Norfolk Broads Direct Reviews 2,641

Another fantastic holiday with NBD... we've been hiring their boats for the last 15 years and they keep getting better!

We arrived late on the 1st day and they left our boat ready for us to sleep on board with the handover taking place early the following morning - we were delighted to find a bag of goodies for us - and 1 for the dog too!

Looking forward to next year already!

Cottage is in a brilliant location, shops, pub, marina, fishing, local days out, spot on. House was clean, tidy and generally well equipped.

However it could do with a slight update and refresh in places, as on the whole its fresh, clean and well fitted, but 4 stars as its missing a few obvious improvements.

Deck on river is superb, but the furniture is 2 bench's and white PVC table? (For a house of 8) All were looking tired.

The kitchen cups, cooking utensils need to be upgraded. You want a mug of tea on the river, not 3 sips and back to the kettle. Chips on the rim showed their age.

Bathroom plumbing could be updated, its tired and “smells” emanate when using the shower, its an old system which needs some love.

These are minor, but because they are daily items, they accentuate the need for some update, hence had to hit the 4 stars.

Just for those with dogs, there is no grass/stones at the back/side of property, its now decking so dogs need to use the “Throne” out the front in the car park. Pictures are old.

Staff at NBD were fantastic, top service and very helpful, cant fault them. Booking was quick and easy.

It was a marvellous holiday enjoyed by all and will be back, just needs a fettle.

Clean and well presented boat, friendly and helpful staff. We had a lovely week on the river

Excellent holiday as usual, Becky who works on the quay side was amazing Becky actually made our holiday very friendly and put you at ease, every time we came back to the boat yard, she deserves a mention or employee award, we would recommend friends and family, our son and his girlfriend joined us and have said they would like to do it themselves at some stage, Well done NBD Faircraft Loynes

Great boat didn’t feel damp as other companies in the past great service on arrival a departure from the yard.

According to the staff when I booked in it is the 7th time we have had boats from NBD.
I have, over the last 50 years used nearly all the Boatyards on the Broads.
The atmosphere of the whole organisation at NBD takes me back to the days when nothing was too much trouble and everything is possible and not a problem and done with a smile.
The staff in the office are friendly and outgoing and professional explaining everything before you even ask; and when you get to the quay ..... you meet Becky ....
Always smiling remembers you from previous bookings and remembers that my wife has mobility difficulties; so as soon as Becky sees us out comes the ramp to make it easy for her to board. No chasing to get things done - just do it in your own time - additional bedding .. no problem it is brought out to the boat.
And after a great week on the water return to find the staff waiting but not chasing.
For a seasoned user of the Broads I will be back every year.

The customer service was top rate 5* absolutely nothing was too much.

Though we enjoyed our holiday, the fair duke was a very tired looking boat, in much need of an up grade. We had real issue with the toilet and shower. Pump wouldn't work in the toilet so ended up using shower down toilet to flush away. Pump used to drain shower didn't work properly and had a wet floor all week. Could of done with a squeegy to help dry. Twice battery went and couldn't start engine luckily first time managed to charge at electric point where we was moored, second time NBD came out to us. Loved the broads but won't go back to NBD again will choose a different company.

We'd never been to the Broads before - nor ever taken charge of a boat.
Everything worked well and was good and clean. The weather was great and we had a whole new experience for which we are very grateful!
If there were any negative things - I think maybe a little more practice with manoeuvres would have been sensible - I think the young man who instructed us assumed levels of ability beyond reality!
Also our boat was too tall for Ludham Bridge (we visited twice and were about a foot short of clearance). This was disappointing and restricted our plans. Maybe this could be made clear to people to help them choose which boat to hire?
Also, if we were choosing a boat again we would go for one with external steering -partly for noise reasons and partly for the pleasure of it!
Overall though - thank you very much for our holiday! Everybody was very friendly and helpful.

The boat was ready on our arrival and was well equipped. The bag of goodies was most welcome. All the staff we spoke to were friendly and informative. The phone app was especially useful.

As first-time boaters, we couldn't have asked for better service.

Helpful staff, keen to put right any problems. Towels and bedding fresh and clean. Fair Consort is spacious for two, with good layout and handles very well.

Excellent boat highly recommended good customer service nice and clean easy to use

all though we always have a good holiday with your boat yard and quite a few things are 10/10. we was a bit disappointed in the how the boat inside looked rather tiered and there was some cleaning issues. quite a lot of dust on shelves, and doors needed a wipe down. glass roasting had about 4 chips in it so couldnt use, broken tin opener so had to buy one. worse thing was finding a pair of ladies knickers in the draw, obviously not checked.

Best boat ever and we have coming to the Broads 1/2 times a year for 53 years. Lovely helpful staff, good parking.The boat was spotlessly clean,and had everything that was needed.Only criticism is the top steering position being too low I struggled with where to put my legs, I am 5’ 10 and we have booked this boat for my son next year and he is 6’ 3. Although a long boat easy enough to moor . Would definitely recommend.

Wonderful clean boats. Great staff all so very helpful. Been coming 19 years with NBD and wouldn't go with anyone else

It's always nice to arrive to the warm welcome as always from all the staff at Norfolk Broads Direct,
I've done cruisers , cottages and apartment with them over many years and I've never been disappointed.
The location is second to none, central for everything.
Cottages do take dogs but not the Apartments,
Clean, warm and very comfortable, everything you need for a great holiday. Next year already booked, 😁

Great service by all at NBD, from booking our holiday, to checking in when we arrived and a special mention to Becky, Ben and Karl at the boatyard for their invaluable help and advice re our boat the Fair Executive.
We were that impressed that we've booked already for next year. See you then!

The boat was excellent, and coming at the quieter time was peaceful and relaxing. Staff start and finish were friendly and helpful

Friendly, helpful staff. Good, basic training for the very inexperienced. Nice welcome pack, including some popular doggy treats.
The four berth would have been very intimate for four adults, but great for two adults plus dog.
The much appreciated bonus was the free EV charging, which meant we left with a full battery and a happy smile.

Mattress was like sleeping on a plank. Boat was dirty. Essential items lacking from kitchen eg. Chopping board. Friendly staff for the welcome, different to the return