Based at Stalham on the Northern Norfolk Broads, at the head of the River Ant, Simpson's Boatyard has been owned by the Simpson family since taking over Southgate's in 1945. In recent years it has been Stalham Yacht Services and Moonfleet Marine. The yard is now managed by us, the 2nd and 3rd generations of the Simpson family.
We were born and grew up on the Boatyard and Staithe and it has provided us an idyllic childhood and unique life the likes of which only Arthur Ransome could have written. We are very proud to be maintaining a special piece of Norfolk Broads history and wish to be able to provide memorable holidays and exemplary marine services for all our customers and visitors for generations to come.
We were born and grew up on the Boatyard and Staithe and it has provided us an idyllic childhood and unique life the likes of which only Arthur Ransome could have written. We are very proud to be maintaining a special piece of Norfolk Broads history and wish to be able to provide memorable holidays and exemplary marine services for all our customers and visitors for generations to come.
Services
The businesses at the site of our boatyard have, over the last 100 years been, severally, known as: Southgate Bros; Southgate Bros Yachting Station; Stalham Yachting Station; Stalham Yacht Services; Moonfleet and, now, Simpson's Boatyard. I believe Josiah Cubitt Teasel (1831-1906) was the first person to run a boating business from the current site of Simpson's Boatyard although the site then was considerably smaller.
Stalham Staithe is a truly unique and special part of the truly unique and special Norfolk Broads. We at Simpson's Boatyard think it's perfect. We'd therefore love for you to share and enjoy it with a tranquil stay in one of our cottages. We have 3 cottages available for your Holiday. Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, 2 Dining areas, 3 receptions and lots of outdoor space.
The former family home of the owners is now available for luxury family holidays. It's a beautiful redbrick cottage, dating back to early 20th century, right on the rivers edge that sleeps upto 8 in 4 bedrooms. It is newly refurbished and ideal for 2 families or groups of friends. Living room: With open fire, Freeview TV and DVD player.
Our lodge Solace sits right on the riverside and is the perfect spot from which to explore the Broads or to simple sit back and watch the world go by. It's a spacious, attractive and comfortable property that enjoys lovely views over the river from its first floor, south-facing sitting room and balcony.
Situated on the Norfolk Broads at the head of the river Ant is Teasel. Newly furnished to a high standard, Teasel provides luxury accommodation for 6 people in 3 bedrooms, 3 WC'S including 1 en-suite. All mod con's are provided including its own rowing boat. Picnic boats and canoes are for hire from the family run boatyard near the property.
Reviews (10)
Caroline Le Beau
Sep 29, 2021
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We were lucky enough to have a picnic boat from Simpsons today, wanted to make the most of the weather, this is the third time we have been with them.
Once again great service, Luke was very friendly and went through the initial handover thoroughly, before we set off. The boat, Wight, was clean and well equipped, with condiments, crockery etc everything we needed for a great day on the Broads. Like to say a big thank you to all the staff, especially, Chris and Luke. Looking forward to another great day out in the future.
Once again great service, Luke was very friendly and went through the initial handover thoroughly, before we set off. The boat, Wight, was clean and well equipped, with condiments, crockery etc everything we needed for a great day on the Broads. Like to say a big thank you to all the staff, especially, Chris and Luke. Looking forward to another great day out in the future.
Alanna Gallacher
Sep 06, 2021
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Andy Grant
Aug 28, 2021
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This is the second time I have had a great day trip on the Norfolk broads with these guys and as always, brilliant. By a genuine mistake, these guys double charged me on my credit card and within a few hours, Christian had looked into this, resolved it, refunded me. Doesn’t get any better than this guys and happy holidays.
David Broomhead
Aug 22, 2021
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Shane Thompson
Aug 17, 2021
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Following up to your reply. You should off offered us the free boat hire when we was there to smooth things over. But instead all you was bothered about was the money you have to pay back. Just reading other reviews some very similar to our experience says it all about your business.
Customers health and safety is not the priority, squeezing out money is vo. This place is more like trotters independent traders.
Any body thinking about hiring from this company must be mad especially if you have kids.
