Holiday Barge adventure: a voyage aboard Onderneming from Snape Maltings to Lowestoft

By

Perfect weather and a perfect trip for a Holiday Barge. Almost…

Our magnificent Dutch Holiday Barge Onderneming went into dry dock in Lowestoft in March 2022, to have some minor work done to the hull, seals etc. 

We put together a Youtube video to share with you our epic journey (well it was epic for us anyway!) up the Heritage Coast of Suffolk. There will be more to follow as what goes up, must come down…

Sunset on Onderneming

As you can see, we had amazing (though extremely cold!) weather, scenery, and the most incredible sunset and sunrise! 

It was a 24 hour journey over two days, as we had to leave Snape Maltings on the rising tide, and then wait out at Havergate Island near Orford overnight, for the rising tide the next afternoon to head up the coast. We arrived (sorry, I just spoiled the ending) in Lowestoft at dusk, and we had the best fun!

As the owner, it’s always a nerve-wracking trip though, as anything can happen. Like hitting a sandbank as you head out to sea. We were expecting it though as we were going out on a rising tide, so we didn’t have to wait long before she floated again thankfully!

Our Holiday Barge Onderneming had a hull survey carried out five years ago when we bought her, and it stipulated that in five years we would have to have another one as some parts of the hull were thinner than others. Other than the insurance company insisting on it, we wanted to do it of course, in order to keep her in the best condition, and avoid mishaps. 

Carl onboard Onderneming

The plan was for her to be in dry dock for a couple of weeks, and as I type this, she has had the survey done and all is well. There will be updates soon with some more footage, but at the moment she’s having some welding done to ensure her longevity for many more years to come. She’s also having some external seals replaced as expected, as well as new sacrificial anodes fitted to combat corrosion. After that she will be treated to new primer coats and anti-foul paint, again to protect her from the elements. 

All being well we will be back underway early April, albeit with a much lighter wallet. Let’s just say we’d have been able to buy a couple of brand new cars instead, but this has to be done!

We had some fabulous aerial shots from our intrepid photographer Carl Lamb of ambientLight, as well as the shots we took en route. So why not put the kettle on, make your favourite cuppa, and relax with our little movie, full of video clips and photos from our voyage up the wonderful Heritage Coast of Suffolk. 

Reasons to Stay at Woodfarm, Suffolk

We happen to think what we have on offer is pretty bloomin' good. However, we thought you might like a bunch of reasons to stay, other than we think you should!

dog paw print
Dogs stay FREE

Genuine, welcoming Dog-Friendly ethos, making you all feel at home, and they won’t cost you a penny.

dog biscuit
Free Doggy treats

Dog bowls, treats, showers, towels and more. Your furry family are safe, secure & happy in our fully enclosed gardens.

thumbs up
Over 1,000 5 star reviews

Peace of mind from our 1,200 + Five Star Tripadvisor, Facebook & Google Reviews. Over 30% of our guests come back!

beach huts
Brilliant beaches

We know that guests want the best location and surroundings. Suffolk has an incredible Heritage Coast, all in easy reach of us.

fence
Dog exercise meadow

Pawesome, fully-enclosed two acre Pooch Paddock at the Barns for your Dogs to go bonkers and make new friends in. Happy hounds!

trophy
Multi-awards

Rest assured choosing Woodfarm: Visit England Gold Awards for all our properties, as well as their ROSE Award for Service Excellence.

hot tubs
Private Hot Tubs

Private Hot tubs with seven of our eight Barns and Cottages. The ultimate in relaxation and reconnection: just because you're worth it.

boots
Stunning Countryside

Unwind and connect with nature in our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yes, plural. Suffolk Coast & Heaths, and Dedham Vale.

river walks
River Walks

Stunning river walks directly from your gangplank on either Barge! Wildlife and breathtaking scenery in abundance.

Fetch the latest news!

Holiday Cottage in Tuscany

Why Going Abroad Might Be Exactly What You (and Your Dog) Need

We know. Staycations are great. We do them! No flights, no passports, no dodgy plug sockets. But let’s be honest… sometimes you want more than a cosy night by the fire and a trip to …

Our little Tuscan Villa featured in The Times!

Casa Trebbio in The Times – One of Tuscany’s Top 21 Villas!

Guess who has a little place in Tuscany, that features in The Times in an article on 21 Amazing Villas in Tuscany? Yes, we do! Absolutely delighted to share some brilliant news. Casa Trebbio, our …

How Not Going Abroad Could Pay for Your Holiday (Yes, Really!)

How Not Going Abroad Could Pay for Your Holiday (Yes, Really!)

How Not Going Abroad Could Pay for Your Holiday (Yes, Really!) Let’s be honest: the idea of jetting off somewhere sunny and showing off your airport Prosecco on Instagram sounds great… but have you actually …

Join our newsletter for £50 OFF your first break!

Please provide a valid email address.
* indicates required