Hobbies Ltd - Norwich

Shaun Olinger

I purchased two large-scale anchors for my tugboat last year, and they look absolutely awesome! Unfortunately I lost one almost immediately to a broken chain, so I'm back to buy another set to put on my new, and significantly stronger, anchor chain.

I use this model on the Columbia River, in the US Pacific Northwest, to tow myself and my family for miles. As rough as it gets out here, I don't want my very expensive model anywhere near the beach, where a breaking wave can damage or destroy it. These anchors do a fantastic job keeping my model securely anchored off-shore, even in the substantial tidal currents we see here.

I have had several email interactions with Hobbies UK, and I have always been happy with the results. I have had both professional and personally engaging conversations, expressing pleasure at their ability to fill a very small niche need for my hobbies.

Their prices are very reasonable, as are their international shipping costs. They used the Royal Mail Service last time, and I was VERY happy with the level of communication throughout the shipping process.

Thank you, Hobbies UK, for your excellent services. I am a returning customer who will continue to be back for your unique products.

Photos are showing my 1:50 scale RC tugboat "Atlantic" setting out on what became a 4-hour, 7-mile voyage, towingme in my 17ft/300lb sea kayak. These anchors, combined with 21ft of chain, were used three times in this outing and worked amazingly well at keeping my very expensive model safely out in deeper water.

Helen Marr

A complicted purchase was handled with great patience by Justin and Richard of Raveningham Hobbie shop, resulting in two very satisfied customers. Items purchased here have always been totally satifactory, and there is always a great variety to choose from. The sevice is always excellent.

Kaylea Lloyd

I've wanted to build a well crafted wooden model ship for a while but could only find cheap plastic ones locally. I knew good models would be pricey but my worry was with the possibility of spending a lot of money in a small store that's almost 200 miles away and have problems with my purchase. Even though I did initially pick this store because it had a high star rating.

Though I didn't need to worry. I've now purchased two model ships from the store and both have arrived perfectly and really quickly.

I'm still working on my smaller model but I've enjoyed every second of it, even during the challenging parts. The attention to detail on even the smallest model is incredible.

The only let down is that the kit didn't include some of the items that were brought up in the step by step instructions. For example, some polish for the metal components which can get quite dirty in the building process. Though I don't think this is an error on the stores part but more with the manufacturer. Just something to be mindful of.

Overall I highly recommend the models and the store.

Harry Barnes

I recently ordered a kit from Hobbies, and wish I never had, it has been the worst online shopping experience I've ever gone through. I'd advise anyone considering purchasing from them to AVOID and save yourself a headache.

The problems began when the kit they sent me was nothing like what was advertised on the website at all, plus it was faded and battered as if it had been sitting in an attic for 20 years, not in new condition and totally inappropriate for giving to someone as a gift.

Clearly, I had to return this and order something else instead. When I called up, it took 45 minutes to get through on their phone lines, and then when I did get through the staff were rude and offered no apology or acknowledgement. Not only did they make me pay to return it to them but they didn't refund the original postage charge either, leaving me double out of pocket for something that was their fault in the first place.

Then when the refund did eventually come through, it was for a completely different amount, far lower than the amount I paid, even after subtracting the double postage.

I called up again to query this (waiting another half an hour on hold before getting through to anyone - it sounds like utter chaos going on at their end) and they were completely unapologetic, insisting there was nothing wrong and blaming me. When I persisted and spoke to the manager they eventually said they would call me back to follow up, but they never did and a month has now passed. Clearly this was just a tactic to try and ignore any problems.

I'm tired of this company by now, it's more headache than it's worth to continue chasing for the full refund I'm owed...

Peter Adams

Well stocked. Very helpful young man at the till. Well worth a visit. Recommend buying their catalogue.

Lydia Castelli

Don't buy. Ordered 10 days ago. No correspondence since so rang today. Order dispatched apparently but a fault with their email mend they couldn't tell me!? I doubt that. Order missing with royal mail apparently. They'll send another but I have to pay return postage if the missing item turns up. No apologies and when I said its complain on review site was told that it read what I read going to do anyway regardless of what they said! Really, good to know they're mind readers too. I've never been spoken to in such a rude manner. But having since read other reviews they clearly are a bunch of rude con artists that accept no responsibly for your order. Not worth the risk of it goes wrong.

Josef Brett

I recieved my order today and just wanted to commend Hobbies for not only the high quality product, but also the great customer service. The transaction was straightforward (even tho I needed to add items after checkout) and everything was really securely packaged and delivered quickl .

I have used a different vendor in the post and have not received such good service from them.

I will be using your services again and have started recommending 'Hobbies' to friends in the UK crafting community, so thank you.

Stephanie Lyn Dent

Contrary to website stating open Saturday 9 till 1pm it was shut. If can keep info up to date one wonders efficency. Did however have a super coffee at another business on the site first on left as you drive in worth a visit, lovely service