If we could give a minus * we most definitely would . We Booked a winter cruise on the basis that the brochure said " These boats all have warm air heating systems to ensure you won't be cold on board" . Well that might have been the case during the day, but we were told not to have the heating on when we went to bed for risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, I don't feel the cold normally BUT it was unbelievably cold in the bedrooms and toilet, there was no way would we have a shower it was freezing. The blown air heating didn't even reach the said rooms during the day, so it never even got warm in the first place, all the bedding and clothes felt damp. The windscreen didn't have any form of demister so we couldn't clear the screen , which was a real pain when motoring and it snowed. We only found out from a fellow boater at 10.20am that the environment agency were going to shut the barrier to the Marina at 11.am ... If we didn't get out by then we could be stuck inside it for days, NO ONE from the marina told us that... Very disappointed as to the short distance we could travel due to bridge restrictions and high tide, Wroxham and Acle were as far as we could go , and that's it. The freezing temperature at night forced us to cut short our holiday from10 nights to 7 nights.. honestly it was that cold especially with no heating. My advice if you want to book up in the winter, only do so if you are an Eskimo. We left the fridge door open to warm us up. Another thing to look out for is the fuel gauge was OFF the full symbol when we left , so it wasn't a full tank of fuel yet we were charged £140 when they topped it up ( allegedly)... All in all it was one of the worst holidays we have had, would we recommend it.. NOT A HOPE IN HELL... The plus side was the ladies in reception were kind and understanding, the " main man" who showed us the boat was bl**dy rude , horrible and patronising...

We are experienced Broads boaters, and this was our 4th time with Herbert Woods. The last time was six years ago, and sadly this time the standard has dropped considerably. The main issue is the boats. Not just tired and old, but very dirty. We had dogs with us, and paid over £100 for extra cleaning. I have to say we returned the boat a darn sight cleaner than when we picked it up. They can’t say that you get what you pay for, as other companies are offering far more modern, cleaner boats for a similar price. The boat cleaners should spend less time being surly and actually down right rude to customers and more time doing their job..!! The reception staff were ok, apart from the fact that I called about some lost property and was promised a call back when they were “Less busy” A week later I’m still waiting. The boat proficiency check was ok, but no mention was made about the risks due to the tidal differential, and the effects on mooring warps. which regular boaters will know is important. I’m sorry, but there is plenty of competition on the Broads and I won’t be coming back.

We had Bright Light 2 - AVOID! DO NOT BOOK this boat!!! The boat had not been pumped out so as we got moving both toilets stank and there was no disinfectant in the tanks, the boat had not been filled with water, roof does not fully retract, sharp edges on window trim, water pump leaks, severe rain leaks so one of the beds and the seating area were soaked, sliding door (entrance to boat) sticks, have to open sliding door to get in cutlery drawer, toilet pedals stick, lights not working or flickering, front shower had to hold pump out button all the time or it flooded, back panel outside boat kept falling off-would not stay on, no caps on pump out pipes. We had to get Richardsons to do a proper pump out and they found a cloth that had blocked the front toilet that had been in there years, engineer had to come out because the 2nd toilet could not be unblocked due to faulty pipe work, engineer could not fix as boat needed taking apart to find the fault. None of the boat was clean inside or out. We had to ring the boatyard practically every day and all they said was bring it back in - using our fuel to go backwards and forwards and spoiling the holiday even more was not helpful advice! The boat needs scrapping. The broads themselves are beautiful and the places we stayed were fab, fortunately we had great weather otherwise we would have all come home because of the boat.

