Waveney River Centre Reviews

Brilliant facilities but not a lot around

We had a lovely two night break, apart from a very rainy day on the Saturday. Great club house with pool table and board games. Facilities (showers/toilets/washing up room) were all very clean with hot water. The only thing which would stop me returning is there was nowhere to walk to, we were hoping to walk along the beautiful river but you couldn't, so we felt a bit trapped. Unless there were walks we missed, but I tried very hard to find some! If you don't like walking, I'd recommend!

Beautiful location

We loved our stay here looking out over the Marina. The swimming pool, not to forget the games' room and the restaurant which served superb meals. We will come again. We also enjoyed visiting Beccles and Caister-on-Sea.

Site's response

Thank you for your lovely review of our Park. We are thrilled you loved your stay with us and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

Birthday weekend in the Van

We had a lovely welcome from the lady in the reception and it was easy to find our pitch. We liked the fact that each Kingfisher hardstanding pitch had trees or bushes each side, to make it that bit more private. There was plenty of space for our Transit and awning, as well as we sat outside and had a BBQ, looking across the marina to the river and the rising moon. We didn't use the indoor pool although this is included in the price, as it was only open from 9 until 4 and we would have liked an early evening swim after being out on the river all day paddleboarding, so we can not comment on the little swimming pool. The gentleman down at the river was very helpful and friendly. He gave us information about the tides and how long roughly to Oulton Broad or the other way towards Beccles. We paddled to Oulton Broad in an afternoon, there and back, very pretty. We attempted to paddle board to Beccles the following morning, but the wind was against us and only managed a mile and a half, which wasn't even half way, so found somewhere to have a picnic. You can get a ferry across to a reserve (Carlton Marshes) for £4 return, which ran from 10:15 to 15:15 on a Sunday I believe, but we only watched it go across the river, while sitting by the rivers edge watching the kingfishers go past. We had breakfast in the Inn on our last morning, which was £12 large full English and £9 small English, which was very nice and saves washing up. Washing up, well only 3 out of the 6 sinks worked or had plugs and not very hot water and the lighting was very bad, we had to use our phone torch to see what we were doing. The loo's at the top of the park were ok, although the taps got you wet more than your hands,and although we did see a lady cleaning the showers on the Monday morning, she was cleaning the lights outside and the doors and walk way, I'm not sure if a different person cleaned the inside, but I'm guessing they were ill or away themselves on holiday. That aside, we enjoyed our weekend away by the river, chilling and launching our paddleboards. Make sure you have a river licence (Paddle UK) as they do check.

Fishing

One of our main reasons for going to this campsite was for the fishing. Unfortunately there was only one spot that you could actually fish from. So unless you are the only fisherman on site for the whole of your stay, you don't get the chance to fish. On a positive note, the staff were very friendly and the restaurant served up some delicious meals.

First stay

So friendly, restaurant food was lovely and great service. Site was clean and well laid out. Maybe some additional play equipment for little ones in the park. Will definitely be returning for a longer stay as we just tested out new MH for one night somewhere local.

Great time

Had a wonderful stay at Waveney River Centre, only thing which could do with improvements is the cleanliness of the showers and toilets, felt like they needed cleaning need everyday. Overall, had a wonderful weekend.

Excellent location and services

The access road is somewhat challenging and the hedge rows are in desperate need of trimming resulting in scratches to the side of our Motorhome but once arrived the site is excellent. The hire restaurant serves up excellent food at competitive prices. Don't understand why it was so quiet in August but maybe there's too much emphasis on lodges.

