Reply from Herbert Woods
[REPLY]
- Reviews (103)
- Mr A Jepson
- 1 Review
Top boat lots of niggles
Royale light was fine, but the amount of snags was out of proportion . Starting at the stern,the rear door was extremely difficult to open and close. The door itself looks out of place on such a white boat,and actually looks cheap.Inside the rear cabin ensuite there is no drain in the floor,so water collects in the lowest point in the floor. The positioning of the sink could only be designed by a purblind idiot,how are you supposed to wash your face when the sink is under a shelf! The door to the bathroom was warped,or the frame was and was almost impossible to close with any lack of considerable force. The rest of the boat was what I would expect of a boat at this price. Nice holiday let down by the rear cabin,on which the whole crew(all experienced sailors) totally agreed upon.
- Mrs Janet Page
- 1 Review
Staff Great
This holiday was OK, I'm glad I went but would not repeat it. We were a party of 6 adults and the living accomadation did not really cater for that. But the room on the boat was no more than I expected, its a floating caravan. The big down side for us was the stench of the toilet facilities, maybe because no one else has mentioned this we were unlucky and should have reported this, but at times it was unbearable. It was not dirty facilities but just very smelly. The boat was clean and the actual toilets were clean. I must congratulate the staff who were very nice and polite at all times.
- Mrs Seymour
- 2 Reviews
'Does what it says on the tin"
Great boat, lovely holiday. Herbert Woods staff were very helpful and efficient, both the admin team and the boat staff. A very nice gesture was the welcome bag with goodies to start our holiday with. Several essentials were also on the boat as an aded bonus, loo roll, matches, tea towels.
I would highly recommend Herbert Woods, far better than the boatyard we had used on our last Broads holiday.
- Mrs Ann Knight
- 1 Review
Good, reliable service
Booking easy, boat ready and available on time, clean and well appointed. Driving etc well explained. One cabin rather clostrophobic as under the rear deck but OK for youngsters.
- Mr N Smith
- 1 Review
A superb holiday, everything was great.
A big thank you to Herbert Woods for an amazing holiday. Our boat, the Royale Light was a floating hotel. Fabulous! It was luxurious, well equipped and spacious. Easy to drive and smooth. It was very well cleaned when we arrived and we had a helpful man to show us how everything worked so felt confident from the start. Staff on reception were very helpful. The boatyard was clean and looked lovely. Everything went well and we really enjoyed our time on the broads. We did have to call out when the television had no reception, they came immediately with another aerial, it seems the old technology , ie the manual aerial works better than the new one ! Arriving back all the staff were ready to work, what a good operation. Thank you for making our holiday seamless.
- Mrs Kathryn Summerbell
- 1 Review
Absolutely amazing no hassle, gorgeous scenery and a fantastic week aboard supreme light
This was our first time on the norfolk broads and it won't be the last. We hired supreme light, and couldn't fault it. If I were to change anything at all it would be a simple improvement of placing a mirror to enable me to see when hair drying, the only eye level mirrors were in the bathroom. The weather was very kind to us therefore enabled us to steer from top deck, catching the rays and getting better views.... Dual steering...highly recommended.
We travelled as far as beccles a lovely place, another favourite was ranworth, free mooring, with all amenities and lovely walks. It was great having the choice to moor up in a commercial mooring, pubs,shops etc or mooring up in the wilderness, no hassle were ever we chose. What struck us: was just how friendly other people were towards helping mooring if needed telling us great places to visit etc.
However we did comment to each other that we wouldn't of liked being on supreme light with others, although it accommodates 6 people we found that two of us made our boat and holiday more comfortable. We we always hire a boat with ample space.
Herbert Woods were very kind and informative so no worries there, a highly recommended holiday thank you
- Mr David Sharp
- 1 Review
Ship-Shape in all respects
We have just returned from a boating holiday on the Broads and can honestly say that the organisation at Herbert Woods was extremely efficient due to the professionalism of the friendly staff.From the initial check in , pre-departure briefing , demonstration to our return and check-out , our needs were perfectly addressed and we recommend this company to first-timers and seasoned boaters alike.
