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

christmas gift ideas for narrowboaters

If you’re still trying to think of last minute gifts for your loved ones, who enjoy canals and boating then we have some festive suggestions for you. Let us take the stress out of this year’s Christmas shopping with our mini gift guide for the canal boater in your life, and reduce your stress levels today.

Books

Books are always a thoughtful present because you can select something personal to the recipient’s interests. If they’re into cooking try Favourite Boating Recipes by Cas Best. This miniature book is full of nostalgia, and illustrated with charming sketches. The recipes reflect the unsophisticated and traditional way of cooking on board in the limited space available, and are inspired by the cargo carrying boaters of the canal age, and the fruits that you might find in the English countryside. It’s a great stocking filler.

If your family are interested in Fenland boating (where we are based) then The Imray Waterways guides are popular paperbacks for river users planning trips along the Rivers Nene, Ouse, Cam and the Middle Levels. These spiral bound books include moorings and notes with maps of the navigations. They are available on Amazon or in our chandlery at our marina in March, Cambridgeshire. Browse a guidebook now to start planning next year’s holiday route.

For the women in your life who love boating I suggest ‘Maidens Trip’, the semi-fictionalised story by Emma Smith who worked on the Grand Union Canal during wartime. ‘Ramlin Rose: The Boatwoman’s Story’ by Sheila Stewart is a fictional biography based on interviews with real boat women in history, and details the practicalities of day to day life as a boater, wife and mother.

For all boaters, Narrow Boat by LTC Rolt is a classic tale of what may have been the first ever canal boat holiday.

And finally, for children, you can’t go wrong with the ‘Rosie and Jim’ books, by John Cunliffe, presenter of the TV show of the same name. Travelling on their boat ‘Ragdoll’ Rosie and Jim teach children about locks, canal travel and canal life.

Boat Watching

For the armchair boater you can take a waterways journey by DVD, or by watching a streaming service. From Source to Sea is an exploration of the River Great Ouse available on DVD. Travels by Narrowboat with Kevin Shelley is available to buy on Amazon Prime and follows a single-handed boater travelling the UK. Robbie Cumming boat journeys are just as enjoyable to watch. If you enjoy watching Robbie Cumming Canal Boat Diaries on BBC Four you may like to support him by buying something from his ‘Crank It’ range of merchandise, which includes hoodies, t-shirts, mugs and bags. Great Canal Journeys with Tim and Pru is available as DVD box sets too.

Canal Ware

If you don’t own a boat yourself, keep the spirit of the waterways alive in your own home with some traditional canal ware. Historically, in a boatman’s cabin you may have found antique ribbon and lace plates, Measham pottery, horse brasses, oil lamps, cabin lace, rag rugs and Buckby cans painted with roses and castles. Check out The Fox Boats Guide to Traditional Canal Ware.

Buy it off a Boat

The Roving Canal Traders Association sometimes host floating Christmas markets, but if you don’t live near to one of these colourful events you can still buy something from a boater, and support a small business. Floating traders sell anything from artwork, books and clothes, to cheese and gin! Nancy Moo imports jewellery, clothes, hats, shawls, bags and more from India, and sells it from a canal boat. Find her on eBay Nancy Moo. Read more: Buy it off a boat: Gift Guide.

Day Hire Vouchers

If you’d like to treat the whole family to an unexpected outing, our day hire vouchers for a trip on a narrowboat are for up to 10 people. Tuition, lifejackets and fuel are all included. Our marina in Cambridgeshire is surrounded by some beautiful waterways. With lots of room at the front and back of the boat everyone can be outside while cruising the rivers and taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife. Our day hire narrowboat has a galley complete with hob, fridge and sink, a dinette equipped with crockery and cutlery, a toilet and a seating area. Read more.

Call Fox Narrowboat reception for purchasing vouchers.

And Relax!

So if you still have a few more gifts to buy, relax with the laptop and grab some boat-themed gifts for your boat-loving friends and family. We hope these ideas have given you plenty of inspiration, and we wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year from everyone at Fox Narrowboats.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to do, Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Ely & Cambridge, Fayres & local events, Featured articles, Historic sites
anglesey abbey house

anglesey abbey house – credit: wiki cc stephen turner

As the nights begin to draw in and Christmas music begins to ring out around the country, you may be planning Christmas activites with the family. Here are 3 family-friendly Christmas attractions close to our waterways  and activities you can visit during the 2022 / 2023 festive season.

