Big Dog Ferry
Big Dog Ferry
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5.0
100 reviews
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C D
ipswich UK18 contributions
Jul 2021
This is the third time that I have taken various friends on this 45 minute ferry trip and from the minute we’ve arrived on the jetty to the moment the ferry is moored up at the lock it's been a delight every time. The tranquillity and quintessential Suffolk countryside make it a great experience for any visitor. There is a knowledgeable skipper and light life jackets are provided.
Beccles is pretty and then there are 2 inns to choose from for lunch at Gelderston. I’ve done the 5 mile walk back on each occasion and everyone has loved it – mud included.
The ferry is run by a charity and deserves great support to continue.
The one drawback to the whole experience (I wish I could draw this to the appropriate person’s attention by a different method but there is no way of getting through) is the new booking system. Pre covid I rang the ferryman’s mobile, booked and it was quite straight forward. When I booked in June this year it was through an online booking system. I wasn’t sure my booking had definitely worked so I emailed the given email address and had a reply confirming my booking had been successful. When I and my friend arrived the ferry man had no knowledge of my booking even though I could show it on my phone. Fortunately (for us) another family of 4 turned up and because they had 2 children in a buggy, which also had not shown up on the system because there was nowhere to enter it, they agreed to take a later sailing and my friend and I were able to board.
This month (July 2021) there is a newer booking system to use. I just couldn’t complete the booking using the app on my phone, just looping between FINISH and CONTINUE, so I then booked on my laptop. It was not straightforward and the ticket stated at the top ‘Summary 1 person’, the 4 separate correct amounts but with zero people beside it. The total taken was correct. Because the booking docket was ambiguous and given my previous experience, I emailed again just to confirm I definitely had a booking for the correct amount of people.
When we finally arrived the poor ferry man still had to go to the Lido office to check exactly who should be on that sailing.
The trip itself is such a lovely experience please do something to make the booking process as pleasurable
Beccles is pretty and then there are 2 inns to choose from for lunch at Gelderston. I’ve done the 5 mile walk back on each occasion and everyone has loved it – mud included.
The ferry is run by a charity and deserves great support to continue.
The one drawback to the whole experience (I wish I could draw this to the appropriate person’s attention by a different method but there is no way of getting through) is the new booking system. Pre covid I rang the ferryman’s mobile, booked and it was quite straight forward. When I booked in June this year it was through an online booking system. I wasn’t sure my booking had definitely worked so I emailed the given email address and had a reply confirming my booking had been successful. When I and my friend arrived the ferry man had no knowledge of my booking even though I could show it on my phone. Fortunately (for us) another family of 4 turned up and because they had 2 children in a buggy, which also had not shown up on the system because there was nowhere to enter it, they agreed to take a later sailing and my friend and I were able to board.
This month (July 2021) there is a newer booking system to use. I just couldn’t complete the booking using the app on my phone, just looping between FINISH and CONTINUE, so I then booked on my laptop. It was not straightforward and the ticket stated at the top ‘Summary 1 person’, the 4 separate correct amounts but with zero people beside it. The total taken was correct. Because the booking docket was ambiguous and given my previous experience, I emailed again just to confirm I definitely had a booking for the correct amount of people.
When we finally arrived the poor ferry man still had to go to the Lido office to check exactly who should be on that sailing.
The trip itself is such a lovely experience please do something to make the booking process as pleasurable
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve B
Ipswich, UK21 contributions
Jul 2022
A lovely little trip on the river to Geldeston Lock. The boat captain seemed like a really nice chap. We travelled on the 11 am trip on a Wednesday in early July 2022. There was very little river traffic and this definitely added to the trip . Apparently the river can get quite busy at times with boats , canoes , etc.
The plan (with my wife) was to walk back along the Norfolk shore but the captain advised that the path was closed due to reconstruction work. At that time I had found no information on the internet to say that the path was closed . We did still have a walk up to Geldeston mariner for a look round . There we found a closure notice at the start of the path back. It would appear that the path will be closed until at least mid August 2022 without an alternative route available. The captain had therefore saved us a few extra miles of walking which was much appreciated.
We also had food in the Locks Inn. and tried the Super Bowls . These were very tasty and decent value for money. We did actually walk back to Beccles along the Suffolk side of the river. Unfortunately the path does not follow the river as the Norfolk side does but even so it was a pleasant enough countryside walk. The last stretch was on a road side path along a fairly busy road.
The plan (with my wife) was to walk back along the Norfolk shore but the captain advised that the path was closed due to reconstruction work. At that time I had found no information on the internet to say that the path was closed . We did still have a walk up to Geldeston mariner for a look round . There we found a closure notice at the start of the path back. It would appear that the path will be closed until at least mid August 2022 without an alternative route available. The captain had therefore saved us a few extra miles of walking which was much appreciated.
We also had food in the Locks Inn. and tried the Super Bowls . These were very tasty and decent value for money. We did actually walk back to Beccles along the Suffolk side of the river. Unfortunately the path does not follow the river as the Norfolk side does but even so it was a pleasant enough countryside walk. The last stretch was on a road side path along a fairly busy road.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna C
Down Ampney, UK32 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Turned up without booking and luckily we were able to do the round trip . The skipper “Seb” was very friendly and provided just the right amount of information. He took photos of our group and made us feel safe.