- Miss K Ledgard
- 1 Review
Very professional team and excellent accomodation.
Right from our arrival the staff were very friendly and helpful and our cottage was amazing with all mod-cons! There was lots of information inside for things to do and local walks etc., The cottage was right on the riverside and very peaceful, we hired a day-boat and went to several places on the river, it was great and very relaxing, just what we needed - thank you Herbert Woods!
- Mrs patricia ann smith
- 2 Reviews
Worst birthday present ever
My wife booked a week on the broads for my 60th birthday which was a lot of money. She booked for 1st Feb i know we did realise it would be cold but did not expect what we got. The staff were great they were very very helpful and could not do enough for you. The weather we had was very very cold and whatever we did we could not keep warm. The problem was that you could not drive the boat from the inside as the windows were steamed up all the time. It would have been good if there was some form of heater to keep the windscreen clear. So the boat had to be driven from on top and in sub zero temperatures with rain,hail,snow and high winds thats not the best place to be. The heater was a waste of time it never got the boat even anywhere near warm it made so much noise that you could not sleep with it on and if you left it running all night which you needed to it would run the batteries flat. The other thing was that the heater used the diesel from the tank and it used as much fuel as it did to drive the boat about. I have a large caravan with a gas heater with under floor hot air pipes this only costs a fraction of the boat heater. When you had the heater on at night the boat reeked of fuel and there was so much condensation it would drip from everywhere so you had to sleep under the covers and by the morning everything was soaking wet. We had one warm day out of five we had booked for the week but we were so cold that we went home two days early. I got home and went to bed i was very ill because of the cold it was four days before i felt well enough to get up. I had a problem with my kidneys going to the loo all the time and through the night which i have not had a problem before the trip. It is now june and i am still having problems and have been to the hospital several times for tests. I know everyone told us it was going to be cold but the least you expect is that you would be able to drive the boat in the warm if you need to. Its no good saying you should have gone in the summer as my birthday is in February.We thought it would be a great adventure but there is a lot more i could write but you don't need me to waffle on too much more. We did contact the boat yard about the holiday but nobody seemed to bothered they said you knew it would be cold. They did offer us a 5% discount off another holiday but this one has put me off boats forever.
- Mrs Patricia Bryce
- 1 Review
- Mr W Wheeler
- 1 Review
The Norfolk Broads is a lovely holiday
We had 2 boats for a long weekend and shared with our family,it was to celebrate our 50th anniversary,we were able to take it in turns leading and we had a wonderful time.
We did have problems with both boats,ours had a blockage in the shower tray,and the other boat were having trouble getting the roof up and down,we called the yard and arranged for the mechanics to meet us,and they managed to sought everything out we were delayed for about 2 hours and it did not spoil the holiday.
It was lovely having our own toilet and bathroom on the boat as there were 3 in total as the were both big boats.
- Ms E Hewett
- 1 Review
Another lovely "Broads" experience
It was great and we were able to introduce our friend visiting from NZ to some of the wonders of our lovely natural world in Norfolk where we live. Some of the strange attitudes of other boat users - speeding along with little or no regard for safeguarding nature, conservation or indeed fellow human beings, sadly this was a downside but no fault of the company.
The boat was fine and on our last morning our engine battery failed but as the sun shone and we were moored in an idyllic split it was no hardship and the company response was excellent.
What could have been improved ? Only two things probably - the pre holiday info about the boat seemed minimal (e.g. need to pre book microwave and need for low voltage hairdryer). The pre departure handover/instruction was a bit minimal too and we needed to check several things before signing agreeing to it all on a list. No rope skills shared and more emphasis should be given to the quality of info in 'skipper's handbook.
We would go again with this company.
- Miss Sheena Dunn
- 1 Review
Exactly What It Said on the Tin!