Norfolk/Suffolk adventure

The site was very scenic and well maintained being set alongside the marina and the River Waveney. Only the hard standing pitches were being used while we were there, although there were plenty of grass pitches too. The hardstanding pitches were very tightly packed in and a squeeze to move around the side of our van and tent which also meant that you could hear everything too - despite a hedge being between us. The pitches didn't allow for cars to park alongside a tent/caravan set up so again we had other peoples cars on grass in front of our pitch blocking the view of the marina. On a positive note, the whole site was well maintained, children's play area looked good (although we didn't have any children with us). We did use the swimming pool which was very welcome. The Waveney Inn was on site, which would save driving miles to the nearest alternative. All staff we met were very friendly and helpful. The site is accessed via very narrow and long roads and I'd hate to drive anything bigger than a VW camper down them. To go anywhere from the site, there is a long detour round, especially if heading easterly towards Lowestoft or Great Yarmouth as the River Waveney cuts you off from the coast side. It was fine for us as we were only there 3 nights, but probably a bit annoying if staying longer.

Lovely site

The site is beautiful, by a river, but a little remote. Use of pool, electric and wet rooms included in pitch fee. Staff all friendly and helpful. Swimming pool (have to book a slot) with small games room (large connect-4 and more) pub and restaurant with lovely outside seating area and good food. Big TVs. Also another games room with pool and pinball machines. Small shop with essentials. Play-park for younger children. Wet rooms are a good size and great idea, but only every other one was open (probably to save on cleaning) never queued to get in though. They could've been cleaner, make sure you take shoes to shower in (which I would advise on any camping holiday!) Site itself was lovely and clean and very peaceful. Nice for a quiet peaceful break away. We want as 2 families with older children and just enjoyed some quiet time. Nice for little ones, but obviously near lots of water.

Relaxing away from it all

Welcome was lovely. Swam every day, sometimes had the pool to myself, included in the price. Inn on site served good food and reasonably priced, even put on entertainment on Saturday evening. Watching the world / boats go by from the Marina was relaxing. Beautiful dark sky for star gazing. Only downsides were the wind (but then it is East Anglia!) and the magical mystery tour of a single track road with passing places to get there. Our highlight was meeting a fellow Bedford Rascal/Bambi Owner, so few on the road and who would have thought that 2 would turn up at the same place? Magical!

Something for everybody

Lovely setting. Needs updating in areas. More care needed on appearance for example the flower boxes were empty.

Nice site, but toilets and showers let it down

Nice location, pitches were well positioned and in a good maintained state. The cleanliness and condition of the toilets and shower facilities really let the site down. They didn't seem to be well maintained with broken toilet seats, visible mould and badly ventilated in parts, causing it to smell bad. They didn't seem to be cleaned regularly and discarded items, such as nappies and rubbish, were still there the next day. Location was beautiful, right on the river but roads to get there were single track with passing places, so not good for the nervous camper. This site is lovely but we really felt the conditions of the ablutions facilities let it down on this occasion.

Revamp needed

Lovely setting but in need of a revamp and a deep clean. Toilets and showers really poor cleanliness. Hardstanding caravan pitch was over grown with hedge, needing cutting and weeds coming through the gravel.

Long weekend away

Toilets fairly clean. Fully serviced pitch hedges need cutting back. Pitches' grey waste water had to flow uphill, so drained uphill. Then, the lane is a single track road which is very tight with bushes over hanging and scratches the caravan.

Perfect holiday

We had a brilliant holiday here for 10 days. The weather was fantastic, the staff were lovely and the facilities were excellent. The views from our caravan watching the boats go past and just relaxation. Thank you.

Site's response

Dear Sophie Many thanks for your review, we are so pleased you had a lovely stay with us! :) We look forward to hopefully welcoming you again soon. Warm Regards, The Waveney Team

Lovely quiet site, small and friendly

Great swimming pool. We have been twice now and will definitely be back. Only criticism is cobwebs and spiders in ladies' loo block, okay if you like spiders, granddaughter doesn't. Timer for lights needs to be longer before going off as in loo at night, it kept going out while in the loo. Men's and women's entrance door into loo's by caravans were rotten and need replacing. Not really complaining as we love the site, just a bit of tweaking to be done.

Site's response

Dear Shirley, many thanks for your review, we are so pleased you had a lovely stay with us! :) We are sorry to hear about the cobwebs, however unfortunately those spiders absolutely love the country side, and build their homes as quick as we remove them. We do try our best! :) We look forward to hopefully welcoming you again soon. Warm regards - The Waveney Team.

