Norfolk Broads Holiday.

[whitbybabe]

Me again whittling about this holiday we've got booked for August. Has anyone out there hired an ' Alpha Rapide ' boat? We've just paid the balance and the form says there are limited phone adapters for hire? Not to bothered about phones, but what about plugging in my hair straighteners and my iron? Yes I'm a proper bird, dead fussy about my hair and clothes. And yes I know I will be on the boat a lot of the time, but if we moor up and go to a pub, or into a town, I gotta look right.Oh, and is there any hanging space if I take a load of ironed clothes with me?

[Maydup]

Hi Whitbybabe

I live and work in Norfolk and can assure you that when you moor up and go to the pub, you'll be surrounded by people who are also boating or holidaying in the area. No-one's gonna look perfect, just relaxed and in holiday mode.

Having said that, my friend is similar to you and can't go anywhere without straight hair, and she managed OK on the boat she hired. Not sure about the iron though, how about taking plenty of non-iron tops, a couple of pairs of shorts and some leggings and a jumper for the cooler evenings? make sure you take a couple of pairs of trainers with good grip as you'll be on and off this slippery boat a lot. If one pair gets wet you'll need a spare. Flip flops OK for relaxing but not for mooring up.;-)

To get the most from this holiday you'll need to go with the flow. You know what holiday makers look like, you get them in Whitby!!

If I can help with suggestions for things to do and places to visit let me know.

[hc4361]

Don't take a hard suitcase - there will be no room for it on board. Pack your clothes in to black bin bags or a soft foldable bag.
You will not have room to iron on a boat. There certainly won't be an ironing board or iron.
If you want to look 'right' you will have to be a bit more casual than what you're used to.
Remember you should not wear heels on board.

[whitbybabe]

Thank you Maidup and hc4361.Will be taking trainers AND flip flops ! I'm hoping the pubs along the waterways will be ok with flip flops as I live in them during summer. (toenails perfectly painted of course !) Just realised i've got some gas straighteners, so no worries there..Still gonna take my travel iron and ironing mat.We depart from 'Alpha Craft' boatyard in Brundall (if i've read the booking form correctly !) so any tips for things to do would be great. Do we pass under Potter Heighem bridge on this route? I know you have to pay extra to go under it.Know the area quite well as had lots of holidays there, but on a boat is different.

[hc4361]

Crikey, it's been five years or so since I was on the Broads in a hire craft but have never paid to go under the bridge at Potter Heigham.
The pubs will be fine with flip flops, trainers, wellington boots.... Frankly, they don't care what you wear.
I have had fantastic meals in beautiful restaurants in relatively casual clothes. The businesses know their client base.
There is SOME hanging space but not loads.

My best tip to you is regarding fuel. Whoever you are hiring the boat from will send you off with a full tank, and will fill it up on your return and charge you the difference.
EVERY boat hire place charges well above the actual cost - the difference is pounds, not pennies. There are diesel stations broadside - take note and fill up as near to your return to base as possible. Incidentally, the broadside pumps supply exactly the same fuel as the boat hire pumps, so don't be bullied into believing the faff about inferior quality fuel. It really gets my goat. You pay top whack to hire the boat, you don't need to be ripped off for fuel as well.
I quite envy you your holiday. It is my idea of heaven.

[DaisyNonna]

So why choose that holiday?

[welshlibranr]

who will care wht you look like, they don't know you, and you don't know them either, that's what being onholiday means!...just enjoy yourself!..........tie your hair back, wear comfy clothes........have a 'holiday' from all that!......

[bednobs]

are normal plugs 240v? i ask cause i put that boat into google and it says it has a "240v system"

[whitbybabe]

Yeah it's the same voltage as a normal house which is a relief! Looking forward to it now. We usually book a cottage so this should be a good experience.

[Maydup]

OK Brundall is near me. I would stock up on supplies before you get there as its a small village with only a local shop. Maybe stop at the Sainsburys you pass at Longwater on the A47 on the outskirts of Norwich.

You can go into Norwich from Brundall and moor up for a day or two's sightseeing, shopping and entertainment. There are restaurants and cinema near the river or a lovely market and shopping centre in the centre of the city. Stay in the evening for a meal and catch The Sound of Music which is on at the theatre from early August. The Castle's worth a visit if you like museums or just take a walk along the river through then cathedral grounds to the old part of town where there are more shops and restaurants.

There's a Morrison's fairly near the river in Norwich if you want to stock up there before you head back to the boat.

Going back the other way, you pass a couple of Broads and creeks to investigate and Reedham which has some nice pubs and is a pretty place to moor up.

It depends how long you have the boat for as to what to do next. Safest bet is to drop down The Cut to Beccles. Go the other way and you have to cross Breydon Water which takes some skill.

You're not likely to get to Potter Heigham Bridge as that's on the Northern section and a long way from Brundall.

Have a great time and hope you enjoy a relaxing time.

[whitbybabe]

Thanks Maidup thats a great help.