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

canal boat lock oxfordshire

Couples who narrowboat together, stay together! Am I right? OK, so maybe I’m biased, but I think canal boating is the perfect way to spend quality time with your Valentine. Over the years many celebrity couples have been spotted out cruising together on the English canals. Who have you seen on the waterways?

1, 2, 3

In no particular order the first three couples on our list are Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart, Kiera Knightly and Rupert Friend, and David Suchet (Poirot) and his wife Sheila. The media reported that they have all enjoyed boating on the British waterways. David and Sheila actually spent six years living on a 53-foot narrowboat, ‘Prima Donna’ which they found in Stratford-upon-Avon. Pirates of the Caribbean actress Keira Knightley rented a canal boat in London in 2010 and was seen walking the towpath with her actor partner.

So I asked on Facebook, what other celebrity couples have been seen boating together?

4

Bernard Booth commented that he saw Tim and Pru, and Harrison Ford and Calistoga Flockhart on the Llangollen canal. Of course, many others have spotted famous narrowboaters Tim and Pru around and about. Fawlty Towers actress Prunella Scales, and her husband actor Timothy West have been boating for decades, and starred in their own charming TV travel series, Great Canal Journeys.

5

Harry Potter actor Timothy Spall and his wife Shane were keen canal boaters for several years, and have been seen on the Grand Union canal. Spall later swapped his narrowboat for a seaworthy barge.

6

James Spencer was moored at Fox Narrowboats until last June when he moved his boat back onto the canals. He said he often used to see Timothy Spall, Roberta Taylor and her husband Peter Guinness when they had narrowboats moored near to his at Whilton Marina. He also met Tim and Pru at Braunston historic boat rally and has photos of them relaxing. “We did make it on to a TV programme about holidays when TV crew were filming at Braunston bottom lock and filmed us locking. Roberta and Peter Guinness boat was called ‘A Waste of Time.’ I did ask why, and apparently it was a play they had appeared in.”

7

It’s not a canal boat, but Russell Brand and his wife Laura shipped their wedding guests down the River Thames on a paddle steamer. Their wedding was at Remenham Church near their home in Henley-on-Thames, and wedding guests included Noel Gallagher, Jonathan Ross and David Baddiel.

8

In 2021 Sir Rod Stewart bought a narrowboat for his wife Penny’s 50th birthday. Speaking on Loose Women, Penny said it had always been her dream to have a canal boat and renovate it. She likes the idea of a slower lifestyle.

9

For couples with kids a narrowboat holiday is a great idea. Coleen and Wayne Rooney think so anyway. They took their four boys for a trip along the Shropshire Union Canal last year.

10

But Peter Green won the most famous celebrity couple afloat when he commented on Facebook, “I had the Queen and Prince Philip on my boat! Slight cheat as it was on the Thames. Diamond jubilee taking them to a garden party near Henley. Also had the Queen solo in 2009 and the Princess Royal in 2018. My boat is ‘Alaska’, built in 1883.”

Could you and your partner be the next glamourous couple to cruise the waterways? Check out availability for this year’s narrowboat holiday now!

Fox Boats director, Paula Syred told me, “Strictly come Dancing’s Neil Jones and Rick Wakeman and his wife, have been day hire customers of ours.”

So if you want to holiday like a celebrity, Fox Narrowboats is a great choice! Read: How to Holiday Like a Celebrity Without it Costing a Fortune

Get more fun narrowboat articles 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: Deposit Photos

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

houghton mill wiki cc cmglee

What are you like at sticking to New Year’s resolutions? Does goal setting make you feel disheartened? Does the thought of optimistic pledges and promises just make you groan?

#houghtonmill #wickenfen #strethamengine #fenswildlife #nenevalleyrailway

A more cheerful way to start the year is by creating a ‘bucket list’ of fun things to do.

A bucket list is traditionally a list of things to do before you kick the proverbial bucket, but after enduring two years of coronavirus restrictions, we thought that now is a good time to plan a few things to look forward to. Here are our best suggestions for fun things you can do while narrowboating in the Fens.

Learn to work a lock and steer a boat. Locks are easy to operate and at Fox Narrowboats we have qualified instructors that will give you full training during the boat handover. If you’re wondering if it’s difficult to learn the ropes read: What’s it Like to Actually Steer a Narrowboat?

Visit ‘Mother’, a thatched structure at Wicken Fen by Studio Morison. The nature reserve here is a favourite with our customers. This art installation is inspired by the restorative qualities of the beautiful fen landscape as described in Richard Mabey’s book ‘Nature Cure’. It is a sculptural structure, and also a pavilion, that you can sit inside, and contemplate nature. Read: How to Get Top Author’s ‘Nature Cure’ on a Narrowboat Holiday

Visit Houghton Mill, a National Trust property on the River Great Ouse. Centred on an island on the Great Ouse at Houghton, stands Houghton Mill a large timber-built watermill with operational machinery. The Mill is open to the public at weekends, and flour is still milled and sold to visitors.

Visit Stretham Engine, five miles south of Ely on the Old West River. It is the sole surviving operational steam engine in the Black Fen. It was installed in 1831, replacing four wind pumps. The engine has limited opening times in the summer months. This steam-powered pumping station was used to drain the Fens in the 19th and early 20th centuries. https://strethamoldengine.org.uk

Spot wildlife, like the great crested grebe and the occasional kingfisher. On a riverside walk, or in our local nature reserves, you may see dragonflies, damselflies, otters or water voles. Read: 3 Ways to See More Fenland Wildlife

Try punting on ‘The Backs’ in Cambridge. The River Cam navigation for powered craft ends at Jesus Green Lock, but above the lock Scudamore’s offer a wide range of tour and self-hire punting options. Punting is a traditional Cambridge pastime; see famous landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, while floating down the river. Read: Three Amazing Things to Do in Cambridge

The Nene Valley Railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. From here you can take a trip aboard a heritage steam or diesel train. This can be planned as part of a narrowboat cruise towards Peterborough. Read: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love.

Treat yourself to a meal at a riverside pub. The Swan on the River at Littleport may be recognised as the finishing point for the 2021 Oxford Cambridge boat race. Read: Three Waterside Pubs to Visit.

Cruise over an aqueduct. Mullicourt aqueduct carries Well Creek over the Middle Level main drain.

Take a photo of St Ives Bridge; a 15th century bridge crossing the River Great Ouse in St Ives. It is one of only four bridges in England to incorporate a chapel. Other photo opportunities on the waterways include wide skies at sunsets and sunrise with silhouettes of wind farms against the horizon.

And finally, moor up in the middle of nowhere, such as a quiet mooring at Benwick on the Middle Level navigation, (this village is a hidden gem). Read: Six Stunning Moorings on the Middle Level.

Plan Ahead

The New Year can often put us in the mood for planning ahead, so why not give yourself something to look forward to and organise this year’s narrowboat holiday? Booking in advance can mean better availability, and with Fox Narrowboats you’re more likely to get the boat of your choice. It’s also easier to get time off work on your intended dates if you plan well ahead.

What’s on your narrowboating New Year’s Bucket List? Let us know on Facebook.

You may also like: How to Cruise Your Way into Fitness this New Year

No time to plan your holiday right now? We get that. Instead, subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. We’ll send you two articles a month full of narrowboat holiday ideas in the Fens. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

Image credit: Houghton Mill by Cmglee, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

 

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

Peterborough cathedral night

Traditionally Christmas is a time for carols and choirs, candle-lit services, holly and ivy, decorated trees, and children’s nativity plays. So it’s a popular time to visit your local church, or even a cathedral if you live near to one. We are lucky enough to be based between two stunning and historically significant cathedrals.

Peterborough Cathedral

This Christmas Peterborough Cathedral is offering concerts, with choirs and brass, carol services, a candlelight tour, a Christingle Service, and a theatre production of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ as well as the usual Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

Peterborough Cathedral was rebuilt in the 12th century, and like Durham and Ely Cathedrals it has remained largely intact. It is the burial place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

To get to Peterborough by narrowboat from our Fox Narrowboats hire base is a 12 hour return trip, which is ideal for a short break. On the approach to Peterborough the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock. There are visitor moorings on the River Nene along the length of a park which are convenient for the city centre. (Read more about this cruise: March to Ferry Meadows Country Park.)

