Canoe Hire Short Break Canoe Holidays 2012
on the River Nene in Northamptonshire
Welcome...
The River Nene in East Northamptonshire is the county's best kept secret and what better way to unlock its magic than exploring it in a Canadian open canoe. It's an excellent way to shake off the stresses and strains of normal day to day life as it forces you to slow down to the rivers gentle pace. Rediscover our incredible heritage with beautiful villages like Fotheringhay, the birth place of Richard III and site of the imprisonment and later execution of Mary Queen of Scots. Or maybe Lyvden New Beild. This Elizabethan property was abandoned In 1605 when its creator Sir Thomas Tresham died and his son became embroiled in the Catholic gunpowder plot.
One thing is for sure, you will discover a piece of our kingdom that remains unspoilt and is rich in heritage as well as being home to a wonderful collection of wildlife.
No time like the present!
Yes, there has never been a better opportunity to have a short break on the River Nene than now. And with our new selection of packaged breaks, incorporating bell tents, or our selection of excellent country hotels and B&Bs, you really will have an amazing choice of river adventures to choose from.
- Our river adventures range from 1 to 5 days
- Choose from Luxury Bell Tents or excellent country properties
- Mongolian Yurt available on selected trips
- Overnight stays in Bell Tents - extend your trip with extra nights
- Discounts for families of 4 people travelling in one canoe
We hope to see you out with us soon for your paddling adventure!
Luxury Camping Bundles
Our Bell Tents
Your canoeing adventure on the River Nene becomes complete with one of our luxury camping packages. Spend a comfortable night under canvas with the sounds of the river all around you. Wake to birdsong and the dawning of another day’s adventure.
Our spacious, 5m diameter bell tents can accommodate up to six people and still have room to move and relax inside. They are equipped with high quality air mattresses for a good night’s sleep, rugs, lighting and low tables.
A fire pit and a supply of firewood is also provided so you can all enjoy the evening round your campfire.
Tables and chairs are also supplied for outside use, as well as a toilet tent at sites with no toilet facilities.
A camp kitchen is also provided and will create a unique al-fresco cooking experience, equipped with all the utensils, cookware and crockery you need to knock up an outdoor feast. A breakfast box is included in all our luxury camping bundles. Breakfast boxes offer a selection of high quality, locally sourced food, selected, packed and delivered to your tent with minimum food miles. The breakfast box contains thick rashers of dry cured back bacon and traditional recipe pork sausages from our local butcher, Seven Wells at Oundle http://www.sevenwells.co.uk. Delicious cooked over your camp fire. Eggs from our own hens at Barnwell, fresh tomato and a handful of mushrooms added to the pan, bread and butter and a large mug of tea or coffee makes a sumptuous breakfast and a great start to a day on the river.
The Yurt
Our accommodation available at Barnwell steps up a notch with our 18ft yurt. The round Mongolian style tent provides an enhanced level of camping comfort - full headroom inside and your own front door! Fully decorated and furnished with futons, rugs, tables, lanterns and wall hangings.
It even has a wood burning stove, perfect for cooler evenings. The Yurt will sleep up to six people, and a breakfast box is also included in your overnight stay.
Optional - Barbecue Box (min 2 people)
The barbeque box contains a selection of high quality meats from our local butcher, including traditional sausages, handmade burgers and barbecue specialities such as chicken, steak or spare ribs in a delicious marinade, salad, bread rolls and sauces. Relax around the campfire with friends - a perfect end to the day! Vegetarian options are available.
Our free 2012 Short Break Canoe Holidays Brochure, with prices starting at just £99 per person, can be downloaded HERE.
Camping Locations
Barnwell
Camp near the historic market town of Oundle on a small campsite overlooking the river with views across open farmland. The campsite is situated on a smallholding with sheep, pigs and chickens near a working boatyard and a rowing club. The village of Barnwell is about 20 minutes walk away where you will find the local shop and the Montagu Arms which is well worth a visit, serving a good selection of real ales and food. Alternatively Oundle is 30 minutes in the opposite direction where there is a wide choice of shops, pubs and restaurants. Toilet facilities are on site
Fotheringhay
Your camp is located in one of Northamptonshire’s finest villages and on the site of Fotheringhay Castle. The castle (no longer standing) was famous for the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587 and also the birth place of King Richard III. A 5 minute walk from the campsite and you will discover The Falcon Inn, a truly splendid place to end your day. As the camp site has no facilities other than fresh water, we can bring everything you require for a comfortable experience.
