A family-run business with a reputation for quality, Richardson’s Boating Holidays in Stalham is set to celebrate its 80th anniversary this year.
The Richardson family has links to Norfolk and Suffolk boating dating back centuries, with various members of the family working in shipyards, building boats and running businesses on the Broads over the family’s history.
The company’s founder, Robert Richardson Jnr, bought four row boats for £36 in the early years of the Second World War before he was called up to serve. While he was away, his father Robert Richardson Snr, who served an apprenticeship as a marine engineer and worked for many years at Chambers shipyard on Lake Lothing, Oulton Broad, let the boats for him.
Upon Robert Jnr’s return, Richardson’s was born, and the pair purchased their first motor cruiser, McNab, from C Pager-Clarke via agent Wally Hoseason for £175 in 1944.
By the late 1980s, Richardson’s had 700 hire boats with yards in Thorpe, Horning, Acle and the River Thames as well as Stalham. The business would go on to expand with the acquisition of Hemsby Beach Holiday Village, now Hemsby Beach Holiday Park, in 1996 and Lowestoft Family Bowl, now Richardson’s Family Entertainment Centre, in Lowestoft in 2006.
In 2015, Richardson’s purchased 20 motor launches and premises at Wroxham, as well as property owned by George Smith in March 2016, to create a dedicated day boat hire offering for people looking for a fun day out on the Norfolk Broads.
Since 2021, the business has been under the ownership of Paul and Laura Richardson, who are continuing to build on their father’s legacy with a shared passion for creating outstanding guest experiences that highlight the very best of the Norfolk Broads.
Richardson’s was recognised for this unfaltering commitment in 2023, when it was named Best in Britain for the quality of its holidays at the annual Hoseasons awards.
The firm also boasts high customer review scores, with an average rating of 4.6 on Google, 4 on TripAdvisor and 4.7 on Facebook.
Chief executive of Richardson’s Greg Munford said: “We were blown away to be recognised as Best in Britain.
“It all comes down to the hard work and dedication the team puts into looking after our guests. They do a fantastic job and that’s why we have so many happy customers.”
The Norfolk Broads are some of the most beautiful parts of East Anglia and Richardson’s believes that the best way to experience them is by boat. Choose a size and style of boat to suit your family’s needs and cruise along the waterways experiencing the unique sights, rare wildlife and calming atmosphere of the Broads.
“There really is nothing more satisfying than gentling cruising along the peaceful waterways taking in Norfolk’s big skies and picture-postcard Broadside villages,” said Greg.
The Norfolk Broads are the perfect place to unwind and escape from your everyday surroundings, and there are plenty of family attractions, heritage sites, towns and villages to explore for a day out. Find out more here.
Richardson’s understands that a stress-free and positive experience goes a long way towards helping you leave your holiday feeling refreshed, and this is why the family continues to invest in the quality of its cruisers and its facilities.
“Continually investing in the guest experience is our top priority,” said Greg. “We have a considerable track record of improving our facilities in order that our guests enjoy the very best Norfolk Broads hospitality.”
Last year, 20 new boats were added to the fleet, and this year Richardson’s is set to add three new boats, Broadway 7, 8 and 9, which feature cosy seating areas inside and out, a sliding canopy and a low wash hull to reduce impact on the riverbanks.
The new Marina Café also opened last year at Stalham Marina, serving up coffee, cookies, cakes and milkshakes – perfect before a day out exploring the Norfolk Broads.
Other recent additions include a covered check-in area and refurbished reception area for arriving holidaymakers, a refurbished shower and toilet block and EV charging points.
Book your 2024 boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads with Richardson’s now and you’ll get its guaranteed best price as well as a low £50 deposit to pay. You’ll also earn a 10% loyalty bonus every time you book direct with Richardson’s. Find out more at richardsonsboatingholidays.co.uk
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