A Surprise Guest
We are so excited to share this Guardian narrowboat review! When Annabel Abbs booked a holiday for her family aboard 5 Star Einstein’s Fox, she didn’t tell us she was a journalist for the Guardian. Luckily, our boats are always shipshape, our service is always 5 star and the canal is always beautiful. She loved it so much that she wrote an article about it!
A Canal Journey That Transforms Screen Time Into Serenity
What happens when a screen-addicted family trades Wi-Fi for waterways? Writer Annabel Abbs embarks on a Foxhangers Boatyard narrowboat adventure along Wiltshire’s Kennet and Avon Canal, expecting tech withdrawal—but instead, they discover a world of slow travel, stunning landscapes, and deep connection.
From steering mishaps to hidden foodie gems, ancient landmarks, and a spontaneous rescue by teenage rowers, this floating escape proves that canal life offers far more entertainment than any phone screen. A true digital detox, powered by tranquil waters, historic stops, and a heron that keeps watch.
The Boat
Annabel enjoyed 5 Star luxury aboard Einstein’s Fox. Designed and built bespoke by Foxhangers for those who appreciate the finest of vessels. A traditional narrowboat on the outside blended with a clean modern and beautiful style inside. Incorporating unique features such as a king size bed, hydraulic bow thruster, granite surfaces, underfloor heating in the bathrooms and three televisions.
The Route
Annabel and her family cruised from our base, just outside Devizes, to Bath and back, passing through picturesque Bradford on Avon and the aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas
