A New Experience

A new experience….

If you are considering your first Broads Boating Holiday please be assured that there is absolutely no need for previous experience in boat handling. Before you leave our boatyard a member of our friendly team will explain all the controls and the safety equipment on board your boat. He will then take you down the river to show you how to manoeuvre and to moor up.

A lovely summers afternoon

Whilst on your holiday we are always at the end of the telephone if you need further advice. Often the phone call is all that it takes to reassure you, but we are always happy to arrange to meet you wherever you are on the Broads waterways at your convenience.

Throughout our brochure (you can request a brochure by clicking the following link) you will see that we have over 25 different styles of cruiser. These vary from boats all on one level, ideal for customers who are less mobile, to boats with the option of driving from both inside and out.

With you our customers in mind we have carefully fitted out and equipped our cruisers with all the comforts of home.  (Please see pages 10-11 within our holiday brochure for further details)

Whichever cruiser you choose you can be assured that it will offer fantastic views of the waterways and the surrounding beautiful countryside, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Choosing the right boat is the very start of your adventure…

If you are still not sure which cruiser would suit your individual needs? Then please call a member of our friendly reception team who will be only too happy to help steer you towards your perfect holiday on 01603 782207.

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Norfolk Broads Direct on the Water Open Weekend

Invitation
All of us at Norfolk Broads Direct would be delighted if you would join us at our boatyard in Wroxham for our’ On the Water Open Weekend Event’.

27th & 28th April, 2013
 10am – 4pm

Norfolk Broads Direct on The Water Open Weekend.

What can you expect? For further details  http://www.norfolkbroadsdirect.co.uk/nbd-on-water-event-new

Faircraft Loynes fleet
Have you ever fancied a holiday afloat on the Broads?
Why not come along for our Open Weekend and try a cruiser ‘On the Water’?
Our enthusiastic team will be on hand to show you the different styles of cruisers in our fleet and to give you tips and friendly advice in the skills of boat handling.

Broads Tours River Trips
Sit back, relax and enjoy the commentary on a Broads Tours river trip. All trips half normal price
Adults: £4.00 Children £3.25, under 5’s go free

Broads Tours Dayboat Hire
Take to the helm of a self-drive dayboat and enjoy two hours for the price of one!
£16 for 2 hours.

Wherry Yacht Norada
Compare our modern Faircraft Loynes fleet to this Grand Old Lady, courtesy of the Wherry Yacht Charter Trust

RSPB
A member of the RSPB will be on hand to explain the fabulous water birds that live on the Broads

The Little Blue Boat
The illustrator, Paul Jackson,  of this exciting new children’s book will be giving book readings.  Children can enjoy the adventures of the Able Sea Bear on board the Little Blue Boat on the Broads.

Broads Authority Launch
Meet the Broads Authority Navigation Ranger for some tips on safe boat handling.

Catering
The Vintage Broadsman will be on her moorings with a fully licensed bar and light refreshments.
Other catering will include a hog roast and the locally produced Ronaldo’s Ice Cream.

For further details please visit  http://www.norfolkbroadsdirect.co.uk/nbd-on-water-event-new or alternatively call and speak to a member of our team.

We hope that you will be able to join us, please RSVP to info@broads.co.uk or telephone 01603 782207

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On the Water Weekend Invitation

All of us at Norfolk Broads Direct would be delighted if you would join us at our boatyard in Wroxham for our’ On the Water Open Weekend Event’

Invitation
All of us at Norfolk Broads Direct would be delighted if you would join us at our boatyard in Wroxham for our’ On the Water Open Weekend Event’.
27th & 28th April, 2013
 10am – 4pm

What can you expect?

Faircraft Loynes fleet
Have you ever fancied a holiday afloat on the Broads?
Why not come along for our Open Weekend and try a cruiser ‘On the Water’?
Our enthusiastic team will be on hand to show you the different styles of cruisers in our fleet and to give you tips and friendly advice in the skills of boat handling.

Broads Tours River Trips
Sit back, relax and enjoy the commentary on a Broads Tours river trip. All trips half normal price
Adults: £4.00 Children £3.25, under 5’s go free

Broads Tours Dayboat Hire
Take to the helm of a self-drive dayboat and enjoy two hours for the price of one!
£16 for 2 hours.

