“Communication prior to the trip was positive. The car park was water logged and my car was moved from a dry space into a space completely waterlogged, requiring the driver to get in and out with his soaking wet wellies! That said there wasn’t any visible signs of water or mess in the car thank god! I wasn’t aware I had to leave my car keys which I wasn’t keen to do!
We travelled in October so we were expecting to get wet throughout, but we didn’t expect this to be in our own beds! Significant leaks, which we agreed was like water torture throughout the night! The tap water on board wasn’t working, and after a phone call and a visit from the mechanic that evening got everything back working again.
We did have an absolute laugh, with 8 of us on Symphony 1, and expected the “no thrills” experience however the water dripping, stained sheets, smells, coffin style bedroom (single) and damp means we will look for alternatives when we go again! We did get a discounted price but it was still £1000.
We did experience significant high tides and we returned a day early to the yard, unfortunately due to the high water levels we could not get out of the grounds without waders. That’s said two staff members were monitoring the site even though they weren’t supposed to be operating on the Sunday so they were able to give us access to our vehicles so we could leave the site to get something to eat.
All in all we did laugh a lot, but being honest I would hesitate before booking again with this company. Maybe it was just a one off!”
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback — we really do appreciate it.
Storm Benjamin brought some very challenging weather to the Broads, with unusually high tides and relentless rain causing flooding across much of Norfolk. Our team did their best to move vehicles and assist customers safely wherever possible, so I’m glad to hear that you were able to access your car and that our staff were on hand, even on Sunday when the yard is normally closed.
You’re quite right — Symphony 1 is one of our “no frills” budget boats, and the smaller forward cabin is described as such in our listing. That said, no one should have to put up with leaks or damp bedding. Boats do flex and move with the wind and tide, which can occasionally cause seals to shift, but we always have engineers available 24/7 to respond and replace bedding or carry out repairs as needed. I’m sorry that you experienced discomfort before this could be sorted.
I’m pleased that our engineer was able to get your water supply back up and running that evening, and that despite the conditions you still managed to enjoy your time on board and make the best of it with a few laughs along the way.
We really appreciate your understanding — it certainly was an exceptional weekend of weather — and we’ll continue working hard to make sure future stays are as dry and comfortable as possible, whatever the Broads throws at us.
Kind regards,
Sara
Barnes Brinkcraft
“Booking process very easy, was a little disappointed that we had to return to the boat yard to get more gas, only hired the Belmore for 3 days so I’m guessing this should have not happened, lost few hours in doing so as we were up against the clock with darkness beconing,”
“We stayed in the 'Main Sail' for 4 nights and absolutely loved it!! Thank you guys for a beautiful stay! Views magical, facilities perfect.
7 of us and plenty of room!
Would 100% reccomend, we will be back!”
“Chorus. Very comfortable boat. Only two slight problems. A few blind spots whilst mooring. Particularly mooring stern on. Very drafty and cold salon when sliding roof closed. Big gaps allowing cold drafts. Even when heating on. The staff were very friendly and helpful. In the main we enjoyed our holiday as we always have during our many visits to the broads.”
“Having done boating holidays before, I knew what kind of craft I wanted. The details of the boats with floorplans and plenty of pictures made it easy to find the right one. The online booking process was easy to navigate. Pretty happy.
One fly in the ointment, having mooring spikes as an extra is at odds with my experience on the Broads and other inland waterways where many casual boaters seek out quiet spots rather than busy public moorings.”
Hi Richard
Many thanks for your review
The spikes (or rhond anchors) are always on the boat - we do, however, charge a refundable deposit for the mallets .... that way we have some left at the end of the season !!
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“Been with BarnesBrinkscraft on numerous occasions.Online booking process very easy.
When i have had to contact Barnesbrinkcraft while on holiday ,any issues were dealt with quickly.
Found they would try to accommadate any special requests, not always possible , but you appreciate them trying.
For Broads holidays ,whether boating or in a cottage ,find them to be highly competitive pricing, and there cottages do come with a dayboat outside school holidays ;which is an extra bous”
Hi Peter
Many thanks for the lovely and detailed review - its very kind of you
We hope to see you again soon
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“we really struggled to lift my 98 year old father off the boat, eventually helped by two passing ladies whilst Barnes Brinkcraft staff who were within sight did not come to help, the feeling felt like 'we have got your money, now go away', the poorest example of customer service I have ever witnessed”
“This is the 4th time we have stay at apartments at barnes brinkcraft. This time we stayed at Heron. Has previous stays the customer service is excellent and friendly, all encounters with members of staff has been of the same standard. Heron was very clean inside and outside the lodge. The interior and garden space very spacious. The bed was comfortable has were the sofas. The kitchen full equipped. The views over daisy broad and basin is so chilled, watching the world go by, seeing people come and go both staff working in the boat yard and holiday makers a like. There plenty of outside seating. First night we wanted to use the oven but the oven door didn’t close properly and didn’t heat up. The following morning we reported it and within 5 minutes somebody had come and fixed it. That was the only minor issue but there responds was excellent. We love coming here, it’s relaxed with everything you need. Unfortunately this time we didn’t use the day boat has I had fractured my collarbone and my wife had injured her knee, but the day boat is a big bonus, which we’ve made use of in the past. Again another great holiday with barnes brinkcraft. We booked heron again for next June.
Thank you from the Fletchers and the very noisy beagle”
Thank you Alan
That is a really kind and lovely review - we look forward to seeing you all inc your beagle in the near future
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
“Always a pleasant experience to hire a boat from here. If you love the Broads and want another fix, then I can recommend BB for your next trip. Thanks again. A.”
“Office staff weren’t really interested when I reported a few little faults that we had with the boat we had, she didn’t even write down the issues or the name of the boat, it probably went back out on hire without the faults being addressed.”
Thanks Melanie
That's so great to hear
As a returning customers you will receive one of our hampers - other customers like them quite a bit !!
All the best,
The Team at Barnes Brinkcraft