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David L
Bromley, UK208 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Hard to add to the other reviews here, except to say that the Big Dog Ferry offers a lovely little boat trip between Beccles and the Locks Inn at Geldeston. We walked to the pub and took the boat back on a beautiful warm late September day. Unlike others I found the booking system worked fine - there were some slightly confusing instructions about the type of discount codes required for family bookings, but for 2 adults one way it was straightforward. I got a ticket emailed to me. And our driver (captain?) knew who we were by name as we boarded. So, no problems there. The boat is basic, open to the elements (there were a few umbrellas available up front, not required today except perhaps as sunshades!) and seats about 12 I would estimate, so booking is probably a good idea to avoid disappointment. The journey is a pleasant meander down the water - not many expansive views to be had, and wildlife was in short supply on our trip, but pottering down the river with the sunlight sparkling off the water was a joy in itself. It takes about 40 minutes in total.
One way for two adults came in at £15: I don’t have a comparison to make but it felt like decent value to me. If the weather is fine, a stroll (or a ride) to the pub, and a journey back to Beccles on Big Dog Ferry is a delightful way to pass a day. And the Locks is a community owned pub so you are probably doing some good supporting the local economy along the way.
One way for two adults came in at £15: I don’t have a comparison to make but it felt like decent value to me. If the weather is fine, a stroll (or a ride) to the pub, and a journey back to Beccles on Big Dog Ferry is a delightful way to pass a day. And the Locks is a community owned pub so you are probably doing some good supporting the local economy along the way.
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deb T
3 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Loved this boat trip so much. So relaxing. The skipper was a lovely, chilled out man who has to have the best job in the world. We were lucky enough to see a kingfisher. Amazing time had at Geldeston Lock, with a lovely return trip.
Only thing to watch out for and plan for is where to park. Quite a few parking places in Beccles don't allow you to park for long enough. Park at long stay car park at Blyburgate for £4. Just bring cash with you, or be prepared to download an app to pay for parking on card. Only about a 10 minute walk from the car park to the boat.
Only thing to watch out for and plan for is where to park. Quite a few parking places in Beccles don't allow you to park for long enough. Park at long stay car park at Blyburgate for £4. Just bring cash with you, or be prepared to download an app to pay for parking on card. Only about a 10 minute walk from the car park to the boat.
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showtime Shirl
East Anglia, UK50 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The perfect way to travel back (or to!) from the Geldeston Locks Inn after a walk and lunch. 5 friends had the most relaxing and tranquil boat trip along the river Waveney just soaking up the atmosphere and scenery. It was so easy to book online and the ferry was ready and waiting dead on time. Very friendly "Captain" too. We had a bit of excitement when a cow decided to jump in the river and take a swim to join the rest of the herd but were assured it managed to get out up the bank eventually. Wouldn't hesitate to do this trip again.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2tommy26
Merseyside, UK9 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Therapeutic and relaxing, a lovely hour spent on the calm of the river. The only issue we had was booking on line which wouldn’t allow us to reserve places on the actual day of ‘embarkation’. So we just turned up anyway and we were lucky to get seats. A hidden gem. Worth a visit.
Written June 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine K
Jersey, UK6 contributions
May 2022
Great fun, with very informative and obliging boatman. (Not easy to find, head for the Lido on the road out towards Bungay). But totally worth it. Chugging slowly up the river to a beautiful pub run by the load all community with great beer and local ice cream. Then you can either take the boat back, roughly on the hour as planned with the ferryman, or walk back (5 miles, long stretch, worth it but be prepared!). A most relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michelle
Bungay, UK25 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
We booked the ferry on Thursday for Friday using the online system, which was a little tricky to use but otherwise ok. The journey was lovely with the skipper being very knowledgeable. We had the return ferry to ourselves and it was great, like a little personal guided tour! I would highly recommend a trip on the ferry. It was leisurely and relaxing and gave us a chance to see some beautiful scenery and several kingfishers. A great experience.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daniels6112018
Stoke Gabriel, UK15 contributions
Jul 2022
Family of four took the Big Dog Ferry up the river to Geldeston Lock. Just under an hour's trip, very relaxing. Friendly skipper. Good value for money. Had lunch at the Lock Inn, but was busy and we found food and service a little underwhelming, before taking the ferry back to Beccles. The ferry trip was the best part of the trip!
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the ferry easily accessible for someone on crutches, who is unable to step up/down . Thankyou
Written April 30, 2023
Can you accommodate a small dog with two adults
Written June 8, 2020
What's the capacity please and what would cost be to charter boat for return journey on the 14th of May?
Written April 16, 2017
Hi there
I would call him on 07532 072761
I found him easy to get hold of when we booked a trip last year and very helpful
Website seems v up to date as well
Written April 17, 2017
I too would like to know the hours of operation and cost. These questions have been raised before - but no reply. Maybe the service has been discontinued - if so, it would be helpful to take off from the site.
Written October 21, 2015
It wasn't operational for a while.
It's a voulnteer-run charity concern, that relies upon donations to stay afloat. I believe their outboard blew-up.
They're back in the water now for 2016, after some serious local fundraising.
Their web address is bigdogferry on the co uk.
Hope this helps?
Written April 5, 2016
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