Wherry Yacht Norada
Compare our modern Faircraft Loynes fleet to this Grand Old Lady, courtesy of the Wherry Yacht Charter Trust

RSPB
A member of the RSPB will be on hand to explain the fabulous water birds that live on the Broads

The Little Blue Boat
The illustrator, Paul Jackson,  of this exciting new children’s book will be giving book readings.  Children can enjoy the adventures of the Able Sea Bear on board the Little Blue Boat on the Broads.

Broads Authority Launch
Meet the Broads Authority Navigation Ranger for some tips on safe boat handling.

Catering
The Vintage Broadsman will be on her moorings with a fully licensed bar and light refreshments.
Other catering will include a hog roast and the locally produced Ronaldo’s Ice Cream.

We hope that you will be able to join us, please RSVP to info@broads.co.uk or telephone 01603 782207

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Norfolk Broads Direct Open Weekend

Norfolk Broads Direct Open Weekend: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 2013

The British Marine Federation is launching a nationwide campaign to get people ‘On the Water’ during the weekend of the 27th & 28th April 2013.  The marine industry will be coming together to provide boating information and activities at venues all around the country.

There will be events, taster trips and briefings at open days at training centres, boatyards and marinas. Whether people are experienced boaters or complete novices this weekend will be a great opportunity for people to learn more about the joys and excitement of boating.  There will be a wealth of opportunities to get ‘On the Water’ either on the UK’s 7760 miles of coastline or on the nation’s network of inland rivers, canals and of course here in the Broads, Britain’s magical waterland.

Here at Norfolk Broads Direct in Wroxham we will be opening our boatyard for both days to showcase a selection of the hire cruisers from our premier Faircraft Loynes fleet. Our enthusiastic team will be on hand to show potential hirers around the different styles of boats available including all of the onboard facilities. Potential hirers will even have the opportunity to try the boat out ‘On the Water’, our experienced staff will give them tips and friendly advice in the skills of boat handling to ensure that they can get the maximum out of their chosen craft.

A real head turner with outside dining area and sun-deck.

During the days we will be running a timetable of river trips to Salhouse Broad on the Queen of the Broads and the Belle of the Broads.  Visitors to the open day will be able to enjoy a trip at half of our normal published rate.  Visitors will also be able to hire a dayboat for two hours for the price of one. The ever popular Vintage Broadsman will be on her moorings providing a licensed bar with teas and coffees and light refreshments.  There is ample parking, and customer toilets on site.  Hoveton and Wroxham railway station is only a 10 minute walk way.

Other on site attractions during the weekend will include a Hog Roast and ice cream, all from local producers. We also hope to be joined by other attractions close to the Broads, to give people a flavour of what our magical waterland has to offer.

We have just received the exciting news that the Pleasure Wherry Norada will be joining us for the 2 days. We are very pleased to see this lovely traditional craft back on the water after her extensive refit during 2011 and 2012.

Watch this space for further details or alternatively contact a member of our team on 01603 782207

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Educational Discovery River Trips

Educational Discovery River Trips

Broads Tours offers educational trips on the Norfolk Broads.

These fun trips can be tailored to suit the curriculum being studied by the individual schools, but all trips will include a river trip followed by time ashore either at Salhouse Broad, Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail or even both.

Topics that can be covered on the journey include:

• Wildlife / waterbirds
• National Parks / Broads Authority
• Land use around the Broads, house construction , thatching /reed cutting
• The origins of the Broads, peat digging, transportation- Norfolk Wherries
• The evolution of the tourism industry
• How Tourism conflicts with other Broads users
• Bank erosion / causes and preventative measures
• Eutrophication
• Succession

At Salhouse Broad we disembark and have a walk around led by the Countryside Ranger.  Here we can discuss the different wildlife habitats.  The Ranger will explain the conservation work being undertaken and the impact of tourism on the broad.  For younger children there is a small play area where they can let off steam.

At Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail the Natural England Warden will lead a walk around the boardwalk and the younger children can take part in a pond dipping activity.  The Biodiversity of the Broads area will be covered during these activities.

On the return journey to Wroxham we can either organise a quiz to recap everything covered or we can just allow the children to sit back, chill and enjoy the scenery.

Groups of up to 40 can be accommodated on our dedicated single decker passenger trip boat the Discoverer.  Larger groups of up to 60 can be accommodated on the lower deck of the Belle of the Broads passenger boat.

