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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The Martindales cruise
Excellent holiday, excellent tour of the boat and trial run by great friendly member of the Richardsons staff. Lovely boat will definitely be using Richardsons again.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Mr. Martindale, thank you for your review.
I was very pleased to read you had an excellent holiday on the Broads with us! It's great to hear your positive feedback on the team member who took your trial run, and we hope we can welcome you again soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Lovely freindly staff at the boatyard
Lovely freindly staff at the boatyard, couldnt fault them. Have used Richardsons many times and will continue to do so. Can’t fault the boats you get what you pay for. A boat for every wallet.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello David, thank you for your review!
It's great to read your kind comments regarding the team here at Richardson's, and I'm very pleased to read you have used us for many holidays on the Broads!
We hope we can welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 981
Had two separate weeks on the same …
Had two separate weeks on the same cruiser - MAGIC GEM 1
Delighted with both trips. Boat, service and customer care was excellent - would happily recommend Richardson's to anyone.
The coaching session and time for first time users was exceptional - ease of booking and certainly value for money. Our first week was in May - the weather was glorious - and our second week was in October and despite it being colder the boat was warm enough and you get out of a holiday what you put into it - Richardson's provide the means of being able to do just that
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Mark, thanks for your review.
I was pleased to read you enjoyed 2 separate weeks on board Magic Gem 1, and that you were delighted with both holidays!
Thank you for your positive feedback in regards to the cruiser, as well as the service our team provide here at Richardson's Boating Holidays! It's fantastic to receive your kind recommendation.
I'm pleased to read your felt we were value for money, and it's great to read you felt the trial run to be very useful!
We hope to welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Happy days
Always enjoy our boating times with Richardson. Staff are very helpful.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Audrey, thank you for your review.
I'm so pleased to read you always enjoy your boating holidays with us, and I'd like to thank you for your positive feedback on the team. We hope we can welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Great company staff always helpful
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read your positive feedback, and would like to thank you for your kind comments on the team. We hope to welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
HIGH QUALITY ALL ROUND
Continues to provide high class boats, well maintained and great service at reasonable prices.
A must consider boat yard if you are going on the BriadsNatiobsl Parks rivers
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Richard, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read your positive feedback regarding out cruisers, and it's great to read you believe our prices to be reasonable! Thank you for your kind recommendation and we hope to welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
An Amazing Holiday
Visited in October (2017) From the minute we arrived the process of booking in was so professional and everything before leaving the boatyard ran so smoothly. Everyone was so friendly. Our boat was immaculate and the whole holiday experience was faultless..We have booked again for June (2018). Thanks to everyone at Richardsons
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Mr. Stebbings, thank you for your review.
I was so pleased to read you felt your experience with us was professional and that everything ran smoothly! Thank you for your positive feedback on the team and on the cleanliness of your cruiser. It's great to hear your holiday experience was faultless - we look forward to welcoming you back in June 2018!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Great service and everyone we dealt …
Great service and everyone we dealt with on the day we picked the boat up were professional and friendly.
December 11, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Gary, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you felt you received great service from the team, and it's fantastic to hear that you felt the team were professional and friendly!
We hope to welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
very straight forward
very straight forward from arriving at boat yard to sailing away. Great staff, friendly and knowledgeable with a sense of humour.
December 4, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good afternoon, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you found your experience with us at Richardson's Boating Holidays straight forward, and I'm especially pleased to read your positive feedback regarding the team.
We hope to welcome you again soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 980
This year was the second time for me
This year was the second time for me, we have already booked again for 2018. Your holiday can be whatever you want it to be, quiet, peaceful or visiting one of the many pubs along the Broads. Beautiful scenery and many places to visit along the way. The staff at Richardsons are extremely friendly and helpful. Someone crashed into our boat this year, we weren't aboard when it happened but they waited for us to own up to it, I contacted Richardsons and they sent someone to assess the damage and the next morning contacted us to say they were changing our boat, they were brilliant and we ended up with one from their platinum range. If boating is something you have never done I would highly recommend it.