If you visit Peterborough on your narrowboat holiday next year you can check out what events are on at the cathedral while you are in the area by looking at the website: Peterborough Cathedral

Alternatively, turning left from our marina you will shortly come to the Fenland market town of March where you will find free visitor boating moorings on either side of the town bridge. March to Ely is about 18 cruising hours return trip. (Read more about this cruise: March to Ely narrowboat holiday.)

Ely Cathedral

This cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because it is visible from miles away as you approach it. This Advent and Christmas Ely Cathedral is offering Christmas services and concerts with the Cathedral Choir, and various family-themed activities. There is also seasonal shopping in the cathedral shops, homemade festive food in the Almonry, guided tower tours up the Octagon Tower or West Tower, and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.

But you don’t have to visit at Christmas to enjoy a cathedral tour, including access to the unique Octagon Tower and the Monastic Buildings around the cathedral grounds. While you are there you can also visit the Stained Glass Museum. Also in Ely you can see Oliver Cromwell’s House, which is now a museum, the Ely Museum at the Old Gaol, and the antiques centre close to the river. There’s so much to see here it’s worth stopping overnight. If you’re visiting Ely by narrowboat the city centre is just a short walk away from the moorings, up a steep hill.

If you visit Ely on your narrowboat holiday next year check out what events are on at the cathedral while you are in the area by looking at the website:  Ely Cathedral

Cambridge

Although Cambridge is famous for being a university city, it does not actually have its own cathedral. However, there are plenty of historic churches to appreciate when you visit. Cambridge falls within the Diocese of Ely (Church of England) and is associated with Ely Cathedral. Many of the churches in the city are affiliated with university colleges, having strong historical connections. All Saints’ Church is a beautiful Victorian Grade-II listed structure. Our Lady and the English Martyrs has late 19th century, neo-Gothic architecture, a tall spire, wonderful stained-glass windows and many historic elements. Great St Mary’s Church is near the Visitor Information Centre on Peas Hill, and dates from the late-15th century. Discover the 18th-century galleries and a tall bell tower, which can be climbed to see panoramic views of the city centre. There are many more noteworthy churches and colleges to wander around during your visit to Cambridge, and the journey there by narrowboat is beautiful.

From Ely to Cambridge is about five hours cruise each way. Read more about this narrowboat cruise: Ely to Cambridge.

Christmas in England is a chance to appreciate Gothic churches, choirs, and bustling markets in ancient towns. However, you could also include all of these joys on your narrowboat holiday next year. Check here to see what holiday dates are available.

You may also like: Four Churches to Visit When it’s not Even Christmas

PS: A festive gift for you! Click ‘Blog’ (top right) and look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the right sidebar to get the latest helpful holiday tips for next year. (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 Books TV online narrowboating, Canal Blog, Featured articles

ely cathedral visited by great canal journeys

Gyles and Sheila are back on our screens, and in case you missed it you can catch up with their Great Canal Journey to Cambridge and the Fens by watching episode one of series 13 on All 4.

Actor Sheila Hancock and author and presenter Gyles Brandreth took over presenting the show in November 2020. (Read TVs Great Canal Journeys Has Two New Skippers). They were narrowboat novices at that point, but have since taken to cruising and steering canal boats with heart-warming humour and enthusiasm.

At the beginning of series 13 they started their journey in the town of March, where Fox narrowboats are based, and travelled along the old course of the River Nene to visit Emneth, then south down the Great Ouse to Ely Cathedral, and finished their trip in Cambridge, learning about the poet, Rupert Brook.

Early on in the journey Sheila was seriously impressed by the Fenland scenery; she loved the spaciousness of the panorama, “It’s all sky!” They learned that the sea level is still rising in the Fens, so it is inevitable that large areas, previously reclaimed from the sea, will eventually be underwater once more.

There were some pretty views of the village of Upwell before they arrived at Emneth to visit the vicarage. This was once home to Reverend Wilburt Audrey, author of the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine books. The Reverend died in 1997 but Gyles and Sheila were invited in to chat to his daughter about the inspiration for the popular books.

Back on the River Ouse Gyles and Sheila were stunned by the view of Ely Cathedral across the Fens as they approached Ely. Ely was once an island, before the draining of the Fens, and the cathedral dates back to the 11th century. The inside of the cathedral is huge, and gloriously impressive. The programme showed the unique octagon lantern tower before a segment where Ely Cathedral Boy Choristers practiced their medieval Plain Song. The cathedral was built on the site of a monastery, founded by Etheldreda, a local Anglo Saxon princess. This episode explains that it may have taken one hundred years to build the current version of the cathedral.

Back on their canal boat, inspired by their visit to the cathedral, Gyles and Sheila had a thoughtful conversation about faith, god and their own mortality. It was fun to watch their affectionate friendship as Sheila teased Gyles about his fashion sense, and his habit of name-dropping celebrities’ names.

South of Ely the two friends met an artist and tried landscape painting. Although they both lacked confidence in their abilities they had a go anyway. In Cambridge Kings College “oozes history” said Gyles. It’s alumni include Rupert Brook, who in 1914 wrote the patriotic poem ‘The Soldier’. Gyles and Sheila checked out previous hand written drafts of the famous poem. Then they had cucumber sandwiches and tea at the vicarage, discussing the poet, who had tragically died aged only 27.

Finally Gyles and Sheila ended their trip by drinking Pimms in the sunshine, in an ancient meadow moored on the River Cam.

A cruise from March to Ely takes nine hours, and then Ely to Cambridge is about five hours cruise. Of course you can travel at your own leisurely pace and stop somewhere overnight along the way.

If you want to take your own great canal journey next year check availability now. We have some great holiday deals to enjoy. And you can order sandwiches and other treats to be waiting on board for you from Glam Grazing.

You may also like: How to Experience Some Great Canal Journeys from Your Own Home

If you enjoy reading about the Fenland waterways sign up for 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 we’ll send you stories, tips and advice about narrowboating around the Fens.

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

hebden bridge yorkshire canal licenced

Are you a fan of TV’s Great Canal Journeys?

Have you enjoyed watching Kevin Shelley’s Travels by Narrowboat?

Are you an arm-chair narrowboater?

Then you’ll love BBC Four’s Canal Boat Diaries.

This series follows Robbie Cumming as he embarks on a 300-mile journey across the Midlands and northern England in his narrowboat. It’s a soothing video diary of one man and his boat, soaking up the scenery and visiting canal side towns and villages along the way. If you don’t have a boat yourself it’s the perfect way to sit back, relax and enjoy the narrowboat lifestyle, from home.

Robbie has previously done bar work, graphic design and illustration while travelling on his boat ‘Naughty Lass’. He says, “It’s my home, work space and transport, rolled into one.”

In the first episode Robbie says, “This program is all about showing you the real side of boating.” For example he has been living aboard without a fridge, and so he meets up with a marine electrician who helps him to install a 12 volt fridge on board. Later he is shown pumping out his sewage tank. But these moments of showing the gritty “real side” of boating are far outnumbered by the stunning, sunshiney scenery viewed as sweeping, stunning aerial shots.

At the beginning of the episode he tackles a tunnel in Staffordshire which is so low that he has to remove everything from the canal boat roof, and crouch down while steering it through! As he travels, filming the local scenery, locks and waterways, he shares canal facts and history. For example, he explains that snake bridges are ingeniously designed so that a horse can cross the canal without the line snagging. (Before engines came along all canal boats were horse drawn.) In Staffordshire he travelled some narrow canals with single locks, and really narrow tunnels, but his goal is to eventually explore all of the canals and navigable rivers in the UK.

