Had a half-term break with this company's boat "Absolute Freedom". When dealing face-to-face, they are lovely people, but communications over phone and internet are a bit hit-and-miss. We had a slight problem with the bedding, and they drove out to us to sort it out. Unfotunately, the engine managed to ingest something it shouldn't have ingested and we were rather limping along for much of our holiday, but you don't want to hurry on the Broads.
Don't expect the newest, smartest boat and you'll not be disappointed. All the important bits worked, Andrew's tutorial is lengthy but thorough, and the easygoing nature is most welcome. We would definitely consider using them again.
Sue PETCHEY
2 MEN IN A BOAT 3rd Feb 2017 not the usual time of year to be mucking about on the river. We hired Sweet freedom for 2 days 1 night. and what a 2 days we had. On Fri 3rd Feb the weather was fantastic , we set off towards Brundall with the sun in our eyes a bit windy but very calm on the river, we moored over night at Loddon got the rods out and had a bit of a fish. It was frosty outside but inside lovely and snug with warm air heating and nice comfortable seating. We were asleep by 8 and up for breckie at 6.30. On leaving Loddon we saw 3 barn owls numerous marsh harriers among others all set off by a lovely sun rise and not a breath of wind. A steady cruise back to our final fishing stop near Rockland broad. Fishing good, nice 4.5 lb Bream and various perch and roach, saw a kingfisher skimming across the calm water. Sweet freedom is a lovely cruiser she handles very well indeed , many thanks to all at freedom boats especially Nicola give them a try i am sure they have the boat for you. see pics.
Chippyjohn x
Couldn't be happier with my experience with Freedom . Having holidayed on the broads since I was a schoolboy in the 60s I now look to use independent boatyards as they provide a far more personal service than the big mega yards . Although not the most modern craft , my boat , Song of freedom, was cosy , timber panelled , very well appointed with a new kitchen and appliances . She handled sweetly and used less than a tenner in juice per day , 6-7 hours cruising . Complete flexibility with starting days and the best value that I have experienced . The owners are genuine characters with a huge breadth of knowledge in boating . Cant wait to return .
Conor Davie
Great experience! Rented a day boat for the afternoon. The people at Freedom were very friendly and the prices are very reasonably priced. Everything was explained to us and we were given advice on which way to go for the afternoon. Would definitely recommend.
Alex Piper
***AVOID AT ALL COSTS***
Dreadful experience from start to finish – do not book with this company.
1.Unpleasant and rude woman with dreadful communication skills who I had to chase several times to confirm our booking. Couldn’t clearly tell me whether we could rent a boat or not and was irritable and impolite throughout and seemed inconvenienced by my attempts to book with her company. If everywhere else wasn’t fully booked on this weekend – her awful customer service would have been enough to avoid this company.
2.Please be aware that the boats themselves are old and in poor condition. We were delayed getting on the water because part of the boat was broken and our party of 7 had to help one member of their team to fix the boat.
3.We were asked to bring the boats back at 4:30pm but were told that there was some leeway and given the vague advice that only ‘extreme lateness’ would jeopardise our £50 deposit being returned. After a mix-up with a food order at a pub en-route back to the Freedom Boats, our ETA was delayed by 20 minutes. With no signal on much of the Norfolk broads, we phoned Freedom boats to let them know at the soonest opportunity. When we arrived back, we were refused our deposit for 20 minutes lateness and two members of the team were extremely rude and hostile in discussions about this.
As with many other negative customer reviews, I have no doubts the company will attempt to respond in detail to deflect each point outlined above. If they spent as much time on their customer service as they do arguing with customers about all the negative reviews online, they may find themselves in a better position.
(I would like to add that one member of their team, a young man, was polite, courteous and helpful throughout.)
Richard Newbery
Just got home from 10 nights on Lady of Freedom. I would 100% recommend Freedom Boating Holidays to anyone wanting a relaxing break on the Norfolk Broads. The boats are well maintained, clean and excellent value for money. Everything you need is on the boat and it all works. They're not the newest but if you want that be prepared to pay at least double the price at one of the big commercial yards. Freedom are a smaller family-run operation giving you great customer service and caring about you having a great time. Thankyou for a great holiday.
