Herbert Woods - Broads Holiday Adventures

💫 UPDATE | Gleaming Light | NEW for '19 💫
The windows are in and the bathing platform is set! We’re all getting excited to see her finished! 😍
Just 8 days until the official launch! 🥳
... Keep posted for the final pictures which will be revealed on Thursday 21st March! 📷
Find out more and book today https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/book/gleam ing-light/
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Our website www.herbertwoods.co.uk is 30 years old today! 😍
Here's to many more years of exciting adventures on the Broads! 🥳🤩
find your perfect cruiser here 👇
... https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk
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It was great to have Polly Guy come and visit us today ahead of the official launch for Gleaming Light on Thursday 21st March! 🥳
Thank you for your sweet treats and we’ll see you on Thursday for the big day! 😁😁
Find out more about Gleaming Light 👇🏻... https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/book/gleam ing-light/
📷 - 👈🏻 John Brunning, James Brooks, Sophie Bowgen, Polly Guy, John Butler, Elaine Butler, Bradley and Mike Hogarth 👉🏼
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Here’s a map we’ve come across from our archives! It’s great to see how the map use to be and the companies! #pieceofhistory 😍
Roys of Wroxham

📢❄️ Our April Cottage Price Band Freeze! ❄️ 📢
If the thought of an expensive Easter holiday is getting you hot under the collar then look no further. 🏡
How about Broadlands? 🏡 This modern two bedroom cottage is situated on the River Thurne by Potter Heigham bridge and sleeps up to 6 people across two bedrooms and a sofa bed.
... ⓦⓐⓢ £881, ⓝⓞⓦ £576
Find out more and book your holiday today! 👇 https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/cottage-pr ice-band-freeze/
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Here’s a #throwbackthursday of an aerial view overlooking the River Thurne and Herbert Woods 📸
How things have changed in 80 years! 😱
Do you have any throwback pictures? Share yours below 👇🏻

Our Connoisseur Cruiser Emerald Light sleeps up to 8 people across 3 cabins and a convertible seating area.
This boat has a raised central steering position and a winch operated full sliding canopy opening the whole saloon area for those sunny days.
Recently updated with a Bow Thruster and Shore Power Facility. Like what you see?
... Call or click to book today 0800 144 4472.
https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/book/emera ld-light/
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It’s #pancakeday! 🥞
Share your best pancake pictures with us! 📸
What’s your favourite topping? 😍😋

Gleaming Light - Launch Date 📸
It’s official! Gleaming Light will be launched on Thursday 21st March 2019 with a very special celebrity guest 🥳😆
If you’re in the area, come on down and help us celebrate the launch of our brand new and exciting cruiser ready to hire from 1st April 🚤
... More information about the day is yet to be released 🤫🤗
Gleaming Light - https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/book/gleam ing-light/
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Thinking of a 2019 family holiday? Fancy something different? 😍😁
Our connoisseur range of cruisers are an excellent family friendly choice & great for first time boaters! Cabins sleep 4+2 and 6+2 in a range of configurations so you can choose what works perfectly for you.
... Take a look at our connoisseur range here...👇
https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/boating-ho lidays/boat-hire/…
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Let's see your views! 👀
Here’s the beautiful Norfolk skies from this morning! 😍
Whether you are at work, home or out an about what's your view today? Here's ours from reception #thankfulthursday #sunnyfebruary ☀️

📢 Final Call - Our Ultimate 40% off 14 Boats 📢
Payday 💰 = HOLIDAY!
Today’s the final day to take advantage of our fantastic 40% off selected boats in March 🚤
... Find out more and book your ultimate holiday today! 👇🏻
https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/40-off-fou rteen-boats/
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The brand new Norfolk Broads - A6 Pocket Guides have arrived! 😬
Whether you’re looking for inspiration or general knowledge about the Broads then this new pocket guide could be your new best friend ♥️
We’ll give you one upon checking in for your holiday 📖

