Why Cambridgeshire?

A narrow boat holiday in Cambridgeshire offers you a different type of holiday, as the waterways here are all rivers. Located in southeast England, Cambridge holidays from our hire base at Ely are famous for trips to the historic city, plus the nearby Fens wetland reserves – perfect for birdwatching – and quaint English villages that date back to medieval times.

The River Cam, immortalised in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, meanders its way to the historic city of Cambridge. The Cam offers lovely scenic views and being a popular route for narrowboat hire, you’ll be sharing the waterways with anglers, rowers and canoeists, as Cambridge boat hire is popular here.

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 your canal holiday, 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.

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.

Nearby Attractions

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 most importantly, a nice restaurant.

Cambridgeshire is often referred to as ‘The Holy Land of the English’ with its multitude of churches and cathedrals. As well as Ely Cathedral, it’s worth checking out the beautiful buildings in Ramsey, Crowland, Thorney and Peterborough.

Huntingdon is known as the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell. Discover what life was life during the Civil Wars at the Cromwell Museum.

Ferrymeadows Country Park is perfect for anglers & walkers. Less than 3 miles from Peterborough it runs alongside the River Nene.

Rivers to cruise from Ely, Cambridgeshire

River Ouse

River Cam

Old West River

Lark River