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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Amazing things to do, Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Narrowboat holidays
nene park children train ride

nene park peterborough

Are you yearning for a unique and unforgettable holiday experience that combines the charm of waterways with the tranquillity of nature? Look no further than Fox Narrowboats, a renowned narrowboat holiday provider in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Nestled in the picturesque town of March, Fox Narrowboats offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the beautiful Nene Park Ferry Meadows and its heartwarming family-friendly facilities. Join us as we embark on a delightful long weekend journey, sailing the waters and exploring the wonders of Nene Park, Peterborough.

Setting Sail with Fox Narrowboats:

March welcomes you with its quaint atmosphere and the promise of an unforgettable adventure. Fox Narrowboats boasts a fleet of meticulously maintained narrowboats, ensuring comfort and convenience during your journey.

Exploring Nene Park:

nene park waterways

Our long weekend adventure takes us to Nene Park, a true gem in the heart of Peterborough. (journey time approx 13 hours return and 6 locks) The park is a haven of natural beauty, offering a diverse range of attractions for visitors of all ages. The crown jewel of the park is Ferry Meadows, a sprawling landscape boasting meadows, woodlands, and lakes.

Ferry Meadows: A Family-Friendly Oasis:

Ferry Meadows welcomes you with open arms, offering an array of activities that cater to families and individuals alike. The park’s well-maintained trails invite leisurely strolls, energizing bike rides, and pleasant picnics amidst the lush greenery. The idyllic lakes are perfect for fishing, birdwatching, and even kayaking, allowing you to connect with nature in unique ways.

For families, the park provides an abundance of options to create cherished memories. The adventure playgrounds will delight children as they climb, swing, and slide to their heart’s content. The miniature railway adds a touch of magic, offering rides that are sure to enchant the young and young at heart. And if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, the park’s numerous bird species and resident animals will surely capture your attention.

Comfort and Relaxation on Board:

meal prep is easy in the well equipped galley

After a day of exploring the park’s natural wonders, your Fox Boat becomes a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. Equipped with modern amenities, your narrowboat offers all the conveniences of home while allowing you to unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the water. Prepare a delicious meal in the well-appointed galley, or simply sit back and enjoy the sunset from the cozy living area.

Creating Lasting Memories:

As your long weekend journey comes to an end, you’ll find that the memories created aboard your Fox Narrowboat and amidst the beauty of Nene Park are truly unforgettable. From the serenity of the waterways to the laughter-filled moments in the park, this holiday experience is a tapestry woven with joy, connection, and nature’s beauty.

In conclusion, a long weekend narrowboat holiday with Fox Narrowboats in March, exploring Nene Park and Ferry Meadows in Peterborough, promises an enchanting experience for families and individuals seeking both adventure and relaxation. The park’s family-friendly facilities, coupled with the comfort and charm of a narrowboat, create the perfect recipe for an idyllic getaway. Whether you’re sailing along the waterways, exploring the park’s treasures, or simply enjoying quality time with loved ones, this unique holiday will leave you with cherished memories that last a lifetime. So, why wait? Embark on this journey of a lifetime and let the magic of Fox Narrowboats and Nene Park captivate your heart and soul.

Start planning your narrowboat cruise today! Check availability now for your next family adventure.

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

Image credit: ferry meadows shutterstock (top) 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Ely & Cambridge, Featured articles, Narrowboaters knowledge, Navigation articles, Pubs & restaurants, Towns & villages

fens waterways google map

If you have ever wondered…

Where’s the nearest pub?

Is there a shop near here?

And where can I moor?

Our new interactive waterways map has the answer. It shows where you are on the navigation and what useful things you might find nearby. So for example, if you are moored in March on the Old River Nene, by the park; the map will show you that you are near to a Sainsbury’s store, the museum, and the Oliver Cromwell restaurant. Icons make it really easy to see nearby shops, restaurants, pubs and places of interest. You can use the map on your smart phone, tablet or laptop, to find your next mooring and plan your route. (All of our boat have WiFi.) Or when you arrive you can just moor up and then check out what happens to be nearby.

waterways google map march

Business icons may have a link to more details. So for example, The Oliver Cromwell restaurant link takes you straight to the hotel website, where you can check the menu and book a table. Tapping the March Museum icon displays a photo of the museum, and a summary of what you can see there, plus a link to the website to find out the entry costs and more. (Spoiler alert: Admission is free!) March museum is in the heart of the town centre and offers a fascinating insight into our local social history through a number of displays and collections, with interactive elements.