Meet Father Christmas at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

The National Trust-run Wicken Fen Nature Reserve sits alongside Burwell Lode, and they have a few Christmas activities planned over the festive period. The reserve is the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and is situated in England’s most famous fen.

wicken fen windmill

Father and Mother Christmas will be visiting the reserve in the lead-up to Christmas, and you can bring the kids to meet them in the Fen Cottage. While waiting to meet Father and Mother Christmas, the kids can then join the elves for a Christmas decoration workshop.

The Wicken Fen Festive Woodland Trail is also open from the 26th of November, and you can enjoy a wander through the fen on a raised boardwalk. It’s the perfect way to get some family exercise in the great outdoors if you have already started tucking into the mince pies…

Visit National Trust website for more info

Winter Lights at Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey is thought to have been founded by Henry I in 1135, and it then served as a priory from the early 13th  century until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. In 1596, Anglesey Abbey was bought by the Fowkes family, who converted the remains of the priory into a house in 1609.

During December, the ground floor of the house will be fully dressed for Christmas and open for the public to enjoy, with the highlight being the tree in the Tapestry Hall.

anglesey abbey gardens cambridgeshire national trust

anglesey abbey gardens – credit: wiki cc the wub

The Abbey will run its Winter Lights show from the 9th of December through the 23rd of December. Entitled “Nature by Night, Nature by Light,” the light show aims to be an after-dark journey that brings the beautiful gardens of Anglesey Abbey to life.

In addition to the light show, stalls will sell an array of delectable festive treats.

Christmas at Anglesey Abbey

Booking Winter Lights

Wisbech Christmas Fayre

The market town of Wisbech lies just north of March and will be hosting a Christmas Fayre on the 11th of December.

The fayre will feature a wide range of stalls offering festive gifts and delicious seasonal food. The event will kick off at 10 a.m., and there will be plenty of live music and dancing, as well as free children’s attractions and interactive family activities to keep everyone entertained until around 3 p.m.

There will be plenty of Christmas treats, such as mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and hot chocolate, available at the food stalls. While at the handicraft stalls, you can find decorations for your Christmas tree, artisanal wrapping paper, and hand-made cards. Christmas trees and hampers will also be available alongside handcrafted toys and games, and you can even purchase this year’s Christmas jumper!

www.fenland.gov.uk/wisbechchristmasfayre

If you like the idea of exploring the Fenland waterways by boat check out our narrowboat holiday availability for the 2023 season.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Historic sites

illustration discussion gunpowder plot

Remember, remember,
The Fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot;
For I see no reason
Why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

As Bonfire Night approaches we plan fireworks and buy toffee apples, but don’t always remember that we are also commemorating the failure of the plot to assassinate King James VI. Some of that plotting was done not far from Fox Narrowboats marina, at a Jacobean 17th century manor house.

Wadenhoe House was once home to the Delacy family who were found to be involved in the Gunpowder Plot, and the house was one of the meeting places for the Plot planning. (ref. NB No Problem blog.) The beautiful house is now a hotel and wedding venue, and the village is well worth a visit for its attractive stone buildings, thatched rooves, charming old post office, church and traditional pub.

The good news is, you can get there by boat! A canal boat journey to Wadenhoe from our hire boat base will take around three days. The trip takes you at a leisurely pace along the Old River Nene, through the Middle Levels and onto the River Nene. On the journey you will see beautiful lock surroundings and ancient mills.

When you arrive at Wadenhoe there are moorings at the historic King’s Head, and there is a water point next to the pub which is accessible with a River Nene Lock Key.

This 17th century thatched inn has been serving food and drink for over 400 years, so perhaps it was built not long after the Gunpowder Plot was made?  In the summertime you can sit outside and watch other narrowboats pass through the lock. They charge a mooring fee if you do not use the pub. Just let them know if you are planning to stay overnight.

There are also free moorings a little further upstream against the Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is in easy reach of the pub.

The 13th century church; The Church of St. Michael and All Angels is on a hill overlooking the meadowlands of the Nene valley, and is isolated from the main part of the village, which lies below along the River Nene.

If you enjoy walking, The Nene Way long distance footpath passes through Wadenhoe and the circular walk between the villages of Wadenhoe and Aldwincle take in many sites of interest. A handy guide book, called ‘A Walk Around Wadenhoe’ can be downloaded from the history group website. Most of the village is made up of 17th, 18th and 19th century attractive limestone buildings with roofs mainly of Collyweston slate tiles, pan tiles and a few with thatch.

