21 Best Things to Do in Great Yarmouth

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golden mile in great yarmouth (street with amusements across from the beach)

Great Yarmouth, with its rich history and coastal location, has been a go-to holiday spot for centuries. From Charles Dickens to modern-day tourists, it’s unique attractions have captured the hearts of all who visit.

While the sandy beaches are undoubtedly a major draw, Great Yarmouth also offers an array of exciting experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, there’s something for everyone (especially families) in this seaside town.

Here are the best things to do in Great Yarmouth along with more information and tips to help plan the perfect getaway.

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History of Great Yarmouth

looking down great yarmouth beach towards the wellington pier
While there is lots of space on Great Yarmouth beach, it does fill up during the warm summer days.

Great Yarmouth may be best known as a seaside resort, but it’s also been a strategically important port controlling the entrances to the rivers Bure, Yare and Waveney. For a long time, the town’s wealth was based almost entirely on the herring fishery.

The site of present-day Great Yarmouth was covered by the sea until Saxon times. Some believe that Great Yarmouth was settled as early as 495 AD by the Saxon King Cerdicus. It is more likely that the first settlement (probably located at Fuller’s Hill) was created by fishermen just for the fishing season around 900 AD.

By the time of the Domesday Book, Great Yarmouth had 70 burgesses, 24 fishermen, and a church. In 1101, Herbert de Losinga, the first Bishop of Norwich, founded the Church of St Nicholas which was completed in 1119. In 1208, King John granted the town its charter, and by the end of the 13th century it was walled.

During the English Civil War, Great Yarmouth supported Parliament against King Charles I. In 1648 Parliamentary leaders, including Oliver Cromwell, are believed to have met at the house now known as the Elizabethan House Museum where they decided that the king must be tried and executed.

One of the most tragic events in the town’s history was the Yarmouth Suspension Bridge disaster in 1845 when about 80 people, mainly children, drowned. The bridge collapsed because too many people had crowded onto it to see a circus clown go down the river in a barrel pulled by geese.

While Great Yarmouth had been a resort since 1760, more people began to holiday in Yarmouth when the railway opened in 1844. As a result, the town grew rapidly and expanded outside the walls.

marine parade in great yarmouth
The Marine Parade is the centre of activity on Great Yarmouth’s seafront.

To make the area more attractive, the promenade was built along with the Wellington Pier (1854) and Britannia Pier(1858). The street that runs alongside the beach is called the Marine Parade, and sometimes referred to as the Golden Mile (although it is a bit longer than one mile).

During the First World War, Great Yarmouth endured Zeppelin raids and was also attacked by German ships. According to a plaque on a house in St Peter’s Plain, it was the first house in Britain hit by Zeppelin strikes. The War Memorial in St George’s Park lists the names of 1,472 Yarmouth men killed in action.

Great Yarmouth also suffered a lot of damage during the Second World War. It the last significant place Germans could drop bombs before returning home. You might have heard about the World War II bomb that detonated in February 2023 (thankfully no one was hurt).

Still, much is left of the historic town. About two thirds of the original 2,000-metre (1.2 miles) protective medieval wall remains. On the South Quay, you can still find a 17th-century Merchant’s House, as well as Tudor, Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Learn more about what’s on in Great Yarmouth now here.

Best Things to Do in Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth offers fun times for all ages and it’s budget-friendly too. If you are wondering what to do when you visit Great Yarmouth, we have a few suggestions.

Note: If you are on a budget, be sure to check out our ideas for the best free things to do in Norfolk.

#1 Have Fun at the Pleasure Beach

Top of the roller coaster at the Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth
One of the most popular rides at the Pleasure Beach is the roller coaster.

Pleasure Beach, located near the beach in Great Yarmouth, is a traditional amusement park that has been entertaining visitors since it first opened in 1909. Over the years, it has grown to include 28 rides and attractions, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a day of fun. Despite its name, it does not include a beach.

While some of the rides are more intense than others, there is something for everyone at Pleasure Beach. The park’s most popular ride is a roller coaster that was built in 1932, which is sure to get your heart racing. If you need a break from the rides, there are plenty of other attractions to explore, including traditional fairground games and sideshows.