November 23, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you enjoyed your second holiday with us, and I'm so glad to read you have already booked for next year!
It's great to hear you enjoyed the scenery along the way, and I'd like to thank you for your kind feedback regarding the team here at Richardson's.
I was sorry to read someone damaged your cruiser, but I'm pleased that we were able to sort this for your as quickly as reasonably possible and upgrade your boat as a result of the damage.
We're looking forward to welcoming you back next year!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 668 980
Great Value for Money
Although we have generally opted for boats within the lower price bracket, and selected holidays outside the main holiday periods, we have always been satisfied with this boatyard. We are Broads enthusiasts and much appreciate the choice of boats offered by Richardsons and their efficient back-up services.
November 22, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good afternoon Bill, thanks for your review.
I was pleased to read that you have always been satisfied with your experience at Richardson's Boating Holidays! I was especially happy to read your positive feedback regarding our range of cruisers, and that you appreciate having the choice.
We hope to welcome you back soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
boat wasn't ready when said very …
boat wasn't ready when said very frustrating to see other boats getting cleaned & refilled when nobody was stood waiting
November 20, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning, thank you for your review.
I was sorry to read your comments regarding the timing of your boat. However, I do believe our Assistant Marina Manager has been in touch regarding this matter.
Of course, if you feel your issue is not resolved or you would like to discuss this 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
Boating on broads in September
Our Norfolk broads holiday was really great. It late in year but weather not bad. Being able to have heating on boat was really comforting. Especially in evening. The boat was a flat bottom basic one. Handy being on one level ad we haveva dog. Boat had two toilets and two showers. Home from home. Clean nice old boat. Service at boat yard quick considering it was very busy. Recommend
November 16, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Jacqueline, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read that you enjoyed your Broads boating holiday with us! I was pleased to read you found the heating on the boat to be comforting, and that your one-level cruiser was useful for your dog.
I was so glad to read you felt your cruiser was a 'home from home', and thank you for your positive feedback on the cleanliness of it. I'm also pleased to read you felt the service you received was efficient. Thank you for your kind recommendation - we hope to welcome you back in the future.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net Tel.: 01692 581 081
always wanted to so we have
Our first time a long weekend..Boat was a bit big for us but we were getting the hang of it by the end. the instruction at the start was a bit brief partly our fault as we wanted to be under way. Should have researched it better should have gone for a week. Will deffo be going again.
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Kevin, thanks for your review.
It was great to read you enjoyed your first time on the Broads with us!
We aim to tailor our trial runs to your experience level, and our team are glad to answer any questions you may have during your trial run.
I'm pleased to read you would like to visit the Broads again, and we hope we can welcome you soon. If you need any help choosing a cruiser to best suit your needs (as you mentioned your boat was a bit big for you) our bookings team are happy to help with recommendations!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Great holiday
Great holiday, our 4th time on the broads. 2nd time direct with Richardson's,
Yard staff very helpful. we had an issue with damage to the boat, not sure how it happened, but repair carried out with no problem.
Would recommend
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning George, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you had a great holiday with us on your fourth trip to the Broads! Thank you for your positive feedback in regards to the team, and I was pleased to hear that damage to your cruiser was repaired easily.
Thank you for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back in the future.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Broadway
For what it cost the boat hardly had any storage space. The doors were too narrow. The member of staff who dealt with us could not have been more unhelpful if she'd tried.
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Dear Ms. Fisher,
Thank you for your review.
I was disappointed to read that you felt Broadway had little storage space and that the doors were too narrow. These features and facilities differ from boat to boat, and so in future it may be best to call our friendly bookings team who will be happy to advise.
I was shocked and saddened to read that you felt you received poor customer service from one of our team members, as we usually receive good feedback at the team here at Richardson's.
If you would like to discuss your experience with us further then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
I find the cheaper boats abit of a mess …
I find the cheaper boats abit of a mess & they let you take them out like that , & they mess you about alot too , they kept us waiting 2 hours for our boat when they said it would only take an hour .
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Dear Ms. Thorpe,
Thank you for your review.