Trips can be arranged at a time to suit.  Allow 2 hours for trips to Salhouse Broad, 3 hours for Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail if pond dipping is required and 4 hours if both locations are being visited.

Please note that Hoveton Great Broad Nature Trail will only be available April – June and 1^st – 19^th September 2013, Mondays to Thursdays.  Salhouse Broad is available any week day during term times.

Cost:

2 hours £6.50 per person, 1 adult free per 10 children
3 hours £7.50 per person, 1 adult free per 10 children
4 hours £9.00 per person, 1 adult free per 10 children

Please telephone 01603 782207 if you require any further information or to discuss your individual requirements.

Booking is essential for Discovery Trips.

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Winter Boating On The Magical Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads, step into a secret world of big open skies and discover the unrivalled charms of Britain’s Magical Waterland. The beautiful Norfolk Broads were created by man in the medieval times and perfected by nature over centuries of change in the landscape and the very different interests that attract visitors to this popular holiday destination today.

A National Park in all but its name, they are a unique haven for a wonderful diversity of wildlife, tranquil meadows, woodland, reed marshes, rivers and broads, providing a unique habitat for some of Britain’s rarest species and protected as an area of natural beauty, this magical area is waiting to be discovered, what ever the weather and time of year.

During the cooler winter season we have a smaller selection of our Luxury Holiday Cruisers available, the Cruisers we have on offer have been selected to provide a cosy base for the ever changeable British climate.

Fair Princess- Luxury Eco-friendly, single level cruiser perfect for a couple, boasting all the creature comforts of home and much more, prices start from £470 for a mid-week or weekend short break, based on 2 people sharing

Fair Jubilee- Offering first class cruising, new for 2012, complete with whirlpool bath, separate shower, bow-thruster for easy manoeuvring and many more luxurious features, prices start from £535 for a mid-week or weekend short break based on 2 people sharing.

Fair Regent- A modern cruiser ideal for a couple or small family, single level throughout, offering a spacious bathroom with a large corner bath, prices start from £410 for a mid-week or weekend short break, based on 2-4 people sharing.

Fair Royale- Prestige cruising for four, offering fantastic views of the every changing Broads, with the option of driving from inside or out, prices start from £600 for a mid-week or weekend short break based on 4-6 people sharing.

Fair President- Prestige, luxurious cruiser with space and comfort in mind. Fitted out to a very high standard our Fair President is a real head turner. prices start from £775 for a mid-week or weekend short break based on 4-6 people sharing.

Fair Sovereign- Fitted out to the same standard as the Fair President, but just a little shorter in length.  prices start from £690 for a mid-week or weekend short break based on 4-6 people sharing.

Fair Commander- A traditional Broads cruiser, ideal for the larger family group or simply a group of friends wanting to relax and enjoy some peaceful fishing. prices start from £510 for a mid-week or weekend short break based on 4-6 people sharing.

For further details on any of our selection of Winter Holiday Cruisers, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our reception team on 01603 782207 or visit our website www.norfolkbroadsdirect.co.uk

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Winter and Festive Period Opening Times

Over the Winter months we can still offer Self Drive Day Boats, although do we recommend that you telephone in advance to check availability and weather conditions. Over the Winter and colder months we winterize most of our Day Boats and Holiday Cruisers to prevent the engine’s and domestic water systems from freezing. Please contact us on  01603 782207

Please note our working hours over the Winter months;

Monday to Friday-8am-5.30pm

Saturday -9am-2pm

Sunday-10am-3pm

Our Opening hours over Christmas and New Year;

Our Christmas Pixies will be on hand to help you book your 2013 Holiday or answer any questions you may have. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2013.

Saturday 22nd-9am-4pm

Sunday 23rd-9am-4pm

Monday 24th 9am-3pm

Tuesday 25th Closed (our Pixies put their little feet up after a busy 2012 Season)

Wednesday 26th Closed

Thursday 27th Closed

Friday 28th 9am-5pm

Saturday 29th 9am-2pm

Sunday 30th 10am-3pm

Monday 31st 9am-5pm

Tuesday 1st Closed

Wednesday 2nd 8am-5.30pm (normal working hours resume)

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Christmas on the Broads

Christmas on the Broads with Broads Tours Santa Cruises.