If you take a bus to Peterborough from Wadenhoe, you can have a day out in the city to visit the shops and cathedral. Alternatively you can carry on towards Peterborough by boat. On a narrowboat holiday in this area you can visit the historic market town of Whittlesey on the way to Wadenhoe. Then in Peterborough you can go through Nene Park, and moor at Ferry Meadows Country Park.

The River Nene connects the east of England to the rest of the UK waterway network. If you’re looking for a less-crowded narrowboat holiday where you can enjoy stunning countryside and attractive villages, The Nene is a great location.

So next year, why not take a narrowboat to Wadenhoe, and wander the same ancient streets and English lanes that were once trodden by Robert Catesby, Guy Fawkes and the other conspirators?

For a cruise to Wadenhoe you may like to book a week long boating holiday with Fox Narrowboats. Check availability here

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to do, Canal Blog, Ely & Cambridge
oliver cromwells ghost tour
oliver cromwells ghost tour

oliver cromwells ghost tour

Are you planning a narrowboat holiday for next year?

Or are you local to March, and Cambridgeshire?

Do you like exploring new places?

Whether you’re one of our current mooring customers, enjoy our dayboat hire, or hoping to visit the mysterious Fens, these upcoming Halloween events will give you some inspiration for things to see and do locally.

1) Ely: Hallowe’en Ghost Tours

On every Saturday evening in October visitors can discover the spooky streets of this medieval city, see haunted historical homes and look out for spectral apparitions! The tour departs and ends from Oliver Cromwell’s house.

Visit Ely/What’s On.

Add on a creepy cruise aboard the Liberty Belle for a frightful trip down the autumnal river with The Boatman. Terrifying Tales and Creepy Cruise Tour.
The ghost walks are not just at Halloween though. If you visit us next year Ely Tourist Information Centre is a one stop shop for all guided walks and tours: Choose from discovering Ely’s monastic buildings, The Eel Trail, The city centre and riverside, or Signs and Symbols – which includes fascinating stories from Ely’s past. Read more: Guided Walks.

Ely is claimed to be one of England’s spookiest cities. If you travel by Fox narrowboat the cruise from March to Ely takes in ancient inns and the murdered ghosts of Southery, plus legends of violence and death surround the Fenland isle of Littleport: Read more in The Spooky Truth About Cruising to Ely.

If you’re on a boating holiday in Cambridgeshire next year you can cruise beyond Ely to Cambridge. Check out the museum’s events page for dates of local walking tours.

2) The Haunted House Tour at Oliver Cromwell’s House

Oliver Cromwell’s former home is now a museum and tourist information centre; great to visit at any time of year. But on 26th October 2022 they offer The Haunted House Tour – a chance to visit after dark and find out about the ghostly sightings, sounds and feelings experienced by staff and visitors alike. Not recommended for under 12’s. Read more.
To get there by narrowboat, travel east from our hire boat base to the River Great Ouse. The house dates back to the 13th century and Oliver Cromwell and his family lived there for ten years from 1636 to 1647.

Ghastly guided ghost walk of Ely

3) Witches and Witchcraft

On 27th October meet at Oliver Cromwell’s House for a Witches Walk, learn about the witch trials that took place in the area, and more. You could finish your evening with a witches ‘brew’ at The Cromwell Bar and Grill on Forehill. Read more:  Witchcraft Tour.

The Cambridgeshire Fens were one of the last places in England where people still believed in witchcraft. In the 1640s, Sir Matthew Hopkins, known as the Witch Finder General, was extremely active in the Fenlands. Ely, was the place where anyone locally accused of witchcraft would be brought to trial. Read more: Finding Fenland Witches For the Curious Canal Boater.

If you’re not local to Ely join us for a narrowboat holiday next year, and discover museums, ghost tours, Escape rooms and other tourist attractions in Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge. All of this while travelling at the relaxed pace of three miles an hour, taking in stunning scenery, and having all mod cons on board with you.

If you like the idea of exploring the Fenland waterways by boat check availability for next year now.

For more haunting ideas to add to next year’s holiday plans, sign up for digital updates from this blog. (We never share or sell email addresses – your details are safe with us.) Just look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the sidebar on the right and sign up today!