We booked our family boat holiday with Herbert Woods in April. It coincided with a friend’s holiday also booked with HW and we were all excited at being on holiday together. This week, three weeks before the holiday, Herbert Woods phoned me to say my holiday has been cancelled. The explanation was that the boat we had booked was taken out of service due to an accident and offered a full refund. Bear in mind this is three weeks before we were due to travel; so I asked what other boat they could offer as an alternative. They said they had nothing for the same dates but would look for availability at other boat yards. When they got back to me they offered several boats but I would have to pay extra above what I had already paid for our holiday. We were on a tight budget and couldn’t afford the £683 for the equivalent specification boat offered. We had no alternative but to have the refund as Herbert Woods had no compassion or intension of helping us achieve a holiday for the same week. Herbert Woods’ terms and conditions clearly state that if I cancelled within 56 days of the holiday, not refund would be made. They have sewn up their own cancellation terms to get out of any liability if they cancel. I would sue them for breaking their contractual obligations and unfair terms and condition but don’t have the financial resources to pursue a claim. Shame on you Herbert Woods for leaving a family high and dry without a much anticipated holiday.

Just got back from a weeks holiday with herbert woods it us the first time we have done any boating but i have to say it was the best holiday i have ever had all of the staff are amazing so helpful and polite nothing is too much trouble the boat was great well equipped very clean and everything in working order thank you to all staff we have booked to come back next year we enjoyed it so much

Another wonderful 3 weeks on Summer Light 1 can't fault it it was wonderful all at check in are wonderful jennie Rob Shirley Sharon evie and john are all so helpful even spoil poppy the dog she knows where they keep the dog treats every thing went well there and when we went to where the boat was tied up and we got on it was absolutely spotlessly clean and the hand over was just so smooth and all the hand over staff are so friendly nothing is a bother to them Graham Phil stevie and wee dave are just so friendly keep up the great work guys see yous all next year take care stay safe all at herbert woods from Arthur rosemarie and poppy

I have to say that our experience was much better than some of the others that I have read. . We had saved to celebrate my daughter’s 50th birthday and chose Platinum Light 1 which was only one year old. The boat was very impressive. We were given an intensive training tutorial. We were very lucky with the weather. We did have a few issues with the control panel but the Engineer came out on the Sunday and got it going again. The customer service we received from Herbert Woods was really good and their communication is very professional. We did fill in a feedback form and we were offered a management discount to use against another trip. We have booked with them again for 2025 and hope that we experience another enjoyable trip.

Boat was filthy and covered in cobwebs and bugs; the toilets didn’t work and were leaking foul water, surrounded in pee and poo. The shower didn’t drain so we couldn’t wash it away nor could we wash ourselves. Waited for an engineer to fix it, hours lost on our holiday, on for it not to be fixed! Boat was leaking, dripping, the smell of the toilets ran through the boat making it unbearable, only for them not to sort it. Sent in a “feedback” form which is a complaint apparently but after reading reviews I am not hopeful of any sort of outcome.

Not even completed our holiday and was disappointed before we even set foot on the boat. Arrived at the boat early to see them taping one of the back bedroom windows up. Obviously bodging a leak up as it was raining at the time. Proceeded to reception to be greeted with very poor customer service when informing them. The first staff member looked as us gone out and said she didn't know what to do but said I'm sure they are sorting it out. Was told shortly after the boat was ready. Window still taped up. Reported back to reception and asked to speak to someone else who said yes they've done it. When asking how he just said I don't know but I'm sure they have if they said they have. Got on the boat and found it had just been taped up. 4 days into the holiday the toilet wouldn't pump to work. Rang the 24 hour service number to report it and ask them to come out to repair. Got told it wasn't an emergency as we had another toilet. Yes we do have another toilet on board, but we wasn't able to pump the brown water out of the toilet as the pump leaver wouldn't work so was left with brown unhygienic smelling water , I can only imagine is contaminated unhygienic water. This had been present in all toilets on both the boats we paid for , and looked like they hadn't even been emptied from after the boat was used previously to us. As for the cleanliness of the boat, I dont think either boat had seen a cloth and clean soapy water or a dust pan and brush. The lino flooring was sticky and all coming up and uneven in the kitchen area, and bits of gravel and dust everywhere. The sofa when we wiped it turned the wipes black. Customer service is only helpful when it involves them taking your money at point of booking. Will not use this boat company a 2nd time.