If you’re feeling hungry during your visit to Pleasure Beach, there are plenty of catering outlets to choose from. The Food Court is located in the heart of the park, right next to the Flying Dumbo ride. Here, you’ll find a range of delicious food options to satisfy your appetite.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, Carousel Candy is the perfect place to indulge in traditional fairground treats. And if you’re looking for a refreshing treat on a hot day, Leo’s Ice Cream Parlour is sure to hit the spot.

For those who fancy a drink, baguettes, fresh-bean coffees, and snacks, The Pleasure Beach Inn is the ideal spot to sit down and relax. Located to the left of the Pirate Ship, it’s the park’s fully licensed pub and offers a range of drinks and pub grub.

Keep in mind the theme park closes for the winter. Get more information about the Pleasure Beach here.

#2 Play in the Sand or Sea at Great Yarmouth Central Beach

great yarmouth beach with white lifeguard hut
A quiet early morning on Great Yarmouth Beach.

Great Yarmouth’s Central Beach is a large sandy beach that runs from Britannia Pier to Wellington Pier alongside the Marine Parade. The water is excellent for swimming and they do have lifeguards at the beach from April to September.

This beach is ideal for families because it also has a promenade with shops, cafes, and more. There are also a few beach huts you can hire for the day on the promenade by the Sea Life Centre, just ask in the cafe. Public and disabled toilets are also available.

There are plenty of paid parking options along Marine Parade. Several spots have ramps down to the beach for easy disabled access. There is also a beach wheelchair available to hire for free from the Sea Life Centre.

Keep in mind the beach can get quite busy during the peak season. Dogs are not allowed on the Central Beach, but they are welcome either north or south of the piers.

#3 Visit the Sea Life Centre

exterior entrance of the Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth
The Sea Life Centre is more than just an aquarium.

Norfolk’s Sea Life Centres are family-friendly attractions where you can learn more about life in the sea. They are aquariums that aim to educate and entertain their visitors. You can have close encounters with sea life, from shrimps and starfish, to seahorses and stingrays.

There are two locations in Norfolk – Great Yarmouth and Hunstanton. In Great Yarmouth, you can see sharks, penguins, rays, crocodiles, and more. They also have a new rock pool explorer section where you can touch a starfish.

yellow submarine at the sea life centre in Great Yarmouth
Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth is more than your average aquarium.

You may also want to visit the Hunstanton location at some point as it has a seal hospital where you can see how they rehabilitate common and grey seals. Since they opened the hospital in 1989 they have helped more than 750 seals.

If you buy your tickets online in advance, you can save money. Learn more about the Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre here and the Hunstanton Sea Life Centre here.

#4 See the Circus at the Hippodrome

picture of the front of the historic Hippodrome building in Great Yarmouth
The Hippodrome is a special place to see a circus.

Kids of all ages love the clowns and all the acrobatics that happen at the circus. There is no better place to go to the circus than the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth.

The Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth was named one of the seven wonders of the British seaside by Historic England. (1) It was built in 1903 by the legendary circus showman George Gilbert and is the only surviving total circus building in Britain. Both Harry Houdini and Charlie Chaplin are believed to have performed here.

It’s also just one of three circuses in the world to have a water feature, which was restored in 1981. Each show ends with the water spectacle where the rink sinks to reveal a swimming pool.

Given the size of the small arena, there are no bad seats. Check the schedule for circus shows at the Hippodrome here. They have special themed shows for Halloween and Christmas.

#5 Enjoy The Waterways

white arched bridge at the south entrance to the Venetian Waterways in Great Yarmouth.
This bridge at the south end of the Venetian Waterways is a little bit reminiscent of the Rialto Bridge in Venice.

Just north of the Golden Mile, you will find The Waterways, a seven-acre park that includes the Venetian Waterways, the Ornamental Gardens, and Boating Lake. It’s a scenic place to go for a stroll, relax for a bit, or get out on the water.

The park was originally created to relieve the distress caused by unemployment due to World War I. Thanks to a National Lottery grant awarded through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund, plus further support from the Borough Council, New Anglia LEP, the Department for Communities and Local Government (now MHCLG), and many volunteers, there was a large restoration project completed in 2019 to help maintain the site.

lake at the venetian waterways
It’s peaceful to take a stroll through the Venetian Waterways.

When you visit The Waterways, you’ll be transported to Venice as you walk along the ‘canals’ that wind their way through the park. The path takes you across charming bridges and around numerous ornamental features. It’s also a good area for birdwatching as it’s a popular haven for ducks and herons.