Image credit: Oliver Cromwell’s House

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by Paula SyredPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Guest & customer articles, Navigation articles
Approaching the railway bridge on Yaxley Lode

Now that the main summer boating season is over our mooring customer and waterway campaigner John Revell discusses boating on one of the lesser used areas of the Midlle Level navigation.

I particularly enjoy boating on the Middle Level beyond Lodes End Lock. This is very different from the “Link Route” both in feel and in the number of boats that use it. Probably the least visited stretch is between Exhibition Bridge and Yaxley mainly because Exhibition Bridge itself is very low.

The river level is kept lower during winter months and there is then sufficient clearance for me to get under Exhibition bridge in my Fox built narrowboat and easily reach the mainline railway bridge just before Yaxley. In recent times the Middle Level Commissioners have created a rural mooring at the head of navigation half a mile further on and close to 2 pubs and a shop. Middle Level Commissioners have dredged part of this river and carried out weed clearance, so I am planning to take my boat there later this year.

Nik Daines and John Revell with canoe at the rural mooring at the end of Yaxley Lode.
Approaching the railway bridge on Yaxley Lode
Some people describe the Middle Level as boring. We beg to differ as this picture of a big fenland sky reflected in the Black Ham would prove.

During September Mike Daines, Nik Daines and myself had a very enjoyable canoe trip to Yaxley, this time from Bevill’s Leam pumping station at Pondersbridge. This took a little under 2 hours each way.  Mike and John are both active members of the Middle Level Watermans Club

We shall look forward to hearing about John’s trip.  Do you have a story to tell about boating on the Middle Level Navigation?  Please feel free to submit it for possible publication.

Photo credits. Mike Daines.

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

summer narrowboat trip rural fox

Have you been following our blog this summer? So many people enjoyed narrowboat holidays with us, and had such an amazing time that I thought I’d share with you some of the things that made this summer so great! So sit back, grab your tea and biscuits, and enjoy our top seven list of narrowboat blog highlights (in no particular order)!

1) Celebrate the Fens Day in June was an opportunity to be reminded why the Fens are so “unique, inspiring, mysterious, fascinating, beautiful, yet misunderstood….” There were heritage open days, guided walks and tours, craft activities, exhibitions, nature trails, music, films, poetry, talks and competitions.

2) We Welcomed So Many Family Groups

For that elusive family holiday; the one that can please all of the people all of the time, we provided the perfect getaway this summer. Families enjoyed beautiful scenery and quality time together, explored new places and learned to steer boats and work locks. Boating appeals to all ages. Read: Why Narrowboating is the Perfect Family Holiday

3) Canal Folk Art

In a traditional boatman’s cabin you would find antique ribbon, lace plates and original Measham pottery. You would also see horse brasses, oil lamps, cabin lace and rag rugs. Find out more about the origins of roses and castles in The Fox Boats Guide to Traditional Canal Ware.

4) Steam on the Nene

The Nene Valley Railway is a preserved railway running between Peterborough, Nene Valley and Yarwell Junction. This summer narrowboaters got on the train at Overton and relaxed in a restored wooden panelled coach on a heritage steam train. Here are three steam railway events you may have missed in 2022. Three Reasons to Visit the Nene Valley Railway by Narrowboat

5) Operating the Locks Was Fun

Are you new to canal boating? Are you wondering if locks are really complicated? Don’t worry. These simple tips helped this summer’s cruising go smoothly for everyone. How to Work a Lock (Even if You’ve Never Done it)

You may also like Three Things About Locks That Only Fenland Boaters Know

6) The Heat Waves

This summer’s heat waves saw the Met Office issuing extreme heat warnings, and the public were urged to use water wisely as drought had affected several areas. Liveaboard narrowboaters and those on canal boat holidays had to think about the best ways to manage boating in a heatwave.

Five Cool Ideas for Narrowboating in a Heatwave

7) The Day Trippers

Because we are just a short train journey from Cambridge or London, in the Fenland market town of March, many people found that Day Boat Hire is The Antidote to Stress!

However, soon the poles and planks will been removed from our hire boats as we start our winter maintenance jobs. Bookings are already coming in for the 2023 season so there’s plenty for us to be getting on with.

If you want to join us for an awesome day out, or a week on the waterways next summer, check availability here: Book Narrowboat Hire Online.

Get more canal-themed tips and stories by signing up for our blog updates. Subscribe on the right, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

Image credit: Fox Narrowboats

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

fox canal boat st george

Every day’s a school day! We don’t stop learning on the date that we leave school. If you’re a narrowboat geek like me, you will love learning about all things canals and boats. The East Anglian waterways are not only a great place for a holiday, they are also a great way to immerse yourself in heritage and culture. Here are six good lessons to learn about canals this term.