Cannot recommend this company at all. We booked Glow of Light for a few days over the Easter holiday for myself partner and granddaughter. On arrival at the boatyard the welcome was friendly enough but the boat itself was tired and grubby and it was obvious the pictures on the website had been taken several years previously. The boats interior was tired, the windows inside the main area were covered in mould inside but after the initial less than thorough training we set off to find a mooring for the evening. The first evening was a nightmare, the boat had a sliding canopy which didn’t seal allowing the wind to blow through the cabin making it very cold. The heating was inadequate and we spend the evening sat in our hats and coats to keep warm. After a disturbed nights sleep we headed back to the boatyard but rather than look to resolve the problems, the receptionist just told us to write and complain. We did this but they are now hiding behind their terms and conditions stating we should have rung their 24 hour support line rather than head back to the boatyard. They totally ruined our Easter holiday break and I would suggest anyone looking to book a holiday on the Broads choose a different company.

Almost 1/3 of all reviews on TA are average or worse , says it all. Unfortunately we rate them as awful, it terms of boat ( everything wrong with it, filthy , leaky ( not just condensation) unreliable ,unsafe and unhygienic. Staff are unhelpful, rude and obnoxious as if they believe working in a Norfolk boat yard demonstrates superiority.. really?? Love the broads and will be back , will just use one of the many better quality boat hire companies ( you embarrassingly pass on the rivers) next time

Another excellent stay in Broadlands, our 4th stay here in the last 5 years and would highly recommend staying in this riverside bungalow. It’s very spacious, a great shower cubicle and a well equipped dining kitchen. It’s comfortable, clean and warm but most of all the riverside views from the kitchen and lounge are fabulous. Must mention the well improved Wi-Fi too. And last but not least the Herbert Woods team on reception and the staff who manage the day boats are exceptional, professional, courteous and always a warm welcome. Thank you team Herbert Woods and see you next year. Pete & Eunice

i luv u mr percel herbet u r my faveirut techer o herberttttt my love

We arrived for our second holiday of the year with Herbert woods on Boxing day and we stayed in the lovely Swallowtail apartment which is located in the main tower. We were welcomed into a warm, cosy and beautifully clean apartment and to top it off there was a fully decorated Christmas tree waiting for us in the main living area. We had amazing views over the marina and my partner and Son spent a lot of time on the river or in the marina fishing. The last time we stayed at Herbert woods we stayed in Mallard cottage in April which was also amazing but the WiFi didn't work, we were promised this was being sorted, it most certainly was sorted and the WiFi was brilliant. Well Done Herbert woods definitely 5 stars from us.