The accommodation was comfortable, clean, spacious and fully equipped for 9 people. Despite being located in a busy boatyard it was peaceful and private with a lovely view over the marsh. We were well located for attractions roundabout but could easily spend the day 'at home' if we chose.
Whilst I looked for somewhere decent my main criteria was to find somewhere with walk in shower and ground floor accommodation as I am partially disabled. This site delivered in spades and also had ramp access rather than steps.
The local shop and Lathams had everything between them and the members of staff we met were friendly and helpful.
If circumstances permit we would come again and would recommend it to friends.
Also, full marks to the Bridge Inn at Acle - excellent food, plenty of it and all served up by very friendly, helpful staff.
Our nitpicks were:
Poor lighting and pillows in the bedrooms - not possible to read in bed.
No washing machine provided nor was there a laundry on site. We were only there for a week but any longer and it would have been appreciated.
My brother and brother-in-law took one look inside the pub at the entrance to the site and immediately went elsewhere for a pint! It did not do the site any favours.
- Mrs Pauline Moss
- 1 Review
A brilliant Broads break, wonderful waterside location
I took my 95 year old mother in April 2013. The cottage was perfect for a person with disabilities, ie ramped access, spacious one-level accommodation and en-suite facilities. We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, very relaxing and ideal location for exploring other Broads villages.
- Mr John Human
- 1 Review
out standing service
The Staff was very friendly the boat was clean would use again
- Mr Lawson Speirs
- 1 Review
Herbert Woods - Evening Light 3 19 to 26th June 2013
The reception and handover at the boatyard was excellent and the boat was clean and ready to go at the appointed time (2pm for the"Elite" boats). Mechanically the boat was faultless and didn't use a drop of oil over the week. All the electrical equipment worked properly and even the tv reception was mostly good.
This boat is of the sliding roof type, having a large moveable panel on each side. Our week was pretty windy and we found the draught around these panels so bad that we had to stuff the gaps with towels to let the heat build up in the saloon. The gap between the panel and the draught proofing was, in some places wider than my adult male thumb, so it just appears to have been badly fitted. I should say that once we stopped the draughts the warm air heating was very effective. Over the week, including use of quite a lot of heating, we used 56 litres of diesel cruising about 6-7 hours most days.Seems ok to me, but I did think a charge of £ 1.40 per litre is a bit steep for red diesel which I understand has much lower tax than road diesel.
All in all, a very pleasant experience with Herbert Woods.
- Mr Christopher Orchard
- 1 Review
the most relaxed holiday I have ever had !
I would recomend this holiday to anyone who likes water but in a peaceful friendly setting. Herbert Woods did us proud no fuss no worries just one of the best holidays I have ever had
- Mrs S Goodwin
- 1 Review
excellant
We found all staff helpfull and were a credit to the company as my husband has a serious lung condition your staff were very considerate and made sure all equipment was working and helped me to load the boat from and to the car l cannot thank them enough they made our holiday most enjoyable and we will certainly recommend herbert woods to friends and family also we found the boat clean and well equipt
- Mr Brian Cullum
- 1 Review
Onr hell of alaugh!
This was our first encounter of boating on the Broads and we had a ball! This was our present to aunty and uncle for their 50th wedding anniversary and we could not of given a better present for them to remember.
The only downside was we felt the cruiser was a little tired, we would have liked something more up to date. When we go again, which we certainly will, we will look carefully at all boats available for comfort and especially the heating system necessary for the cold evenings and nights.
- Mr J James
- 1 Review
Fun in the sun
First time for us so nothing to compare. The boat was good but would not like to be on board if the weather was not good.
Thought the broads would have more pubs and stuff along the water ways.
- Mrs J Sparke
- 1 Review
The most uncomfortable boat in the world
We picked up our boat in a cold spell, but we werent worried as we have a motor home and we have camped in mid winter many times. But unlike our old camper the boat dident have have double glazing! The heater in the boat was not very efficent, was also very noisy, and could not be used at night!