Art

If you’re arty do bring along your drawing and painting supplies as the scenery here is so beautiful. On a narrowboat holiday you can visit art galleries in Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge. There are also several small, independent galleries around Peterborough. Ely’s visitor moorings are close to The Babylon Gallery and while you’re in Ely The Stained Glass Museum at the cathedral is worth a visit.

Read: Four Fenland Galleries for the Classy Canal Boater

If you’re curious about the origins of traditional canal folk art read: The Fox Boats Guide to Traditional Canal Ware Cargo carrying boaters were known for their lace work, Measham Ware and painted roses and castles.

History

We’re a bit spoilt around here for heritage sites to visit. From the university colleges of Cambridge to Ely Cathedral and Oliver Cromwell’s House, a narrowboat trip can be a nostalgic cruise into the past. Read about our local museums, big and small in Are Museums Ever Fun? The Answer Might Surprise You

You could also visit more unusual heritage sites such as Streatham Old Engine or The Prickwillow Engine Museum. Stretham Old Engine is the last survivor in the southern Fenland of over 100 steam-powered pumping stations applied to fen drainage in the 19th and early 20th centuries. https://strethamoldengine.org.uk

Religious Education

If you are boating on the Great River Ouse and Cam then don’t miss Ely Cathedral, known as ‘The Ship of the Fens.’ But starting with St Wendreda’s Church near our marina in March, there are many local, unusual churches worth visiting. The former monasteries, now churches and cathedrals, of Crowland, Ely, Peterborough, Ramsey and Thorney have given the Fens the unofficial title of “Holy Land of the English.”

Read: Four Churches to Visit When it’s not Even Christmas

And: The Forgotten Churches You Should Visit by Boat

Languages

When you begin boating on ‘the cut’ (the canal) you start to learn all sorts of weird and wonderful slang words and boating terms such as cheesing the ropes, cracking the paddles or butties and motors. Read: The Canal Lingo Those Toe Rags Won’t Tell You About

You can also prepare yourself for International Talk Like a Pirate Day on 19th September, and learn useful phrases like,  “Shiver me timbers”, “Avast!” and “Pass the grog!” Read: Ahoy! 3 Fine Holiday Tips for Talk Like a Pirate Day

English Literature

If your mum, wife, or gran is a lady who enjoys narrowboating, then consider getting her a book revealing the quirks and charms of parenting on board. Five Books for the Narrowboat Mum

Richard Mabey’s book ‘Nature Cure’, describes his recovery from severe depression through walking, watching and writing about the Eastern region’s beautiful landscapes. Read: How to Get Top Author’s ‘Nature Cure’ on a Narrowboat Holiday

If you’ve heard about eBooks, but are unfamiliar with the technology this simple guide to using Google Books could be the answer you are looking for. How to Read Narrowboat Books Without Actually Buying Any

One of my favourite boating books is Eily Gayford’s memoir The Amateur Boatwomen, about her time training all-woman canal boat crews during the Second World War.

Maths

Here’s a good maths problem. You’re looking for a good holiday deal, but struggling to budget when the future is so uncertain. A narrowboat staycation is the ideal choice for these unpredictable times. If you subtract the cost of travelling abroad, then subtract the hassle of airport queues then a canal boat holiday is a no brainer! Look out for various deals and last-minute cancellations on our Facebook page, Fox Narrowboats, or book early by searching for deals on our website. Make your budget stretch further by self-catering on board. An all-inclusive pricing policy makes it so much easier to budget for your holiday. At Foxboats our all-in price includes hire, damage waiver, fuel and gas.

You may also like: Boating on a Budget – 3 Low Cost Alternatives

Want even more education? Read: Back to School: 5 Lessons to be Learned on a Narrowboat Holiday

Hey! Are you new here? Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to receive more insider knowledge about canals and narrowboating. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Booking budget tips, Canal Blog, Get healthy, Holiday deals & special days
day boat hire fox narrowboats

Navigation planning on a Fox day boat

With September just around the corner and the children back to school, why not take a mid-week day afloat for some relaxation?

