Thankyou again richardsons for another brilliant boating holiday.Our friend had major surgery before the holiday so we had to change our boat to make it more accessible for her as was using a wheelcha... See more
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Just returned from long weekend and unfortunately was a complete disaster from day one . Boat breakdown everyday.. and if you're thinking of making a complaint by email don't bother as they do not a... See more
Excellent holiday and the crew at Richardson's were so knowledgeable and helpful. We love the Broads - it has something for everyone and always reassuring to know their team is on hand to respond to a... See more
Company replied
We chose the Melody cruiser for our holiday in October half term. Although the boat needed some attention in the twin cabin as the wall lining was coming apart we still thought it was great value fo... See more
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Company details
Information provided by various external sources
Richardson’s has helped visitors experience the best of the Broads for more than 70 years. We have over 300 boats making us the largest operator on the Norfolk Broads. We pride ourselves on being able to offer the chance for everyone to enjoy the Broads. What makes us unique is the fact that we have the largest range of boats with a wide variety of prices meaning that there is a boat and budget to suit most people. All of our boats are maintained to the highest standard, so whichever boat you choose, it is sure to be the comfortable and reliable home-from-home you were hoping for.
Contact info
The Staithe, Stalham, NR12 9BX, Stalham
- 01692 668 981
- boating@richardsonsgroup.net
- richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
4.1
Great
940 reviews
Hasn’t replied to negative reviews
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Excellent service from start to finish …
Excellent service from start to finish of our holiday not just this year but the last 10+years
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Gary, thanks for taking the time to review us.
I was so pleased to read you felt you received excellent service from our team through every step of your holiday! It's fantastic to hear you've been holidaying with us for over a decade - we hope to welcome you back very soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Fantastic holiday highly recommend.
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Janet, thanks for your review!
I was pleased to read you had a fantastic holiday with us, and I'd like to thank you for your kind recommendation!
We hope we can welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Great Boat Trip
We booked this trip and then discovered my wife was very ill, not knowing if we might have to cancel we contacted Richardson's who were extremely helpful.
We were able to take our holiday and the service, friendliness and knowledge of staff were second to none.
We had a fantastic break and would recommend it to anyone.
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Nigel, thank you for taking the time to leave us your review.
I was so pleased to read you felt the team were extremely helpful and that you were able to take your holiday as planned. I'm so pleased you had a fantastic break, and I'd like to thank you for your recommendation.
We hope to welcome you again very soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Satisfaction over many years.
We've been going on holiday in a Richardson's boat for many years, and have always been satisfied. We've found the company supportive to novice boaters and that they offer a good service when there's been a problem - for example we had an overheating engine last year.
It's probably a good idea, if you haven't been before, to look carefully at the boat and its facilities as described on the web, and to ring up the yard with any questions, because Broads boating has its oddities. Toilets and showers for example - bring toilet paper in a plastic bag to keep it dry.
When you arrive in the yard, the staff, who are both friendly and competent, will give you a tour of your boat, some driving tuition if necessary, and life jackets. (Wear them!) You should have suitable deck shoes (such as plimsols) and warm clothing. We always take sleeping bags, though the yard generally provide enough bedding. The galley is well stocked with cutlery, plates and so on, and a basic washing up kit is provided. The fridges are small, so you'll need to plan to shop in the course of a week.
We've been boating with Richardson's every year for nearly twenty years and have never been dissatisfied.
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Mrs. Lennox, thank you for your review.
It's great to read you've been on holiday with us for many years, and that each time you have been satisfied with your experience.
Thank you for your positive feedback in regard to the level of support we offer our guests - I'm pleased to hear that you have received good service from the team. Thank you for sharing some helpful tips - especially in regards to buoyancy aids, which are very important.
We hope we can welcome you again very soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
5 star service
5 star service nothing too much trouble for the staff to sort out always friendly and polite.
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Andy, thanks for your review.
I was pleased to read your positive feedback on the team here at Richardson's. We hope we can welcome you back for another holiday soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Honest photos of the boats please!
The boat is old, very old and the photos are designed to not give a fair representation of the boat. It was like staying in a 1970's guesthouse which had not been updated AT ALL!
The company are OK, I have no issues with Richardson's at all but they do need to be honest where their old fleet are concerned.
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Matt, thank you for your review.
I was sorry to read you felt our photos are not designed to give a fair representation of our fleet. Please be assured that photos of our cruisers are intended to give guests a reasonable indication of what they can expect when they hire one of our boats.
The external photo of the cruiser you hired was updated in 2015, with the internal shots having been updated in 2011. We regularly review and update the photos of our cruisers.
I would like to thank you for your feedback, and we do hope to welcome you again soon.
If you would like to discuss your experience any further then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Good company good staff well run boats
Good company good staff well run boats, no rip offs I have used the company on and off for over thirty years, I only use them for broads holidays. I am a retired supply boat skipper who has worked world wide and I find there boats well maintained and safe. I am very much up for the new new boats with the bow and stern thrust'rs along with shore power. Keep up the good work.
