Ely Canal Boat Hire

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE AT ELY

Begin your relaxing narrowboat holiday from our canal boat hire base in Ely, in the picturesque heart of the Fenland waterways, perfect for exploring Cambridgeshire. Our fleet of Duchess 2 and Duchess 4 narrow boats offer boating rental holidays for parties of 2 to 5 people and a selection of routes that will see you cruising through cities, towns and villages  including the city of Cambridge and the beautiful medieval towns of St Neots and St Ives. You’ll be cruising your narrowboat on rivers in this area, including the River Cam and Great Ouse.

Routes from
Ely Base

ELY HIRE BASE

Bridge Boatyard, Bridge Road,
Ely, Cambs. CB7 4DY

MAP & DIRECTIONS

Cambridge and return canal boat holiday

36 Miles
4 Locks
3 Night Cruise
4 hours per day

Ely to St Ives and return, canal boat holiday

44 Miles
6 Locks
3 Night Cruise
4 hours per day

Ely to St Neots and return, canal boat holiday

74 Miles
18 Locks
3 Night Cruise
8 hours per day

Ely to Bedford and return, one week canal boat holiday

102 Miles
32 Locks
1 Week Cruise
5 hours per day

Ely, Cambridge to Huntingdon and return canal boat holiday

54 Miles
10 Locks
1 Week Cruise
4 hours per day

Cambridge and Bedford and Return Canal Boat Holiday

186 Miles
40 Locks
2 Week Cruise
4.5 hours per day

ELY CANAL BOAT ROUTES

Cambridge and Return >

This scenic route offers a relaxing three-day canal boat holiday from Ely to Wicken Fen and Cambridge, a lovely boat hire route for those keen on both wildlife spotting and visiting the sights of Cambridge, the historic university town. You’ll start on the river in Ely on the River Great Ouse and then the River Cam, navigating your canal boat all the way into Cambridge.

St Ives and Return >

This is a 3-night canal boat holiday from Ely to the bustling medieval market town of St Ives and back.

St Neots and Return >

Enjoy a three or four-night canal boat holiday from Ely to St Neots. St Neots is a charming market town with a rich medieval heritage, sitting on the banks of the River Great Ouse. There’s plenty to see here and lots of places to eat out, in pubs and restaurants.

Bedford and Return >

This seven night trip to Bedford involves gentle cruising of around five hours per day to the bustling town of Bedford. You’ll enjoy the picturesque views along the River Ouse, and Bedford has plenty of options for shopping and eating out.

Huntingdon and Return >

This seven night narrow boat holiday from Ely to Huntingdon along the River Ouse takes around four hours per day of easy cruising. Huntington is a bustling market town near Cambridge, and well worth visiting for the historic market square and medieval church.

Cambridge and Bedford Return >

This 14 night cruise allows you plenty of time to take in the beautiful sights of the River Ouse to both Cambridge and Bedford, taking in St Neots and St Ives.

NARROWBOATS AVAILABLE FOR BOAT HIRE FROM ELY

Below are the boat types that are available to hire from this base. When you start your Fenland waterways holiday search all the boat options and dates that closely match your desired departure date and party number will be presented to you.

START DAYSFRI 2.30PM – MON 2.30PM

Princess 2 Signature | Duchess 4 | Princess 4

START DAYS: SAT 2.30PM – TUES 2.30PM

Princess 4

BASE INFORMATION

The Lamb Hotel. 2 Lynn Road, Ely, Cambs. CB7 4EJ
Double Room from £115 Single Room £70 per night including breakfast
The Lamb Hotel  Tel: 01353 663574

The Riverside Inn. 8 Annesdale, Ely, Cambs. CB7 4BN
£90-£140 per room per night inc. breakfast
www.riversideinn-ely.co.uk Tel: 01353 661677

The Nyton. 7 Barton Road, Ely, Cambs. CB7 4HZ
www.thenyton.com Tel: 01353 662459

Travelodge. A10/A142 Roundabout,Witchford Road, Ely, Cambs. CB6 3NN
From £19 per night
travelodge.co.uk/hotels/26/Ely-hotel Tel: 0871 9846028

Ely Tourist Information Centre, Oliver Cromwell House, 29 St Marys
Street, Ely, Cambs. CB7 4HF
www.visitely.org.uk/visitor-information/tourist-information-centre/ Tel: 01353 662062

National Rail Enquiries:

www.nationalrail.co.uk Tel: 08457 484950
www.thetrainline.com Tel: 0871 244 1545
Nearest Airport: Stanstead
www.stansteadairport.com Tel. 0844 335 1803

Nearest Railway Station: Ely

A10 Taxis Tel: 01353 661010
Fencabs Tel: 01353 669966
Alans Taxis Tel: 01353 665050

Approximate prices: (Prices courtesy of A10 Taxis – subject to change)
Stanstead Airport to Bridge Boatyard £95

There are a number of good shops in Ely (inc. Sainsbury’s and Waitrose) and a Tesco supermarket close to the boatyard

From Heathrow airport, get the London underground tube to London Kings Cross station.

From Gatwick airport, get the Gatwick Express to London Victoria station, then get a London underground tube to London Kings Cross station.

From Stansted airport, get the London underground tube to London Kings Cross station.

From London Kings Cross station, get a First Capital Connect train to Ely

From Birmingham International airport, get train to Birmingham New Street station and then train to Ely.

Visit www.tfl.gov.uk to plan your route on the London Underground.

From the South: M11 Exit at junction 14 then merge ontoA14. Exit at Junction 33 take first exit at roundabout marked A10. Followsigns to Ely for 12 miles. On outskirts of Ely take 3rd exit at roundabout marked Ely Rail Station. Follow sighns to Ely Rail Station (onA142 to Newmarket). Bridge Boatyard is situated on the sliproad for level crossing for high sided vehicles adjacent to Ely Rail Station.

From the North: M6 at Corley Service Area branch left and take A14 signposted Felixstowe. Exit at Junction 33 and follow directions as above.

www.theaa.com/route-planner

ELY REVIEWS

Keith FiddyKeith Fiddy
18:54 26 Sep 22
Carol EverettCarol Everett
20:01 16 Jun 22
Great holiday very relaxing.
John GilbertJohn Gilbert
07:11 03 Jul 21
Great service and great boats. A lovely time was had by all.
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NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE? HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT NARROWBOAT HIRE?

Call today on ++44 (0)1527 575 115 and a Black Prince team member will be happy to help!

contact us