At the north end of the park, there is a man-made lake where you can hire boats (suitable for four people) and two-person pedalos. It’s fully accessible as there is a lift for access.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can stop by the Island Cafe. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, food for vegans, vegetarians, and those who are gluten-free, Paddy & Scott’s coffee, and Birchall’s Tea.

Get more information here.

#6 See the Banksy Mural

bus stop mural by banksy in great yarmouth norfolk
With this Banksy mural, you can almost hear the music playing.

The infamous Banksy visited Great Yarmouth in 2021 during his Great British Spraycation. While the original work he did inside the Merrivale Model Village is no longer there, you can still see his work at the bus stop on Admiralty Road (nearest cross street is Barrack Road). It uses the bus stop as the stage for a dancing couple and an accordion player.

#7 Ride the Yarmouth Eye (during high-season only)

view of the ferris wheel in great yarmouth named the great yarmouth eye
You have some lovely views when you ride the Great Yarmouth Eye on a clear day.

For summer 2022 (and at least the next few years), the observation wheel is back along the Great Yarmouth seafront. It stands 50 metres tall offering fantastic views of the coast.

The rides last 8-10 minutes and go around the wheel twice. There are 36 gondolas which are air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible, and can hold up to 6 people.

You don’t need to book in advance, cash and card payments are accepted. If you are planning to also visit the Sea Life Centre, you can save money by booking a ticket for both online here.

#8 Check out Merrivale Model Village

merrivale model village
There was a Banksy inside the Merrival Model Village.

Go to Merrivale where you can see a miniature version of the English countryside. There is a busy town centre, kept village inn, farm, travelling fair, sports stadium, zoo, country club, castle, holiday park, cottages, and of course the Merrivale Railway with 350 metres of track and 28 different locomotives, novelty vehicles, and associated rolling stock.

The model village is set amongst award-winning landscaped gardens with streams, waterfalls and lake with Koi Carp. They also have crazy golf (included with admission), the Old Penny Arcade, and the Merrivale Tea Rooms, which can cater to most dietary requirements.

replica of the banksy house at the merrivale model village
You can see a replica of the house left by Banksy during his British Spraycation at the Merrivale Model Village.

While they no longer have the original Banksy artwork from his Great British Spraycation, there is a replica model house in its place. You can also see miniatures of the murals that Banksy created in East Anglia around the model village, just look for the B signs.

New for 2023, they have a classic helter-skelter with fantastic views of the seafront at the top. You don’t have to go inside the Merrivale Model Village to go on the helter-skelter but there is a small charge.

Get more information here.

#9 Go to a Museum

Great Yarmouth has a few museums that are definitely worth visiting, especially on a rainy day in Norfolk. They are educational, entertaining, and well-suited for children.

Time and Tide Museum

exterior of the tide and time museum in great yarmouth which is inside an old curing works complex
The Tide and Time Museum is the place to go if you want to learn about the history of Great Yarmouth.

If you’re interested in learning about the rich history of Great Yarmouth, a visit to the Time and Tide Museum is a must. It’s focused on the town’s rich maritime and fishing heritage, with hands-on displays, films, audio guides, and children’s activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

Located inside one of the UK’s best-preserved Victorian herring curing works, this museum takes visitors on a journey through the town’s history from its ice age beginnings to the present day.

Check the current hours and admission prices here.

Elizabethan House Museum

exterior of the elizabethan house museum in great yarmouth
Travel back in time at the Elizabethan House Museum.

Inside a historic house that Oliver Cromwell visited frequently which was also a regular meeting place for Parliamentarians during the Civil War, and where the fate of Charles I was allegedly decided, you will find the Elizabethan House Museum.

It’s a fun place to learn about the Elizabethan past and its Victorian inhabitants. You can try on replica costumes. On special event days, you may see the range in the kitchen being fired up or talk to costumed characters roaming the house.

While it is run by Norfolk Museums, it is a National Trust property, so members can visit for free. Get more information about National Trust Membership here and more information about the museum here.

Note: The museum is only open from April through October. It is closed Saturdays.

The Tolhouse Gaol

exterior of the Tolhouse Gaol
You can go inside one of the UK’s oldest gaols.

You can see some of the original cells from one of the UK’s oldest gaols, dating back to the 12th century. There is a free audio guide where you can hear the gaoler and his prisoners describe their experiences.

