Cambridgeshire Canal Boat Hire

44 6 16 Suitable for: Short Break or 1 Week holidays

Ely to St Ives and return,

Easy Short Break River Cruise

74 18 28 Suitable for: 1 Week, 10 Nights or 2 Week holidays

Ely to St Neots and return,

Wildlife Spotters Paradise

104 32 42 Suitable for: 1 Week, 10 Nights or 2 Week holidays

Ely to Bedford and return, one week

Relaxing River Cruising

83 14 28 Suitable for: 1 Week, 10 Nights or 2 Week holidays

Ely, Cambridge to Huntingdon and return

Relaxed Wildlife Break

195 40 67 Suitable for: 10 Nights or 2 Week holidays

Cambridge and Bedford and Return

The Full Fenlands Experience

Cambridgeshire Holiday Special Offers

Holiday Sale

Save up to 20%

Until 2nd February 2026

Save up to 20%

2027 Super Early Bird Offer

Save 20%

All 2027 Bookings

Save 20%

Loyalty Discount

Save up to 15%

For returning customers

Save up to 15%

Flotilla Offer

Save 5%

on additional boats

5% on additional boats

Narrowboats available to hire in Ely, Cambridgeshire

We offer a wide range of boats to suit all budgets and requirements, from small two-berth boats to spacious ten-berth boats and our boats are all fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including central heating, a kitchen, and a bathroom. We also provide comprehensive training on how to operate your boat, so you can relax and enjoy your holiday without any worries.

Duchess 4

58ft Narrowboat

Sleeps 2–4, 1 Toilet, 1 Shower

Princess 2 Signature

47ft Narrowboat

Sleeps 2–4, 1 Toilet, 1 Shower

Princess 4

52ft Narrowboat

Sleeps 4–6, 1 Toilet, 1 Shower

Top Attractions in Cambridgeshire

The Fens – a stunning wetland nature reserve that attracts scores of wildlife and has a long history dating back beyond medieval times. A beautiful place to explore on canal boat weekend breaks, don’t forget your camera.
Ely Cathedral – originally founded as an abbey in the year 673, it began its reconstruction as a cathedral in 1083. The architect George Gilbert Scott famously restored it and you should visit the famous pavement labyrinth.
The medieval chapel bridge in St Ives – dating back to the 15th century, it’s a stunning sight spanning over the River Ouse and you can cruise under this bridge on your boat trip to Cambridge.
St Ives – home of some of the biggest markets in the country, with its Monday market a feature that takes over the town centre.
Cambridge holidays – a historic city with a host of sights that are all within easy walking distance of the River Ouse. Various types of Cambridge boat hire are on offer here, if you fancy leaving the comfort of your own narrowboat, from punts to canoes and rowing boats.

Family attractions in Cambridgeshire

The Kiln, Bedford. If you fancy something different with the children then spending an afternoon at The Kiln in Bedford is a lot of fun. Create your own special pottery masterpieces here – no need for pre-booking.
Anglesey Abbey is an attraction that’s slightly out of the way – perhaps a pleasant bike ride from Cambridge, but it’s worth adding to your to do list. They have beautiful gardens, the house is open to visitors, there is an adventure playground for children plus there’s a working mill to have a tour round. And perhaps most importantly, a nice restaurant!
Cambridgeshire is often referred to as ‘The Holy Land of the English’ with its multitude of churches and cathedrals.
Huntingdon is known as the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. Discover what life was life during the Civil Wars at the Cromwell Museum.

All Cambridgeshire Attractions

Ely

Cambridge

Moorings along the river bring you within walking distance of Cambridge’s famous sights. The colleges and their courtyards are dotted through the city, and the River Cam is alive with students trying to master a punt. A short visit gives you time for a stroll through the historic centre before heading back to your own, rather more reliable, boat.

Ely

Chapel Bridge, St Ives

The medieval bridge in St Ives is one of only a handful in England with a chapel built into it. Dating from the 1400s, it’s a striking feature of the town and a rare piece of medieval engineering you can still cruise beneath. A reminder that waterways have always been part of local life.

Ely

From the river, Ely’s cathedral rises above the fens like a beacon. Moor up and it’s only a short walk into this small but impressive city. The cathedral, known locally as “the Ship of the Fens” is worth the visit alone, and the surrounding streets have a quiet charm. A leisurely wander and a stop for coffee will easily fill a couple of hours, ideal just before or just after your narrowboat cruise in Cambrideshire.

Ely

Ely Cathedral

Ely’s cathedral dominates the skyline for miles around and is one of the most impressive in England. Founded as an abbey in 673 and rebuilt as a cathedral in 1083, it has been carefully restored over the centuries. Highlights include the octagonal lantern tower and the pavement labyrinth designed by George Gilbert Scott. A great place to visit before or after your holiday from Ely.

Cambridgeshire

St Ives

St Ives sits on the River Great Ouse and is best known for its long-running markets. The Monday market takes over the town centre, while smaller ones run throughout the week. The town itself has riverside walks, a lovely town centre and, of course, the medieval bridge. You can moor easily in the town including overnight to make the most of the range of restaurants and pubs.

Ely

The Fens

Cruising through the Fens offers a very different landscape – flat, open and full of wildlife. Marsh harriers, herons and swans are regular sights on the rivers and it’s a place for unhurried boating and photography rather than rushing ashore.

Rivers to cruise from Ely, Cambridgeshire

River Ouse

River Cam

Old West River

Lark River

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to operate a canal boat?

No, you do not need a special license to operate a canal boat in Cambridgeshire. As part of our British Marine accreditation, our Black Prince team will provide a training session upon arrival, during which you will learn the basics of boat handling and safety procedures.

