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Frequently Asked Questions


Please note: Your boating holiday is reserved directly with your Holiday operator when credit card details have been given. Your holiday is booked only when the Holiday Operator has successfully taken payment of the arranged amount. Payment/booking confirmation will be received by you direct from the Holiday Operator by email. All holiday bookings are in accordance with the operators' own booking terms and conditions.

GoBoatingUK.com accept no liability on behalf of any hire boat operators for any bookings, changes of availability or any costs incurred directly or indirectly in the use of this service.
All information provided to GoBoatingUK.com is protected under our Privacy Policy

Quick Links


How do I find a Broadland holiday?      [back to top]

Select the date in which you would like to take your holiday and for how long. Click on search, the results should appear in seconds! The results will show boat name, details, type of boat, start and finish dates, and more.

So I've booked.... What do I do now?      [back to top]

Log into "my holiday" area and enter your holiday booking ID and email address. From this section you can
  • view Holiday operator details
  • view All booking details and print view options chosen
  • view your holiday terms and conditions
  • view boat details .......... and much more

Why Haven't I received my Email Confirmation?      [back to top]

There could be many reasons for this, one is that your (or that of your internet provider) spam filtering system has stopped receipt. Always as a last resort contact us direct.

What is included in the holiday price?       [back to top]

Your holiday hire cost will include the self-drive hire of your chosen boat for the rental period. On the Suffolk, Norfolk Broads and Thames this will NOT include the cost of all fuel.

Do I need any previous boating experience?       [back to top]

No. It is not necessary to have any previous boating experience to hire a self-drive boat. We will provide you with training on arrival. This will include how to steer your boat, daily boat checks and safety instructions. Don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure that you are completely confident and can get the most enjoyment from being captain of your own vessel.
Undoubtedly this is the most worrying aspect for all beginners, until they discover how easy the hire operators make things for them. All details about the safe working of the boat and safety to its occupants, are detailed in ‘on board’ boat manual.

Do I need a license?       [back to top]

No "driving" license is required for a hire boat on the inland waterways. Your boat will however be licensed with the local authority to use on the Norfolk Broads and this is included within your holiday cost.

Can I have Cancellation and Damage Waiver Protection?       [back to top]

Damage Waiver is included in the hire price.

What should I take with me?       [back to top]

Your boat will be very well equipped with all necessary cooking utensils, crockery etc. Wet weather clothing is always advisable (although hopefully not used too much!). Soft soled shoes like trainers are essential for walking on decks and when boarding the boat. We supply duvets for all the beds but you will need to supply your own towels. A torch is also handy.

For more details go to Our Packing List Page

What about Life Jackets?      [back to top]

Life jackets are available free of charge. They come in various sizes from small child to large adult, and will be individually fitted before you set out. Please request these on your arrival.

What is a boating holiday like?       [back to top]

Boating holidays appeal to a wide variety of interests. You can get away from it all on the tranquil backwaters with their quaint waterside pubs, or explore Norwich and Great Yarmouth, both with a wealth of architectural and industrial history, much only seen by water. Your boating holiday offers many places of interest to stop along the way for the whole family.

There is also plenty to do on the water itself, including piloting your own boat, exploring backwaters, and maybe taking in a little fishing or soaking up the sun! The slow pace of the Broads is one of the main attractions to many and because you travel only as far as you wish each day, your holiday can be as relaxing or as energetic as you choose.

For more details go to Our Guide Pages

Can I Fish?      [back to top]

Fishing is allowed generally throughout the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and rivers, but only in the season June 16th - March 14th. Rod licences is required which are available from all post offices.

For more details go to Our Guide Pages

Can I take pets?       [back to top]

Well behaved pets are welcome on our boats, providing their own bedding is supplied and used. Please include details on the holiday reservation form. A small charge is levied to allow for extra cleaning.

How far can we travel in a day?       [back to top]

On most of the River and Broads the maximum speed is around 4-5 mph (a brisk walking pace) however the average speed is closer to 4 mph.

Where can we stop overnight?      [back to top]

You can really stop anywhere overnight. Along river banks usually without charge. Signs show if mooring is not allowed. There will also be clearly marked places where you can moor for the night or during the day. In some locations this may involve a small mooring charge. .

For more details go to Our Boating Guide

Take Over and Return      [back to top]

Under normal circumstances your boat will be available at 4.00 pm on the day of departure, although we do endeavour to have it ready earlier. The boat must be returned to the boat yard on the day of return by 9.30 am and vacated by 10.00 am.
For short breaks, the boat will be ready at 14.30 pm, and must be returned at 9.30am.
If you were to return the boat late, it is more than probable that you will cause a delay in the start of someone else's holiday as each boat must be thoroughly cleaned and serviced before it is available for hire again.

Late Arrival      [back to top]

If you are unable to arrive until after 5.00 pm to collect your boat, please telephone us well in advance in order that special arrangements can be made.

Cancellation      [back to top]

For more details go to Our Cancellation Protection Page

Car Parking      [back to top]

Open air car parking is free of charge. There is no undercover car parking. We will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to hirers' vehicles.

Groceries and Provisions      [back to top]

Wroxham has a large supermarket where all your groceries can be purchased.

Televisions       [back to top]

Most boats are fitted with 240volt TV’s and some with videos. Some boats however have special 12 volt colour TV’s. It should be remembered that although they are modern TV's, reception at Broads and river level is often very poor.

Mobile Phones & Camcorders       [back to top]

All boats have a cigar lighter socket similar to a car. This is 12 volts and if your camcorder or mobile phone adapters will work from your car it will work also work on the boats.

Bicycles       [back to top]

Regrettably, we are unable to accept bicycles.

Pets       [back to top]

Whilst pets are allowed, we only allow one animal per boat.