⏱ Only 2 Days to Go - Our Ultimate 40% off 14! 📢
Book any of our selected 14 cruisers to start between Fri 1st March and Sun 31st March 2019 and receive an automatically applied 40% discount off the hire charge 🥳
Find your suitable boat from the selection, choose your date and duration of 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 or 14 nights!
... View the 14 boats here 👇 and book your Broads adventure today 😁
https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/40-off-fou rteen-boats/
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A great write up in today’s Thesundaytimes.co.uk showcasing the Norfolk Broads and how it’s as beautiful in the winter ❄️ as it is in the summer ☀️
Check out what Andrew Eames and his crew thought of Olympic Light and the spectacular scenery 📸
Find out more about Olympic Light 👇🏻... https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/book/olymp ic-light/
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Vote for the beautifully restored Countess of Light, built by Herbert Woods in 1934. After lots of hard work and determination from the current owners she’s now been shortlisted in the Classic Boat Awards ⚓️
Click here to vote for Countess of Light https://awards.classicboat.co.uk/vote-now /
... Check out all the hard work that’s gone on to restore this beautiful boat 👇🏻 https://twitter.com/countessoflight?lang= en
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Did you remember the kids activities? 😮🤔 - We love to see children enjoying the beautiful Broads 😍 that's why we have a Broads Explorer Log Book ready and waiting to keep the kids occupied 😃 - simply ask for one upon checking in at reception 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ - What do you think? 🤩... - https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/norfolk-br …/activity-book.pdf
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📣 Save 40% on all dates and durations in March 📣
Book 'Emerald Light 2' 'Glow of Light 2' ‘Dancing Light 2' or 'Evening Light 2' starting on Tuesday 5th March (#pancakeday!)
🥞🥞🥞 AND we'll provide the pancake mix for a 'flipping good' holiday 😉😁😂
... Check all of our selected boats and availability here 👇🏻 https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/40-off-fou rteen-boats/
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It’s #LoveYourPetDay! ♥️ 🐶 🐱
Does your pet love the Norfolk broads just as much as you do? Whether it’s on dry land or on the water then don’t leave your beloved pet behind, most of our cruisers/cottages accept pets and are the perfect holiday for the whole family to enjoy!
We would love to see your holiday #petselfies 📸
... Check out our Pet friendly boating holidays👇🏻
https://www.herbertwoods.co.uk/…/pet-fr iendly-boating-holi…/
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just back from the 2nd trip since October, on the supreme light. very fast check in and handover. very friendly staff all very helpful. had 2 issues this time running out of gas and the batteries losing charge but the engineer was very fast and changed both within 20 mins of arriving. would highly recommend Herbert to anyone its well worth paying the extra for an elite boat if only for the hamper :) see you again in September for our wedding anniversary.

had Broadland Light for two weeks beginning of may, glorious weather, great boat even if it was an older type boat, been to Herbert Woods on 6 occaisions now from as far back as 1976, still a great Norfolk Broads company, fully recommend them

LOVED this long weekend break! Fabulous customer service, very friendly and efficient staff. Will definitely do again.

Just had a week on Shimmering light 2 and once again excellent service received. Had a faulty battery half way through the week but have to say that the service received was superb. Rang the office and spoke to James who acted very swiftly to get assistance to us. Engineer and his apprentice arrived and replaced battery. Got to say the whole experience took less than 1 hour from reporting to fixing. Well done all round and thank you. Also when I arrived home I realised I had left one of my new bath towels in the bathroom of the boat and rang the office to advise. Within a very short time the office checked with the housekeeper who had found this and this is being posted out to my home address. Thank you very much. Highly recommend Herbert Woods and all staff there. Special thanks to Stuart and Alan who helped us on our way

Just had a week in Royal light 1 we were a party of 3 My wife and her best friend the boat was great apart from a little problem with the alternator which with a phone call to yard we were asked for are location as we were motoring to the Lord Nelson pub the engineer asked us to ring when we got there . As we were traveling to this point we were past by the local water skiing youngsters we still don't understand why the can do this as a 6 knot speed limit is there so you don't damage the banks . As one passed us on a second run the TV went for a trip and broke as it hit the floor which intailed a call to the yard again , Amy informed us not to worry and keep going to our destination. By the time we got there it was getting late . I phoned the and Amy put me through to the engineer Wayne he was ace told me he'd be there in the morning as soon as . Next morning Wayne arrived and checked things out new batteries and alternator required keep us informed all the way through on what need doing and gave me some more tips and information on places to go and boat handling. Can't express how impressed we were with his help and manor. We had some excitement the next day with the inshore life boat speeding past to help a old couple who were transferred to hospital from the swan inn and when we got back to the yard Alan was great as well helping us get the boat refuelled so we could get checkout done early so we could leave early the next morning he kept the ladies amused while we fuelled up and motored round to are final mourning next are car . On behalf of Me and we wife a great big thank you for great holiday �

