A Day on the Norfolk Broads

We recently swapped screens, meetings and studio chatter for sunshine, fresh air and a very important role assignment: captain of the picnic boat.

Thanks to our brilliant client, Herbert Woods, we spent the afternoon cruising through the Norfolk Broads on one of their picnic boats. The aim being to experience what they’re all about first-hand, before their peak season kicks in, and honestly, we’re still talking about it now.

We’re big believers of only marketing something we truly buy into at Nu Image, to the extent where we are genuine customers for some of our clients. For this reason, it’s important for us to actually visit, learn about our clients day-to-day and see the product. And, if they’re going to offer an afternoon out on the Broads, we’re always on board (pun intended). 

Sometimes the best ideas happen when you swap desks for captain’s hats. Or at the very least, when you swap office chairs for riverside views and a table full of picky bits.

Setting sail

With a very busy start to the year for us, there’s something about being out on the water that instantly forces everyone to slow down a little.

After a very important safety briefing from the Herbert Woods team, we stepped aboard and set off from Potter Heigham into the sunshine.

Within minutes, it felt like we were miles away from the bustle of Norwich. We drifted past riverside cottages, reeds, open stretches of water and plenty of fellow boaters enjoying the weather just as much as we were.

It’s easy to see why the Norfolk Broads is loved by so many people. Despite being well connected to some of Norfolk’s best little villages and riverside spots, it still manages to feel peaceful and completely separate from the outside world. One minute you’re passing charming pubs, and the next you feel like you’re in your own little bubble, miles away from busy roads, emails and notifications. All without having to travel far at all.

And while the sunshine absolutely delivered, the boat itself was surprisingly prepared for proper British weather too. The adjustable covers meant we could open everything up when the sun was out, or close sections over if the wind picked up.

The boat itself was brilliantly equipped for an afternoon on the water, with everything we needed onboard, including a sink, fridge and even a toilet facility.

There was plenty of room for all of us to spread out comfortably too, with space for up to nine people and even a dog. Sadly, our Head of Barketing, Arlo, couldn’t make this trip, although we’re fairly certain he would’ve appointed himself captain within minutes. 

There was even a windscreen wiper, which somehow made us all feel far more professional than we actually were.

Thankfully, it was surprisingly easy to drive

Naturally, our resident racing enthusiast volunteered to take the helm first.

But after a few reassuring words and approximately three minutes of “you’ll be fine”, most of the team ended up having a go at driving the boat. Some handled it with calm confidence. Others approached corners with slightly more optimism than accuracy.

Still, no collisions. A huge success.

Special mention also has to go to our developer Kurt, who pulled off some genuinely impressive docking manoeuvres that had the rest of us convinced he’d secretly been living a double life as a Broads skipper.

A trip for wildlife lovers

One thing you quickly realise on the Broads is just how much wildlife surrounds you when you properly switch off for a while. Away from screens, notifications and the usual day-to-day rush, you start to notice all the little things: birds skimming across the water, reeds moving in the breeze and just how peaceful the Norfolk Broads really is.

We spotted ducks, goslings, swans and to the excitement of the bird lovers amongst us, even a kingfisher.

The swans gliding across the water were beautiful. Slightly less beautiful was the moment they refused to move out of the boat’s path and collectively decided to test our steering abilities under pressure. But we were well prepared for the challenge. Herbert Woods covered all grounds when briefing us on the boat. We were directed on how to safely overtake anything on the water and how to be gentle with the manoeuvring when moving around things. 

Along with our lifejackets, map and reassurance that if we needed anything, all we had to do was call, we were more than confident enough to take to the open water. We couldn’t believe that even though most of us hadn’t done a thing like this before, it was so easy. 

Still, it was one of the nicest parts of the day. Just sitting back, enjoying the quiet and appreciating everything Norfolk has to offer.

The picnic spread

Of course, no Nu Image outing would be complete without food.

Everyone brought bits along, which resulted in a truly elite picky bits spread. Crisps, snacks, pastries, sweet treats, the works.

Thankfully, the boat came equipped with a fridge and a proper table setup, making it surprisingly easy to turn the middle of the Broads into our own floating picnic spot.

There’s something very hard to beat about sitting in the sunshine, sharing food and having absolutely nowhere else to be for a few hours.

Would we recommend it?

Absolutely.

The whole experience was relaxed, easy and genuinely refreshing. The perfect reminder that sometimes the best way to recharge is simply getting outdoors, spending time together and appreciating what’s right on our doorstep here in Norfolk.

One thing that genuinely surprised us was just how affordable day boat hire actually is. Naturally, we all started throwing out guesses on how much we thought the experience would cost, and every single one of us guessed higher than the actual price.

Which, honestly, says a lot about the quality of the experience.

From the boat itself to the overall day out, it felt like one of those activities that should cost far more than it does. For a few hours, it completely transported us away from the usual routine without needing to travel far or spend a fortune, and that’s very hard to put a price on.

A huge thank you again to Herbert Woods for having us. We had an amazing afternoon and can safely confirm that the Nu Image team now fully believes they could survive life on the water. At least for an afternoon.