He visits a still-working Victorian Pottery that looks like the set of Peaky Blinders, and travels the Harecastle Tunnel, which takes 40 minutes and is dubbed the ‘Scarecastle Tunnel’. The throbbing engine echoes loudly in the darkness, but originally there was a towpath for the horses passing through this tunnel. This programme shows what little random adventures one can have while exploring England by narrowboat. Robbie discovers ancient canal-side mile markers that look like gravestones, he pays his respects at Ian Curtis’s grave, (lead singer of Joy Division), meets the locals in village pubs, explores Macclesfield, and rises to the challenge of cooking on board with whatever he can find, having not seen a shop for a while.

It’s a pleasure to watch the spectacular scenery and sunshine, drifting past aqueducts, coloured narrowboats and green fields, all accompanied by relaxing music, and a likeable, easy-going presenter. Robbie thinks the Peak Forest Canal in Derbyshire has to be one of the most scenic waterways.

So could he ever go back to living on land?

“I don’t think so… This is my lifestyle now. I’ve had to adapt to it. I think I’d miss it if I gave it up.”

Is this the most relaxing programme on TV right now? Ease into your sofa, lose yourself in the landscape and see for yourself.

Watch Canal Boat Diaries on BBC iPlayer. Or catch up with Robbie on his YouTube channel.

You can also help to fund Robbie’s travels around the canal system and increase the quality of his narrowboat ‘voyagelogs’ by supporting him on Patreon. He now makes around two videos a month, each one taking over 20 hours to make filming, researching, editing, voice overs and writing and recording his own music. The Canal Boat Diaries are not only his passion but thanks to the viewers, are now his source of income.

Ready for your own canal adventure? Try booking a daytrip or a narrowboat holiday now. Check availability here.

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 Books TV online narrowboating, Canal Blog, Featured articles

 

Does modern life stress you out?

Ever wanted to sell your possessions and live on a boat?

Would you enjoy the narrowboat lifestyle?

grand union canal narrowboats

In 2017 Kevin Shelly quit his ‘bricks and mortar’ lifestyle, bought a canal boat, and set out to explore 2,500 miles of the UK’s inland waterways. He began to document his lifestyle change with videos that became increasingly popular. There are now six seasons to watch (40 episodes) with a seventh series on the way.

So began an amazing journey, not just around the canal network but also within Kevin. Episode by episode narrowboat life transformed him from an exhausted man, to someone well-rested and contented. There’s something very soothing about watching Kevin narrate his gentle travels; letting the viewer absorb the feeling of travelling slowly through nature. Viewers relax as Kevin enjoys the simple pleasures in life, such as a canal-side pub, or the odd bacon and egg sandwich. The series portrays the laid-back spirit of discovering new places by boat, while Kevin learns about narrowboat life. If you’re new to narrowboating it’s a chance to get the feel of what it’s like. If you’ve been boating before it’s an enjoyable way to imagine yourself back on the water.

On Kevin’s Maiden Voyage in episode one he travels along the Leicester Branch of the Grand Union Canal, and more recently in season six he re-visited Northamptonshire’s waterways by ascending the Foxton flight, of 10 locks again. This reminded him of the very beginning of his adventure when he first bought his narrowboat, ‘Aslan’. Our narrowboat hire base is ‘next door’ to Northamptonshire in nearby Cambridgeshire.

The Grand Union Canal stretches 137 miles from London to Birmingham, and the Northampton Arm branches off to the east at Gayton Junction. Here there are 17 narrow locks as the canal descends to join the navigable River Nene. Cruising in this direction a narrowboat would eventually pass through Wadenhoe, Oundle, Fotheringhay, and Peterborough; all of which can be easily visited by hiring a boat from Fox Narrowboats. (See Fox route 4 Peterborough to Fotheringhay.) The River Nene is one of the quieter UK rivers, and a great place for a relaxing boating or fishing trip.

What’s different about Travels by Narrowboat is Kevin’s dry sense of humour. He is unpretentious and sometimes quirky, when musing about whatever and whoever he encounters along the way. This programme shows us, at a gentle pace, the parts of England that only canal users get to see; the old bridges and canal locks, ancient villages, and natural wildlife. Kevin Shelley is the antidote to our shiny celebrity culture. If you want to watch an ordinary man follow his dream, work a lock, make a curry or repair an engine this is the down to earth TV show you are looking for.

If you’d like to float down a canal with Kevin and enjoy the sights and sounds of England by narrowboat you can watch Travels by Narrowboat on Amazon Video or on Vimeo on Demand.

Travels by Narrowboat blog

If you want to take your own travels by narrowboat this year check availability now. We have some great holiday deals to enjoy this summer.

To be notified with new holiday information as it changes, sign up for 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 we’ll send you stories, tips and advice about narrowboating around the Fens in 2021.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Books TV online narrowboating, Canal Blog, Featured articles
Alarmy MTDCKJ licence 10 Nov 2020
Alarmy MTDCKJ licence 10 nov 2020

Alarmy MTDCKJ licence 10 Nov 2020

Do you dream of going on great canal journeys?

Are you stuck at home when you’d rather be boating?

Fancy living vicariously through the travels of others?

You may like to check out Channel 4’s new series of Great Canal Journeys.

After ten series of navigating the canals, lakes and river of the world, Prunella Scales and Timothy West’s televised canal journeys have sadly come to an end. Best known for playing Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers, Pru’s struggle with Alzheimer’s became a poignant aspect of the programme, and has now forced the couple to stop filming. The beloved actors have a lifetime of canal boating experience behind them, and their passion for it made them the ideal presenters of this show.

However, Channel 4 has opted to continue the series with two new presenters, actor Sheila Hancock and author and presenter Gyles Brandreth. They’re not a couple, but they are friends who have previously appeared alongside each other on Celebrity Gogglebox. The charm of the original travel programme really lay in watching Tim and Pru’s wonderful marriage on screen, so I thought that changing the remit to two travelling friends might change the mood somewhat. To ease the transition Timothy West joined Gyles and Sheila in the first episode, which aired on 8th November 2020.

“I don’t even know stern from aft!” says Gyles. The friends confess they know nothing about canal boating, but that Tim and Pru have told them anyone can do it. “We are throwing ourselves in at the deep end, and hoping we float!” says Gyles.

The episode begins with Tim welcoming them onto a day-boat at Broxbourne on the River Lee, for a bit of basic training in steering, operating a lock and mooring up. Then their first real journey beings at Pangbourne on the Thames, where they board a 70 foot wide beam. They investigate the bathroom and there is a comedy moment as Gyles accidentally pulls a handle off the toilet, showing viewers that anyone new to boating can make mistakes! During the episode they cruise towards London through Henley, Cliveden and Royal Windsor, and invite a historian on board to chat about the history of the Thames.

“The waterways teaches history that can’t be found in books. They show us how to go with the flow,” says Sheila. (If you like history you can visit Cambridge Universities, Ely Cathedral and Oliver Cromwell’s House on a Fox Boats holiday.)

Then Sheila, 87, joins a women’s rowing team, proving that it’s never too late to try something new. Gyles also is a likeable character. He jokes about doing a Titanic Leonardo DiCaprio impression, while standing on the bow as they enter London by boat.

I had my reservations about this show going forward without the loveable Tim and Pru, but actually it has the same life-affirming vibe, showing us that getting out on the water can make you feel alive! Although Tim and Pru had 40 years of boating experience to share with the viewers, these two are demonstrating that anyone can give boating a go, and learn new skills. Is it still heart-warming and funny? Absolutely. Are there stunning aerial views of waterways, and intriguing glimpses into life afloat? Of course.

If it’s some time since you’ve been boating, this new version of Great Canal Journeys will inspire you to get back out on the water. At Fox Narrowboats you can ease yourself in gently with day boat hire, or take a week’s long break on a comfortable holiday boat. We are now taking bookings for next year.

If you missed the first episode of Great Canal Journeys you can watch it on demand on All 4, Channel 4’s streaming service. (To watch Channel 4 on demand you simply have to sign up with an email address and view on your TV, tablet or computer.)

You may also like:

How to Experience Some Great Canal Journeys from Your Own Home

Cruise Like Tim and Pru from Great Canal Journeys: How to Reconnect With the Ones You Love

How to Holiday Like a Celebrity Without it Costing a Fortune

Keep in Touch: Subscribe on the right to receive more stories of British canal journeys, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, every two weeks.)