Can beginners hire a canal boat?

Absolutely! Canal boating can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. Before setting out, you will receive full instruction on how to operate the boat safely.

What are the best routes for a canal boat holiday in Cambridgeshire?

There are a variety of routes you can cruise from our canal boat hire base in Cambridgeshire. The River Cam is a popular choice, offering scenic routes through Cambridge and beyond, you can also choose cruises along the River Ouse to St Ives, St Neots and Bedford.

How long can I hire a canal boat for?

You can hire a canal boat from Black Prince for a 3, 4, 4, 10 or 14 night duration. Longer hire periods are possible depending on availability, please call our team for details. Our route pages highlight how long each of the routes will take to cruise, however you can vary your daily itinerary as you wish, as long as you leave enough time to get back to your canal boat hire base in time.

Are pets allowed on canal boats?

Yes, we have a selection of pet-friendly narrowboats for hire in Cambridgeshire, please ensure that you choose a pet-friendly boat during your booking process. The first pet goes free, there will be an additional charge for your second pet. We do allow a variety of type of pet on board, please call our team for any special requests.

Is there a best time of year to go on a canal boat holiday in Cambridgeshire?

Black Prince offer canal boat holidays in Cambridgeshire between March and October each year. July and August are popular times, when you can get the best of the UK weather. Outside of these times tend to be quieter on the rivers.

Are there locks on the rivers?

Yes, there are locks on rivers and navigating locks is a key part of the canal boating experience. Most locks are manually operated, requiring you to open and close gates and adjust water levels. You will receive a briefing on how to operate the locks safely from our Black Prince team during your induction process.

What should I do if the river levels are too high or too low?

Unlike canals, river levels can affect navigation safety. Our Black Prince team at our narrowboat hire base in Ely monitor water levels closely and will advise you if conditions are unsafe. If you encounter unexpected high or low levels during your cruise, it’s best to moor your boat and contact us for guidance.

Can I moor my boat anywhere along the river?

While there are many designated mooring spots along UK rivers, you cannot moor just anywhere. Look for signposted public moorings or check with the hire company about permissible mooring areas. Avoid mooring on private property without permission or in restricted areas.

What equipment is provided on the boat?

All the equipment you need for cruising on the rivers in Cambridgeshire is provided, including life jackets, an anchor and a full instruction manual. You will be given a full coaching session on your arrival at base will take approximately one and a half hours.

What support is available if I encounter problems during my trip?

Black Prince offer a 24 hour emergency phone line in case you experience any difficulties on your trip. This will be detailed in the boating handbook that will be provided on board before you leave.

Are there any qualifications or experience required to navigate a canal boat on a Cambridge river trip?

No specific qualifications are required for most river navigations in the UK. It is beneficial to have some prior boating experience but we do provide a full British Marine accredited coaching session before you depart.

Latest Cambridgeshire news

Black Prince wins Best Self Catering Award

Black Prince wins an award from Cheshire Tourism board, recognising our high level of holiday accommodation in the area.

British Travel Awards Win!

Black Prince Narrowboat Holidays recently won the Silver Award in the "Best UK Short Break" category at the British Travel Awards.

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Birmingham and Fazeley Canal

The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal is relatively short, at just under 15 miles in length, but its importance lay in the vital inland waterways connections it provided between larger West Midlands canal networks.

Bridgewater Canal

The Bridgewater is famous for being England's first canal - or perhaps more accurately, Britain's first industrial canal. 39 miles in length, stretches from Runcorn to Leigh in the north west of England.

Caldon Canal

The Caldon Canal (or the Caldon Branch of the Trent and Mersey Canal which is the proper title) was built at the end of the 18th century to serve the burgeoning industry of the Midlands.

Coventry Canal

One of the UK's shorter waterways, the Coventry Canal starts in Coventry Canal Basin and heads north west for 38 miles through the Midlands’ countryside up to Fradley Junction, just north of Lichfield.

Forth and Clyde Canal

The Forth & Clyde Canal was the first canal to be built in Scotland in the eighteenth century, crossing central Scotland east to west from the Bowling Basin on the River Clyde to the Forth estuary at the River Carron.

Grand Union Canal Guide

The Grand Union Canal is the longest canal in the UK spanning across several counties and linking the major cities of Birmingham and London.

Kennet & Avon Canal Guide

Whether you're looking for holidays on the Kennet or canal routes in Bristol and Bath, the Kennet and Avon canal is a wonderful location for a canal boat holiday.

Leeds Liverpool Canal

Taking almost 50 years to complete, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is the longest canal in Britain built as a single waterway by one company, at 127 miles.

Llangollen Canal Guide

The Llangollen Canal has been described as the most beautiful canal for boat trips in the UK. This scenic waterway and canal system crosses the border between England and Wales

Macclesfield Canal

This rural canal in Cheshire was one of the last narrow canals to be built before the advent of the railways. The famous canal surveyor Thomas Telford was involved in the planning of the canal and this 26 mile stretch was opened in 1832.

North and South Oxford Canal

Built in the late eighteenth century and quickly becoming the main transport route from the midlands to the south of England, this meandering canal cuts through some of the prettiest countrysides in England.

Shropshire Union Canal

The Shropshire Union Canal, known affectionately as the 'Shroppie', links the canal system of the West Midlands, at Wolverhampton, with the River Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

Trent and Mersey Canal

This cross-country canal runs across the north midlands of England, from Runcorn in Cheshire to Shardlow in Derbyshire. It's a great canal holiday route for narrow boat and canal cruising on of the most famous UK canals.