Just back home after a week on the Broads on Evesham Light 2. We have hired from other boatyards in the past but found Herbert Woods to be extremely professional, polite and friendly and outshone the other yards we have used. We will definitely be booking with you again.

Great day. We had a family day on a picnic boat. Staff friendly and happy. Gave all safety information and boat instructions/directions then sent us on our way. A fantastic experience had by all. Loved the relaxed, friendly and tranquil atmosphere on the broads. Highly recommend. We will be back again and definitely use this company again ��

Great boats great service. Just out on Freedom of light. Had a small problem with our shower and they sent out a great guy to fix it. Only a small problem but no trouble for them.

We have been hiring boat from Herbert Woods for about 7 or 8 years. Love the Norfolk Broads and Herbert Woods ❤️🚤

First time holidaying on the Broads. Booked a boat through Herbert Woods. On arrival we were given a comprehensive handover on how the boat works and safety rules, we were also taken out with s member of staff to check we were ok sailing the boat. Once we had done this we set of exploring the beautiful Broads. The boat was spacious and well equipped. Would thoroughly recommend using Herbert Woods Boats for a lovely holiday on the Broads.

Fantastic experience. Very professional and thorough. Boat was clean and well equipped. Instructions were very clear, and the staff were very welcoming.

Fab day out for friends and family! So many places to explore and lots to see....wildlife and great views! Would highly recommend!! Staff are very friendly and helpful with any issues! Mark is a great guy to advise you how to use the boat and safety!!

Been on the Broads 3 times now but this was the 1st time hiring with Herbert woods. Had a slight issue with the boat before leaving but an engineer (I think his name was John) sorted it in no time & was a very friendly & helpful guy. In fact all the guy's in the yard were very friendly & helpful on our departure & return.

The boat itself is old yes, but that is reflected in the price, it was very comfortable & the galley was VERY well equipped. Bedding was clean & so was the boat.

The bed was comfortable & the heating warmed the boat very quickly in the evening, I can assure you that if those two things weren't up to a good standard my girlfriend would be the first to complain! But not a word from her, she even wants to hire the same boat next year!

The only thing that would make me re consider coming back to the Broads is the lack of moorings, this is down to the Broads authority though & NOT Herbert woods.

Based on our experience of the week we have just had I cant fault Herbert woods at all, & we would definitely use them again :)

Beautiful day had at the broads today.

Great service and very organised company, can't fault it and mark especially great chap makes yah feel safe and welcome�, would definitely recommend to all family and friends!

As an ‘extended family’ we have been on the Norfolk Broads a number of times; October this year was our first time using Herbert Woods, and we all agreed what a brilliant experience it was.

From our arrival to leaving, the whole holiday and the service we received at Herbert Woods was 5 star. The staff were friendly and efficient; our boat was ready and spotlessly clean for our early arrival. The ‘welcome pack’ was a bonus and lovely touch.(Myself and mum are still debating who is the rightful owner of the shopping bag!!). The ‘Privilege Card’ was a surprise, and was made use of at The Maltster at Ranworth, where the deserts were devine!



The whole experience from the team of ‘Herbert Woods’ was by far the best we have had when visiting the Norfolk Broads.



Thank you and hope to return again.

great holiday, slight delay at start due to leaking toilet but fixed and went on our way. travelled north side had a few laughs, drinks good food, most people were friendly boaters waving as you go by. Great way to unwind and forget the outside world. Lots of wildlife to see, nature walks if you wish, staff in shops & pubs always friendly giving you bits of history of places. I genuinely believe they are happy being there, even the young staff in pubs smile and appear to enjoy their work.