iphone waterways map

iphone waterways map

Our hire boat marina is based in March, but you’ll soon want to head off exploring the waterways with your boat, and this is where the map comes into its own. You can easily zoom in and out of the map using your fingers on a hand-held device. The map is based on Google maps, so it has all the same functionality; such as viewing areas in map view, satellite view and street view. If you search for your intended destination, for example, “Outwell”, the map will display the general area, so you can look at your mooring options before you arrive. Food options in Outwell include Stotts Fish and Chip shop, or the Crown Lodge Hotel. A local place of interest on the map is St Clements Church. Clicking the icon brings up the address, a brief description and a photo of the church.

Navigation information such as turning points, locks and moorings are included; and boating services such as pump-out and water, rubbish, recycling, and elsan emptying. There are also navigation notes, such as warnings of underwater obstructions, staunches or fast flowing water.

search and filter map POI’s

You can filter the results displayed on the map, for example to show only historic sites, nature reserves, only railways stations or only locks. Select what you are looking for, and then zoom out to see all of our local waterways, and view how many options there are. Zooming out you can really see how much waterways there are to explore in the Fens. The River Nene will take you west to Wadenhoe, the Cam will take you south to Cambridge, and the Little Ouse River will take you east to Brandon, a pretty Suffolk market town. Explore the ‘Things to See’ filter to discover historically significant churches and unusual local attractions like Stretham Old Engine Museum.

You don’t have to wait until your narrowboat holiday to use this map though. Check it out now, and have a play around. You can plan your ideal route and think about the things you want to see and do on your next boat trip.

See the map now: Fox Narrowboats Fenland Waterways Map

For free walking and cycling maps check out: Exploring the Fens on Foot with Minimal Effort

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.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Narrowboat holidays, Narrowboaters knowledge, Navigation articles
steering on a family narrowboat holiday

steering a fox narrowboat

What should you bring?

Can the kids steer a canal boat?

How can your family prepare for the trip?

A Fox Narrowboat trip is more than a holiday; it’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories with your family. Embrace every moment of this unique experience and make the most of your time together with these four holiday tips.

1) Bring Your Own Entertainment

On a narrowboat holiday there will be plenty of time for the children to relax. So to keep them entertained, bring along a selection of games and activities and suggest that they bring a few favourite books on holiday. You could also bring games that include the whole family, such as Trivial Pursuit, or Scrabble. If you bring tablets and other handheld devices they can be recharged on board. Just load them with the games and movies that you know the children would enjoy. Then balance that screen-time with exploring the natural world, off the boat with the rest of the family.

A narrowboat holiday offers the opportunity to see wildlife and birds, which can be a chance to learn about different species and plants: Bring binoculars if you have them. The children may like to take photos or bring their sketchpads. Your family can explore footpaths, towpaths, trails, woodlands and meadows as part of your holiday.

2) Learn About Navigation

Although training in boat handling will be given when you arrive at our hire base, you may also like to familiarise yourself with some basic boating terminology and skills by reading our blog: Is it Difficult to Drive a Narrowboat? Older children can learn boating skills with you, and get involved with steering, operating locks and mooring up. The Canal and River Trust have a series of animated films designed to help boaters navigate the UK’s inland waterways safely. Developed jointly by CRT and the Environment Agency, the animations are designed to complement the Boater’s Handbook. Teach your children about lock safety and involve them in the process, allowing them to participate under supervision.

The children can also help you to plan your trip, both by using a guidebook, and using our interactive waterways map. The map will help you plan your navigation, and what useful things you might find nearby.

Read: Fascinating New Interactive Waterways Map for Narrowboaters

You can plan the places you would like to visit and calculate how long your journey will take you. You can filter the results displayed on the map, to show shops, places to eat, historic sites, nature reserves, navigational information and much more.

3) Be Prepared

The UK weather can be a bit unpredictable, so be prepared for all conditions. Pack clothing suitable for both warm and cold weather, as well as waterproofs in case of rain. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan your activities and stopping points accordingly.

We also advise booking your holiday hire boat well in advance if you can. Consider the size and layout of the boat to ensure it meets the needs of your family. All bed linen, towels, and kitchen utensils are provided. Our ‘Rural Fox’ narrowboat sleeps up to four people, and our other boats sleep up to six people.

