Narrowboat holiday destinations from Ely, Cambridgeshire

From Drifters base at Ely on the River Great Ouse at the centre of the Fenland waterways, you can experience gentle river cruising through the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire countryside. You’ll journey through picturesque landscapes, seeing some wonderful wildlife and exploring rich heritage sites and historic market towns.

Ely is famous for its stunning Norman cathedral, containing the only pavement labyrinth in a UK cathedral.

3-night destinations from Ely

Cambridge and back (34 miles, 4 locks, 12 hours)

First cruise along the River Ouse to Wicken Fen, one of the National Trust’s beautiful wetland nature reserves. There you can enjoy walking through fenland and farmland, past marshes and reed beds. Then connect to the River Cam and cruise into the famous university city of Cambridge, where there are many beautiful buildings, including King’s College Chapel. Cambridge also has a great choice of independent shops and restaurants to visit, including the Ivy Brasserie and Bills.

4-night destinations from Ely

St Ives and back (44 miles, 6 locks, 16 hours)

Begin cruising through the Cambridgeshire countryside along the beautiful River Great Ouse. You then connect to the Old West River, which forms part of the old course of the Great Ouse. When you reach the village of Earith you can enjoy birdwatching and fishing on the Earith Lakes. Continue to the historic market town of St Ives, famous for its 15^th century chapel bridge, one of only four in England. There’s a market on Mondays and a great choice of places to eat, including the historic Dolphin and White Hart pubs. You can also visit the Norris Museum & Library, with fascinating artefacts including fossilised bones of giant reptiles.

7-night destinations from Ely

St Neots and back (74 miles, 18 locks, 28 hours)

Follow the 4-night route to St Ives and continue cruising through the countryside to the ancient market town of Huntingdon. There you can visit the Oliver Cromwell Museum and dine out at a great choice of pubs and restaurants, including the White Hart gastro pub. Next cruise on along the River Great Ouse to the riverside market town of St Neots. There you can visit Buckden Towers, where Catherine of Aragon was once imprisoned, and St Neots Museum. There are plenty of independent shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy, as well as riverside walks, markets and festivals.

Cambridge and Huntingdon and back (83 miles, 14 locks, 28 hours)

Follow the 3-night route to Cambridge and then return to Ely and head the other way along the River Great Ouse to Huntingdon.

Bedford and back (104 miles, 32 locks, 42 hours)

Follow the route to St Neots and continue cruising along the River Great Ouse to Bedford. There you can moor up to visit the remains of Bedford’s medieval castle and Bedford Park. There’s plenty for families to do in Bedford, including bowling, cinema and swimming. Places to eat include Tana Thai and the Olive Tree.