Experience an hour of family festive fun aboard our double-decker paddle boat the Vintage Broadsman. Santa,s Pixies will serve mince pies and mulled wine to the adults and soft drinks with a large festive cookie to all under 18 year olds.

Children can take part in our Seasonal Quiz and enter our colouring or drawing competition.  The excitement grows as Santa lands his sleigh on the roof with his sack full and overflowing with presents for all the children. He brings  special named presents for all 1 – 15 year olds.

Enjoy a hour of festive fun with Broads Tours

 

Tickets are only £10.50 and under 1′s travel for FREE, presents are available for under 1’s if required for £4.50.

Our pixies have been very busy over the last few weeks making a winter wonderland on board The Vintage Broadsman and there really is no better way to get you in the festive spirit than enjoying a family fun trip on the Norfolk Broads.

So why not wrap up warm and enjoy an unforgettable experience with us.

Our trips depart Wroxham on Saturday 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December or Sunday 2nd, 9th, 16th or 23rd December and Monday 24th December at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. (please note we are only running 2 trips on the 1st and 24th)  Booking is essential, with Santa Cruise Trips lasting an hour and sailing from Wroxham.

See Santa on the Norfolk Broads

For full details contact one of our very own Santa’s little helpers (flown in especially from the North Pole!) on 01603 782207 or visit our website www.broadstours.co.uk

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2013 Brochure

Our 2013 Holiday Brochure is here!

We have spent the last few months working very hard on our New 2013 Holiday Brochure. We are really pleased with the new look and have spent alot of time putting together a new section on Which Cruiser? aimed at trying to help our visitors make the right choice and have the very best holiday afloat or ashore in one of our popular waterside properties.

New for 2013; Fair Statesman, offering first class cruising for up to 8 people, dual steering with outside sunbathing area, comfortable high level seating area, spacious open plan saloon and galley with a convertible double berth in the saloon. The Statesman boast a further 3 double cabins and 3 separate toilet/shower compartments. For further details and prices visit www.norfolkbroadsdirect.co.uk  or call a member of our helpful and knowledgeable reception team on 01603 782207

If you haven’t already received a copy and would like us to send you one please visit our website or click on this link and we will get one straight in the post to you. 

New 2013 Holiday Brochure

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Cordon Rouge Make-over

Cordon Rouge under goes a winter make-over ready in preparation for the 2013 season

Over the last few months our popular Broad Tours, passenger trip boat The Cordon Rouge has been in our main workshop under going an extensive winter make-over.

Rouge having her winter make-over ready for 2013

Nick Rivett who usually can be seen at the helm as Skipper of  another of our trip boats ” The Queen of the Broads” has been at the fore front of the make-over, carrying out most of the sanding, welding and painting as well as suggested many of the new improvements.

Whilst she is has been in the wet dock, all of the topsides and outside seating areas have been sanded and repainted, the hand rails and boarding steps have all been replaced.

Rouge having her hull painted and awaiting a new bright red anti-foul

Once the top was finished she was ready to be lifted out of the water and sat down, for Nick to start the enormous task of sanding the 7oft hull. With a beam of 13ft 9″you can imagine that we have had to provide him with alot of strong coffee and feed him lots of chocolates and sweets.

The Cordon Rouge was originally built in Wakefield, and then fitted out by Broad Tours in 1987 and since then she has became a local landmark of the Northern Broads. Operating in and out of our Wroxham based boatyard, she is one of our more traditional passenger boats.

This year Nick has really put his mark on the Rouge bringing a new leash of life to her, reinstated the traditional Broads Tours colour scene on both the paint job and with the new design stickers.

The plan is to put her in the water for the end of next week, at this point we can begin the last stage of her make-over, with the inside having an extensive spring clean, new carpets and outside cushions the outside undercover seating areas are both have new roofs and vinyl side covers.

I haven’t mentioned to Nick that we plan to lift “The Queen of the Broads” out of the water after Christmas! I think that i’ll wait till he has enjoyed his well deserved Christmas break.

One of our Trip Boats, awaiting Nick’s magic touch!

We hope that you will be as excited as we are with her transformation? The Cordon Rouge will start her 2013 season from Easter on-wards and is available for private charter, ideal for wedding celebrations, work social events or a family celebration, for further details on helping you plan a special event contact us on 01603 782207

For full details on all our themed music evenings and special events visit www.broadstours.co.uk

 

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