Its like a lottery some boats run some dont.
Customers health and safety is not the priority, squeezing out money is vo. This place is more like trotters independent traders.
Any body thinking about hiring from this company must be mad especially if you have kids.
Its like a lottery some boats run some dont.
Scott Wilson
Aug 14, 2021
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Contrary to what you may read on a few recent posts. Our experience with Simpsons was absolutely superb! From Andy squeezing us in at the last minute to driving away back home magically satisfied!
Without doubt this will be the place we use when we return for a day boat trip on the broads.
On arrival 20 minutes early, we were greeted and asked if we wanted to leave early, this surprised us and after being shown to a pre prepared spotless 6 seat day boat, off we went with clear instructions and a recommendation of where to go and when to "turn back". FANTASTIC ADVICE! Got back about 5 minutes
Without doubt this will be the place we use when we return for a day boat trip on the broads.
On arrival 20 minutes early, we were greeted and asked if we wanted to leave early, this surprised us and after being shown to a pre prepared spotless 6 seat day boat, off we went with clear instructions and a recommendation of where to go and when to "turn back". FANTASTIC ADVICE! Got back about 5 minutes
Sarah Symonds
Aug 07, 2021
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Hired a day boat for 8 hours, 2 hours into our hire the boat broke down. It stopped in the middle of the Broads with smoke pouring out of the engine compartment. I was panicking a little to say the least, especially as we had 2 young children with us. Rang the Boatyard who eventually (2 hours later) sent a recovery tug boat out. We had to be towed back to the yard and that was the end of our day trip. Not once did anyone apologise and we were only refunded part of our money. The manager was absolutely vile to us and non sympathetic. We will never return to this company and would never recommend
Jade Brede
Aug 03, 2021
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We have a 6 person boat booked for Sunday 15th August 2021 from 11am for 4 hours. Unfortunately we can no longer attend as our accommodation has cancelled on us.
Simpons has said I can't get a refund until someone else makes a booking for boat. Please contact them if you would like a boat on this day. I would really like my money back.
Simpons has said I can't get a refund until someone else makes a booking for boat. Please contact them if you would like a boat on this day. I would really like my money back.
A. P.
Jun 30, 2021
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WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE.
Not overly sure where to begin of reasons why I WOULDN’T recommend but let’s start with the manager... Christine her name is.
Absolutely dreadful customer service and not to mention how she tried to con me and several of my friends for £500 after we had paid them to hire boats the day previous.
Christine called up the leader of my group saying that we had awfully damaged her precious boats and they were UNUSABLE and the worst damage that had ever been created.
Only for us to turn up and find out she had sent out these boats, but surely if they were badly damaged
Not overly sure where to begin of reasons why I WOULDN’T recommend but let’s start with the manager... Christine her name is.
Absolutely dreadful customer service and not to mention how she tried to con me and several of my friends for £500 after we had paid them to hire boats the day previous.
Christine called up the leader of my group saying that we had awfully damaged her precious boats and they were UNUSABLE and the worst damage that had ever been created.
Only for us to turn up and find out she had sent out these boats, but surely if they were badly damaged
Tom Farrow
Jun 16, 2021
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DO NOT HIRE FROM THIS COMPANY!!!
Me and 13 friends decided to hire two boats for a day on the broads. We returned the boats in almost immaculate condition and within the given time frame.
The next day my friend, whom had been nominated to organise the event received an aggressive phone call from the owner saying that one of the boats was 'beyond repair' and that she had never seem a boat returned in a worse condition and demanded £500.00 or she would take us to court......
We were all dumbfounded by these ludicrous accusations, so we rang Sampsons and said we would like to come down and settle
Me and 13 friends decided to hire two boats for a day on the broads. We returned the boats in almost immaculate condition and within the given time frame.
The next day my friend, whom had been nominated to organise the event received an aggressive phone call from the owner saying that one of the boats was 'beyond repair' and that she had never seem a boat returned in a worse condition and demanded £500.00 or she would take us to court......
We were all dumbfounded by these ludicrous accusations, so we rang Sampsons and said we would like to come down and settle