Tried to politely enquire via their website about boating & holiday accommodation taking 3 small breed dogs. Was bluntly told their policy is 2 dogs be they small or large breed & it was then implied that we could leave 1 dog at home! They then stopped responding to us. Customer service is very poor. Barnes Brinkcraft had no problem allowing dogs on board. Dog owners think before you book!

We have had 3 trips with Herbert now, and will not be using them again. Our boat broke down on the 1st day. It took the majority of the day to solve the issue. The boat that they swapped it to wasnt right for our requirements. No compensation offered, customer service was poor.

Service is shocking , boats are dirty and poorly maintained, try Richardson’s first

It would be unfair to say that all the staff at Herbert Woods are rude and uncaring. The yard staff and maintenance guys are friendly and bend over backwards to accommodate. However some staff have left me feeling very cold. My email of complaint was met with an abrupt reply from Amy Hobbs , who I would suggest needs some training in customer care. ( It appears that some of her replies to other reviews here have a similar tone to them ). Heaven forbid somebody criticises their boats or customer care! Similarly , the Receptionist who checked us out was abrupt, clearly annoyed that we were dissatisfied and she didn’t even ask us if our holiday was positive. I had to ask how to give feedback . There wasn’t anybody in a managerial role in the yard on the Sunday to discuss ourbgrievances. Nor did we get any reply to our first two emails on return, or a response to the long detailed list we left on our departure of things that were wrong with our boat (The Astra Light).

We can only blame ourselves for giving this company a second chance after a disastrous experience in 2014, when our boat experienced two mechanical breakdowns. We were offered a discount on our next Herbert Woods holiday, however you had to use within twelve months. We didn’t. We should have chosen a different company this time! One of our toilets had a broken seal , it was fixed, however it meant we were delayed in leaving the boatyard. Not the best way to start the holiday sleeping in the yard. The faults we found during our two week break were not mechanical, so we didn’t report them at the time. In 2014 , we lost so much time when we reported faults that we didn’t want a repeat of the exoerience. Faults were: unclean oven, unclean salon , door hinges door locks broken , leaking skylight which meant our bedding got saturated and our heads, arms broken on other skylights, a drawer that wouldn’t open . My husband fixed some issues , as he had a screwdriver with us. You don’t go on holiday to do DIY! We have not been offered remuneration for the delay to our start of our holiday and the shoddy condition of some items on the boat. It seems that the older boats are a bit hit and miss in their cleanliness and upkeep - surprising as it certainly costs enough ! My main complaint though is the attitude of some staff: disrespectful, abrupt, cold and uncaring . Kindness and human empathy go a long way in life. Perhaps these are reserved for customers who exoerience a faultless holiday .

We will not be using Herbert Woods again , and we will never recommend them . The Broads is a beautiful destination which will visit next on a Richardson’s boat ( lovely staff there ❤️) . Questions: Why are there old reviews still posted from 2016? Why can’t I read all of the reviews used to total the average rating? Why aren’t the reviews just from this year or in chronological order? Is this ‘not so clever selecting’ of feedback to suggest a higher level of customer satisfaction ? Come on , you count still count 2016 star ratings - seriously ?

just back from the 2nd trip since October, on the supreme light. very fast check in and handover. very friendly staff all very helpful. had 2 issues this time running out of gas and the batteries losing charge but the engineer was very fast and changed both within 20 mins of arriving. would highly recommend Herbert to anyone its well worth paying the extra for an elite boat if only for the hamper :) see you again in September for our wedding anniversary.

had Broadland Light for two weeks beginning of may, glorious weather, great boat even if it was an older type boat, been to Herbert Woods on 6 occaisions now from as far back as 1976, still a great Norfolk Broads company, fully recommend them

LOVED this long weekend break! Fabulous customer service, very friendly and efficient staff. Will definitely do again.

