Herbert Woods Reviews 

Had a great holiday last year so booked again for June 2013 can't wait , already thicking about booking again for September 2013 if the wife will let me Ha Ha.

all the staff at herbert woods were very helpful and polite portrraying a nice relaxed atmosphere we enjoyed our holiday apart from a few stressful times which were caused by our inexperience which did mar things a little although since arriving home my husband had expressed wishes of returning to the broads next year.

Had a good week on our boat (Starlight 2), though not fault free. Some of the batteries died towards the end of the week, leaving us with no heater or lights for one night. We called and a service engineer next day though (when we got somewhere with phone reception) to replace them.
When we turned the boat in we just left the keys with someone to refuel it while we went for some breakfast. Apparently we had used our full fuel allowance and then some, which didn't seem to make sense as we hadn't travelled half as far as last year, but used twice as much fuel. So was a miffed at that.
But apart from those small details we still had a good time.

A fun week in mixed weather. We had taken a 46 foot boat with a possible 11 berths for 6 of us because we like to have plenty of room without having to use pull-out berths. A good decision! (been on lots of boats!).
Everyone at H Woods was very friendly and helpful, we would definitely recommend them.
Hope to be back one day, thanks to everyone at the yard.

Our latest holiday started well when we were told no dogs in reception and then informed that thje £70 for a fortnight was cheaper that putting it in kennels. Our boat was promoted to "Elite" since we booked it, but the minor snags were not what you would expect from an "Elite" boat.
On the good side the boat yard staff are great they are friendly and helpful. When we returned after the first week with three snags they pumped us out , refueled us and topped up the water as well as fixing two of the three snags (the grill require a new cooker) all within an hour. That is what I call service. We will reurn to HB although we think the Elite fleet is a bit of a joke

We had had a canal boat holiday many years ago and as a teenager I had been on the Shannon but the Broads was new to us.
Our induction was delivered in a very pleasant broad Norfolk accent and we were pleased with the 30 foot buttywhich was well maintained and had a timeless feel to it 50s 60s 70s???
Quite happy to go slowly - I don't think that bluff bow would do anything but push up a wave if you tried to do 6 knots- and very impressed with the scenery and free moorings. In the long weekend we had the weather was fantastic and we heard that the area is one of the driest in England so it may be sensible to keep an eye on forecasts and rainy weather trends in a future wet summer and come this way again.

Unfortunately the pub where we chose to take our Sunday lunch was badly run by teenagers although very smartly decorated.

Nearly got the hang of reversing into a stern on mooring by the time we gave the boat back and we were dealt with in a very friendly way by the guy who refilled the tank and especially by the young cleaning supervisor who pronounced our vessel perfect on inspection.

Very pleased to have the free car parking in the yard which exudes up-marketness ( lots of flashy cars and gin palacy boats if you want them) but no stuffiness.

Would like to come back with some friends for a longer hire especially if rates stay affordable to us on our pensions.

had a great holiday, the boat (Shimmering Light) was great and the staff at the boatyard were fab - will be going back again

We both enjoyed our holiday experience from start to finish. It is tremendously relaxing and enjoyable to explore the Norfolk Broads. There is an opportunity to be as active or chilled out as you feel on the day. The boat was clean and comfortable and the boatyard staff friendly and helpful. We will definitely book with Herbert Woods again in the future.

we experienced a couple of problems with our boat but one call to the office and it was dealt with immediately, and for our trouble and inconvenience we were treated to an upgrade to an even better boat, all in all it didnt spoil our holiday on the broads. brilliant service by all the staff.

We've been with 6 different boat yards. Herbert Woods is the best value for money with a good selection of boats at a pleasant Boatyard. The staff are friendly and helpful. Although we did have some small problems with our boat, they were dealt with swiftly before we left the Boatyard and did not affect our holiday in any way. Overall, a good experience and as good as any other Boatyard, and better than some, at better value than most. Recommended.

We hired a 6 berth boat Ray of Light for a weekend in February to celebrate a 30th birthday.

We were quite concerned about how cold it would be (as it was snowing outside!!) but the diesel heater warmed the cabin very well.

The boats facilities were brilliant, it was nice to not have to worry about packing cups, plates, cutlery etc and the microwave came on handy when trying to cook a full English for six in the "bijoux" galley!!

My only criticism about the boat itself would be the size of the beds. I am only 5' 5" and my head touched the top and feet the bottom. I felt quite sorry for my 6' 2" boyfriend! I had to sleep right up against the wall so that he could sleep diagonally across the bed. It was fine for two nights but I can imagine it would get quite wearing on a full weeks trip.