The main cabin had holes big enough to put my fingers through, all along where the canopy was meant to fix to the windscreen, Another window fitted so badly the wind rattled the glass for the whole time we were on the boat (which wasen't long)
After the first night, we returned to the boat yard and I drove home (we live in Norfolk) and got extra duvetts pillows etc as we had only been issued with one duvett.! Spent the rest of the second day stuffing newspaper into as many of the gaps/holes as we could but were just as cold the second night .
We decided to cut our losses and go home ,when packing , my husband left a clock on the boat, he rang the boat yard, on two consecutive days to see if they had found it . Eventully was forced to drive to the boat yard and retrieved it himself.
The lesson we learnt from this was don't holiday with Herbert Woods
Reply from herbertwoods.co.uk
Thank you for your feedback I am very sorry to hear that you had an uncomfortable holiday with us and were forced to leave early. However had you raised your concerns with us during your stay I’m sure they could have been rectified. Additional blankets and duvets are available on request and could have been delivered to the boat to avoid disrupting your holiday. Had that not been sufficient a transfer to a more suitable boat could have been arranged.
With regards to the clock I can only apologise that this wasn't dealt with immediately, I will address this with the relevant department to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
If you would like to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact me on 01692 670711. Amanda Walker, Marketing Director
- Mr Tim Sloane
- 1 Review
Great place to hire a boat!
Lovely clean boat, competitively priced. Reception staff very good, young gentleman with glasses, very polite and helpful. Could have done with one more member of staff doing the boat demos, but it was low season so can't complain. Will defo be booking though herbert again!
- Mr Frank Cerra
- 1 Review
Excellent value, great service.
We were complete novices to boating, they showed us everything and explained everything in simple language. Very welcoming and very helpful. We would definitely use Herbert Woods again!
- Mrs K Thomas
- 1 Review
good holiday
Was a good holiday. Very enjoyable. Staff very friendly and helpful. Had an issue with the dvd player not working and a leaky toilet but other than that a very nice boat
- Mr D Bent
- 1 Review
So well organised
The company were very well organised and professional.
- John
- 2 Reviews
great location nice accommodation.
Accommodation great, only criticism is the showers need updating. Great location would be nice if there was somewhere nice to eat within walking distance. Plenty of nice eateries if you are willing to drive. Staff at Herbertwoods very helpful. Boat hire good and a lovely way to see the broads.
- Mr Thomas Patterson
- 1 Review
Waters edge splendid
The cottage was spotless. On a lovely part of the river,although a short walk from the boat yard also very spacious. Had no problems what so ever. Would recommend to anyone.
- Mr William Taylor
- 1 Review
- Mr Dennis Etheridge
- 1 Review
Whant great week Holiday call on herbert woods
Every thing about Herbert Woods is very good we would recommend this company to anyone We had COOT COTTAGE for a week and it was great.
- Mrs J Schaedl
- 1 Review
SHOULD HAVE BEEN LUXURY BUT NOT QUITE
We hired a boat from Herbert Woods for the third time and booked a last minute holiday on The Broads.
The boat we had was deemed luxury but sorry Herbert Woods it didn;t quite match up to that.
The kitchen was not designed very well as the crockery was up the step and in the living room cupboard. There was an insufficient bin located on the working surface where food was prepared, I asked for a free-standing bin which they supplied.
The weather in March this year was abnormally cold and whilst the boat had heating we were required to pay a further £100 for diesel at the end of the holiday.
The duvet supplied was not adequate but luckily I had brought my own.
There were only 2 of us which was just as well as the 2nd bedroom was claustraphobic and we would have felt overcrowded with more persons.
Despite my negative comments, which I'm sure they will take on board', I would holiday with them again as mainly the staff are friendly and helpful.
- Mrs J Benney
- 1 Review
Proper, old fashioned decent customer service!
Herbie Woods have been around forever and I remember them being friendly and helpful 30 years ago. Smartened up now but the office staff were unbelievably helpful over everything, our boat was ready early and had everything it needed. Everyone we spoke to were friendly and down to earth and even had a sense of humour! Well done guys, you made it an easy and fun family holiday, we are keen to come back and will definitely be interested in using HW again rather than a big chain.