Taking a day off to go messing about in boats will boost your mental health and create special memories with your loved ones. Get up close to nature and take photos as you travel at a leisurely pace through the Middle Level in Cambridgeshire. A typical return boat journey will take six or seven hours, so it’s a chance to really slow down. Go with a group of friends for an unusual hen party or stag do, or celebrate a special family occasion. Our day boats carry up to 10 passengers, and everyone can have a go at steering.

A short train journey from Cambridge or London, you will find us in the Fenland market town of March. If this is your first time narrowboating we will show you the ropes. We’re a friendly family-run business, so you can ask us any questions before you set off. You can either cruise east towards the picturesque villages of Upwell and Outwell, or west through Ashline Lock to Whittlesey.

Our colourful day boats are the March Adventurer and the March Explorer. Both boats have a seating area and a toilet, and you will find the galley on board complete with hob, fridge, and a sink. Each boat has a dinette, equipped with crockery and cutlery so you can make snacks and hot drinks as you travel. (Grab food at Sainsbury’s or Iceland, in March, or at the riverside village store in Upwell.)

For a special occasion order food from Glam Grazing by Gem and it will be in the fridge on board when you arrive. Choose from a traditional afternoon tea, a gentleman’s afternoon tea or a selection of graze boxes. The Sweet Treat Box is perfect for a birthday as it includes Prosecco and a selection of homemade, freshly prepared cakes. There is also a children’s afternoon tea and a gluten free option.

There’s enough room on the boat for everyone to sit outside, and dogs are welcome.

Read: Canal Boating With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide.

If it rains there is a see-through cover at the front of the boat, or you could take shelter in a cosy country pub along the way.

Enjoy the views, the heritage and the wildlife as you cruise on the water. Day boating customers have spotted kingfishers and other birds, and animals grazing in the fields as they drift lazily through the countryside.  If you like to stay active you can walk alongside the boat sometimes, and help with the locks.

Check out the stunning local scenery in this short video clip:

A mid-week break in September means you avoid the summer holiday crowds, and save money on the cost of boat hire. The autumn colours make the scenery quite idyllic at this time of year. The flat landscape allows you to travel under a panorama of big skies, perhaps passing through a mesmerising windfarm if you are headed to Outwell.

You may also like: 5 Memorable Things to See on a Day Boat Trip

There are some great offers available this September with some days reduced from £225 to £200. Search Day Boat Hire.

For more surprising and unusual tips and ideas for days out in Cambridgeshire, 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.)

Photo & Video Credit: Fox Narrowboats

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Narrowboaters knowledge

narrowboat under bridge summer

Last week an extreme heat warning was put in place by the Met Office, as this year’s second heatwave continues to affect the whole of Britain. The public were urged to use water wisely as drought had affected several areas. Liveaboard narrowboaters and those on canal boat holidays had to think about the best ways to manage boating in a heatwave.

1) Early Start

Some boaters like to set off at 7.00am and finish boating by 10.00am to avoid the fiercest heat of the day. If you’re steering, or sitting on deck for any length of time, wear sunscreen and a hat, because the sunlight is strong when it bounces off the water. Wearing light coloured clothing will help to reflect the heat.

2) Low Water Levels

A second month with almost no rainfall is putting many waterways under pressure. The Middle Level waterways are kept topped up by taking water from the River Nene. In a heatwave boaters may need to be aware that with lower water levels you will need to cruise at a slower speed and keep an eye out for submerged obstacles. On some navigations it is possible to share a lock with another boat, therefore saving water. On the rivers Nene, Ouse and Cam a lack of rainfall can cause lower flows and river levels. You can check online for the latest navigation advice: Navigation Notices for Great Ouse and River Nene. When mooring the boat make sure that that ropes and lines allow for changeable river levels.

3) Moor in the Shade

A steel narrowboat can get pretty warm on the inside during hot weather, so if possible avoid mooring in direct sunlight. Over-hanging trees are a blessing in a heatwave! Allow a breeze to flow through the boat by opening all the doors, side hatches, roof hatches, vents and windows. (But lock and secure the boat again if you are leaving it unattended.)  Close the curtains on the side of the boat that faces the sun.

Some of the old working boatmen used to drape wet cloths over the cabin roof and sides in hot weather, to cool the boat.

4) Don’t Swim

It can be tempting to consider cooling off in the river, but navigable waterways are not intended for swimming, and can be dangerous as powered craft may not see you in the water. In some waterways it’s possible to contract a potentially serious bacterial infection called Weil’s disease. In July this year a 16 year old boy died after getting into difficulties while swimming in a canal in West Yorkshire. The Canal and River Trust website warns that there are also hidden risks of open water swimming, including submerged debris, fishing wire, reeds and unexpected cold-water shock.