Just had a week on Shimmering light 2 and once again excellent service received. Had a faulty battery half way through the week but have to say that the service received was superb. Rang the office and spoke to James who acted very swiftly to get assistance to us. Engineer and his apprentice arrived and replaced battery. Got to say the whole experience took less than 1 hour from reporting to fixing. Well done all round and thank you. Also when I arrived home I realised I had left one of my new bath towels in the bathroom of the boat and rang the office to advise. Within a very short time the office checked with the housekeeper who had found this and this is being posted out to my home address. Thank you very much. Highly recommend Herbert Woods and all staff there. Special thanks to Stuart and Alan who helped us on our way

Just had a week in Royal light 1 we were a party of 3 My wife and her best friend the boat was great apart from a little problem with the alternator which with a phone call to yard we were asked for are location as we were motoring to the Lord Nelson pub the engineer asked us to ring when we got there . As we were traveling to this point we were past by the local water skiing youngsters we still don't understand why the can do this as a 6 knot speed limit is there so you don't damage the banks . As one passed us on a second run the TV went for a trip and broke as it hit the floor which intailed a call to the yard again , Amy informed us not to worry and keep going to our destination. By the time we got there it was getting late . I phoned the and Amy put me through to the engineer Wayne he was ace told me he'd be there in the morning as soon as . Next morning Wayne arrived and checked things out new batteries and alternator required keep us informed all the way through on what need doing and gave me some more tips and information on places to go and boat handling. Can't express how impressed we were with his help and manor. We had some excitement the next day with the inshore life boat speeding past to help a old couple who were transferred to hospital from the swan inn and when we got back to the yard Alan was great as well helping us get the boat refuelled so we could get checkout done early so we could leave early the next morning he kept the ladies amused while we fuelled up and motored round to are final mourning next are car . On behalf of Me and we wife a great big thank you for great holiday �

Just back home after a week on the Broads on Evesham Light 2. We have hired from other boatyards in the past but found Herbert Woods to be extremely professional, polite and friendly and outshone the other yards we have used. We will definitely be booking with you again.

Great day. We had a family day on a picnic boat. Staff friendly and happy. Gave all safety information and boat instructions/directions then sent us on our way. A fantastic experience had by all. Loved the relaxed, friendly and tranquil atmosphere on the broads. Highly recommend. We will be back again and definitely use this company again ��

Great boats great service. Just out on Freedom of light. Had a small problem with our shower and they sent out a great guy to fix it. Only a small problem but no trouble for them.

We have been hiring boat from Herbert Woods for about 7 or 8 years. Love the Norfolk Broads and Herbert Woods ❤️🚤

First time holidaying on the Broads. Booked a boat through Herbert Woods. On arrival we were given a comprehensive handover on how the boat works and safety rules, we were also taken out with s member of staff to check we were ok sailing the boat. Once we had done this we set of exploring the beautiful Broads. The boat was spacious and well equipped. Would thoroughly recommend using Herbert Woods Boats for a lovely holiday on the Broads.

Fantastic experience. Very professional and thorough. Boat was clean and well equipped. Instructions were very clear, and the staff were very welcoming.

Fab day out for friends and family! So many places to explore and lots to see....wildlife and great views! Would highly recommend!! Staff are very friendly and helpful with any issues! Mark is a great guy to advise you how to use the boat and safety!!

Been on the Broads 3 times now but this was the 1st time hiring with Herbert woods. Had a slight issue with the boat before leaving but an engineer (I think his name was John) sorted it in no time & was a very friendly & helpful guy. In fact all the guy's in the yard were very friendly & helpful on our departure & return.

The boat itself is old yes, but that is reflected in the price, it was very comfortable & the galley was VERY well equipped. Bedding was clean & so was the boat.

The bed was comfortable & the heating warmed the boat very quickly in the evening, I can assure you that if those two things weren't up to a good standard my girlfriend would be the first to complain! But not a word from her, she even wants to hire the same boat next year!

The only thing that would make me re consider coming back to the Broads is the lack of moorings, this is down to the Broads authority though & NOT Herbert woods.

Based on our experience of the week we have just had I cant fault Herbert woods at all, & we would definitely use them again :)

Beautiful day had at the broads today.

Great service and very organised company, can't fault it and mark especially great chap makes yah feel safe and welcome�, would definitely recommend to all family and friends!

As an ‘extended family’ we have been on the Norfolk Broads a number of times; October this year was our first time using Herbert Woods, and we all agreed what a brilliant experience it was.

