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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Richardson’s a well organised company.
A well organised set up for booking in getting life jackets, hair dryers etc with plenty of car parking, once your allotted time comes you move to another area and someone takes you to your boat with your car for you to unload. If you are first timers or need a refresher, one of the many staff will go out with you until you feel confident. You are ready to set off on your adventure, some boats are quite old, but all seem to be well maintained and cleaned thoroughly, and have crockery and kitchen utensils on them, we took a small frying pan with us as we had seen a previous review saying there wasn’t one.
Our boat did not have any problems on our trip, but I know a couple of people who had breakdowns and Richardson’s arrived promptly and fixed the problem. On one occasion the people’s boat could not be repaired where they where and Richardson’s replaced the boat with a much better specification than they had booked originally. We were so impressed with Richardson’s we have booked another holiday with them for March 2018.
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Roy, thank you for your review.
Thank you for your positive feedback in regards to the running and operation of Richardson's Boating Holidays.
I was pleased to read your comments in regards to the cleanliness, maintenance and facilities on board, and was so glad to read you did not experience any issues during your holiday with us.
We look forward to welcoming you again in March!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Very crowded and busy - noisy and little sleep.
The broads and rivers were all very busy and we were boating along in constant heavy streams of other boating traffic. Pressure on staithes and other moorings was heavy and so it was not relaxing at all.
The diesel engine midships meant that battery charging whilst stationary was very noisy indeed (gave us both headaches). The heater did not work. Following their guidance to fill up with water every day meant that the day was dominated by this need - water points being uncommon.
The boat was old and tired but this was reflected in the 'buget' price.
The mudweight too heavy to lift by hand - how about a simple winch?
Being told before arrival that nothing happens on the first day till after 12 (or so) would have helped us not wasting our time with an early arrival.
The beds/mattresses were really rock hard (we sleep on a hard ortho' matress at home) and sleep therefore sporadic at best.
Galley was fine and the fridge good, too.
Preparing staff made an assumption that we would be using the 'double bed' (actually normal 3/4 double width) and so the beds we were going to use (two singles) were not provisioned at all. No bed was made up - all bedding simply left on the bed in a heap.
I could not do the engine checks recommended because I could not lift the engine cover (too heavy).
We went, after a break of over 10 years, to see if things had changed - and they had. It is far too busy now to recommend for anyone looking for relaxation and to de-stress. In our own view, of course.
Fishermen in hire boats were a real problem - mooring haphazrdly almost anywhere and fishing from staithes - discouraging potential moorers from tying up.
Will not return to the broads. This is not Richardson's fault, in particular at all. I am sure our experience would have been much the same with any similar company of comparable size.
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Dear Mr. Brignall, thank you for your review.
I was so sorry to read of the issues you had during your holiday on the Broads.
In peak periods, the rivers and Broads can get very busy, as you have mentioned. Due to the closure of Horizon Craft in 2016, we have been operating an extra 40 cruisers from our marina in Stalham this year. I understand that as a result of this, the waterways may have become quite heavy with traffic and mooring in sought-after locations nearby may be more challenging to come by. At Richardson's we want everyone to enjoy their holiday with us and have a relaxing time, and I'm sorry to hear that this was not true in your case. We are currently reviewing the advice we provide customers with on where to visit during their holiday.
In regards to your comments about the engine noise, it is true that some of our cruisers do have engines inside. However, we do have a fleet of almost 300 cruisers and a number of these feature aft-mounted engines (engines outside and towards the rear of the cruiser) to help with the noise of the engine when operating.
I was sorry to read that your heater did not work. I cannot find any record of a call-out for this issue. Please be assured that had the team been notified of this issue, we would have rectified it as soon as reasonably possible. We class a fault such as this to be a priority, and so would have sent someone out even if it was after hours to fix this for you as we pride ourselves on excellent and efficient service.
It was disappointing to hear that you felt water points were uncommon throughout the Broads. There a number of water points on each of the rivers, and these are displayed in a table in the map we provide free for all of our guests.
I understand that mudweights can be quite heavy, and lifting them by hand can be difficult. However, some of our boats are fitted with an electric winch to make this easier.
I am sorry to hear you felt you wasted time by turning up early. On your booking confirmation it should state your contractual handover time, which is 4:00pm for our classic fleet. We endeavour to have our boats ready as soon as possible for our guests, but cannot guarantee handover before the contractual time.
