March Marina, Cambridgeshire

Discover the hidden delights of the Cambridgeshire countryside on a dog-friendly canal boat cruise beginning at March Marina. Together with your best furry friend, meander along the gentle waterways on a comfortable berth packed with modern amenities through routes around the East of England. Stop off for some fabulous walking opportunities and make sure to visit fido-friendly sights along your route starting in March. Nestled in the fens on the middle level waterways, close to the River Ouse and River Nene, destinations on route vary from quaint towns to the history and culture of central Cambridge. All ABC Boat Hire canal boats at March Marina berth two to six and come equipped with all you need to swap the hustle and bustle of life in the city for an idyllic boating escape with your canine companion.

Begin your boating adventure for the first time or as a more experienced crew member with full tuition provided at the start of every journey. A handover ensures you are comfortable operating the canal boat and includes where you can moor and how to operate locks, lifts and swing bridges. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust and are free of charge, meaning your boat will be permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal as long as no obstruction is being caused. An overnight fee may be charged for overnight moorings at a select number of privately owned sites such as The River Thames. 

A suggested route for those wanting a longer escape is Cambridge & Return from March Marina, a route that communes with nature and covers some of Britain's most potent history. This route covers 10 locks and takes a total of seven nights to complete. Highlights include the extraordinary Ely Cathedral where you and your canine companion can explore its surroundings before cruising the River Ouse to Wicken Fen where there is a wetland nature reserve owned by the National Trust. When entering into Cambridge, make sure to moor up and explore the many historical attractions and dog-friendly pubs including the waterside Boathouse.

If you’re looking for a shorter break, Ely & Return from March Marina can be completed in three or four nights passing through six locks. This route takes crew members on a journey bursting with history and wildlife, promising a tranquil cruise when passing through Salter’s Lode Lock. When entering Ely, venture on a scenic walk around Ely Cathedral before enjoying an afternoon tea with your furry friend in tow at Peacocks Tea Room before the return journey to March.

All dog-friendly canal boats are available from April to November. Arrive on Friday, Saturday or Monday for a 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 or 14 night stay. Please note that each route has individual changeover dates. In a canal boat berthing 4, enjoy a 3 night stay from £999 or 7 night stay from £1,399 in the low season, excluding fuel supplement. Supplements apply on summer dates and larger boats.