DO NOT USE HERBERT WOODS OR WATERWAYS TO GO ON THE NORFOLK BROADS We explained at the time of booking that there were 3 disabled persons on board & needed wide doors entering the boat so we could fit 2 mobility scooters in, we expressed that stairs were an issue, you gave us a boat with two very high steps leading to a very narrow low door then two more steps getting into the gally kitchen then a steep step to the living area then two steps to the bottom bedroom this was not acceptable my wife Julie had two falls one stepping out of the boat struggling to get up the high step & falling backwards hurting her head shoulder and back, she suffers from Arthritis in her whole body and has major problems with her hips knees ankles and spine she also suffers from clinical depression & has anxiety issues, the second fall was going onto the boat & due to the wet slippery steps she slipped down the stairs hurting herself again, this proved to be a great deal of stress as she was unable to get on and off the boat, John also struggled as he has just finished 6 months of radiation therapy following cancer, his legs & spine were put under a huge struggle getting on& off the boat,I myself was restricted as I cannot climb stairs. There was a boat next to us at potter higham with sliding doors no steps & a larger living space at a cheaper price that would have been ideal & more practical to our needs on booking you assured us the boat you gave was disability friendly this was very far from the truth.Once we set of we instantly noticed a terrible smell, also a huge crack in the toilet, we arrived at Richardson's as we couldn't cope with the stench any longer who pumped us out for £20 and advised us that it hadn't been done at potter higham we had to stop to use other facilities very unhygienic Herbert Woods had never helped us here's your map off you go we travelled around in circles Richardson's helped us out they drew us a route on the map but for 4 days we hadn't a clue where we were going it was extremely stressful my wife had a panic attack, this was not the welcome from the staff we expected not at all.Middle bathroom tray wouldn't empty & overflowed Herbert Woods came on board to check it out said that they had fixed it, but hadn't we couldn't use the middle shower No window screen wipers there was a switch for them but they weren't there we were stuck at a wild mooring place where we couldn't get of the boat as it was pitch black raining heavily & the wind was howling we couldn't go anywhere as we couldn't see out of the window it would have been extremely dangerous, a boat crashed into us sending us all flying there were no lights on the boat very dangerous There were leaks all over the boat it rained twice all day and throughout the night the upholstery was soaked my wife who had to sleep in the living area as the bed was too high due to her crippling arthritis in her hips and spine problems could not get on the bed as it was very high, she her bedding pillows towels everything got soaked the boat was like a sieve Richardson's said they would never send a boat out in this condition they were as we were appalled.Why when you knew the condition of this boat did you think it was acceptable to let four inexperienced person's sale away in this very dangerous boat There were holes everywhere especially where the cover was to attach it didn't fix in properly there was tissue paper stuffed in the windows at the front & down the side where the canopy was meant to attach to the boat it didn't hence more rain gushing in & wind constantly coming through except for the 3 days of good weather thankfully.Found curtains on the 3rd day at the side tucked away at the bottom in the cupboard for 3 nights. the refrigerator was very tiny and fell over a few times the cooker was dangerous the gas kept going out smelling the boat of gas, the grill wouldn't light and the whole cooker needed condemned,the TV Arial had a whole in it therefore we couldn't watch any television, the cassette radio player didn't work, The Bilge pump went off continuously and into the night keeping everyone awake, Herbert Woods came on board looked at it said he'd fixed it he hadn't Richardson's fixed it we have contacted Herbert Woods and Waterways who are blaming each other we booked with Herbert Woods but they are saying that we booked with Waterways who also have lied saying they offered us another boat which they didn't I have all emails of the booking emails back & fourth regarding this complaint & all pictures backing up our claim Richardson's were fantastic

I have had a major problem at home regarding medical treatment for one of my children. I contacted the company to advise them that I would not be able to take my holiday with them. I asked if there was anything they could do to help. All I am going to say is they were extremely helpful and I am now looking forward to holidaying with them next year.

Great staff, very good briefing. Very happy with our boat for 3 nights, (radiant light). Will be back

Picked up a lovely little boat (Adventure Light - Elite range) and it was awesome. New, modern, spotlessly clean, very well appointed and lovely bedding. Been to many other boatyards but this was by far the best. The set up at Herbert Woods is very professional and they make you really welcome. The staff are top notch and the way everything is organised flows great. Theres a shop (Lathams) opposite where you can get all your supplies too at really good prices. We had a medical emergency part way through our break unfortunately and found ourselves in a remote area with no chance of an ambulance & no car. Herbert Woods sprung to our rescue, sending a driver who took us to hospital! Nothing was too much problem. We’re so grateful for such unusually excellent customer service in these times. We’ll always go back.

Booked a large boat for a long weekend cost over £1200 what we got was a boat not fit for purpose. The boat smell damp but you kind of expect that but we soon found out why when it rained the rain come into the boat everywhere.the beds were soaking and so was all the bedding which we could not dry out. All the crockery on the boat was dirty and needed washing before use. The microwave not only didn't work but was down right dangerous with the front panel hanging on my bear wires. The boat battery was so old it didn't hold any charge so the fridge would go off as soon as we stopped consequently loosing all our cold food. The canapy kept coming off the runners and it took 5 of us all our strength to get it back on the runners. And as for the toilet issues you really don't want to know about .on too.of all that we had to pay between 10 to 15 per night to Moor . A very expensive mistake and a miserable weekend . Told herburt woods all they did was shrug and say "well our boats are quire old" useless

This is the second time we have booked with Herbert Woods, our boat was a slightly older model thos time, however completely our choice and did not affect our holiday at all. Would like to mention Steve's excellent professionalism when giving the safety briefing and a very special thanks to Nick who always took the time to chat and help with any issues we had, even showing us another boat on the fleet that we look forward to booking best time.