I apologise that you did not receive bedding for the two single berths on board. We recommend that guests check their bedding upon arrival so we can rectify any errors before you depart. Due to the size of our fleet, we do not make up berths on our classic fleet. I would like to assure you that if you request this to be done with our bookings team prior to your arrival then we can arrange for your berths to be made up. As you mention, berths on board are smaller than a usual double bed. This is due to limited space on board, whilst berths can be bigger or smaller from craft to craft.
Our bookings team are happy to answer questions and help our guests find the cruiser that suits their needs, such as aft-mounted engines or electric mudweight winches, should you not be able to find this in our brochure or online. I regret to hear that you will not be returning to the Broads.
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
The most eloquent of weekends......
We had an amazing long weekend in September. The boat had brilliant facilities and loads of storage space. The twin bedroom was quite small and really only suitable for children. Our 'children' are 18 and 20 and over 6 foot - not particularly ideal. Couldn't believe there were so many toilets - 3. Cooking was easy. The whole boat was comfortable and loved that the pilot could sit amongst us. Fab with the 'roof' off on our Boatman boat. Cosy at night. Found some fabulous pubs on the river banks. Mooring could be a tad difficult if you left it too late in the day but we always managed to find somewhere eventually. Would thoroughly recommend Richardsons - efficient from the outset and handovers were very smooth. Thank you - we will return!
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Susan, thanks for your review.
I was glad to read you enjoyed your long weekend with us this September! It's fantastic to hear you felt your cruiser had brilliant facilities as well as plenty of storage space.
I completely understand your comments in regards to the berths on board. However, due to space constraints on cruisers, berths onboard tend to be smaller than normal beds that you may perhaps have at home.
I was pleased to read you found your boat comfortable and cosy, and it was fantastic to read you found some great pubs along your journey.
Thank you for your positive feedback on our operation and we hope to welcome you again soon!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
perfect holiday
Been with Richardson's twice now and enjoyed every minute. Boat was clean easy to handle and comfortable. We did encounter a problem with the shower drain, this was dealt with within an hour by the technician who was very friendly and efficient. this in no way spoilt our holiday as we were moored up for a meal anyway. All in all a 1st class holiday. It gave us the bug and we have now bought our own boat.
November 15, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Trevor, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you enjoyed the entirety of both of your holidays with us! It's great to hear your kind feedback in regards to the cleanliness of your cruisers, and I was glad to read you felt the boat easy to handle as well as being comfortable!
I was sorry to read that you had a problem with the drain in your shower and I apologise that this wasn't found before your holiday. However, I am very happy to hear that within an hour one of our engineers had rectified this for you so that you could carry on enjoying your holiday!
Its fantastic to read you have caught the boating bug!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Most enjoyable holiday
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Richard, thanks for your review.
I was very glad to read you had an enjoyable holiday with us recently.
We hope to welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
We have used Richardsons several time …
We have used Richardsons several time over the years and the service is always the same . They look after all of the customers every time.
The boats are clean and all staff happy to help . We would recommend to any one
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Terry, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you have been on holiday with us several times throughout the years and that you felt you have been looked after well by the team each time! Thank you for the positive feedback on our cruisers and the team, as well as your kind recommendation.
We look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Excellent company
Excellent company, well run organisation
With very helpful staff.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello John, thank you for your review.
I was so pleased to read your positive feedback, and thank you for your kind words regarding 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
Great time
The first day was a little disappointing as we were given 2 different times for our chosen boat to be ready for us and when it was it was too late to be going anywhere that night so we stayed at the boatyard. We had an idea it would be busy due to the time of year but being told we could return the boat a little later on our last day because of the waiting around on our 1st day wasn't any help.
The boat was well equipped but the seating in the front wasn't the most comfortable, one toilet couldn't be used due to a broken seat and this must have been spotted by whoever cleaned it out. The double beds aren't really double size at all as they were far too small for the adults.
The television didn't work properly anywhere but this wasn't a big deal.
The information given was very helpful and the booklet had plenty of tips and places to eat.
The staff were very helpful.
We would use Richardson's again if we wanted another boating holiday but
would choose a different boat .over all we had a great time☺
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Mrs. Holmes, thank you for your review.