Matthew Pancutt
I highly recommend this company! Friendly, polite and a great service. We arrived at 9:45 and were greeted by a lovely gentleman who asked for basic info which we supplied. he then asked if we have ever used a boat before which we hadn't so the guy supplied us with life jackets and showed us how to operate the boat and gave some really good advice on where to go and how long it would take along with his mobile number in case we came into any trouble. we had a lovely day out taking in all of the scenery and fresh air and after a full 7 hours we returned the boat. the hire price for a full day during April was £75 which was half the price of anywhere else local. Again we highly recommend. give them a call if you wish to ask any questions they would be happy to answer any queries
Alexander Ambridge
I highly recommend this company and I hope to rent a boat from them again next summer.
My booking was slightly unusual because I had a group of 24 people for a day boating on the broads. I phoned a few weeks ahead to ask if this was possible and they were very helpful and I ended up booking 3 day boats (approx. 8 in each boat).
Everyone that came had a fantastic time and it was quite fun having a convoy of boats heading down the river. We visited Thorpe Green, The Surlingham Ferry House, The New Inn (at Rockland St Mary Staithe) and Coldham Hall.
I found the team at Freedom very helpful and friendly, they gave loads of information prior to the day to ensure it was a success. Upon arrival they gave advice as to where to go within the time and we had instruction into the safety requirements and how to use the boats.
Of the three boats one was quite new and modern - called the Picnic Pod. The other two were older but very typical of they type of day boat you expect on the Norfolk Broads. All three were clean, tidy and well maintained.
Don't expect the newest, smartest boat and you'll not be disappointed. All the important bits worked, Andrew's tutorial is lengthy but thorough, and the easygoing nature is most welcome. We would definitely consider using them again.
Dreadful experience from start to finish – do not book with this company.
1.Unpleasant and rude woman with dreadful communication skills who I had to chase several times to confirm our booking. Couldn’t clearly tell me whether we could rent a boat or not and was irritable and impolite throughout and seemed inconvenienced by my attempts to book with her company. If everywhere else wasn’t fully booked on this weekend – her awful customer service would have been enough to avoid this company.
2.Please be aware that the boats themselves are old and in poor condition. We were delayed getting on the water because part of the boat was broken and our party of 7 had to help one member of their team to fix the boat.
3.We were asked to bring the boats back at 4:30pm but were told that there was some leeway and given the vague advice that only ‘extreme lateness’ would jeopardise our £50 deposit being returned. After a mix-up with a food order at a pub en-route back to the Freedom Boats, our ETA was delayed by 20 minutes. With no signal on much of the Norfolk broads, we phoned Freedom boats to let them know at the soonest opportunity. When we arrived back, we were refused our deposit for 20 minutes lateness and two members of the team were extremely rude and hostile in discussions about this.
As with many other negative customer reviews, I have no doubts the company will attempt to respond in detail to deflect each point outlined above. If they spent as much time on their customer service as they do arguing with customers about all the negative reviews online, they may find themselves in a better position.
(I would like to add that one member of their team, a young man, was polite, courteous and helpful throughout.)
We arrived at 9:45 and were greeted by a lovely gentleman who asked for basic info which we supplied. he then asked if we have ever used a boat before which we hadn't so the guy supplied us with life jackets and showed us how to operate the boat and gave some really good advice on where to go and how long it would take along with his mobile number in case we came into any trouble. we had a lovely day out taking in all of the scenery and fresh air and after a full 7 hours we returned the boat. the hire price for a full day during April was £75 which was half the price of anywhere else local. Again we highly recommend. give them a call if you wish to ask any questions they would be happy to answer any queries
My booking was slightly unusual because I had a group of 24 people for a day boating on the broads. I phoned a few weeks ahead to ask if this was possible and they were very helpful and I ended up booking 3 day boats (approx. 8 in each boat).
Everyone that came had a fantastic time and it was quite fun having a convoy of boats heading down the river. We visited Thorpe Green, The Surlingham Ferry House, The New Inn (at Rockland St Mary Staithe) and Coldham Hall.
I found the team at Freedom very helpful and friendly, they gave loads of information prior to the day to ensure it was a success. Upon arrival they gave advice as to where to go within the time and we had instruction into the safety requirements and how to use the boats.
Of the three boats one was quite new and modern - called the Picnic Pod. The other two were older but very typical of they type of day boat you expect on the Norfolk Broads. All three were clean, tidy and well maintained.