Photo: Licenced stock photo Alarmy MTDCKJ 10 Nov 2020 OY48986454

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

Image: St Wendreda’s Church short walk from our Marina
(credit below)

The idyllic ancient architecture, candlelight, holly and ivy, and special services such as carols, advent, christingles and nativities make this a wonderful time of year to visit a church.

However, official statistics from the Church of England* suggest that Christmas is now the only time that British families go to church. While festive services remain ever popular, Sunday congregations are seeing a steady decline in attendance. If you’re planning a canal boat holiday on the East Anglian waterways we would hate for you to miss out on the stunning churches that we have on our doorstep.

Here are four churches you won’t want to miss on your canal boat holiday next year.

St Wendreda’s Church

Before you set off from Foxboats marina in March, check out St Wendreda’s Church which is just a short walk away. This beautiful church is the oldest in our town and is known for its magnificent double-hammer beam roof with 120 carved angels; it is regarded as one of the best of its kind. John Betjeman described the church as “worth cycling 40 miles in a head wind to see.” (If you want to try this you are welcome to bring your bicycles on a narrowboat holiday!)

St Peter’s Church

As you cruise through the Middle Levels you will come to the village of Upwell on the Well Creek; one of the most picturesque villages on the Fenland waterways. St Peter’s Church originating in the 13th century, is well worth a visit because of the unusual tower. Inside there are 25 carved oak angels in the roof looking down into two Victorian galleries.

Ely Cathedral

If your holiday plans are taking you along the River Ouse then you must visit Ely’s skyline-dominating cathedral. Its origins have been traced back to AD 673 and it has a historical connection to William the Conqueror. The cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because of its dominant position in the landscape, visible from miles away. Its most notable feature is the central octagonal tower, with a lantern above.

The gothic architectural design is stunning and you can also take a tour, around the Stained Glass Museum, which has a fascinating collection of rescued stained glass windows stretching back 1,300 years.

Ely has good moorings, and there is plenty more to see in this charming, ancient town so it’s worth stopping overnight.

Kings College Chapel

If you have time on your holiday, do continue from Ely along the River Cam to Cambridge where there are many churches and chapels to visit, as well as the impressive university colleges. Don’t miss St Peter’s Chapel, the smallest church in Cambridge dating back to the 12th century. St Mary the Great is known as the university church and all distances in Cambridge are measured from its location. And finally, King’s College Chapel is a true masterpiece of English craftsmanship.

Not Just for Christmas

So, while it may be that more people will watch the Queen’s speech this year, than go to a Christmas church service, remember that churches aren’t just for Christmas. They are a wonderfully preserved part of our heritage, with stories to tell and incredible craftsmanship to behold. Make sure to include some churches into your holiday plans with Fox Narrowboats next year.

For more surprising stories of things you didn’t know about the Fens and Cambridgeshire subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just surprisingly interesting articles about our local waterways!)

*The Telegraph 28th October 2016.

Image Wiki Commons
By David Iliff (User:Diliff) – Commons file St Wendreda’s Church Ceiling, March, Cambridgeshire, UK – Diliff.jpg, CC BY 3.0,

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Holiday deals & special days
christmas boat hire gift vouchers

christmas boat hire gift voucher

Are you and your family thinking about trying canal boating? Or maybe you’re already seasoned narrowboaters? This Christmas, consider giving an experience, rather than material possessions, that just take up space. A Fox Narrowboats gift voucher offers the opportunity to create unique family memories together next year.

The Fenland Waterways are one of the quietest boating areas in England; a place to visit charming market towns, and impressive historic buildings. The unusual flat landscape, created by the draining of the fens, offers easy navigation with photogenic, huge skyscapes. A gift voucher offers the flexibility to create a bespoke holiday that suits everyone in your crew.

Why Choose a Fox Narrowboats Gift Voucher?

Our marina in Cambridgeshire is surrounded by some of the most beautiful waterways. A boating holiday suits couples, families, and friends, so it’s an adventure for all. This holiday can be as active or as relaxing as you like, so it’s suitable for all ages. The creature-comforts on board are intended to feel like a home from home. Even 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. Imagine travelling at your own pace through serene landscapes and historic towns. A fens waterways experience also offers that chance to get up close to nature, getting amongst the ducks, moorhens dragonflies and other wildlife.

day hire narrowboat fox

day hire fox narrowboat

Holiday dates and durations are flexible; so after receiving their Christmas gift voucher your loved one can choose their trip length, from a day trip to a weekend break, or a longer holiday.

What Makes a Narrowboat Holiday Special?

You can give the gift of reconnecting with nature, as your friend or family member can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while cruising on water. While our boats do have electricity and mobile phone signals, it’s a chance to unplug and relax, escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life. For anyone new to boating it’s an opportunity to learn new skills. Being the skipper of a narrowboat is a fun and rewarding experience, and easy to learn. Our staff will show you the ropes, and you will get the chance to use the locks and navigate from mooring to mooring.

How to Buy a Fox Narrowboats Gift Voucher

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. 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: Read more.

Call or email Fox Narrowboat reception to buy a Christmas voucher, for a most unusual, yet  thoughtful gift.

Make the gift even more special by including an Imray guidebook of the Fenland Waterways, a picnic set with hamper, or a cosy blanket for the trip. Glam Grazing by Gem offers a selection of sandwiches, pastries, sweet and savoury treats for your guests. These are all homemade and some are presented with ribbon and fresh flowers. Let us know if you want these added to your experience.

glam grazing picnic gift

glam grazing picnic gift

“The whole day was an amazing adventure, they took us through the information needed, unrushed and easy to grasp, all correspondence was spot on, detailed and efficient. The boat was great, equipment was great, very clean and well kept. A perfect day out on the river. I highly recommend this company for your boating trips. Lovely people and so kind and gentle. We will definitely be back again next year. The food they recommended (Glam Grazing) was fabulous too. All delivered ready for our trip.” – TripAdvisor

Now is the Time!

Avoid the chaos of Christmas shopping. Buy a gift voucher now, and make this festive season truly memorable for your loved ones.

Call or email Fox Narrowboat reception to buy a gift voucher.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Narrowboaters knowledge
narrowboat winterised credit: fox narrowboats

Living on a narrowboat is a unique and rewarding experience, but there are important factors to consider and plan for before taking the plunge.

Living space and storage

It is likely that your carefully chosen new home will be considerably smaller than your current home on land.

narrowboat customised cabin storage

credit: cluett carpentry

Storage space will be limited, so get creative and selective about what you take with you. Certainly, if buying new fixtures and fittings, space saving furniture will be an important consideration. There are companies which offer custom furniture and furnishings for narrowboats for example Elite Furnishings. You may be able to source a specialist narrowboat carpenter such as Cluett for inspiration. They explain that narrowboats are full of dead spaces. It’s a great opportunity to innovate and customise. Here are some ideas:

  • Extra cabin draws and cupboards
  • Galley spice & ingredient racks
  • Customised food storage
  • Contemporary marine bathroom fixtures
  • Futon sofa bed for narrowboats that fit under the gunwale

 

narrowboat furniture credit: elite furnishings

credit: elite furnishings

https://elitefurnishings.co.uk/

Order narrowboat furniture online

https://www.sofabedbarn.co.uk/

To maximise your comfort, you may consider living a more minimalist lifestyle. Think about what you really need and what you could let go of. There may be less privacy and potentially more noise from other boaters, particularly if you are moored in a communal space such as a marina.

You will almost certainly need to adapt to a slower pace of life, which is, after all, why you chose the narrowboat lifestyle in the first place. However, this will mean travel plans for an important meeting will require more careful thought.

Maintenance and Repairs

Similar to any vehicle, narrowboats require regular maintenance, including cleaning, painting, and engine upkeep. Its a good idea to get a gas safety check. If the boat is rented its a legal requirement for gas certification.