4) Savour the Moment

A narrowboat holiday allows you to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and spend quality time with your family. Enjoy each other’s company and create lasting memories. Take lots of pictures to capture these moments together, and encourage your children to take their own photos. You will explore charming towns and villages along the Fenland waterways, each with its own character and history. Stop off at quaint pubs, visit local markets, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Some popular boating destinations include Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge.

Start Planning Your Narrowboat Adventure Today!

Begin your journey of discovery and relaxation by planning a narrowboat holiday in Cambridgeshire. With its stunning waterways, charming towns, and endless opportunities for family fun, a narrowboat holiday is the perfect escape from the ordinary. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Fenland waterways, create lasting memories, and embark on an adventure that your family will cherish forever.

Start planning your narrowboat cruise today! Check availability now for your next family adventure.

You may also like: The Top 5 Tips for a Family Narrowboat Break

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

Image credit: Fox Narrowboats

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Narrowboaters knowledge
cape fox narrowboat galley saloon
cape fox narrowboat interior kitchen living area

cape fox narrowboat galley saloon

Last summer the Met Office put an extreme heat warning in place, and so we published Five Cool Ideas for Narrowboating in a Heatwave. Some areas of the UK were even affected by drought, and so people were asked to limit what water they used. This wet July has been a different story, with the Met Office explaining that although a southern shift of the jet stream has caused high pressure and record high temperatures in Europe, low-pressure systems have caused this cooler weather here in Britain.

However, even in the pouring rain, most narrowboaters still know how to have a good time! The UK canal boating season is from spring until autumn, and British boaters know that they must expect the unexpected when it comes to the weather. So here are four ways to enjoy your narrowboat holiday, even if it rains.

On the Cut

If you’re planning a holiday in England you will need to pack clothes that suit both summer sunshine and rainy days – just in case. So be prepared to bring a light raincoat and a warm jumper. When the boat is underway, encourage a sense of team spirit and camaraderie among your crew by all pitching in with the locks, whatever the weather. If you have younger children, or vulnerable crew members on board, just make them aware that the deck and gunwales can get slippery in the rain. The steerer (dressed in waterproofs) can enjoy the rural views as you travel, and those below deck can supply the steerer with hot drinks and biscuits. If the steerer is you, be proud of your tenacity! Then, after you’ve moored up at your planned destination, enjoy a dry change of clothes and a sense of smug satisfaction.

On the Boat

However, you don’t have to be cruising for the whole holiday; travelling is only a part of it. If you get caught in the rain simply check your guidebook (supplied with the boat) for your nearest suitable mooring, and moor up for a while. Make snacks in the galley, and get comfortable using the TV and Wi-Fi. You could even turn on the central heating if necessary! Make yourself at home and perhaps persuade your group or family to play board games or card games until the rain eases off.

In a Book

Can you imagine curling up with a good book while the rain patters down on the narrowboat roof?

Steve Haywood has written several good travelogues about cruising the canals. ‘Narrowdog to Carcassonne’ by Terry Darlington is an autobiographical account of taking a narrowboat through France. For historical fiction about boating women, try ‘Water Gypsies’ by Annie Murray, or for real-life women’s experiences I recommend ‘Ramlin Rose’ by Sheila Stewart. Being far from digital distractions can be a welcome reprieve from modern life.

On the Bank

And finally, you will of course spend a good part of your holiday off the boat, exploring villages, towns, shops and tourist attractions. Take shelter in one of these Three Waterside Pubs to Visit on Holiday. Our blog is full of some great suggestions of places to go, from Ely Cathedral to the colleges of Cambridge University; museums, and art galleries can all be explored on a rainy day. Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to receive more helpful holiday tips about the Fenland Waterways. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

Whatever the weather, the scenery here on the Fenland waterways in Cambridgeshire is second to none. Just take a look at where you could go exploring, by seeing our suggested Fox Boats routes.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Booking budget tips, Narrowboaters knowledge

children on narrowboat break

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life?

Need a break that will suit your whole family?

Want to enjoy quality time together and learn new skills?

A narrowboat holiday offers a unique and unforgettable experience for families, allowing you to travel at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Fenland countryside, explore charming towns and villages, and create lasting memories. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect family holiday in Cambridgeshire.

Is a Narrowboat Holiday Right for Your Family?

Are you looking for a different kind of family adventure? Look no further than a Fox Narrowboats holiday. Picture yourself and your loved ones cruising along our unusual waterways, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and big skies. A Cambridgeshire narrowboat holiday offers a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and quality time with your family. The flat, reclaimed land of the Fens has a very different vibe to the rest of the English canal network.

Narrowboats, (also known as canal boats,) provide a cosy and comfortable home away from home. Our traditional Fox boats are designed to navigate our local canals and rivers, offering a peaceful and slow-paced way to travel. With all the necessary amenities on board, including comfy beds, a kitchen, saloon and bathroom, you’ll have everything you need for an enjoyable holiday.

What Safety Tips Do Families Need to Know?

While children of all ages can enjoy a boating holiday, it’s important to assess their safety and ability to follow instructions. Younger children may require constant supervision to ensure their safety, and yet older children can actively participate in becoming valued members of the “crew” helping with steering, mooring and operating the locks. Just a few simple precautions will keep everyone safe. Life jackets supplied on board will provide peace of mind, especially if you have young children. Choose sensible, flat, comfortable shoes for everyone when the boat is underway, and save your fancy shoes for when you’re heading ashore for an evening meal! Prepare for the unpredictable UK weather by packing comfortable clothes, shorts, fleeces and waterproofs for everyone.

You may need to remind the children of the importance of staying away from the water’s edge while on board the narrowboat. Running on the towpath is to be avoided, and so teach everyone to keep a safe distance from the edge. Make sure children are supervised on board and explain how to stay safe during the journey. Be aware that locks have tall, slippery sides and fast-moving water: Children should never operate a lock without adult supervision.

Essential Planning

You can get the kids excited about the upcoming narrowboat holiday by involving them in the preparations and talking about the safety tips they will need to know. Explain the potential dangers, and that they may need to wear life jackets, depend on their age. It will be important to follow instructions and be mindful of their surroundings. Watching videos together can help to prepare your family before you go. Try YouTube for canal boat safety tips, and Robbie Cumming for boating inspiration.

Watch: Robbie Cumming Stars in Canal Boat Diaries

Younger children may enjoy the old ITV programme Rosie and Jim.

You may also like to plan your narrowboat holiday around family-friendly attractions and activities. Research destinations that offer playgrounds, nature reserves, and museums suitable for children. This will keep the children are entertained and engaged throughout the journey. There is also lots of inspiration for a family boating holiday on our blog.

Would boating suit your family? Check availability now for your next family adventure.

You may also like: The Top 5 Tips for a Family Narrowboat Break

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

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

fox narrowboat moored at denver sluice fens

With 70 years’ experience of running a hire boat business and marina, our family-run company, founded by renowned boat builder Charlie Fox, has a level of expertise that you can trust. But if you’ve never been on a narrowboat holiday before, you may have a few questions about getting afloat.

Where Can We Go?

We can offer you quieter holiday routes in the Cambridgeshire Fens and a choice of narrowboats, so you can select the perfect boat for you.  Our hire boat base is conveniently located in March, between Cambridge and Peterborough, and is a short travelling distance outside of London. Our marina is less than 100 miles from London, and is accessible by train from Kings Cross in about 90 minutes.

Read: The Narrowboat Holiday That Londoners Will Love

With so many waterways to choose from across the Fenlands the variety of routes is amazing. You will cruise through rivers, canals and open sections during your hire boat holiday.

Find the perfect route and plan your holiday here.

We can also offer you the choice of taking three or four night breaks as well as one week, ten day, two-week or even longer holidays.

Is it Difficult to Drive?

If you’re new to boating our RYA trained instructors will show you how to handle the boat and operate a lock. The boats are easy to control and surprisingly responsive; in fact it’s easier than learning to ride a bicycle! Are you wondering if it’s difficult to learn the ropes? Will you be nervous about turning the boat, or mooring? Remember, you’ll never be travelling faster than 4 mph and learning to steer a boat is fun for all the family. Even supervised children can steer, and they did so during the canal age, when whole families lived and worked on boats.

Read: What’s it Like to Actually Steer a Narrowboat?

What’s it Like on Board?