I was shocked and disappointed to read that you find our more affordable boats to be a mess. I hope that any issues you had with your cruiser were reported to the team so that they could rectify any issues you had.
I was sorry to read you were kept waiting for an hour longer than you were told. Please be assured delays such as these only happen when necessary, and we regret any delays in the handover of your cruiser.
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 581 081
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Tony, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you felt you had fantastic service and I would like to thank you for your positive feedback in regards to your cruiser.
We hope to welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
2017 boat hire
Had to have engineer to boat twice, then on last afternoon broke down completely and had to be towed. Do not seam to be interested in the budget fleet, only the new Boats which I cannot afford to rent. I have been hiring from Richardsons for more than 30 years and this is the worst service I have received.
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Dear Mr. Horne, thank you for your review.
All of our cruisers, both classic and platinum fleet, are checked and serviced before hire. I was sorry to read you experienced issues you mention in your review, and that your holiday was cut slightly short as a result of breakdown.
I believe these issues were raised with our Engineering Team Leader at the end of your holiday. We wish everyone to have a fantastic holiday with us at Richardson's, and hope we can provide a better experience for you in the future.
If you would like to discuss your experience further then please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Wonderful change of pace from every day life, a great holiday.
This was our second Broads holiday with Richardson's and we booked with them on the strength of our previous experience. The set up is so well established at the Stalham Boat Yard and the staff so well trained and helpful that collecting and dropping of your boat is easy and unhurried. The value (just outside of high season) seems excellent, as we go for one of the older traditional Broads 'tubs' that work well for just a couple and most especially their dog ! Our boat (Star Gem) has been nicely refurbished and was really clean, comfortable and well appointed. We had hoped for a similar boat to the first one we tried, which had a nice big flat area at the rear and was a great platform for getting our large German Shepherd safely aboard or ashore. It also had a big seating well at the front, again, great for travelling with the dog. Although Star Gem had a great 'open plan' internal layout, it had much less room and steeper (usually slippery) steps to manage both front and back for getting on & off. Probably fine with a smaller or more confident dog, but a real worry for us. Most of the time we ended up by improvising a route over the drivers bench seat to enter or exit via the side of the boat by sliding back the big canopy. This was okay in good weather, but in the rain or at night you risk getting the living space wet or filled with bugs. We were fortunate to have good weather throughout our holiday (just the occasional shower), but it really poured with rain on our last night. This showed up another potential issue with Star Gem, quite a lot of water came in through the windows and canopy, requiring a good 'mop up'. If you had rainy weather for the duration, this would have become really unpleasant. The only other issue with the boat was with the TV / DVD. We knew to expect that television reception would be patchy at best, so, as suggested, we took a few DVDs to watch in the evenings. Unfortunately the DVD Player would not work with the television without a horrendous 'Buzzing' which rendered the whole thing utterly useless. I can't believe this will not have been mentioned by other guests and surely can't be that difficult to cure. Please sort it out ! Being just out of the height of the season meant slightly less traffic on the water and relieved the stress of finding somewhere to moor in the evenings. even so we still were not always able to find a space where we wanted to be, I imagine this would would be an unwanted worry and would make the experience much less relaxing in high season. Over all though, we had a really positive experience and would have no hesitation in recommending you give it a try.
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Ms. Marshall, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read that you enjoyed your second holiday with us, and it was great to hear you decided to revisit after your first experience with us! Thank you for your kind words about the team here at Richardson's Boating Holidays, and I'm glad that you felt your handover was easy and relaxed.
I'd like to thank you for the positive feedback regarding the value of of cruisers, and it was great to read you enjoyed Star Gem!
I'm happy you had the good weather during your holiday, which is always a bonus! Thank you for your feedback regarding the leaks you experienced during a spell of poor weather - we will investigate this further and look into the integrity of the windows and canopy during our Winter maintenance.
I'm sorry to read your DVD player did not operate correctly. I hope you let us know of this issue during your holiday so we could rectify this for you.
I'm pleased that you enjoyed your holiday and experience with us and I'd like to thank you for your recommendation! We do hope we can welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
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