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Ian, thank you for your review.
I was so pleased to read you have been using Richardson's for your boating holidays over the last 30 years! I'd also like to thank you for your positive feedback regarding the team, as well as on the safety and quality of our cruisers.
We hope we can welcome you again soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
We've had three boating weekends now …
We've had three boating weekends now with Richardson's and they have been great highly recommend
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Fran, thank you for your review.
I'm pleased to read that all 3 of your weekends on the Broads with us here at Richardson's have been great!
Thank you for your kind recommendation and we hope we can welcome you back for another weekend soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Experience them once, and you’ll go to Richardsons again and again
Boating with Richardsons are experiences never forgotten. No matter how “iffy” the weather, the pleasure and enjoyment never wanes. If you get problems with your boat, Richardsons are with you within the hour, and if you are “on base” and a major problem occurs, the reaction is immediate, and more often than not, you continue boating within the hour. With service like that, who needs anyone else on the Broads but Richardsons!
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Alec, thank you for your review.
I was so pleased you read your kind recommendation of Richardson's Boating Holidays! It's great to read you never forget your experiences with us, and I'd like to thank you for your positive feedback on the level of service the team provides. I'm also very happy to read that you always receive prompt, efficient service from our engineers!
We hope we can welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Wonderful holiday
Wonderful holiday. Richardsons are so well organised ,from the moment you arrive, the friendly helpful staff talk you everything you need to know. Their team have everything under control from the cleaning guys, bouyance aids, bedding, fuel refund and driving instructions. The boats are immaculate,clean and comfortable. So many boats to chose from but your boat is ready for you and Richardsons have everything organised for a fantastic holiday on the broads.Would recommend Richardsons everytime.
December 12, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Karen, thank you for taking the time to write us your review.
I was so pleased to read you had a wonderful holiday with us here at Richardson's, and it's great to read that you felt that the team were well organised, friendly and knowledgable! Thank you for your positive feedback on the whole team, as well as on the cleanliness of our cruisers! I'd also like to thank you for your kind recommendation, and I hope we can welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Brilent hoilday would recommend this …
Brilent hoilday would recommend this company to friends and family.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Joan, thank you for your review.
I'm pleased to read you have a brilliant holiday with us and would recommend us to friends and family.
We hope to welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
From booking to leaving
From booking to leaving, Richardsons make you very welcome. They look after you and explain anything you are unsure of. They are always happy to help. I always sing their praises and recommend to all who are interested in boating
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Mandy, thanks for taking the time to leave us a review.
I was so pleased to read that you felt welcome during your holiday with us, and it's great to hear you felt the team were knowledgable and looked after you!
Thank you for your kind recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on the Broads soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
My wife and I had a very enjoyable …
My wife and I had a very enjoyable midweek holiday we found the staff very helpful and the boat was clean and tidy and well equipped we are thinking of booking again this year
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello John, thanks for your review,
I was pleased to read you enjoyed your midweek break on the Broads with us here at Richardson's. Thank you for your positive feedback on the team and the cleanliness of your cruiser! I was also pleased to read you were looking to book with us again - we hope to see you soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Look elsewhere...Richardson's are poor …
Look elsewhere...Richardson's are poor at keeping on top of their older boats , try Barnes Brinkcraft in Wroxham instead. I have booked twice with Richardson's and once with Barnes Brinkcraft and Barnes wins hands down.
The Norfolk Broads is a truly wonderful place with many great places to stop and eat, I would not hesitate in booking another holiday on the broads but with another hire company other than Richardson's. Our last boat was full of diesel fumes due to a leak and that was a replacement boat due to our first boat being full of acrid fumes as oil and fuel mixed in the bilge due to leaks. Overall the manager couldn't really care as he just fobbed us off with another fuel leaking boat, after we'd driven from the Highlands of Scotland to Norfolk I just wanted to return the boat and go home but didn't want to disappoint my family. The fumes were noxious and made us feel ill at times we will never recommend Richardson's again. Shame as I had a boat from them a few years before 2017 and it was fine, but to be given 2 wrongly maintained boats this time has totally destroyed our confidence in Richardsons and we will not book again. I'm disappointed as both boats were clean inside and to be let down by something like fuel leaks and acrid fumes expecting customers to just ignore the fumes is beyond me.
To conclude I recommend a holiday on the broads as there are many wonderful places to visit and lots of good places to eat and grab refreshments, just try another company not Richardsons.
Edit in reply to Richardson's feedback.
I reported the fuel leak to your returns team at the dock and they wrote on returns form on refuelling paperwork that a fuel leak and bilge pump had stuck on. I am still appalled at your attitude as you clearly have not investigated this properly. I am not surprised though as you are clearly interested in volume and not quality for your business. Looking back into reviews on your business I see that there are other reports of fuel leaks and you've taken a similar uncaring stance on these also. You have shown complete disregard to a returning customer who should have been given a trouble free boat to enjoy a family holiday. I will never recommend Richardson's ever as your customer care is very poor and uncaring. Message to the public spend your money elsewhere there are other boat companies and Barnes Brinkcraft in Wroxham I've hired from before are head and shoulders above Richardson's, they provide reliable boats and a professional service also.
