Canal Boat Holiday Base 34 Information - on the Cambridge Waterways

Short Break Routes One Week Routes Boats from Base 34

About the Area

Begin your relaxing holiday from our base in Ely, in the picturesque heart of the Fenland waterways, overlooked by its magnificent cathedral.

Our boats offer holidays for parties of 2 to 6 people and a selection of routes that will see you cruising to Cambridge and through market towns and villages along the beautiful waterways, making Ely the ideal base to begin exploring.

Routes from Base 34

Your holiday isn't tied to a specific route. You simply hire a boat for the time you choose, then explore the canals however you like. Our short-break, week, and two week routes are just ideas to help you plan your ideal canal holiday.

Short break routes (3 - 4 nights)

Ely to Cambridge via Wicken Fen & Return
38 Miles • 3 locks • 4 hours a day

From our base in the city of Ely with its beautiful cathedral, you will cruise the unspoilt waters of the River Ouse to Wicken Fen, a stunning wetland nature reserve. Continuing on the River Cam to Cambridge, visit its world famous university and discover its cultural highlights, including King's College Chapel and enjoy a stroll through the backstreets.

Ely to St. Ives and Return
45 Miles • 3 locks • 4 hours a day

Cruise from Ely on the Old West River to Earith village where you can enjoy some wonderful birdwatching. Move on then to the historic market town of St. Ives, with its 15th century Chapel Bridge and Norris Museum and Library.

Ely to St. Neots and Return
77 Miles • 9 locks • 8 hours a day / 4 nights • 6 hours a day

From our base in Ely, take the Old West River and on to the historic market town of St. Ives, with its 15th century Chapel Bridge, Norris Museum and Library and moving on to the Oliver Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon. From there, cruise on to Buckden with its famous Great Tower (where Catherine of Aragon was once imprisoned), ending at the market town of St. Neots.

One week routes

Ely to Bedford and Return
107 Miles • 16 locks • 5 hours a day

Cruising from our base in the city of Ely with its beautiful cathedral, travel the unspoilt waters of the River Ouse to Wicken Fen, a stunning wetland nature reserve. Continuing on the River Cam to Cambridge, visit its world famous university and discover its cultural highlights, including King's College and enjoy a stroll through the backstreets. Return to Popes Corner and cruise south to the historic market town of St. Ives, with its 15th century Chapel Bridge and Norris Museum and Library. Moving on through the pretty villages of Houghton, Wyton and Hemingford Grey to reach Huntingdon, home to the Oliver Cromwell Museum.

Ely, Cambridge to Huntingdon and Return
89 Miles • 8 locks • 4 hours a day

Cruising from our base in the city of Ely with its beautiful cathedral, travel the unspoilt waters of the River Ouse to Wicken Fen, a stunning wetland nature reserve. Continuing on the River Cam to Cambridge, visit its world famous university and discover its cultural highlights, including King's College and enjoy a stroll through the backstreets. Don't miss King's College Chapel and a stroll along the backstreets. Return to Popes Corner and cruise south to the historic market town of St. Ives, with its 15th century Chapel Bridge and Norris Museum and Library. Moving on through the pretty villages of Houghton, Wyton and Hemingford Grey to reach Huntingdon, home to the Oliver Cromwell Museum.