If you want to include swimming in your Fox Narrowboats holiday there are public swimming pools and lido’s in Peterborough, Ely and Cambridge.

5) Keep Hydrated

Keep a stock of soft drinks and water on board, and try not to drink too much caffeine or alcohol, which are diuretics and can cause your body to lose fluid.

One of the great things about travelling by boat is being able to moor up at a waterside pub for a cooling drink. Here are a few of our favourite pubs you can visit by boat: Three Waterside Pubs to Visit on Holiday

A waterways guide book will be supplied with your hire boat, which will tell you about pubs, and where there are water points to refill the boat’s water tank. However, the boat will be supplied with plenty of water in advance of your holiday.

Your Summer Cruise

These tips should ensure that even in a heatwave your summer cruising is safe and comfortable. The Anglian waterways are absolutely stunning in this glorious weather. If you’re reading this at home or in the office, perhaps you are wishing you were on a narrowboat holiday right now? Check availability and plan your next canal boat break or day trip.

Hey! Are you new here? 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.)

Credit: Deposit Photos Licence

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Booking budget tips, Canal Blog
fox narrowboat holiday cc jem bulbrook

Image credit: Jem Bulbrook Photography

Looking for a short break on an English narrowboat?

Have you explored the stunning scenery of the Fenlands yet?

Searching for a rural escape that’s not too far from London?

Our online booking offers could be just what you need right now. Searching for last minute holiday bargains can be time consuming, so we’ve put together our top three deals for this August.

Platinum Fox narrowboat (sleeps 4-6)

Platinum Fox; a 55 foot narrowboat with a cruiser stern, is fitted in American Oak and features a microwave, TV and DVD. The cruiser stern allows for the whole crew to spend time together during the trip. (See what a cruiser stern looks like.) The berths are arranged as two singles and two doubles. On board you will find 240v electrics, a hoover, hairdryer, a USB charging point, a fully equipped galley, and central heating. The beds will be made up for your arrival with fresh bed linen and duvets.

Our holiday hire boat prices include all fuels used (diesel and gas), VAT, car parking, towels and bedlinen.

Offer

Three nights starting Friday 5th August, 2022, standard price is £1449

Book online and pay just £1420

Rural Fox narrowboat (sleeps 2-4)

Newly built in 2019, Rural Fox is a luxury narrowboat ideal for a couple or a small family. With a fully fitted galley and a comfortable saloon with a folding table for eating, this is a lovely little boat. She has the same facilities as Platinum Fox, and the hire price includes all fuel etcetera.

See the pictures of when the Fox Boats team were building and fitting out Rural Fox: Hello Rural Fox!

She is a 47 foot boat with a cruiser stern, and the berths can be arranged as two doubles, or one double and two singles; with two in the cabin and two in the saloon.

Offer

Three nights starting Friday 19th August, 2022, standard price is £1549

Book online and pay just £1518

Cape Fox narrowboat (sleeps 4-6)

Cape Fox is a 60 foot luxury narrow boat suitable for family or a group, and sleeps up to six people. This boat features two bathrooms. This hire boat is brand new in 2022; built by the Fox Narrowboats boat yard to the same very high standard with skills handed down over generations.

The berths can be arranged as two doubles, or one double and two singles, or four singles, in two cabins and the saloon. You can expect the same facilities included as with the other boats, detailed above.

Offer

Three nights starting Friday 19th August, 2022, Standard price is £1649

Book online and pay just £1616

If these dates don’t suit you, try our easy narrowboat holiday search option to check for more last-minute discounts.  First select your hire type, number of guests, and preferred holiday start date, using the holiday search box. You can then immediately see the offers available, on different narrowboats, with breaks beginning on different dates. Prices start from just £699.

Fox Narrowboats short breaks are on the Middle Level, River Nene and Ouse in Cambridgeshire. 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!

You may also like to search for available dates in September, when the waterways are quieter. Why not spend this autumn enjoying peaceful countryside walks, villages, churches, and cosy pub lunches?

You may also like: The Magic of Autumn Canal Boating

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 of these featured discounts are subject to availability.

We are a small, friendly, family-run business, so do give us a call if you have any questions. +44 (0) 1354 652770

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Image Credit: Jem Bulbrook Photography

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