HIPPERSONS Boatyard found on the Broads is a unique floating holiday park – and it’s been named one of the best in the UK.
The self-catering, holiday destination in Beccles, is known for its quirky houseboats and pods on the river.
The Secret Garden pod is the only accommodation on land[/caption]
The rest of the spots on Hippersons Boatyard float on the water[/caption]
The holiday park has been awarded the title of the best ‘Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year’ by the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards 2025.
The judges said: “The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a team that goes above and beyond to ensure guests feel at home.”
Hippersons Boatyard has six different spots on the river which include three houseboats called Swallows, Amazons, and Coot Club.
The other two are floating pods named Secret Water and Wild Cat Island.
Secret Garden is the only land accommodation that has a private deck with a fire pit and a Swedish eco wood fired hot tub.
One described the Secret Water pod as “a little gem” in a TripAdvisor review. Another said their stay was the “the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.”
Someone else said: “The boatyard is really well placed a short walk from the historic centre of Beccles (but no road or town noise!).”
One of the biggest lots is the Wild Cat Island floating pod and you have to access on a floating ramp which bobs up and down with the tide.
All of their houseboats sleep up to four, and they have four pet friendly holiday homes too.
Each the pods and boathouses includes a private rowing boat for exploring the Broads National Park.
Each holiday home comes with a private boat and the opporunity to take rowing lessons[/caption]
Guests can also add a Sparrows and Amazons experience packages for some organised activities.
The package includes a guided kayak and canoe tour, paddle boards, and a pedal boat are all available for hire.
There are also self drive boats you can take out for the day to explore more of the Broads.
There’s also a dinghy demonstration and the owners will help you make the best out of the river when you visit depending on the tide.
The big windows and outside decks allow for watching activity on the water[/caption]
The cheapest cabin is the Swallows and Coot Club, which can be booked for £360 for three days.
The market town of Beccles is well-known for a great place to explore the Broads National Park.
Nearby attractions include the Beccles Lido, where you can book a slot and swim in the outdoor pool.
There are also lots of riverside paths for walking and cycle paths too.
Here’s more about the Beccles Lido which has been undergoing refurbishment.
And the beautiful Norfolk village with bright red poppy fields and a renowned pub.
Here Are Three Of The Top Holiday Parks in the UK
All of these holiday parks have incredible waterparks
The Seashore holiday park in Great Yarmouth is part of Haven’s holiday portfolio and is just by Norfolk’s beach. It is known for its ‘excellent’ amenities The one indoor pool area offers a range of water activities, from casual splashing to serious swimming sessions A smaller pool is also available for younger kids to play in. The real fun is at ‘The Shore’ waterpark, though — with two 11-meter-high tyre flumes towering over the entire area, Tidal Twist and Coastal Cyclone.
The Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara is Scotland’s biggest indoor waterpark, and it features two water flumes, a giant tipping bucket, a tots’ pool and water features One of the flumes has neon lights and three crystal-clear sections, so you can wave to your family while travelling down But it doesn’t end there. The other interactive flume allows you to time your ride and try to beat the fastest time of the day.
As with Craig Tara, this is called ‘Splashaway Bay’. The indoor pool area at Hafan Y Môr features a lazy river, a multi-lane waterslide, tipping buckets and separate swimming lanes. There is also a wave machine and many water features. Little ones also have their area here, with a tots’ pool and slide The Adventure Village at Haven’s Hafan Y Môr features 4×4 off-roaders, segways, pedalos and more.
The Hippersons Boatyard is the perfect location to explore the River Waveney[/caption]