Note that since it is a historic building there are a lot of steps and uneven floor surfaces. If you will need to use the lift, you need to book in advance so that an extra member of staff can be present to operate it.

Get more information here.

Note: The Tolhouse Museum is only open during the summer and Easter holidays Sunday to Friday. It is closed on Saturdays.

#10 Play Mini or Adventure Golf

pirate-themed mini golf course with a pirate ship
Pirates Cove is only one of the adventure golf options in Great Yarmouth.

Great Yarmouth has array of mini and adventure golf courses, offering unique themes, challenging obstacles, and hours of fun for all ages.

If you are looking for a family-friendly golf experience, you can choose from Pirates Cove Adventure Golf, Castaway Island Adventure Golf, and Windmill Adventure Golf. All three options are located close to the beach along Marine Parade.

Pirates Cove features 18-hole course with a pirate theme, complete with waterfalls, caves, and pirate ships, while Castaway Island is a newer 18-hole Mini Golf Course with a desert island theme, featuring obstacles such as caves, footbridges, and waterfalls, all set within a tropical landscape.

exterior of the Windmill Theatre which now houses an adventure golf course
The Windmill Theatre has been transformed into an adventure golf course.

Windmill Adventure Golf is a unique crazy golf course housed in the historic Windmill Theatre building. It’s thought to be the UK’s largest indoor golf venue, ideal for rainy days.

#11 See a Show at Theatre

The Hippodrome is not the only place to get live entertainment in Great Yarmouth. There are several other venues in town where you can see plays, musicals, comedy, live music, and pantos during the holidays.

St. George’s Theatre

exterior of St. George's Theatre
This Grade I listed church has been turned into a theatre.

St. George’s Theatre is a hidden gem located inside one of the finest examples of baroque church architecture outside London. This Grade I listed building was once in disrepair and narrowly escaped demolition, but has been lovingly restored and converted into a vibrant hub for live theatre.

Today, visitors can enjoy a range of performances, from dramas and musicals to comedy acts and live music, throughout the year. If you’re interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look, guided tours are available (learn more here). You can finish your visit with cream tea in the cafe.

Click here to check the calendar.

Britannia Pier Theatre

view of the Britannia Pier Theatre in Great Yarmouth from the beach
During the summer, you cant find live entertainment on the Britannia Pier.

Right by the main beach, there is the Britannia Pier Theatre. They have a fantastic selection of shows every summer, featuring stand up comedians, live music, and more. The pier is also home to several restaurants, a casino, amusements, bars, rides, and other attractions.

Click here to check the calendar.

#12 Get Your Cat Fix at Darling Darlings Cat Lounge

You can have a unique coffee shop experience at Darling Darlings Cat Lounge, a quirky, retro-themed cafe where you can enjoy your drink in the company of some furry feline friends. The decor spans from the 1950s to the 1990s, creating a fun and nostalgic atmosphere that’s sure to delight visitors of all ages.

But this cafe is more than just a fun place to hang out with cats. All of their cats are trained to work with visitors of all ages and needs, making it a great option for anyone looking for a bit of animal therapy. In fact, they are the only cat cafe in the world with trained therapy cats.

It’s not a big place so best to book in advance. Learn more here and read the reviews here.

#13 Go to the Races

During the summer months, you can enjoy horse racing at Great Yarmouth Racecourse. They feature top name jockeys and up-and-coming two-year-old horses, some of which go on to compete in prestigious races as far away as the USA and Brazil.

The first races in Great Yarmouth took place more than 300 years ago. The original course was close to the Nelson’s Monument at South Denes, but was moved to its current North Denes site in 1920 to make way for the growing fishing industry.

Get more information here.

Note: Yarmouth Stadium, a dog racing track, is a few miles away in Caister. Get more information about it here.

#14 Browse the Art Galleries

In recent years, money has been invested to grow the arts scene in Great Yarmouth. Old venues have been improved and new ones have been introduced.

Yare Gallery

exterior of the yare gallery in great yarmouth
The building that used to house Nelson Museum, became the Yare Gallery in 2021.

Opened in 2021, the Yare Gallery is housed inside a Grade II listed 17th-century merchant’s house that used to be the Nelson Museum. It’s located in the historic South Quay.

