February 2021 Newsletter

The predictions that it looks like another Staycation year, are looking correct. With our borders all but closed, and the slow rate of vaccination in Europe, it's not surprising people are looking closer to home for their summer holidays. Spring Bank still has availability, but is heavily booked, and the Summer School Holiday weeks now show less than half the availability compared to last year at this time.

So this month, I've had a look at what's still available to book for the Summer School Holidays, and come up with some ideas below. The first week of August (starting 31st July) shows the least availability, but subsequent weeks, especially from mid-month, still offer a good range of boats to hire. These are just a selection, to get you thinking. If you plan to holiday on the Broads this summer, and are still to book, the best advice is to do so as soon as possible, before the choice narrows to zero, as it did last summer.
Click the boat images for more information

San Domingo - 4 berths
From Stalham
4 nights
10th August
£460

Concerto - 4 berths
From Stalham
4 nights
10th August
£734

Braemore 6 berths
From Wroxham
7 nights
6th August
£1551

Tower Bridge - 5 berths
From Acle
7 nights
7th August
£1295

Broadway - 6 berths
From Stalham
7 nights
7th August
£2177

Challenger - 12 berths
From Stalham
7 nights
6th August
£2341

Far Horizon - 4 berths
From Horning
4 nights
16th August
£825

Highland Gem - 6 berths
From Stalham
4 nights
16th August
£1026

Windsor Bridge - 5 berths
From Acle
7 nights
17th August
£1205

Broadland Galaxy- 6 berths
From Stalham
7 nights
17th August
£1469

Glistening Horizon - 7 berths
From Stalham
7 nights
14th August
£1469

White Champagne - 10 berths
From Stalham
7 nights
16th August
£1873

Prices shown are the accommodation charges taken from the Hoseasons reservation system, and do not include damage waiver or fuel deposit. Prices are correct at the time of writing but remain subject to change. Full terms and conditions available on the Hoseasons website

Book With Confidence

Matt Hancock has expressed his hopes of a happy and free Great British summer. But what if that doesn't happen? What if lockdowns continue? Our booking agents, Hoseasons offer Full Refunds, Transfers or a Credit Note (your choice) if they or the accommodation provider cancel your booking, or if you cancel your booking because UK government public health measures mean that it is unlawful to travel to or make use of the accommodation you booked. For more information, please click the orange link button.

Norfolk Broads Towns and Villages - Somerleyton

Just before you reach the rail swing bridge on your left hand bank (if travelling from St Olaves) are the free 24 hour moorings for the village of Somerleyton. Approach the moorings with care if a strong tide is running. You should come in against the prevailing tide so that the current has the effect of slowing your boat down as you approach the moorings. This way you will have more control of your craft when coming alongside.

Things to do: Somerleyton has an interesting history for a small village. It is dominated by Somerleyton Hall, a stately home which was built in 1240 and is open to the public. The grounds house the pleasure gardens and a Yew hedge maze which is 800 yards from the centre to the exit. Most visitors to the Broads are unaware that Sir Christopher Cockerell, the inventor of the hovercraft used the premises of Ripplecraft, a hire-craft operator on the river to develop and test his ground breaking machine. The “Hovercraft Column” situated on the village green is dedicated to Cockerell. Another interesting piece of Somerleyton’s history is that a brick works once produced bricks for London’s Liverpool Street Station. It’s remains can be seen on the track which leads to Somerleyton rail station.

Eating and Drinking: The Dukes Head is situated up the hill from the moorings. You need to turn left once you reach the top of Staithe Lane. The Dukes Head is regarded as a high end eatery. It has a wide varied menu and food is served until 9pm each day. The public house also operates a fish and chips takeaway service. You need to call 01502 730281 for details. Other Services: The village centre houses a Post Office which incorporates a village store.

TIP: The tide runs fast here so ensure you have sufficient headroom as you approach the swing bridge as turning to avoid it would not be easy if you are moving with a fast tide.

For more information and locations consult our Somerleyton map

David Hearn

Owner and Proprietor

Tet: 01132 550515
Website: norfolkbroadsboathire.biz