Bear in mind that not only your home but also your form of transport is at risk. Fuel, mooring fees, licensing, and maintenance points can be found on out on our: the costs of living on a narrowboat blog article being financially prepared for unexpected repairs and costs is vital, particularly if you are not able to carry them out yourself. More information about Fox narrowboat repairs and servicing.

narrowboat on fox slipway service

narrowboat on fox slipway service complete

 

Weather and Seasons

Living on a boat means facing the elements directly. No matter what time of year you begin your narrowboat life, seasons will be an important factor. Particularly challenging, is Winter, with cold temperatures, freezing conditions, strong winds, and potential ice and snow. Ensuring your boat is well-insulated and equipped for winter living as well as choosing appropriate clothing will ensure your comfort in the long Winter months.

narrowboat fox during winter

Fox narrowboat during winter

Narrowboat journey seasonal planning

Off season

Different times of the year also impact journey planning. During the Winter months, (December to February) many canals and locks may be closed for maintenance or due to freezing conditions. Reduced daylight hours can limit your cruising hours.

Canal trust’s indepth guide to preparing your boat for winter

Spring time

As Spring approaches, (March to May) as the weather warms, rising water levels can lead to potential flooding. The government produces a flood warning service

High season

Summer (June to August) is the peak season and the busiest time of year for narrowboaters.With longer daylight hours, you can enjoy extended cruising time and explore more. Remember to pack your sun hat and high factor sun cream. Autumn (September to November) is a good time to enjoy a cruise through the beautiful colourful foliage and begin preparing your boat for the colder months.

Navigation notices

All year round it’s essential to stay updated on the latest information regarding canal closures, maintenance works, weather and water level changes.

River Advice for Boaters (RAB) | Anglian Waterways

www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices

There is a mine of information available here to plan your route ahead of time, take into account the distance you want to travel in the time you have available.

Booking moorings in advance where possible is advisable, especially during peak seasons, particularly in popular destinations.

By considering these factors and planning accordingly, you can make the most of your narrowboat experience, regardless of the season.

Fox narrowboats navigation data 

Finances

If you intend to work while living on your boat, think about the potential impact on your income and employment opportunities in the area or costs relating to travelling to other areas.

Safety and Security

On and off the water there are safety and security issues to think about. Installing a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguishers if they aren’t already there and checking them regularly is vital and could be lifesaving. There are other issues to consider that only come with living aboard a boat.

Lakeland Leisure produce a comprehensive boat safety guide

Will you be safe walking on towpaths and jetties at night where there may be inadequate or no lighting. Consider how you will keep visitors to your boat safe, accessing lifejackets for them. Do you need additional security such as alarms for your boat, and if you own a car, where will you park it when you are cruising. While careful planning is crucial, maintain flexibility to adapt to unexpected situations.

 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Featured articles, Historic sites, Narrowboat holidays
kings college cambridge river mooring

kings college cambridge river

Have you ever been to the Fens?

Do you want to visit charming English villages?

Can you imagine being the skipper of a narrowboat?

Our canal boat hire base can be found in the Fenland Waterways, on the Middle Level, between the River Ouse and River Nene. Our friendly, family business has been here for generations, offering you our many years of experience, and a warm welcome, from the descendants of boat builder, Charlie Fox.

These waterways in the east of England, are a unique network of navigable rivers dotted with wildlife, pubs and history, and are perfect for exploring by boat. Popular holiday routes are March to Ely, Ely to Cambridge, March to Peterborough and Peterborough to Fotheringhay. Our blog is packed with photos and suggested restaurants and pubs, historic sights, and things to do. These unusual waterways make it possible to cruise from March to Northampton via Peterborough. In the other direction; a boater could travel from March to Ely and Cambridge. The journeys include quaint English villages and towns, scenic countryside and dramatically photogenic Fenland skies and windmills.

Locks and Lock Keys

In Cambridge, the furthest you can travel in the summer is to Jesus Green Lock, because the Cambridge Backs are busy with small unpowered craft, (called punts). Hiring a punt you can see some of Cambridge’s most famous bridges and buildings, such as the Bridge of Sighs, and King’s College Chapel. Jesus Green and Midsummer Common are perfect green spaces to moor up a narrowboat for a picnic, and then explore Cambridge on foot. Baits Bite Lock is currently closed (November 2024) so there is no access to Cambridge until at least the next boating season (2025). It is however possible to hop on a train from Ely or Waterbeach

Notable points on the Fenland Waterways

Salters Lode lock, Denver Lock and Denver Sluice are notable points on the Fenland Waterways. The tidal Great Ouse means navigation is different to an ordinary manual lock and you’ll need to call ahead to check the locking times. If you’re used to boating in other parts of the UK you will find a normal windlass doesn’t work very well around here! An Abloy key, (provided) unlocks the control panels on the Nene and Ouse locks. The Middle Level Yale key provides access to the unmanned locks at Ashline and Lode End, and to the facilities block in March. There is also a special windlass on the middle level (confusingly called an Ouse key) that operates the slackers (paddles) at Ashline and Marmont Priory.

Historic Landmarks

Your holiday route may take you to Ely Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, and several unusual museums, including the Stained Glass Museum in Ely, and Oliver Cromwell’s house. Houghton Mill, is a working watermill that sells flour to visitors at weekends. Stretham Engine is a 19th century steam powered pumping station, once used to drain the Fens. The Nene Valley Heritage Railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. You won’t have time to see all of these in one holiday!

Food and Drink

Of course, a narrowboat holiday isn’t complete without exploring traditional pubs and enjoying riverside dining. If you make it as far as Cambridge, visit the oldest pub on the River Cam, The Fort St George. This authentic British pub dates back to the 16th century and contains oak beams, large windows, and an Inglenook fireplace for cosy evenings, plus plenty of comfy furniture so you can soak in the view of the River Cam. The Moorings Restaurant at the Crown Lodge Hotel in Outwell is just a short walk from Outwell Boat Basin. The Cutter Inn is a smart pub and restaurant located on the river Great Ouse in the heart of Ely, with river views. (Search for more food and drink options on our interactive canal map.)

Narrowboating in the Fens is also great for spotting local wildlife like swans, herons, and sometimes even kingfishers along the canals.

To be honest, exploring Cambridgeshire’s unique waterways by canal boat offers an unforgettable blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and local charm. From navigating the locks and discovering quaint towns, to visiting historic landmarks and enjoying traditional riverside pubs, each journey promises a relaxed pace and a deeper connection with the local heritage. Whether you’re cruising past the impressive towers of Ely Cathedral, watching kingfishers dart along the water’s edge, or enjoying a pint at a centuries-old pub in Cambridge, the Fenland Waterways invite you to experience the heart of East Anglia from a new perspective.

Feeling inspired? Plan your next narrowboat adventure, through the picturesque landscapes of Cambridgeshire.

For more essential tips about our local locks and landmarks 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 Amazing things to see, Canal Blog

haunted-poltergeist-fenland-hospital

If you have ever been curious about paranormal investigations you may like to explore the mysterious Fenlands by narrowboat. The eerie and captivating landscape of the Fens, with their reclaimed marshlands, huge skyscapes, and isolated villages have inspired fantasy novelist Philip Pullman, and horror fiction writer M R James. Our local folklore includes legends of drownings and stories of ghosts, disappearances and violence.  You may be surprised to know that a narrowboat is the most comfortable way to travel, if you are planning a paranormal investigation in the Fens.

So, here are five haunted locations to visit if you dare…

The First World War Soldier

One of the eight resident ghosts at Peterborough museum is a First World War soldier. Peterborough can be reached by canal boat from our hire boat base, by travelling west through the Middle Level and along the picturesque River Nene. Whilst at the museum look out for a ghostly kitchen maid, banging doors, ghostly footsteps and voices, unaccountable smells, mysterious lights and orbs around the building. This 19th century mansion was used as a hospital from 1857 until 1928.

The Laughing Children

Travelling east from our hire boat base you can take the River Great Ouse towards Ely and visit Oliver Cromwell’s House, which is now a museum. This spooky season they are offering a number of events including guided ghost walks, a witchcraft walking tour, Fen Tales in the Crypt, and a pop-up escape room. Oliver Cromwell was a military and political leader, during the time of the English Civil War. In his 13th century Ely home you may now hear ghostly sounds of children’s laughter, footsteps which echo along corridors and down the staircases, and jangling keys. For real.