They have exhibitions that celebrate local and international artists across three floors. The galleries have a lot of natural light and sweeping views across the River Yare. Outside you can enjoy the quiet and beauty of their walled garden.

​Entry to the Gallery and all exhibitions is free. The displays change frequently so there’s always something new to see.

Get more information here.

Skippings Gallery

The Skippings Gallery on King Street has been renovated to support the local artistic community in Great Yarmouth. The 17th century, Grade II listed building has a ground-floor gallery with four artists’ studios available for rent.

Get more information here.

#15 Go Inside Great Yarmouth Minster

The Minster is a massive stone church that looks like a grand cathedral, nestled in a lush and spacious churchyard. It’s tucked away in a natural hollow, right behind a row of beautiful old townhouses. Trust me, once you stumble upon it, you’ll embark on an incredible journey that’s full of atmosphere, uncovering the beauty, history, and spiritual presence of this place. It’s like a peaceful oasis away from the more typical attractions of Great Yarmouth.

You won’t believe it, but The Minster has a whopping 900 years of history! Throughout the centuries, it has seen its fair share of dramatic twists and turns. In fact, it’s the largest parish church in all of England! Pretty impressive, right?

If you’re lucky enough to go inside, you can follow our heritage trail that takes you around the church, revealing hidden secrets, jaw-dropping architecture, and awe-inspiring artwork. There are so many amazing things to see along the way!

You’ll encounter two side chapels that are completely different from each other—one dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the other to Saint Andrew. The stained-glass windows tell the story of Jesus through beautiful pictures from the Gospels.

Don’t forget to look up and marvel at the painted ceiling of the Norman tower. Oh, and there’s this challenging Last Supper mural and a mighty organ that’s renowned throughout the country.

#16 Do the Great Yarmouth Medieval Town Wall Walk

great yarmouth town walls with a sculpture of a woman in front of it
Much of the Great Yarmouth Town Wall still stands.

There is an easy 1.6 kilometre walk that takes you to see parts of the 700-year-old medieval town wall. The wall is thought to be the second most complete medieval wall in the country.

Two-thirds of the 1.2 mile wall still remains including 11 of 18 towers. It used to have 10 gates and was surrounded by a deep ditch.

It starts at Great Yarmouth’s Vauxhall Railway Station. You pass other historic buildings and several places for refreshments along the way. There are public facilities at the Conge and Market Gates.

Download the route map here.

#17 Enjoy Bowling on the Greens

Located on the seafront, in the shadow of Britannia Pier, the Britannia Bowling Greens provide a picturesque location to play a game of bowls. The greens are surrounded by park benches and shelters, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the game in comfort.

You can bowl here from dawn to dusk between May and September, just see the attendant to get started. It’s worth noting that access to the greens may be restricted during the annual Festival of Bowls, which takes place for four weeks from August Bank Holiday Sunday.

#18 Play Laser Tag

When you play laser tag, it’s like you’ve been transported into a video game. Players use infrared-emitting light guns to shoot at designated targets in the arena and on opposing players. You will be having such a good time playing you won’t even realize you got a bit of a workout too. Like a video game, a score is calculated and a winner is crowned.

Laser tag is great for groups, but if there are only one or two of you, they will put you with others to make a team. It could be a fun activity for hen and stag parties, families, or an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon in Norfolk.

Quasar, the same company that runs the laser tag in Norwich, also has a location in Yarmouth on the Marine Parade above the Mint Amusements. It is bigger than the location in Norwich offering two floors of fun.

Find out more here.

#19 Enjoy the Amusements

exterior of leisureland amusements on the golden mile in great yarmouth
Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile has many amusement options!

Like many seaside towns, there are plenty of amusements for kids of all ages in Great Yarmouth. You can find several amusement arcades along Marine Parade including The Tower, The Flamingo, Leisureland, and more.

These arcades offer a wide variety of games and activities, from classic arcade machines to state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences. Whether you’re looking for a bit of friendly competition or just want to unwind with some fun and games, there’s something for everyone in Great Yarmouth’s amusement arcades.

#20 Ride the Open Deck Bus

Hop on one of the open-top buses that run along the seafront from Seashore Holiday Park to the Pleasure Beach during the high season. The popular Coastal Clipper Cabriolet buses call at all the key seafront attractions, including Joyland, the Britannia Pier, Pirates Cove adventure golf, the Marina Centre, the Sealife Centre, Wellington Pier, Merrivale Model Village, the Big Wheel, and many more.