A narrowboat is the perfect way to enjoy being close to nature with all the modern conveniences of staying in a holiday cottage. Fox narrowboats all come equipped with radiator central heating, a microwave, hairdryer, WiFi, flatscreen TV with Freeview, full size oven, fridge, electric power points, and comfortable duvets and bed linen. It’s a cosy home from home, where you and your crew can comfortably relax after a day of boating, exploring, eating out, and sightseeing. Our competitive prices are fully inclusive of fuel, gas and VAT.

Find your perfect boat here.

Our boats are built right here at our marina and are unlike any others on “the cut”. But what exactly is so distinctive about a Charlie Fox Boat, and how many were built?

Read: Charlie Fox Narrowboats: Where are They Now?

A Fox Narrowboats holiday will introduce you to one of England’s best kept secrets, a network of waterways that meanders through some of the stunning Fenlands. You also cruise past pubs, cottages, windmills and wildlife. On these waterways you are the skipper; this is a holiday where you dictate the pace.

Freedom from Routine

Shopping and cooking are more like an adventure than a chore when you’re on a boating holiday, and every night you will be moored in a different place. Eat inside at a dinette table, or outside on the deck, enjoying the view. There are no “parking” charges – moorings are free!

Want to learn more about narrowboating? For 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. (You will not receive any marketing emails, just two articles a month about boating info!)

 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Narrowboaters knowledge, Navigation articles
benwick river nene middle level cc kevin banks

benwick river nene middle level

If this is your first time on a narrowboat our experienced staff will show you how to steer the boat, use a lock and moor the boat. Then you can head off on an adventure, being the skipper of your own destiny! But how far can you actually get on your first day afloat?

We suggest travelling at a leisurely pace so that you can enjoy the journey. Don’t attempt to get too far too soon. A popular mooring among our customers for their first night of the holiday is Benwick, a little village near Peterborough on the navigable River Nene.  Heading towards Ramsey, it will take about two hours to reach Benwick by boat. Benwick can be visited if you are doing the Middle Level ring, and there is a shop and a pub in the village. The Middle Level is an interconnected waterway combining natural rivers and manmade canals, and it dates back to the 17th century. Since the draining of the Fen, over the years the land has sunk, and most of the area is now below sea-level. The Middle Level rivers now have to be pumped up to sea-level to drain the land.

Benwick’s High Street is built on a roddon; the silt banks of an old river. The public mooring in Benwick, has only room for a couple of boats please offer other narrowboats to moor alongside you to keep things polite, it has convenient piled sides, concrete top and bollards, which is easier to negotiate than a wild mooring. The Five Alls pub is about 10 minutes’ walk from the mooring. This rural, family-friendly pub offers food to eat in or takeaway for pre bookings only. Check out their Facebook page for the menu, and upcoming special events such as a disco or a Bingo night.

https://www.facebook.com/fivealls/

Alternatively, cruising towards Whittlesey on your first day afloat, you can moor at Manor Fields above Whittlesey Lock. There are a range of takeaways and restaurants just a short walk from the moorings. This charming town has an interesting maze of streets, and two beautiful churches.

If you are headed towards the River Great Ouse you can spend the night at Church Bridge moorings in Upwell. In this picturesque village you’ll find a newsagents and grocers, a butchers, a bakery and a pub.

You can plan your route and choose your mooring for your first night by looking in the guidebook provided with the narrowboat. There are also links to navigation guides, cruising times and notices here: Navigational Data. A handy table shows the navigation cruising times from our hire boat base in March, to popular moorings and holiday destinations. Some locks are tidal and only navigable by appointment, which can add time on to your journey, so take it easy and be flexible!

The Fenland waterways are a very relaxed place to be and there aren’t too many rules and regulations to remember. However, if you’re new to boating, these five tips should help your first cruise to go more smoothly. Navigate Like a Pro-Skipper: 5 Essential Tips

To check availability for your next narrowboat holiday search here.

Interested in narrowboating? For more 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 roughly every two weeks.

Photo Credit: Kevin Banks

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to do, Canal Blog, Get healthy
walking countryside fenland uk

walking countryside fenland uk

A narrowboat holiday means travelling at a relaxed pace, because nothing ever happens on the canals in a hurry. So even when your holiday boat is moored up, and you’re exploring villages and towns on foot, you’ll want to be taking it easy. Our narrowboat hire base is in the heart of the Fenlands, known for its flat landscape, so it’s one of the best places in the country to walk or cycle. Free walking and cycling maps can now be downloaded from the Fenland District Council website, and printed versions can be collected from various local community outlets. These include some good tips of local places to visit. The maps that cover the areas near our local waterways are the March map and the Whittlesey map.