(Read about the murdered ghosts of Southery and the hanged men of Littleport in this article: The Spooky Truth About Cruising to Ely.)

Heartbroken Juliet

17 year old Juliet Tewsley sadly hung herself from a tree outside The Old Ferryboat Inn in Holywell, near Cambridge, because of her unrequited love for Tom Zaul. Her heartbroken ghost now returns to the inn on the anniversary of her death. Her body is buried under the floor of what claims to be the oldest pub in England. Staff avoid walking over her grave, as it is believed to cause frightening apparitions. A former duty manager said, “Sometimes the lights just won’t go out unless you say ‘goodnight Juliet’.” You can visit this pub by narrowboat, by cruising the Great River Ouse.

The Disappearing Nun

Near the River Cam in Cambridge a nun haunts Abbey House, a sixteenth century house, built on the site of Barnwell Priory, which was established in 1112. It is said that she wanders into bedrooms in the spring time and stands at the end of beds, before disappearing into the curtains. There are also reports of footsteps on the stairs, banging on bedroom doors and a spirit with rattling chains. Some say Abbey House is the most haunted house in Cambridge, as the ghosts include a poltergeist, a butler, a woman in white, a grey lady, a squirrel, a dog, and a hare.

Cambridge can be reached by boat, by cruising the River Cam on a narrowboat holiday. On a ghost walk tour you can visit the hangman’s house and learn about the final resting place for Oliver Cromwell’s head. The walk promises haunted pubs, secret graveyards, grisly hangings and ghostly dogs.

The Hanged Irishmen

The Ship Inn, Brandon Creek, can be visited via the River Great Ouse, and there are moorings for customers. A dog-friendly, cosy waterside country pub steeped in history. Mark Twain once ‘sobered up’ here but Cliff Richard was once turned away for not being appropriately dressed. In the 1800s the first landlord and his wife were murdered in their beds. Three Irishmen were suspected and hanged for the crime and their ghosts may still be seen on murky, misty nights.

If you’re serious about your supernatural research, pack your EMF meters, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, motion sensors, recording equipment, and night vision video cameras and book yourself a Fox Narrowboats holiday.

If you fancy haunting the Fenland waterways yourself next year, check availability here to plan your next narrowboat holiday, with paranormal investigation included!

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!

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Get healthy, Narrowboaters knowledge, Uncategorized
Stock: gardening on canal boat flowers
gardening on canal boat flowers

Stock: gardening on canal boat flowers

Living on a narrowboat offers a unique and often idyllic lifestyle that can have significant, positive impacts on both physical and mental health. Your floating home can provide a tranquil and peaceful environment, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It can also present its own set of challenges.

Physical activity

Narrowboat living might involve a greater level of physical activity. Tasks such as tying up to moor, lifting supplies and working the locks require strength, flexibility, and balance. So, it’s important to balance physical effort with relaxation and avoid overexertion.

Added to these challenges, working and living in the confined space of a narrowboat can make it challenging to maintain good posture and ergonomics. Consider this when choosing or replacing your fixtures and fittings, using ergonomic furniture where possible. Taking regular breaks to stretch and move around, is even more important than when living on land, where movement is less restricted. If amenities are limited on your narrowboat, tasks such as emptying a cassette toilet, might also require more physical effort.

Healthy diet planning

More planning may be needed when thinking about sourcing healthy food. With limited space for storage, and restricted access to nearby shops, it’s good to buy smaller portions of fresh produce and prepare meals from scratch. This can lead to a more balanced and nutritious diet. Try some tasty ideas from the Narrowboat Chef:

credit narrowboat chef creme-brulee

credit: narrowboat chef creme-brulee

 

credit narrowboat chef fruit smoothee

credit: narrowboat chef fruit smoothee

 

credit narrowboat chef Marsala Poached Pears

credit: narrowboat chef Marsala Poached Pears

 

Savoury

www.narrowboatchef.com/recipes/savoury-recipes/

Sweet

www.narrowboatchef.com/recipes/sweet-recipes/

Narrowboat Gardening

You may even consider growing and preserving your own food, if you have the space. Roof gardens to grow vegetables and plants are a joy to see on narrowboats. Gardening presents some fun challenges with use of space, drainage what will grow best in a minified environment. Generally all plants need to be potted, fixed pots on the deck or hanging baskets tied to the handrail. Growth should be planned around the seasonal weather changes and boat maintenance. Primroses & hyacinths make colourful flowers on a boat they look their best January through to March. Strawberries are a great idea but may attract some flying guests.

Here is a lovely insightful guide to gardening on a narrowboat

www.awholeplottalove.com/gardening-on-a-boat

Carolyn Shearlock is a creative cruiser with over 17 years and 13,000 miles on boats. Her guide to a boat garden includes custom DIY designs for pots.

www.theboatgalley.com/diy-boat-garden

Canal boat’s website ideas to creatively style your narrowboat

Relaxation and peace of mind

 “spending time by water, and canals in particular, is good for your health and wellbeing”

The tranquil and peaceful nature of narrowboat living can significantly reduce stress levels. Being surrounded by water and the constant exposure to nature can create a sense of calm and relaxation. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve mood. One study created by researchers at King’s College London revealed that spending time by water, and canals in particular, is good for your health and wellbeing. Data was gathered from an app that measures people’s experiences living in rural and city environments

The Urban Mind App

If living alone living aboard a narrowboat can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, especially in remote areas. However there is a strong sense of community among narrowboaters and visiting local towns and villages or keeping contact via online social media communities such as the Narrowboat Owners Facebook Group you can maintain a sense of belonging.

Other mental health boosts include practising, yoga or mindfulness or relaxation from reading or listening to music. Establishing a daily routine can also help you feel more grounded.

Local GP registration

You are entitled to register with a G.P., even as a continuous cruiser of no fixed address. You can register with any GP in your local area as a temporary resident, as long as they have space for new patients. By understanding the potential challenges and planning proactive steps to address them, you can enjoy a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle living aboard your narrowboat.

Trial your Narrowboat life

If your interested in living on a narrowboat then why not take a Fox narrowboat for a 2 week holiday and really experience the day to day exploration, wellbeing and chores!

Book a 14 night boat holiday

by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Narrowboaters knowledge, Owning & living on a narrowboat
narrowboat mooring couple

Ever thought of living on a boat?

As you sit with your coffee or glass of wine, and look through your many photo memories, you may consider making a more permanent lifestyle change to live on the water. If you want to “try out” a narrow boat then you could hire a narrow boat for 1 or 2 weeks.

The narrowboat holiday experience

carefree narrowboat holiday

carefree Fox Narrowboat holiday

A narrowboat break offers a carefree experience. Many basic amenities are included in the cost, such as fuel for the boat, car parking while you are away cruising, towels, bedlinen and WIFI. Much like when you check out from a hotel room, at the end of your holiday, you return your narrowboat to the pickup point, where it is checked over and maintained, refreshed and replenished for use by the next customer. You can find the answer to many of your questions about what costs are covered on a narrowboat holiday at:

https://www.foxboats.co.uk/faq/

Living full time on a narrowboat

permanently living on a narrowboat

permanently living on a narrowboat

However, the reality of full-time living on the water, requires more planning. Once you have decided to make a narrowboat your permanent home, when looking for your ideal residence, the price you pay for your boat, reflects the level of convenience and luxury you are looking for.

How much does it cost to build a narrowboat?

How much does it cost to live on a narrowboat?

You’ll be responsible for fuel, mooring fees, licensing, and maintenance. Consider making a list of your current living expenses to look at how the day-to-day running costs compare to those of living on dry land.

narrowboat mooring couple

narrowboat mooring couple

Mooring fees

Mooring fees are calculated by the length of your boat and the area it is to be located. Like house prices, they can be much higher in certain parts of the country than others, so you could check to see how these compare to the Council Tax you pay if you own or rent your current home.

