and bleak. There are way more than seven reasons to visit Cambridgeshire this year. Our well-equipped, comfortable boats will be your home from home as you discover the waterways around the Cambridgeshire Fens. To get more tips and advice about exploring Cambridgeshire and the Fens sign up now to receive regular articles by email (See ‘Follow Blog’ to the right of this article.)

You may also like: How to Save Money on Your 2016 Narrowboat Holiday

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

spring boating book early discountHiring a canal boat is a great holiday choice for anyone who enjoys beautiful rural scenery and cosy country pubs, and early in the year is a good time to start planning ahead, to make sure you get the best boating holiday deals in 2016. Here are five ways to save money on your 2016 canal boat holiday.

  1. Book Now for Spring 2016

If you’ve previously tried a canal boat break in the summer, this year you might like to benefit from the best prices by booking now for spring. A spring narrowboat holiday means that the waterways are less busy, the wildlife are awakening from hibernation and new baby animals and waterfowl are born. Trees blossom and daffodils, primroses and other English flowers unique to the season will brighten your cruise. Also, it’s lovely to have cygnets and ducklings as visitors to your boat. Check out When Swans are Your Neighbours: What You Need to Know. (However, since I wrote that article I have learned that in spring it is best not to feed swans, ducks and geese as their natural diet is best for them.)

  1. Try Day Boat Hire

Day boat hire is a wonderfully low-cost way to relax on our beautiful waterways, taking in the scenery and wildlife. With lots of room at the front and rear of the narrowboat everyone can be outside. Our day hire narrowboat has a galley, dinette, toilet and seating for 10 people. It’s an economical alternative to booking a narrowboat holiday, and only 90 minutes from London by train. Book a day boat hire online.

  1. Book Online

To get the best deals you can book a canal boat spring break online, it’s easy and may save you time and money.

  1. Book Travel Tickets in Advance

You won’t need your car on a narrowboat holiday so some people choose to arrive by train. Rail operators offer quite good deals if you book 12 weeks in advance. Search for tickets to March.

  1. All Inclusive Prices

At Foxboats our all-in price includes hire, damage waiver, fuel and gas. An all-inclusive pricing policy makes it easier to budget for your holiday.

More Choice

Our phones are busy in Spring with boats booking up fast, so if you have a particular boat in mind, or a particular date for your holiday then reserve your most suitable boat now to avoid disappointment.

Book Early

Be ahead of the rest; it’s not too early to think about it! There are lots of advantages to planning in advance. The best priced deals are often the first to go so save money by booking your 2016 canal boat holiday early.

Special Offer.

All season 20% off Platinum Fox and Urban Fox booked before 29th February 2016

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

valentines narrowboat holidayIf you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day break, a romantic canal boat holiday could be just what you need. Surprise your loved one on 14th February by revealing that you have booked a short Spring break for two on the beautiful Fenland waterways.

Cosy central heating, a flat screen TV, a double bed made up for you on arrival and a tranquil rural mooring make a narrowboat the perfect romantic getaway. Decide at your own pace where to go, what to do and where to moor. These two romantic mini-breaks can be taken as a weekend break or a midweek break. (We do of course also offer longer narrowboat holidays as well.)

Two Valentine’s Day Surprises to Rock Your Boat

1) A Tidal Adventure into Olden England

This trip involves about eighteen hours of cruising, so it can be done in a long weekend by a couple of enthusiastic boaters. It includes the added adventure of going out on a bit of tidal river on the Great Ouse.

Setting off from the Fenland market town of March you will pass through the twin villages of Upwell and Outwell, where the village streets line both sides of the river. If you visit in springtime the river banks are full of daffodils as you cruise past houses, gardens, shops and churches, and there are moorings if you wish to stop. After passing Outwell Basin and travelling through open countryside and another village you will make the tidal crossing to Denver. You will then pass more little villages and a few navigable tributaries of the river before arriving at Ely.

Ely is a historic cathedral town full of charm and beauty. Don’t miss the Antiques Centre close to the river, the Oliver Cromwell Museum and the many shopping opportunities. You will also find plenty of choices of venue for your romantic meal before heading back towards the hire base at March.

For more details about this trip see: Fox Route 1 March to Ely

2) Market Towns, Meadows, Lakes and Woods

This twelve hour return trip is ideal for a short break. Crossing the Greenwich Meridian your cruise will then take you down Whittlesey Dyke. Whittlesey is a historic market town with visitor moorings above Ashline Lock. On the approach to Peterborough you will travel alongside a deep brick pit, and then the cathedral becomes visible across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock.

In Peterborough there are visitor moorings along the length of the park which are convenient for the city centre. Nene Park occupies around 500 acres of meadows, lakes and woods and runs for six miles alongside the River Nene. A series of guillotine locks really add interest to this journey.

When you reach Ferry Meadows Country Park Meadows you’ll find cycle hire, a visitor centre, shop, a miniature railway, kite-flying, pony riding, nature-spotting and fishing as well as water sports on the ponds and lakes. There are pontoons provided for narrowboat visitor moorings on the Nene.

For more details about this trip see: Fox Route 3 – March to Ferry Meadows Country Park

Our Urban Fox 5 star narrowboat is ideal for a couple and the hire price includes all fuels used (diesel and gas), VAT, car parking, towels and bedlinen. If you want to float away with the one that you love this Spring we are now taking bookings from March 2016 onwards.

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