- Darren Aitken
- 2 Reviews
Great base for exploring Norfolk, excellent value
Booked 7 night stay in cottage online for 6 of us in May, price was great and included days boat hire. When we arrived at the cottage we wasn't disappointed. Cottage was well equipped, superbly decorated, beds were one of the comfiest I've slept on.. Location is lovely, right on the water. Latham's shop over the road is well stocked, pub and chip shop next to them were awful would avoid, walk into Potter Heigham and the pub there was great. Nice and easy to get about with Yarmouth, Cromer etc all within easy driving distance. Decent Indian/Chinese takeaways and a Tesco 10 minute drive away in Stalham. Day out on boat was good fun went to Horning for lunch lovely experience. All in all a great holiday and we are looking to book again for next year.
- Mrs Gillian Wood
- 1 Review
couldnt be more helpful
my mum and I were due to go to one of the riverside cottages for a week I n may of this year, but on the day before we should have gone, my mum had a fall, and was rushed to hospital so we could not go. Herbert Woods were so very understanding, and helpful as we didn't know if we would be able to make it for the end of the week or not, but they were so kind about leaving the option open for us, unfortunately my mum is still in hospital and we were unable to go at all.
I would certainly recommend this company to anyone
- Mr A Holmes
- 1 Review
Value for money
Er went in half term last minute paid 650 for Prince of Light. Really pleased with economy stuck at 1400rpm went to norwich cost £80 for week. Very spacious front island berth.Best toilets jabasco river water,Didnt need pump outs on either.Fridge gas fine.Tv good.Boat very easy to handle good vision from helm. Superb evening cruising south side only boat on river ..very quiet loved it loved the wildlife etc.
Needs new draft exluders on windscreen and smelt of wet dog after first day dog hairs found in fridge and all over 2 nd cabin from previous occupants only criticism
- Mrs P Lyons
- 1 Review
Great time loved it and so did children so relaxing
Would recommend herbert woods to all . The staff were very friendly and informative nothing was to much trouble.
- Mrs Sally Grewal
- 1 Review
Fabulous holiday!
The customer service from start to finish was seamless, efficient and we were quickly on our way. The staff were friendly and helpful and the boat was exactly as described - perfect!
- Mr Stuart Turp
- 1 Review
Unbeatable !
We came to the broads in February and hired through herbert woods and we could not fault the service we were given. Right from the start the staff were very attentive and there was no hanging around. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and we would highly recommend herbert woods to anyone.
- Mr Alec Birbeck
- 1 Review
Well appointed reliable boat perfect for a large group
It was great having the two different boats for our weekend prowling on the broads Herbert woods staff were very helpful and relaxed when explaining the boats to us novices. The boats had all the bits to make cooking and eating easy only issue was with the taller of our group who didn't fit in the cabins, as the beds only really fit the under 6 ft
Great fun and easy to clean up after a crazy weekend,
- Mr K Hanson
- 1 Review
Cottage holidays go to Herbert woods
We have just had a lovely week in a cottage from Herbert woods on the river thurne at potter heigham it was very clean and comfortable we got a nice welcome when we arrived,we took our little jack Russell he loved it, it's within easy reach of the coast and there's a large store where you can get all your supplies we really enjoyed it we would recommend it to anyone good value for money.
- Mr John Slater
- 1 Review
Fantastic Holiday on board the Golden Light
Seamless booking, reservation and check in. If you havent boated before, then attention is definitely required on the engine checks, driving and mooring methods. However as first timers, we would definitely use Herbert Woods again. Maps were excellent, boat in great condition, all working order, friendly service team, great and modern boat yard with wifi means that we considered it better to pop back to Potter Heigham for water and supplies than trying to battle other busier or smaller boat yards. As first timers, we thought that the boat was easy to handle and everything straighforward and well documented.