Ok but could be better

Pitches are too small for a campervan and awning. Location is remote. The access roads are really narrow so prohibit 'safe' use of a bike or a walk. There no access for a walk along the river. Says access for kayaks/canoes, which isn't really true because there's no suitable launch point. Shower block has only a couple in use at a time and most taps and shower controls leak. Also, there's no squeegees, so you end up in the previous occupants water. It's dated and needs a really good revamp.

Site's response

Many thanks for your review, Peter. We are sorry to hear that you were disappointed with some aspects of your stay, we welcome all feedback to help us make improvements going forward. This is the first feedback we have received relating to the pitches being too small, therefore we are sorry you found the pitches too small, however we welcome caravans, motorhomes and campervans and guests often put up their awning too. With regards to Kayaks & Canoes, we do in fact have our own slip way for this purpose, this is located next to the ferry stop that takes guests to the other side of the river, which has a beautiful walk along the river through Carlton Marshes nature reserve, taking you into the beautiful village of Oulton Broad. We hope that we can welcome you back again, so that you can experience everything we have to offer at Waveney River Centre. Warm regards, The Waveney Team.

Caravan

Views were beautiful all round. Getting there down very very narrow country lanes with a caravan was hair-raising. No way could two large vehicles pass as there were only two ways in, maybe it could be advised at each entrance. The staff in the reception and bar were very helpful. If you take teenagers, let them know there's no internet coverage for miles but it can be paid for on site. I had a lovely few days.

Site's response

Hi Laura Many thanks for your review, we are so pleased you had a lovely stay with us! :) We look forward to hopefully welcoming you again soon. Warm Regards, The Waveney Team

Our two night stay

We stayed for two nights and was a little disappointed. Our pitch was Heron 4. Quite a heavy slope, I had to use all the ramps I had. Very dark amongst the trees, with lots of unattended pitches free but unavailable when we asked to move, without a good reason why. The electric ferry that takes you 50 yards across the river was £4 return each, but for lodge dwellers it was free.Why? And finally the showers had quite a heavy damp smell to them. This was strange for what looked like new facilities. Sorry, we won't be back.

Site's response

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Mark. We are sorry that you were disappointed with some aspects of your stay, although thank you for your feedback, this helps us to make improvements going forward. We are sorry you were unable to move to a Bittern pitch, we understand that these just look like unused empty pitches, however, we are welcoming these very soon. We do have to complete safety checks before being able to open up a pitch, so these have been underway. The safety of guests is of paramount important, therefore it would not be safe to allow guests to use an electric hook-up without the vital tests. However, we are sorry this caused disappointment. Warm regards - The Waveney Team.

Lovely site

We stayed this weekend and loved it! Such a lovely site would come back again.

Great time

We had a great time. Couldn't fault it. Everywhere was clean and well kept. Staff very helpful. Lovely setting. Thank you for all the help that was given to us setting up the internet.

Brilliant

Fantastic site, I grew up in Aldeby and spent all my time there as a kid. Now have kids of my own, so took them there for the weekend. Brilliant clean site, can't wait to come back.

Site's response

Dear David Many thanks for your review, we are so pleased you had a lovely stay with us! :) We look forward to hopefully welcoming you again soon. Warm Regards, The Waveney Team

Great weekend stay!

We have just had a lovely weekend at Waveney River Centre with stunning views of the valley. Shower blocks & toilets were exceptionally clean and tidy at all times. The club house/bar was reasonably priced and the staff were warm & welcoming. The swimming pool was an excellent addition for all the family. A superb location and would definitely stay here again.

Peaceful

Very peaceful with great views of the Waveney River. With access for paddle boarding and kayaking. Lovely meal at the Waveney Inn. Would book again.

View to the river

A wonderful quiet site with great views. Driving to the site as we are quite large was made with caution. Shame that the site seems to want to sell cabins more than take tourers. Swimming pool was a bonus.