Fox Narrowboats is in a great position, in the market town of March, on the Middle Level Waterways, not far from the idyllic riverside villages of Upwell and Outwell. On a boating holiday beginning at our marina you can easily explore March, and then cruise on to Whittlesey.

Each walking map offers a mini guide to the town. For example the March map mentions the disused buildings of March railway station, St Wendreda’s church, the local museum, and Fox Narrowboats; we are described as, “A modern marina situated in the heart of The Middle Level Navigation System on the outskirts of the town, strategically centred between Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge.” Grab a copy of this walking map from the council offices, the library or several other local outlets. The maps were funded by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Integrated Transport Block funding and created with input from local stakeholders and community groups, including March Vintage Cycle Club. The Whittlesey Walking and Cycling Map can also be download, or picked up at some local outlets in Whittlesey.

cycling route countryside

cycling route fenland countryside

Whittlesey is a historic market town on the very western edge of the Fens, near Peterborough. The town has a labyrinth of streets with a mix of architecture spanning several centuries. In the centre of the Market Place is the Buttercross, dating back to 1680; which was originally a place for people to sell butter and dairy goods. There is still a market in Whittlesey on Fridays.

To get to Whittlesey by boat turn right from our marina along the Old River Nene passing Floods Ferry and crossing the Greenwich Meridian. At Floods Ferry Junction the Old Nene forks left so take the right turn down Whittlesey Dyke. A navigation guide book is supplied with your boat, so you can easily find your way to Whittlesey, and the journey is part of Fox route 3. March to Ferry Meadows Country Park in Peterborough is a 12 hour return trip, and is ideal for a short break.

There are visitor moorings next to the leisure centre in Whittlesey, above Ashline lock. If you walk to the centre you could check out the restaurants and takeaways or top up with supplies from the various shops.

Continuing on Fox route 3 to Peterborough, the cathedral can be seen across the flat fields. If you then moor at Ferry Meadows Country Park you can walk to the city centre, for shopping, markets, the theatre and restaurants. However, you can also enjoy quieter, riverside walks, or make the most of the park for cycling. After exploring on foot or by bike, you may like to take a break at the café in the park.

So if you’re looking for a walking route to explore while on a Fox Narrowboats holiday just Download or pick up a free walking and cycling map!  Remember, walking can boost your mental health, so book yourself a narrowboat holiday, and be kind to yourself today!

You may also like: Five Things You’ll Love About the Middle Levels

Interested in narrowboating? For 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.

Photo credit: Deposit

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Narrowboaters knowledge
river nene northampton licenced

river nene northampton

Here are a collection of points to help sustain the waterways environment for boaters encouraged by The Canal & River Trust (CRT), The Green Blue & the RYA.

NEVER dump rubbish / oil / toilet waste

Never throw rubbish into the waterways or riverbank. Use bins provided or take it home. Dispose of toilet waste or oily bilge water at most marinas or household waste recycling centres. In case of an oil leak use absorbent pads or rolls to avoid oily water being pumped out.

USE ecofriendly cleaning products

Low phosphate detergents are available for marine applications. Aggressive cleaning products should be avoided. Think about the waste water from your shower and sink that empties into the waterway.

LOW speed – LOW wash

Minimise your boat speed and dont create a wash that can damage the river structure, disturb fish and other wildlife.

SLOW down for nesting water birds

ALGAE Blue-Green

During the summer on hot days there are sometimes lots of nutrients in the water, for example if fertilizer is washed off the land algae can appear which can be the blue green type, identified by greenish blue streaks on the water. Algae can be toxic to anything that touches the water including dogs and humans. This can cause stomach problems and skin rashes.

INVASIVE species

You may come across non-native and invasive species in and around our waterways. These can threaten the native wildlife and damage waterway structures. It’s actually a criminal offence to spread invasive species in UK waters.