I am sorry to read of your disappointment at the handover time of your cruiser. Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances arise and unfortunately in this case there was a delay the handover of your boat. Please be assured that this only happens when necessary, as we aim to make sure all of our cruisers are ready and in good working order for our guests before departing.
I was pleased to read you felt the boat to be well equipped, and I apologise that you found one of your toilets to have a broken seat. This should have been picked up before your departure but on this occasion it was not. I cannot find any record of a call out for this. If we had been notified of this then we would have of course fixed this for you. You also mention the berths on board are smaller than a bed you would have at home. This is due to limited space on board cruisers.
I'm glad to read, however, that you felt you were given helpful information and you enjoyed the guide you received, and it's great to hear that you had a great time overall! I'd like to thank you for your positive feedback regarding the team, and we do hope we can welcome you again in the future.
Our friendly bookings team are happy to answer any questions regarding our boats and are available to help you choose the best cruiser for your needs, should you need them!
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
We had a great holiday on the broads …
We had a great holiday on the broads with Richardson, everything we needed was available, the staff were professional and friendly, will defiantly be going again next year.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Lynn, thank you for your review.
I was so pleased to read you had a great holiday with us in the Broads, and I'm happy to hear you had everything you needed available. Thank you for your great feedback on the team, and we look forward to welcoming you again next year!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
been boating on the broads for 30+years …
been boating on the broads for 30+years richardsons are the best boat hire company by far
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Dean, thank you for your review!
Thank you very much for your fantastic recommendation! We hope to welcome you back very soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Another Brilliant Holiday With Richardson’s
Spent two great weeks on Swan Rapide in September 2017.
From check in to leaving at the end of the holiday everything was just perfect.
Richardson’s staff are always so friendly and helpful with nothing being any trouble. The boat (as always) was spotless and well maintained and a pleasure to be on.
I can’t recommend Richardson’s enough and look forward to holidaying with them again.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Peter, thank you for your review.
I was very pleased to read that you felt your fortnight aboard Swan Rapide in September this year was perfect!
Thank you for your kind feedback regarding the team here at Richardson's, and for your positive feedback regarding the cleanliness of our cruisers!
I'd like to thank you for your recommendation and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
We have enjoyed a holiday on the Broads …
We have enjoyed a holiday on the Broads with Richardson's for the last 5 years with several members of our family, each time from parking to checking in to the snack van to the boat and holiday day itself all of our holidays have been fantastic can't wait to have another one
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Keree, thank you for your review.
It's great to hear you have enjoyed holidays with us in the Broads for the past 5 years! I was pleased to read that every step of your holidays has been fantastic, and we're looking forward to welcoming you back for another holiday!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Roddy, thanks for your review.
I was pleased to read you felt the team were friendly and easy to deal with, and I'd like to thank you for your positive feedback in regards to the quality of our fleet.
We hope we can welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Went twice this year
Went twice this year, once on a very cheap boat with my brother fishing & on a much better boat 2nd time with my wife. Both times excellent service from the office staff & the guys on the quayside. Boats were ready a little earlier than we were told. Both boats were clean & well presented even with big difference in price. Have booked a boat already for next year. Love the excellent customer service & great choice of boats & will always look at Richardsons as our 1st choice of boatyard for the Norfolk Broads.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello, thank you for your review.
It's great to read you visited us twice this year, and I was so pleased to read you felt you received excellent service from the team both times you visited! It was fantastic to hear your boats were ready for handover a little earlier than your contractual time - it's always a bonus, and we endeavour to have our cruisers ready as soon as possible for our guests!
Thank you for the positive feedback in regards to the cleanliness of the cruisers, and I'm pleased to hear you have already booked a holiday for next year!
We look forward to welcoming you back to Richardson's Boating Holidays, and I'm pleased that we are your first choice for a holiday in the Broads.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
The boat was very clean and well …
The boat was very clean and well equipped inside but the outside looked unclean, with oily fingerprints and dirt. We had friends with us who had not been on the Broads before and the first impression of the boat was not good, fortunately the inside was good and we had an enjoyable holiday and I am sure we will return again in the future. All the staff were friendly and helpful.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Janet and Jim, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read you felt your boat to be clean and well equipped inside, however I was disappointed to read you felt the exterior was dirty. I apologise, and hope that you reported this to the team so they could rectify this during your holiday with us.
