Frequently Asked Questions
We believe in the saying that there is no such thing as a silly question, and let’s be honest better to ask if you don’t know than worry silently. We love answering questions, but we know some people hate to ask, so we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not here, please get in touch as we may need to add it.
Accommodation
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A: Yes, when you book you will be asked the number of guests coming and the beds will be made accordingly.
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A: Standard check-in is usually between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM, with check-out by 10:00 AM. However, if you use our lock box entry you can arrive at any time, although if you are arriving in the dark make sure to bring a torch to help you find your holiday home.
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A: Yes, there is a dedicated space for each of our accommodations.
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A: Pets are allowed on our quirky houseboats and Secret Garden, but the floating pods are pet-free. We politely ask that all dogs are kept on leads around the yard to protect the wildlife, and that you tidy up after your own dog.
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A: Yes we have plenty of local businesses whom delighted to see you, please take a look at our things to do locally page for more information.
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A: There are a number of great local restaurants and takeaways in Beccles. You can also get food or a hamper delivered to your accommodation by Relish Cafe. Details are provided with the booking confirmation email.
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Q: We offer free guest Wi-Fi at our boatyard. Once on the river, mobile signal can be "patchy" in rural areas—but many of our guests find this is the perfect excuse to unplug and enjoy the nature!
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Yes. Our house boats ad glamping pods are equipped with standard USB sockets or standard 240v 3-pin plugs. We recommend bringing a charger for anything that requires a lightning cable.
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The River Waveney at Beccles is tidal. This means the water level rises and falls, and the current changes direction. Three of our accommodations have bridges that rise and fall with the tide, but Swallows and Amazons have stepped entry, and it can be steps of around a half a metre at times
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A: Yes, fishing is permitted during the open season (June 16th to March 14th). You must have a valid Environment Agency rod license. We ask that no live bait is kept inside our accommodation or on the boats. You cannot fish from a moving boat, and if you are staying with us we can provide a mud weight for the rowboat.
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Yes, our houseboats and glamping pods have onboard heating to keep you cozy during the cooler months or early mornings.
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A: Houseboats have standard power, High-wattage items like hair straighteners or coffee machines can trip the power supply. It’s best to check with us before bringing heavy-duty appliances. We do provide a hairdryer in each accommodation.
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A: Beccles is a fantastic market town with several supermarkets (Tesco, Roys, Morrisons and Lidl) and lovely independent delis just a short walk from the boatyard. You can even arrange for a grocery delivery to arrive just as you check in!
Dayboats
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A: A lot of fun, and also very relaxing. To see what it can be like take a look at our you tube channel, start with this one about Day-boat hire https://youtu.be/YqI-k3bCuak
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Do I need a license or previous experience to drive a boat?
A: No license is required to hire a boat on the Norfolk Broads. Whether you are booking a day boat or staying on one of our houseboats and using a motorboat, we provide full tuition and a safety briefing on arrival to ensure you are comfortable at the helm. The minimum age for hire is 18, although children of any age are allowed to join your party.
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A: Yes, buoyancy aids are provided free of charge for all day boat passengers and must be worn. We can also provide buoyancy aids for everyone on our houseboats, and floating glamping pods - compulsory if using a row boat, optional when staying on your floating holiday home.
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A: The furthest trip is to Oulton Broad. Any further and you risk the tide not being with you and a late return. Late returns will get charged £25 for every part hour late, so we say don’t spoil your day, go as far as Oulton Broad, with a lovey lunch spot.
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A: It’s worth checking out all of these sites for opening hours, but all offer great stops for food whilst exploring the river Waveney from Hippersons boatyard.
Commodore Pub Oulton Broad: https://www.moss-co.com/the-commodore/.
Wherry inn Geldeston: https://www.wherryinn.co.uk
The Locks Inn Community Pub: https://www.facebook.com/TheLocksInn/
Oulton Broad, stop at the free moorings at the Yacht station with plenty of cafes, parks and even a Banksy nearby https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/contact-us/oulton-broad-yacht-station/
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A: Dogs are allowed on Day-boats and our quirky houseboats, and Secret Garden, some guests take their dog on canoes, but we don’t recommend this if it is your first time out. We politely ask that all dogs are kept on leads around the yard to protect the wildlife, and that you tidy up after your own dog.
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A: No, we don’t allow alcohol on the boats, as alcohol and river water don’t mix.
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A: Generally no, as people tend to leave their cars here whilst out on the river. If you arrive by foot or without a car we reserve the right to charge a deposit.
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A: Yes, each dayboat has a dedicated parking space. Your party name will be written on a board by your space on the day.
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A: We offer free guest Wi-Fi at our boatyard. Once on the river, mobile signal can be "patchy" in rural areas—but many of our guests find this is the perfect excuse to unplug and enjoy the nature!
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A: There are many free Broads Authority moorings marked with signs, as well as moorings at local pubs and boatyards (some of which may charge a small fee).Our staff will let you know the best places to moor when you arrive
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A: Yes, fishing is permitted during the open season (June 16th to March 14th). You must have a valid Environment Agency rod license. We ask that no live bait is kept inside our boats. You cannot fish from a moving boat, it must be tied up with the engine off/
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A: For our day boats at Hippersons, fuel and parking are included in the price (most of our boats are electric).
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A: Don’t panic! We are always at the end of the phone. If you encounter any mechanical issues or need advice while on the water, our team is on hand to help or send an engineer to your location.