Wadenhoe
This camp (exclusive to Canoe2) is located at one of the most tranquil and beautiful locations along the River Nene. Just a short walk along the Nene Way and you pass the 800 year old church. The setting here is just idyllic. A short walk from here and you arrive at the Kings Head at Wadenhoe which dates back to the 17th century. The perfect riverside thatched inn with an excellent reputation for its food, drink and atmosphere. This site has fresh water available.
Ringstead
This is a new site for Canoe2 customers in 2012. Situated by the side of the river amongst the trees, this site is just ideal for paddlers. A truly peaceful spot on the River Nene. This site also benefits from shower facilities. The Axe and Compass in Ringstead is 20 minutes walk away and an excellent place to round off your day.
Prices for Optional Extras
Break up your River Adventure - book an extra night.
Why not extend your chosen route with an extra night at one of your camp locations, giving you the opportunity to explore places like Wadenhoe or Fotheringhay or maybe just chill out by the river. Prices start from just £55 per person and this also includes your continued canoe hire and a freshly delivered breakfast box to your camp.
Our free 2012 Short Break Canoe Holidays Brochure, with prices starting at just £99 per person, can be downloaded HERE.
Overnight Hotel/B&B Bundles
New for 2012
At Canoe2 we understand that some people want a longer journey on the river, but stopping under canvas is not their thing. So this year we have teamed up with some of our river friends in order to offer you some great bundled river journeys with wonderful overnight accommodation near the river. It’s simple, one price and we arrange everything for you. All our accommodation providers are independent and each offer something very unique to their guests. Oh, and don’t forget we move your overnight luggage for you!
Wadenhoe House, Wadenhoe
Set in eight acres of landscaped gardens, Wadenhoe House is a magnificent Jacobean manor house nestling in the rolling Northamptonshire countryside near Oundle, the perfect setting for a very special country house. The elegant surroundings, graceful rooms and immaculately manicured grounds of Wadenhoe House await you at the end of a day’s paddling.
The Woolpack Inn, Islip
Located in the quiet village of Islip in Northamptonshire, close to the River Nene, The Woolpack offers a relaxing dining area with a menu to satisfy all tastes. Choose from one of the real ales at either the upstairs or downstairs bar. With eight large self-contained chalets - all en-suite, why not break your journey and enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.
Castle Farm Guest House, Fotheringhay
A tastefully converted Victorian farmhouse, situated in one of England's most picturesque and historical locations. With lawns running down to the River Nene at the front and adjoining the site of Fotheringhay Castle to the side, it is well placed to make the most of this wonderful Nene Valley village where Richard III was born and Mary, Queen of Scots beheaded
Woodford Mill Apartments, Ringstead
Woodford Mill dates back to the 16th Century and has recently been lovingly restored. It now possesses two impressive self-contained apartments with views of the boats in the marina. Every care has been taken during restoration and many original parts of the mill can be seen in the rooms. Blend this with the fresh contemporary interior design and you’ll find it hard to leave.
Baggage Transfer
Canoe2 want you to get the most from your time on the river, and one of the great things about our packaged river breaks is that we take the hassle out of your trip by transporting your overnight belongings direct to your accommodation. Whether you are under canvas or in a hotel, for one night, or more, you'll be able to fully enjoy your paddling experience.
Family Reductions - Up To £90 per Family
We have introduced a price reduction on all our bundles for families with younger children sharing a 4 person canoe. Both children will need to be under 13 years of age for a family to share a 4 person canoe (a 4 person canoe requires the right weight ratio to avoid them becoming too unstable - please check with us to see if your family is eligible for this).
We won’t charge you extra during school holidays!
We don’t believe in penalising families for paddling during the school holidays. We use the same price throughout our entire season.IT’S SIMPLE AND FAIR!
Our free 2012 Short Break Canoe Holidays Brochure showing all of your options, from two half days right through to a full 4 or 5 day trip, and including all of the Luxury Camping, Hotel and B&B accommodation, starting at just £99 per person, can be downloaded HERE.