I'm pleased to read that you enjoyed your holiday despite this and glad to hear that you will return again in the future. Thank you for your positive feedback on the team, and we hope to welcome you again soon.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
High and dry
Hired our boat that had not been filled up with diesel, ended up drifting, lucky it wasn't Bredon water! After maintenance taking four hours had to plead with another yard to stay open and wait for us to buy diesel as we were given just enough to get by. Been boating for over 30 years, but this was one holiday I will remember.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Brilliant holiday
We came in Sept to Richardsons & can highly reccomend them. Staff are friendly & helpful nothing is too much bother for them.
We had a smooth handover with our boat at the time stated ,even though they were very busy that day with many boats going out.
We had crystal horizon she is a lovely boat ,plenty of space & very comfortable. It had everything we needed on there including towels which we didn't expect.
We are returning again next June
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Hello Tina, thank you for your review.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for your kind recommendation of Richardson's Boating Holidays! It was great to read your kind comments about the team on-site, and I was pleased to read you found them helpful.
I was pleased to read you were handed your boat on time despite it being a busy day on the boatyard, and I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday aboard Crystal Horizon and you felt you had plenty of room on board, everything you needed and that you were comfortable!
It's great to read you're visiting us again next year - we're looking forward to welcoming you back!
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
Having had to move from Acle based …
Having had to move from Acle based Horizon Craft, no where near the personal touch we have been used t for 25 years, good value for money, but boat not as well kept on outside, inside acceptable cleanliness.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Dear Mr. Grace, thank you for your review.
Thank you for your positive feedback in regards to the value for money of our fleet!
I was, however, shocked and disappointed to read your comments regarding the team and the cleanliness of our boats, as we usually receive very good feedback regarding both.
I was sorry to read of your disappointment at the closure of Horizon Craft in Acle. This boatyard was smaller than our boatyard at Stalham, where we have a fleet of almost 300 boats.
In regards to your comments about the maintenance of the outside of your cruiser, I hope you reported any issues to the team. Each winter our boats go through a maintenance program to ensure they are best they can be for the next season. Towards the end of the season, some natural wear and tear may begin to appear. This is why our fleet go through this maintenance program each year.
If you would like to discuss this 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
The last 3 years ....
For the last 3 years we have had 3 great holidays with Richardson's boating. They are very easy to deal with, offer great boats, great people, and a wonderful service.
Of course nature and their location plays a big part, but their boats are well maintained, cosy, and great to live on - with everything we could want.
On the odd occasion where there has been a small issue - they were prompt and efficient at dealing with it.
We plan to go again - as it is now an annual event for us !!!
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning Colin, thank you for your review.
I was so pleased to read you have had great holidays with us over the last 3 years. It's great to read you felt your experience was easy, and thank you for your positive feedback on both our fleet and team!
I was also glad to read that any time you have had an issue with your holiday we were able to deal with this promptly and efficiently so you could enjoy your holiday once again. It's great to read a holiday on the Broads with Richardson's is now an annual event! We look forward to welcoming you back.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
We had a week on Crystal Gem 1 during …
We had a week on Crystal Gem 1 during September which is one of their older, classic cruisers. That said everything worked perfectly, we had everything we needed on board (except towels which it is made very clear on booking invoice that they are not included) and the boat was very clean.
We had an issue with the pump on the toilet during our week BUT an engineer was with us within half an hour and all was sorted very quickly. All the staff we encountered were helpful and courteous - we could not fault the service or the boat especially given this is a budget boat.
November 14, 2017
Unprompted review
Reply from richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
Good morning David, thank you for your review.
I was pleased to read that during your week's holiday on Crystal Gem 1 you found the boat to be in perfect working order and that you felt you had everything you needed on board! Thank you for your positive feedback regarding the cleanliness of your cruiser.
I was sorry to read you had an issue with the pump on your toilet during you holiday, but was so glad to read one of our engineers was with you within half an hour and were able to fix this very quickly for you so you could enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Thank you for your kind words about the team here at Richardson's Boating Holidays. We hope we can welcome you back in the future.
Kind regards,
Laura Bush
Marketing Assistant
E-mail: laura.bush@richardsonsgroup.net
Tel.: 01692 581 081
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