Annual boat licence

Much like any vehicle where you will currently pay for road tax, MOT and insurance, to cruise your boat on inland waterways, you are required to have an annual boating licence along with a Boat Safety Scheme certificate – valid for four years and a current insurance policy. Information on licencing can be obtained at:

Canal & River Trust Long Term Licence PDF

Middle Level Commissioners

Specialist boat insurance

Specialist insurance companies can advise on the appropriate cover you will need. However, if you are not looking for permanent moorings and want to be a ‘continuous cruiser’, do bear in mind you will need to move your boat to a different neighbourhood at least every fourteen days. This can involve additional costs like taxis or public transport if you maintain a car and need to move it to your new mooring location.

Fox narrowboats recommend Yacht Master Insurance

Other costs

As well as the cost of fuel (diesel) to run your boat and Wi-Fi connection, there is heating to consider.

When at a permanent mooring, you might have the option of paying for plug-in electricity onsite. However, many owners opt for the cosiness and ambience of a dual fuel system, with coal and wood burning stoves or a separate Calor gas water heater. Using a generator when the engine is running, is a reasonably cheap way to produce electricity when cruising, with just the oil to pay for.

More minor expenses taken for granted on land also add up. Emptying a pump-out toilet comes with a charge, although using a cassette model is usually free and can be emptied when you fill up your water tank. Laundry can be done on board if you have a portable washing machine, although drying is also important as condensation might be a problem, particularly in the colder months. So another essential expense could be using a launderette.

So, to summarise, the cost of living on a narrowboat varies and depends on your individual choices. One couple’s experience that might be helpful, can be found at:

https://barryandsandra.com/the-costs-of-living-on-a-narrowboat/

Maybe you would want to consider a trial period or “hybrid” living situation initially to get a better sense of ongoing expenses.  While the financial aspects are important, the unique charm of life on Britain’s waterways is a priceless experience, unlike any other.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to do, Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Historic sites, Narrowboat holidays
st ives bridge cambridgeshire fox narrowboat
st ives bridge cambridgeshire fox narrowboat

st ives bridge cambridgeshire – credit: fox narrowboat

Nav Data | March to St Ives Bridge: 52 miles, 6 locks, 15hrs cruising

As the days shorten and Autumn approaches, you may want to consider a 7 – 10 day cruise for the perfect escape.

You could choose to visit the Lodes and travel up to visit the stunning nature Reserve at Wicken Fen.

wicken fen visitors centre

wicken fen visitors centre – credit: fox narrowboats

However, why not branch off from the main route, West onto the Great Ouse for a leisurely journey of 19 miles and with only two locks to negotiate, from Pope’s Corner to St. Ives.

Popes Corner

See our waterways map for full route information

From Pope’s Corner, bearing right towards Earith, you will find yourself joining a section of the Ouse known as the Old West River, a curious name for a river which flows eastwards.

On route, look out for Stretham Old Engine, a restored land drainage pumping station open to the public on certain days.

A great stop for refreshments is The Crown Pub in Earith.

Although mooring is currently not available here, you can take advantage of a 48 hour free public mooring on the frontage at nearby West View Marina.

St Ives

St Ives, (not to be confused with its Cornish counterpart), is famed for its 15th century chapel bridge, one of only four in England. St Ives has also historically been the home of some of the biggest markets in the country, with its Monday market still a central feature of the town centre.

St Ives Lock introduces two features, it is interesting to explore if you aren’t familiar with them.

Firstly, it is fitted with a guillotine bottom gate if you haven’t been on the Nene this could be your first self operated guillotine – now electric and operated by EA key which reduces the possibility of hand injuries. At the top there are conventional mitre gates. Secondly the lock chamber is an irregular shape, having been widened on one side for part of its length to increase the number of boats that can fit.

At busy times it’s common for a selection of cruisers, narrowboats other small craft and the odd widebeam to find themselves sharing the space.

St Ives’ most unusual historic building is a delight to see – the chapel that stands on the middle of the partly Mediaeval town bridge. There are just four bridges in the country that share this feature (the others being at Bradford-on-Avon, Rotherham and Wakefield), with st Ives being the only one you can cruise through. The building has also at other times been a doctor’s surgery, a toll-house, an inn and even a brothel.

st ives chapel on the bridge

St Ives Chapel Jo Edkins (inside) Rob Noble CC-BY-SA-2.0

But there’s much more to St Ives, with its attractive riverfront, intriguing museum, historic parish church (which had the misfortune to lose its spire to a direct impact from a WW1 aeroplane in 1918) and useful shops, pubs and restaurants. The Norris Museum is a small but fascinating free museum unveils the story of Huntingdonshire from ancient times onwards, covering social history, personalities, wartime experiences, archaeology, science and technology, art, costume and transport. See the Norris Museum facebook page for upcoming events in September.

copyright norris museum cambridgeshire

copyright – norris museum cambridgeshire

A great place to linger although if you’ve made good time, you can always consider cruising on a further 11 miles to Huntingdon.

Fox Narrowboat Holiday

To visit St Ives you can take a Fox Narrowboat holiday from March. We suggest 10 nights or more to take in a good number of sights and comfortable cruising time.

Book Now

 

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Narrowboat holidays
cambridge university
cambridge university boat holiday

cambridge university licenced

Embark on an adventure with Fox Narrowboats as we uncover Cambridgeshire’s hidden gems along its picturesque waterways. From quaint villages and historic landmarks to serene natural spots, we’ll guide you through the top destinations that make this region a must-visit. Join us as we reveal the unique charm and beauty that await you on a Fox Narrowboats journey.

The Fenland waterways have been described as “a hidden gem” by BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson, who has visited us and been on a Fox narrowboat. He really enjoyed the uncrowded rivers and open countryside packed with wildlife. Local tourist attractions include Ely Cathedral and the world famous Cambridge University.

Ely

denver windmill boat holiday cc wiki tony bennett

denver windmill cc wiki tony bennett

To get to Ely by boat you will pass through the picturesque villages of Upwell and Outwell. This trip involves the passage of a short length of tidal river between Salter’s Lode and Denver Sluice. Pass Denver Windmill and café, and carry on along the Ouse to moor up near Ely’s antique shops. In Ely you can visit the cathedral, museum, and Oliver Cromwell’s house.

Cambridge

Not exactly a ‘hidden’ gem, as it’s known for the world famous university, but by cruising the River Ouse you can visit the ‘city of perspiring dreams’ by canal boat. The city is home to students, bicycles, and impressive architecture. There are 31 university colleges; don’t miss King’s College Chapel, a masterpiece of English craftsmanship. Cambridge is also good for shopping, eating out, and cosy old English pubs. Currently the river Cam into Cambridge is closed to navigation. Access is possible by train from Ely or Waterbeach.

Fayres and Local Events

Our hire boat base is in the charming market town of March, which hosts St George’s Fair in April, and March Summer Festival in June. Ely hosts a family-friendly Aquafest in July with a fun fair, beer tent, burger bar and stalls. Everyone enjoys the decorated raft race on the river. Ely Folk Festival offers three days of real ale, Morris dancing, ceilidhs, workshops and music sessions. Strawberry Fair on Midsummer Common is a renowned free music festival, bringing over 30,000 visitors to Cambridge each year. When in Cambridge your cruise will actually take you through Midsummer Common and onwards to Jesus Green and the public moorings near the limit of the navigation.

Historic Sites 

Houghton Mill boat holiday CC SA 3.0 Cmglee

Houghton Mill – CC SA 3.0 Cmglee

There are too many to mention them all, but you may like to see Houghton Mill, a large timber-built watermill with operational machinery. Flour is still milled and sold to visitors at weekends. Stretham Engine is a 19th century steam powered pumping station, once used to drain the Fens. The Nene Valley Heritage Railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. (Read: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love.) There’s also Ely Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, and several unusual museums, including the Stained Glass Museum in Ely.

stretham old engine fox narrowboats

stretham old engine – fox narrowboats

Pubs and Restaurants

One of the great joys of travelling by boat is being able to moor up at a waterside pub or restaurant for a meal. The Moorings Restaurant at the Crown Lodge Hotel in Outwell is just a short walk from Outwell Boat Basin. The Cutter Inn is a smart pub and restaurant located on the river Great Ouse in the heart of Ely, with fantastic river views. Search for more food and drink options on our interactive canal map.

fenland waterways google map for boaters

fenland waterways google map for boaters

Discover more hidden gems in over 250 original blog articles about the Fens waterways, Cambridge, Ely and  riverside villages. Find out about amazing things to do and see. Read about narrowboating celebrities, narrowboating TV series’, and get local insider knowledge from our guest bloggers.