Species can be identified with an App such as Google Lens. If you come across a non-native one such as Zebra Mussels, the American Signal Crayfish or Giant Hogweed don’t pick it up or move them.

invasive species uk waterways zebra mussel giant hogweed signal crayfish

Links to more invasive species

CRT Non Native Fish

CRT Non-native species

Gov – Non-Native Plants

CHECK / CLEAN / DRY

  1. Check your boat, gear & clothing for mud, aquatic animals or plants. Remove everything you find and leave it at the site.
  2. Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can using hot water if possible
  3. Dry anything that can be taken out of the water such as ropes and fenders before using them elsewhere.

Some invasive animals and plants can survive for more than 2 weeks in damp conditions

SMOKELESS fuels

Many boats rely on solid fuel stoves for heating. Please only use smokeless fuels or fully dried wood to help reduce harmful emissions.

Some rivers and canals run through smoke control areas. Smokeless fuels must be used here. Don’t cut down trees next to the waterways, it damages the environment. You may see piles of wood the authorities have cut down these are for wildlife to live in, so please leave them for bugs and beasts to live in.

Watch the information Canal & River Trust Video on YouTube

Useful Freephone Numbers

Environment agency 0800 807060
Canal and river trust 0800 4799947

Fox Narrowboats Environment Policy

Image credits: River Nene Northampton Deposit Photos, Zebra Mussel Smithsonian Environmental Research Center CC-SA-2.0 , Signal Crayfish David Perez CC-SA-3.0, Giant Hogweed Fritz Geller-Grimm CC-SA-3.0 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to do, Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Fayres & local events
ely folk festival live band

Blackbeard’s Tea Party Ely Folk Festival

Last week we enjoyed our annual St George’s Fayre which takes place in the town of March, where our marina is located.  Visitors enjoyed a free programme of arts, music, demonstrations, displays, dance, comedy and food.

If you missed this event you could still combine this year’s narrowboat holiday with one of these festivals this summer.

1) Strawberry Fayre

This renowned, free music festival had been going for over 40 years, before it was rudely interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. This year it returns on Saturday 3rd June and the theme is Revolution. It always begins with a parade around Cambridge’s city centre, and then returns to Midsummer Common for the main event. There are usually over a dozen stages, and marquees offering entertainment until 11pm. Each year the fayre attracts over 30,000 visitors. Strawberry Fayre is run entirely by volunteers dedicated to giving Cambridge a free day out. Check out the Strawberry Fair website  to find out more.

Cambridge is worth visiting at any time of year because of the world famous colleges, art galleries, history, shops and restaurants. To get to Cambridge from March by narrowboat you’ll pass through the Middle Levels, and up the Ely section of the Great Ouse. When in Cambridge your cruise will take you through Midsummer Common to Jesus Green where there are public moorings. You won’t be stuck for things to see and do.

2) March Fest

The 2023 March Summer Festival is also free and will be in West End Park, March, on 9th, 10th and 11th June.

Friday night is ‘Rock in the Park’ and on Saturday there will be a craft fair with, kids zone, live music on an open air stage, a variety of food stalls, a classic car show, dance tent and fair ground rides.

Sunday will be a picnic in the park aimed at children of all ages. There will also be a dog show, circus skills workshop, face painting, live music on the main stage and a junior disco.

Our hire boat base is in March and you will quickly arrive at the town centre. You could start or end your narrowboat hire holiday with this festival giving you a summer to remember.

3) Ely’s Aquafest

A return trip by narrowboat from March to Ely takes approximately 18 hours. There are visitor moorings on the waterfront when you get there. Our boating customers like to visit the antiques centre, the city centre shops, the famous Ely Cathedral and the museum at Oliver Cromwell’s House.  Instead of returning to March you can also carry on towards Cambridge.

If you visit Ely on Sunday 2nd July you’ll be moored in the middle of Aquafest. This family-friendly event takes place at three riverside locations: Lavender Green, Jubilee Gardens and the Maltings Green. There is usually a fun fair, beer tent, burger bar and stalls. Everyone likes the raft race, featuring numerous decorated rafts. To find out more about this free festival visit Aquafest.

4) Ely Folk Festival

If you book a boating holiday around 7th July you could experience three days of great music at one of the UK’s top weekend folk events. Ely Folk Festival offers a real ale bar, lots of kids activities, morris dancing displays, ceilidhs, workshops and music sessions. Tickets are available in advance at Ely Folk Festival.

If you’d like to travel to one of these festivals by narrowboat checkout our bookings page now, and see if your boat of choice is available for the dates you want.

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Photo Credit: cc-sa-4.0 GiddyStu

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