From our arrival to leaving, the whole holiday and the service we received at Herbert Woods was 5 star. The staff were friendly and efficient; our boat was ready and spotlessly clean for our early arrival. The ‘welcome pack’ was a bonus and lovely touch.(Myself and mum are still debating who is the rightful owner of the shopping bag!!). The ‘Privilege Card’ was a surprise, and was made use of at The Maltster at Ranworth, where the deserts were devine!



The whole experience from the team of ‘Herbert Woods’ was by far the best we have had when visiting the Norfolk Broads.



Thank you and hope to return again.

great holiday, slight delay at start due to leaking toilet but fixed and went on our way. travelled north side had a few laughs, drinks good food, most people were friendly boaters waving as you go by. Great way to unwind and forget the outside world. Lots of wildlife to see, nature walks if you wish, staff in shops & pubs always friendly giving you bits of history of places. I genuinely believe they are happy being there, even the young staff in pubs smile and appear to enjoy their work.

Tried to politely enquire via their website about boating & holiday accommodation taking 3 small breed dogs. Was bluntly told their policy is 2 dogs be they small or large breed & it was then implied that we could leave 1 dog at home! They then stopped responding to us. Customer service is very poor. Barnes Brinkcraft had no problem allowing dogs on board. Dog owners think before you book!

We have had 3 trips with Herbert now, and will not be using them again. Our boat broke down on the 1st day. It took the majority of the day to solve the issue. The boat that they swapped it to wasnt right for our requirements. No compensation offered, customer service was poor.

Service is shocking , boats are dirty and poorly maintained, try Richardson’s first

It would be unfair to say that all the staff at Herbert Woods are rude and uncaring. The yard staff and maintenance guys are friendly and bend over backwards to accommodate. However some staff have left me feeling very cold. My email of complaint was met with an abrupt reply from Amy Hobbs , who I would suggest needs some training in customer care. ( It appears that some of her replies to other reviews here have a similar tone to them ). Heaven forbid somebody criticises their boats or customer care! Similarly , the Receptionist who checked us out was abrupt, clearly annoyed that we were dissatisfied and she didn’t even ask us if our holiday was positive. I had to ask how to give feedback . There wasn’t anybody in a managerial role in the yard on the Sunday to discuss ourbgrievances. Nor did we get any reply to our first two emails on return, or a response to the long detailed list we left on our departure of things that were wrong with our boat (The Astra Light).

We can only blame ourselves for giving this company a second chance after a disastrous experience in 2014, when our boat experienced two mechanical breakdowns. We were offered a discount on our next Herbert Woods holiday, however you had to use within twelve months. We didn’t. We should have chosen a different company this time! One of our toilets had a broken seal , it was fixed, however it meant we were delayed in leaving the boatyard. Not the best way to start the holiday sleeping in the yard. The faults we found during our two week break were not mechanical, so we didn’t report them at the time. In 2014 , we lost so much time when we reported faults that we didn’t want a repeat of the exoerience. Faults were: unclean oven, unclean salon , door hinges door locks broken , leaking skylight which meant our bedding got saturated and our heads, arms broken on other skylights, a drawer that wouldn’t open . My husband fixed some issues , as he had a screwdriver with us. You don’t go on holiday to do DIY! We have not been offered remuneration for the delay to our start of our holiday and the shoddy condition of some items on the boat. It seems that the older boats are a bit hit and miss in their cleanliness and upkeep - surprising as it certainly costs enough ! My main complaint though is the attitude of some staff: disrespectful, abrupt, cold and uncaring . Kindness and human empathy go a long way in life. Perhaps these are reserved for customers who exoerience a faultless holiday .

We will not be using Herbert Woods again , and we will never recommend them . The Broads is a beautiful destination which will visit next on a Richardson’s boat ( lovely staff there ❤️) . Questions: Why are there old reviews still posted from 2016? Why can’t I read all of the reviews used to total the average rating? Why aren’t the reviews just from this year or in chronological order? Is this ‘not so clever selecting’ of feedback to suggest a higher level of customer satisfaction ? Come on , you count still count 2016 star ratings - seriously ?