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  1. PS. We have just added some special offers on March Adventurer from now to the end of the season. https://www.foxboats.co.uk/day…/day-boat-hire-adventurer/
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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Canal Blog, Featured articles, Narrowboat holidays

Can you imagine taking a serene journey along Cambridgeshire’s picturesque waterways with Fox Narrowboats? From the tranquil morning mist lifting off the canal, to the vibrant sunset over the water, you can explore a typical day aboard a narrowboat. You’ll discover the great feeling of leisurely cruising, being the skipper of your own boat, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll take in the sights, and get a glimpse into the unique narrowboat lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the canals, join us for a peaceful and inspiring adventure with Fox Narrowboats.

cape fox hire narrowboat

The day begins at 9.30am as you arrive at our marina for some basic instruction with our friendly staff, in steering and handling a narrowboat. We have two colourfully painted day boats; the March Adventurer, and the March Explorer, and either boat can accommodate ten passengers (and your dog if you have one!) Day boat hire is popular for family get-togethers. Here’s what Rebecca wrote on Tripadvisor:

“Lovely day out! We really enjoyed ourselves. Would highly recommend for young families. What could be better than cruising down the river in a narrowboat? Thank you!” – Rebecca (June 2024)

children on narrowboat break

Our hire boat base is in the charming Fenland market town of March, so you may begin by starting the engine, untying the ropes, and cruising through March, before stopping for breakfast. Try The Acre riverside pub if it’s the weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) or Ye Olde Griffin Hotel any day of the week, turning right from the town centre moorings.

If you continue your journey past the Twenty Foot junction you will see the impressive Coldham Wind Farm. When you reach Pophams Eau junction, take a right towards Three Holes junction, where you’ll find a good spot to moor.

This boating route is good for seeing wildlife, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and letting the kids try their hand at some net fishing. On your way back to March, relax with a drink overlooking the moorings at The Ship Inn, or indulge in some afternoon tea at the Exchange Tea Parlour. (Afternoon tea options include a Classic, Gin, Sparkling, Deluxe, Gluten Free, Vegan, Cheese Lovers’ and Children’s.)

This route includes about four hours of cruising time, so there is plenty of time to stop and enjoy time “on the bank”. You will be returning to the marina by 6.00pm.

You may also like to celebrate a relationship milestone or a significant birthday on board. Jill says, “The whole day was an amazing adventure, they took us through the information needed, unrushed and easy to grasp, all correspondence was spot on, detailed and efficient. The boat was great, equipment was great. Very clean and well kept. A perfect birthday out on the river. I highly recommend this company for your boating trips. Lovely people and so kind and gentle. We will definitely be back again next year. The food they recommended was fabulous too. All delivered ready for our trip.” – reviewed September 2023.

Fox Narrowboats Reviews

Google Reviews

If you’re celebrating a special occasion Glam Grazing can supply afternoon tea, antipasti, or a cheese lovers graze box. Alternatively, try a sweet treat box with Prosecco. More catering choices here: Glam Grazing by Gem.

An alternative route to the boat trip above, is cruising west to Floods Ferry where you will cross the Meridian line and reach the junction of the Old River Nene and Whittlesey Dyke. Carry on the Old River Nene (left hand fork) to moor at Benwick and visit the Five Alls pub, where muddy paws and boots are welcome!  This is such a great route for a picnic, wildlife spotting and net fishing with children.  There is also a small playground in the High Street. This cruise also takes about four hours. For a slightly longer journey (six hours return) head towards Whittlesey to experience the fun of operating a lock together.

Read more about: Day boat hire routes.

Read more about day boat hire.

Our full waterways map

Fox Narrowboats offers a relaxing ‘Day in the Life’ experience for both seasoned boaters and newcomers. Your route may include a breakfast stop, stunning views of a wind farm, and opportunities for wildlife spotting and net fishing. Grab a pub lunch, an afternoon tea, or a grazing box from Glam Grazing. Finally, upon your return at 6.00pm you can reflect on the memories of a peaceful and inspiring day on the water. Don’t forget to take photos!

Our day boat hire is available to book online on boats March Adventurer and March Explorer. Alternatively call our friendly reception staff who will advise and help you book. But book soon, because our day boats are popular at weekends especially in the summer months.

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by Tim MarrowPosted on Posted in Amazing things to see, Canal Blog, Historic sites, Narrowboat holidays
Houghton Mill 1966 -BesselDekker Public Domain
Houghton Mill 1966 cc wiki BesselDekker PD

Houghton Mill 1966 -BesselDekker Public Domain

Do you enjoy spending time exploring England’s rich heritage and visiting places that evoke a nostalgic charm? Isn’t it wonderful when an ancient building sparks your imagination, transporting you back to a distant past? Here are just some of the historical gems you can visit on a canal boat holiday in Cambridgeshire.

Houghton Mill

Houghton Mill is a National Trust property on the River Great Ouse. Centred on an island on the river, this large timber-built watermill still has operational machinery. Flour is still milled and sold to visitors at the weekends.

Houghton Mill CC BY SA 3.0 Cmglee

Houghton Mill CC BY SA 3.0 Cmglee

Stretham Engine

Five miles south of Ely on the Old West River is the sole surviving operational steam engine in the Black Fen. It was installed in 1831, replacing four wind pumps. This steam-powered pumping station was used to drain the Fens in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is open to the public on selected Sundays between April and October, 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

old stretham engine inside cc 2.0 Ashley Dace

old stretham engine inside cc 2.0 Ashley Dace

Peterborough Cathedral

This cathedral was rebuilt in the 12th century, and has remained mostly intact. It is the burial place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. On the approach to Peterborough by narrowboat, the cathedral can be clearly seen across the flat fields that lead to Stanground Lock.

peterborough cathedral-old image cc wiki public domain

peterborough cathedral-old image cc wiki public domain

The Nene Valley Railway

This historic railway can be visited from the Environment Agency moorings at Wansford Station. From here you can take a trip aboard a heritage steam or diesel train. This can be included as part of a narrowboat cruise towards Peterborough. Read: The Canal Boat Holiday That Train Enthusiasts Will Love.

Ely Cathedral

This cathedral is known as the ‘ship of the Fens’ because it is visible from miles away as you approach it. Enjoy the cathedral shops, and a cathedral tour, including access to the unique Octagon Tower and the Monastic Buildings around the cathedral grounds. While you are there you can also visit the Stained Glass Museum.

Oliver Cromwell’s House

Also in Ely you can see Oliver Cromwell’s House, which is now a museum. There’s so much to see in Ely it’s worth stopping overnight. If you’re visiting Ely by narrowboat the city centre is just a short walk away from the moorings, up a steep hill.

Museums

Cambridgeshire’s local museums are often low-cost or free. Wherever you travel by narrowboat you are likely to come across one. There is one in March, Whittlesey, one in Peterborough, and one in Ely. The more unusual ones are Oliver Cromwell’s House, and The Stained Glass Museum. Prickwillow Museum tells the story of the drainage of the Fens, the history of the local area, and showcases restored diesel engines.

Cambridge

One of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists visiting the UK, this ‘city of perspiring dreams’; is a world famous university city. Cambridge is good for shopping, restaurants, and getting cosy in ancient English pubs. Try punting on the river, stroll around some of the 31 colleges looking at impressive architecture, and wander among the bicycles and students.

Cruising Through History

Among these eight suggestions you will find quirkiness, famous sights, nostalgia, heritage and heaps of British charm. What could be more quintessentially English than visiting these ancient places by narrowboat?

cruising with fox narrowboats Nassington

cruising with fox narrowboats Nassington

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