The Canal & River Trust and Drifters Waterway Holidays are offering people the chance to try canal boating for free with Fox Narrowboats at March Marina.
The taster sessions on Sunday April 15 will include free, short trips on skippered narrowboats, as well as boat tours and holiday discounts.
People of all ages are encouraged to take part and no advanced booking is required.
Paula Syred, of Fox Narrowboats, said: “There will be games and competitions and we are having a refreshment stall and the proceeds from this will be going to Heart of the Fens Defibs for March (Rob Skoulding).
“Staff will be on hand running short trips on our holiday boats giving people the chance to take the helm under tuition.
“Our own hire boats will be on display as well as those from our franchise operation ABC Boathire.”
Gareth Stephens, national boating business manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: “We believe that waterways have the power to make a real difference to people’s lives and that spending time by water makes us all healthier and happier.
“Thousands of people already enjoy boating holidays on our beautiful 2,000-mile network of inland waterways, and these free canal boat taster sessions are a great way to know that this sort of holiday is for you, before committing to a weekend or longer break.”
Tim Parker, chairman of Drifters Waterway Holidays, added: “Travelling at just four miles per hour through peaceful countryside, sleepy villages and vibrant waterside towns and cities, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’.
“Close to 400,000 people go canal boating each year - almost double the number 10 years ago.
“And there are now more canal boats on our waterways than at the height of the Industrial Revolution.
“Last year, over 3,800 people got afloat at our one of our open day events and we look forward to welcoming thousands more visitors this year, to discover why canal boat holidays are so special.”
For more information about the event at March Marina call 01354 652770 or email reception@foxboats.co.uk
Further details about all the open day events can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/trycanalboating
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