The people at Herbert Woods were excellent. Very helpful and informative.

If you want a good fun break on the broads then I would highly recommend them.

It was great - I'd use them again.

Although this was a first stay for us at Potter Heigham Marina, it certainly won't be our last. Having booked a weekend break in February, we were unsure of what to expect from, what my husband jokingly referred to as "a posh shed". However, the accommodation far exceeded our expectations, it was top class, clean, warm and welcoming. I will never forget waking up to a frozen marina, watching the steam rise from the broads and being warm and toasty in our home from home. We thoroughly enjoyed our break. The Herbert Woods staff were helpful and informative, both when making the booking and during our stay.

Thanks

Over all experience with Herbert woods was pleasant, staff were polite and courteous. However forgetting that first timers need to be instructed better and not rushed through their inductions. Microwave was not working (not a problem for us, but should really have been checked), and boat roof/windows could do with additional waterproofs to surround them and protect the inside especially when moored, as when it rained it poured inside the boat and made the floors dangerously slipper (most probably due to the age of the boat, 1986). Cleanliness and other facilities were very good. We would defiantly use Herbert Woods again but perhaps with a newer boat.

We took a 'punt' on a weekend break on the Broads as it would be the first time our daughters would spend time on a boat. I remembered Potter Heigham from boating holidays many years ago. We searched for hours to find a boat that would suit us, and at short notice, be available.
From turning up to being piloted out of the Marina, the staff were really friendly and helpful. My daughters loved the entire experience.
The boat we chose (Rio Light) was great for a short break, but i'm 6'4" tall and did struggle a bit with the head room and the bed layout (diagram showed one way - bed was bulkhead to wall ! - and hard !)
We had a great time and loved it so much we discussed with the reception staff other boats that would suit our needs for a longer break. (and that eradicated the niggling issues we found on this break).
The next thing i knew i was talking with one of the marina staff who listened to everything i said, and then not only suggested, but got the keys for, and then allowed us around the boats whilst they were moored / being prepped.
The website shows a good quality of images and the layout, but going onboard helped us to choose our next cruiser.
It's the little things that make the difference, and the staff at Herbert Woods went the extra for us.
TRY THEM OUT - GREAT VARIETY OF BOATS (and no i don't work for them - just offering my opinion)

initially called in to look at their boats and was given all the keys for the boats that we had earmarked in their brochure and allowed to look at all the boats in our own time , booked the boat and that was it .. The holiday was excellent,, used to boating in Ireland at a bit faster pace but this was very relaxing,, took sister along ( who does,nt like water or boats ) but she loved it , and when holiday was over she picked the boat we are (apparently ) having next year, for longer . Had a few issues with the old boat , but we muddled through and sorted them , and the staff , on return were very helpful in compensating us for the issues, many thanks to Robert at Potter Heigham ,, and all the other staff. we will be back next year.

Great introduction to sailing on the Broads. Excellent staff explained the basics of driving the vessel. The boat (Northern Light) was excellent and good for a few days gently sailing up and down the rivers. There were plenty of Moorings and we must recommend the carvery at The Ferry Inn. The weather was rubbish, apart from one day when the sun decided to come out. However this meant it wasn't as busy as it could have been.

We had the most fantastic time time on holiday. The accommodation was beautiful and in a great location. The free boat hire for the day was lovely, we all enjoyed every second of it. Without doubt I would re-book again in the future.

Another great family experience achieved through Herbert Woods and use of their craft. The weather tried to do its best but the UK in May is never guaranteed sun and so it was! However, this did not deter our enjoyment and we did manage two BBQ's during the four night cruise.

The boat performed well and was just about comfortable enough for the six of us plus the dog, although watching a DVD at night was a little uncomfortable on the bench seats. Could have done with a little better explanation on how to switch from one steering position to the other which led to a ninety minute trip exposed to the rain. (I actually enjoyed it though) Sorted on the phone next day though.

At this time the Broads were not over populated and made cruising a pleasure, also berthing was less stressful than previous trips where the summertime busyness occupied a lot of berths early. Still, a great time and hassle free. Thanks again to all of the team at HW and we will see you again.

I like Herbert Woods, I've them many times. My only niggle, and not a big one, is the lack of flexibility in hire dates, If you want to hire outside the standard Saturday to Saturday slot (or similar short slots) you have to wait until the last minute before booking. Very nerve wracking.
Apart from that superb, the boats are good and clean and the staff helpful.