If you want to explore more of the Norfolk coast, some of the Clipper Cabriolet buses continue to Caister-on-Sea with its wide sandy beach and lifeboat station and the holiday resorts of Scratby and California before reaching the seaside village of Hemsby with its amusements, cafes, adventure golf, and family-friendly beach.

With the fantastic value day tickets, you can hop on and off the bus as many times as you want. So whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, go on a sightseeing tour, or simply relax and take in the scenery, the Coastal Clipper Cabriolet is the perfect way to travel around Great Yarmouth and beyond.

Get more information here.

#21 Visit the Marina Centre

The Marina Centre, opened in 2022, offers a wide array of attractions for visitors of all ages. You don’t need to be a member to enjoy its offerings.

Inside, you’ll find a leisure pool with thrilling flumes and interactive water features, a 25-meter, 6-lane swimming pool, and a learner pool for kids. The centre hosts year-round children’s play sessions and provides a spacious sports hall for various indoor activities.

For adventure seekers, there’s an indoor climbing experience with multiple challenges to test your skills. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the well-equipped gym with beachfront views and dedicated studios for group exercises.

Don’t miss “The InflataZone,” an inflatable filled with obstacles and a giant slide for endless fun. After all the excitement, recharge at the on-site cafe while enjoying beautiful beach views.

Find out more here.

Festivals in Great Yarmouth

Throughout the year, there are several popular festivals held in Great Yarmouth. Time your visit right and you can treat yourself to a special experience.

The Great Yarmouth Arts Festival takes place for 10 days in July. It showcases visual art, music, theatre, films, and heritage with special exhibitions at St. George’s Theatre and Great Yarmouth Minster. There is also a Carnival procession which has grown in size each year. Learn more here.

The Out There International Festival of Street Arts and Circus happens in September. There are free performances with acts from all over Europe that take place in the open spaces of St. George’s Park and in the town centre. Get more information here.

In October 2021, there was a special fire and light trail called Fire on the Water. In October 2022, it returned with some exciting changes as Fire on the Water – Beach Edition.

shell shaped sculpture with a light sculpture triangle in the background at fire on the water
There was a lot to see at Fire on the Water.

Things to do Near Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is conveniently located on the Norfolk Coast and within easy reach of the Norfolk Broads. In addition to all the things there are to do in Great Yarmouth, there are plenty of other attractions nearby. Here are a few of our favourites.

Gorleston Beach

gorleston beach in norfolk
Gorleseton has some of the nicest sand in Norfolk and lots of amenities.

If you want a beach that’s a bit quieter than Great Yarmouth Beach, you should head about 5 miles south to Gorleston, it’s one of the best beaches in Norfolk. The sand and water at Gorleston-on-Sea may even be a bit nicer and you might recognise it from the concert scene in the movie Yesterday, which was filmed there.

Gorleston-on Sea beach stretches for 2 miles around the bay. The area is popular for fishing, sailing, swimming, bodyboarding, and surfing. It’s a RNLI lifeguarded beach with patrols daily from 1st May to 12th September (10:00 to 18:00).

Alongside the beach, there is a promenade that’s almost a mile long with several benches where you can take a break and enjoy the view. Halfway along the promenade, there is a café, and at the town end there are cafes, bars, and a gift shop.

Kids will enjoy the wet play area called the Splashpad and there is also a charming pond for sailing model boats, built in 1927. During the summer, the bandstand plays host to a wide range of musical groups on Sunday afternoons.

You can park in the car park by the Gorleston Pavilion Theatre or the one halfway along the beach for free! There is also some roadside parking available.

Read more about things to do in Gorleston.

Read more about other beaches near Great Yarmouth.

Burgh Castle

one of the walls of burgh castle
Burgh Castle is the best preserved Roman monument in East Anglia and one of the most impressive Roman buildings in Britain.

About a 15-minute drive from Great Yarmouth, you will find Burgh Castle, a late 3rd century fort built as part of the Roman network of coastal defences and one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Britain. While one wall collapsed into the marshes a long time ago, you can still see the three remaining stone walls which stand almost to their original height.

There is an easy 1-mile circular walk which will take you to the ruins and offers panoramic views over Breydon Water. Get more details about it in our Burgh Castle circular walk guide.

