Boating Holiday on The Norfolk Broads with Herbert Woods | Luxury Boat Hire on the Norfolk Broads

We had one of our most memorable holidays recently - a boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads - courtesy of Herbert Woods. It was our first boating holiday and we enjoyed it immensely; so much that we can't wait to get back on board on one of Herbert Woods' cruisers.

On a sunny and bright Friday in May, we drove to Potter Heigham - one of the major boating centres on the Norfolk Broads and home to Herbert Woods' boat yard. Herbert Woods have over 125 self-drive cruisers, sleeping between 2 to 12 passengers and to suit every budget and party size.

Herbert Woods Boat Hire

All of Herbert Woods' cruisers are available to hire for 4-night midweek breaks or 3-night weekend breaks. You can choose your cruiser type based on your party size, the features on board and the ease of mobility. We had selected Olympic Light - a modern high specification cruiser with dual steering position.

After a quick check-in and being kitted out with life jackets, we went on board the Olympic Light. A member of Herbert Woods’ staff gave us a quick tour and explanation of the interior and exterior of the boat. We also received a brief demo of the boat on the river including handling and manoeuvring the 35ft long boat. Once we had dropped the staff member back at the boat yard, we had the Olympic Light at our disposal and the stunningly beautiful Norfolk Broads was to be our playground for the next 3 days. We were excited, to say the least.

Norfolk Broads | Luxury Boat Hire

Olympic Light is a 35ft long and 12ft wide high specification cruiser (which sleeps 4 + 3) from Herbert Woods' Elite range. It has dual steering. The inside steering is ideal when it is raining or cold outside while the steering position on the external sundeck is perfect for sunny days and to enjoy the spectacular views. Olympic Light has one en-suite (flush toilets, hot and cold water and temperature-controlled showers) double cabin to the rear. The cabin has a comfortable double bed and a television. There is an additional forward cabin with a double bed and a quarter berth (suitable for a child). The saloon has comfortable seating that can be converted to an additional double bed if required.

The cruiser also includes a fully equipped kitchenette (including crockery and utensils, gas cooker/hob and electric fridge) and a compact family bathroom with toilet and shower. Other features include LCD TV/DVD in the salon, a premium sound system, electric safe, microwave oven and warm air heating system. Olympic Light was less like a boat and more like a compact and well-furnished apartment. It had everything we needed for our holiday. There was enough space to move about, relax and enjoy meals together. I also liked the clever storage spaces - enough to tuck away our entire luggage.

Olympic Light also had bow and stern thrusters which took the stress out of docking the boat. The thrusters provided greater manoeuvrability of the boat while finding a spot for mooring, docking (especially when mooring stern on) and even while sailing away.

The information that we received from Herbert Woods well in advance of our holiday and the efficient tour and handover enabled us to use the boat safely and trouble free. Even though we were first timers, we found it easy to manoeuvre and handle the boat. Complementing the easy handling of the boat was marvellous weather which meant that our holiday on the Norfolk Broads was absolutely fantastic.

Welcome hamper from Herbert Woods (above)

The speed limits on the Broads ranges between 3 - 6 miles per hour and we found it a very relaxing pace. We spent the three days cruising around the Broads enjoying the beautiful scenery, lovely little villages and sightings of wildlife. This leisurely pace was the perfect way to experience the Broads. You can read about our 3 day Broads itinerary here. It lists out the route we took, the villages we passed by, our mooring spots each night and some local attractions that we visited. The itinerary is based on our interest and the time we had on hand. We avoided Great Yarmouth because of its fast flowing tides and the fact that it was just the two of us on the cruiser. You can talk to the Herbert Woods team to chalk out an itinerary to suit your taste. Whatever route you choose, you are sure to have a truly lovely holiday out on the Norfolk Broads.

The Olympic Light is a fabulous boat and the Norfolk Broads boasts of absolutely stunning scenery. There really is little more to say other than would we do it again. It was a fabulous long weekend for us and we cannot wait to repeat it!

Book your boating holiday with Herbert Woods

Short breaks on Olympic Light start from £638 while 7-night breaks are priced from £912. All prices are based on 2017 off-peak hire charges. These prices exclude fuel surcharge, damage waiver and any additional security deposit (if applicable). Complimentary outdoor parking for vehicles is provided. The number of parking spaces depends on the type of cruiser you hire. For more information visit www.herbertwoods.co.uk or call on 0800 144 4472.

Herbert Woods | Broads Haven, Bridge Road, Potter Heigham, Norfolk NR29 5JF
Freephone | 0800 144 4472
International | +44 (0)1692 670711

*We were hosted by Herbert Woods on a complimentary basis in exchange for an honest review.