Who goes?
Singles, couples, water lovers and those who want to get away from it all. Its serene location is perfect for romantic couples and newlyweds. Even the likes of Channing Tatum could come here and blend into obscurity, wearing a hat and sunglasses.
Location 10/10
The boathouse was easy to find, even for me, I seriously lack sense of direction. I wandered over the bridge at Brundall train station and into the boatyard on the right, by the Yare pub. Jim the owner usually heads to the station to pick guests up, but I caught an earlier train and surprised him.Don’t allow pre-misconceptions of a lively boatyard put you off, it’s sound proofed and the living and kitchen area, double doors and outside seating area all face the river. You won’t even realise that the boatyard exists.
Staff 10/10
Jim next door, he’s very friendly, helpful and was happy to help me plan out an itinerary for the weekend ahead. He has what I consider to be the best cleaner in the world. I’ve never stayed anywhere like it. Not one scrap of evidence to suggest that another person had been into the boathouse before me. She puts the cleaning staff at many of the top notch hotels that I’ve visited to shame. I wonder if she’s looking for a new job?Rooms and style.
10/10 The Boathouse benefits from an open plan design consisting of the living room, dining area and kitchen. The bedroom and shower room are separate. The property is well decorated and furnished to a high standard and comes with all mod cons. The glass doors and large windows offer perfect views of the Norfolk Broads and lead out to an outside seating area with a table.
Activities 9/10 There’s tons to do, this is the Norfolk Broads after all. Whether you want to spend your time getting drunk in the Yare pub (I did that on Saturday afternoon) eat in one of the counties top restaurants the Lavender House, hire a boat from the boatyard, take a slow wander to the Blofield farm shop for fresh supplies, take a train into Norwich and shop until you drop or take the train in the other direction to Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft for a good old fashioned seaside day out. The area has something for everyone and needs to be explored.
Value for money 8/10
Prices start from £327 for three nights and from £400 for seven. The price changes depending on the time of year.Would you go again?Yes, definitely, I may make this my regular haunt when wanting to escape the pressures of life for a few days. I visited in the Spring, can’t wait to go again in the Summer.
The Boathouse, Yareside Gardens, Brundall, Norwich NR13 5PY, 01603 716555 or 07774 866679.
www.holidaycottages.co.uk/Norfolk
