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.)