Richardson's hang your head in shame. Speak to your staff about reporting faults when they're reported and stop pleading ignorance on quality issues this is 2017 and consumers will not and should not accept POOR SERVICE FROM RICHARDSON'S or any other company.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Dear Mr. Paterson,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us your review and for your feedback. I am very pleased to read you enjoy visiting the Norfolk Broads, however I am disappointed to read that you felt you had a bad experience with us. We usually receive very positive feedback.
As you mention, you did have a problem with your first boat. I apologise sincerely for this, and the team did attempt to rectify this for you once they were made aware by offering you an alternative boat.
I am sorry to read your second cruiser may have also had a fuel leak, however I cannot see any record of this issue being raised with the team. Please be assured we take any reports of problems with our hire craft very seriously, including fuel leaks as this can damage the unique environment in which we operate.
Maintenance of our fleet is extremely important to us here at Richardson’s. Before each boat is handed over to a guest, an engineer carries out maintenance checks on the cruiser. Furthermore, our cruisers go through a thorough winter maintenance each year. However, I can appreciate that issues such as the ones you experienced can occur during the season and we will try our best to fix this for our guests. We always encourage guests to call in should they have an issue with their boat.
I regret that we were not given the opportunity to rectify the issue with your second cruisers – it is not usual for our cruisers to experience issues such as fuel leaks. We would never expect our guests to ignore fumes – we would hope they would report it to us as soon as possible so we could attempt to rectify the issue. I am sorry that we were not able to do this during your holiday with us.
If you would like to discuss your experience further, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
I have always enjoyed my richardsons …
I have always enjoyed my richardsons experience who I have been with for many years.we once broke down and we're back on another boat in no time at all.The staff are very helpful,the boats clean and hopefully with age continue my boating experience with a good company. Merry Christmas to you all.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Paul, thanks for your review.
I was so glad to read that you have always enjoyed your experience with us here at Richardson's. I was sorry to read you did break down, but very pleased to read our team had you back enjoying your holiday very quickly! Thank you for the positive feedback on the team and our cruisers.
We hope to welcome you again soon, and a merry Christmas to you as well!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
A truly wonderful, memorable experience.
Every aspect of our recent boat hire experience with Richardson’s was as it should be. Relaxed, friendly, stress free, value for money, full filling, satisfying. There was no rushing, no confusion. Our tutor was humorous, knowledgeable, helpful. He not only explained the practical issues relating to the operation of the boat, he provided invaluable information on how to interpret the map provided, the location of low bridges, navigation hazards, moorings, and most importantly, great places to eat.
Unfortunately due to age and finances I will not be able to have the Richardson’s experience again but I will never forget the 7 wonderful nights spent aboard the ‘Superior Gem’.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Adrian, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you felt your recent experience with us on the Broads was relaxing, value for money and satisfying! I'd like to thank you for your positive feedback on the team here at Richardson's, especially your trial run instructor. It's great to read you felt he provided you with invaluable information regarding the Broads.
I'm sorry to read you will not be able to holiday with us again in the Broads, but so happy to hear you will always remember your stay aboard Superior Gem.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
A great company to hire from
A great company to hire from. Staff are friendly, prices are very competitive, and an all round great experience.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Philip, thanks for your review.
I was pleased to read your positive feedback on our team and pricing of our cruisers. I'm glad you had a great experience with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
We are a family with disabled children …
We are a family with disabled children . We have had some wonderful holidays with Richardsons boats . The staff are fantastic and go beyond there duty to help with any think . Big thank you to all of them.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Terry, thank you for taking the time to leave us your review.
It's great to read that you have had some wonderful holidays with us, and I'd like to thank you for your positive feedback regarding the team here at Richardson's!
We hope we can welcome you and your family back for more holidays on the Broads soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
We started boating with Richardson's …
We started boating with Richardson's back in 1974 on a church Easter holiday as teenagers, if fact that is when I met my husband. We have been hiring boats every October half term for the last 21 years and wouldn't dream of going with any other company. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Janet, thank you for taking the time to leave us your review.
It was lovely to read that you had your first experience with us in 1974, and touching to read that you met your husband during a holiday with us. I was so happy to read you have been holidaying with us on the Broads every October half term for the last couple of decades - we hope to welcome you for many, many more!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
The ‘go to’ boat hire company....
The ‘go to’ boat hire company on the Broads these days. We’ve hired from quite a few boatyards during the past 30 odd years and these have to be the cleanest most we’ll equiped boats you can find. The staff were very friendly and helpful too and the life jackets were professional ones not the big orange things!
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Dave, thank you for your review.
I'm pleased to read you feel we are the 'go to' boat hire company on the Broads! Thank you very much for your positive feedback on the cleanliness and facilities on board our cruisers, as well as the team here at Richardson's! I'm also pleased to read you were happy with the quality of the buoyancy aids we provide.
We hope we can welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
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