About this trip.
Weighing up hire firms? UK narrowboat hire, compared lists 32 firms by canal, dog fees and fuel.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Cruising the Middle Level from March
March Marina sits in the fens of Cambridgeshire on the Middle Level waterways, close to the River Ouse and the River Nene, and within reach of both Cambridge and Ely. There aren't many locks on the routes from here, which makes it a good base for first-time boaters. The boats on offer sleep between two and six. They include the Alvechurch Wren, which is 49ft long and takes up to four people, and the Alvechurch Duck, which is 60ft long and takes up to six.
Week-long and short-break routes
A seven-night break lets you cruise to Huntingdon, where Oliver Cromwell was born. The Cromwell Museum there shows what life was like during the Civil War. Along this route you can also go bird watching, visit the remains of a 17th-century fort and see the bones of giant reptiles that lived in the region more than a hundred million years ago. The other week-long option is Cambridge, known around the world for its university, with plenty of museums and art galleries to visit. The Cambridge cruise crosses the flat fenlands, an area once called the "Holy Land of the English" because of its cathedrals.
For a shorter break you can go to Ely or Wansford. The Ely route passes through the Denver Tidal Sluice under wide skies and reaches Cromwell's home territory in Ely. The Wansford route runs through open countryside with geese, swans and rare, endangered wildlife. It has links to two Tudor queens and to a little blue tank engine called Thomas.
Tides, moorings and low bridges
Allow about five hours to cruise from the marina to the tidal lock at Salters Lode, the second lock on the way to Ely. Between March and Salters Lode there are three designated visitor moorings in March. The Well Creek Trust provides further visitor moorings in Upwell, Outwell and Ely. Tide times change every day, and bridge heights affect when you can cross. Rather than reading a tide table, ring the marina on 01354 652770 or Denver Lock on 01366 382340 to check crossing times before your holiday.
There are many low bridges on this water, so you can't bring bicycles. The only maps for the area are the Imray guide books IM1 and IM3.
Getting to the marina
The marina is at Fox Narrowboats, 10 Marina Drive, March. The nearest train station is March, about 2 miles away.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in England. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