There is no admission fee to visit Burgh Castle, an English Heritage property, and the site is open all reasonable daylight hours. It used to be free to park at Burgh Castle but they introduced a charge in June 2022£1.50 for 2 hours, £2 for 4 hours, £4 all day.

Get more information about visiting Burgh Castle here.

Caister Castle

One of the best castles in Norfolk is only a 10 minute drive from Great Yarmouth. Caister Castle was commissioned in 1432 by Sir John Fastolf and you can climb up the 90-foot tower for views of the castle ruins and surrounding area. They also have a classic car collection (included with castle admission), picnic area, and café serving light refreshments.

Caister Roman Fort

caister fort ruins
The Caister Fort must have been quite something in its prime

Burgh Castle is not the only Roman ruin near Great Yarmouth. Just a 10-minute drive away in the middle of a modern neighbourhood on the edge of Caister-on-Sea, you will find the ruins of Caister Roman Fort. During Roman times, the field was a small island on the north side of a large estuary, where the key rivers entered the sea. A fort was needed to protect these important routes into East Anglia.

Learn more about visiting the Caister Roman Fort.

How long should you spend in Great Yarmouth?

Many people visit Great Yarmouth as a day trip, but with all there is to do in the town and surrounding city, you could easily spend a week or more and not get bored.

How to Get to Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is accessible by car, rail, or bus. If you plan on exploring more of Norfolk during your visit, it is probably best to have a car. From Norwich, it’s about a 30-minute drive on the A47.

From Norwich you can also reach Great Yarmouth by train on the Wherry Line in a little more than 30 minutes. If you are coming from London, you will need to switch trains in Norwich. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance to get the best price. Check the train schedule and prices here.

If you want to take the bus to Great Yarmouth, there are a few options from the Norwich bus station including the X1 and X11. There are also National Express buses from London to Great Yarmouth (with a brief stop in Norwich). Check the schedule and prices here.

Where to Stay in Great Yarmouth

Compared to other places along the Norfolk coast, Great Yarmouth offers more affordable accommodations. Here are our top picks.

Furzedown Hotel

exterior of the furzedown hotel
Stay right across the street from the Venetian Waterways at the Furzedown.

For a comfortable and convenient stay in Great Yarmouth, look no further than the family-owned Furzedown Hotel. Located near the Waterways, this charming hotel boasts 20 newly refurbished bedrooms, each equipped with en-suite facilities, freeview flatscreen TVs, tea making facilities, and free Wi-Fi.

But that’s not all: the Furzedown Hotel is also home to the Garrod restaurant, which has earned rave reviews from visitors and locals alike. With its delicious and diverse menu, cosy atmosphere, and friendly staff, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal after a day of sightseeing or to celebrate a special occasion.

Read Tripadvisor reviews here.

Check price and availability here.

Prom Hotel

the exterior of the Prom hotel in Great Yarmouth
The Prom Hotel is just a short walk from the beach and Brittania Pier.

The Prom Hotel is a recently refurbished hotel that offers excellent value for money. With 50 comfortable and well-appointed rooms to choose from, including doubles, twins, premier rooms, and suites, the hotel is a great option for anyone looking for a conveniently-located place to stay in Great Yarmouth.

In addition to its spacious and stylish accommodations, the Prom Hotel also features a range of dining options, including the Strollers seafood restaurant, the lively Mermaid Bar, and the Old Bistro.

Read Tripadvisor reviews here.

Check price and availability here.

Is Great Yarmouth a good place to take kids?

Yes, Great Yarmouth is a great place to take kids, as there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep them entertained. From amusement arcades and theme parks to museums and beaches, there’s something for everyone.

Families can enjoy a day out at the beach, take a ride on the Pleasure Beach roller coaster, explore the Sea Life Centre, or visit the Time and Tide Museum to learn about the town’s fascinating history. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat or a sweet treat.

The only other seaside town in Norfolk that has as much to offer kids is Hunstanton.

If you are looking for more family-friendly ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in Norfolk with kids.

Is Great Yarmouth worth visiting?

Yes. Great Yarmouth boasts a long stretch of sandy beach, numerous attractions and activities, as well as a rich history and cultural heritage. This is a seaside town with a lot to offer visitors, especially those with children. In the summer, it’s not the place to go if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday though.

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