NORFOLK > DISCOVERING NORFOLK > EAST NORFOLK

East Norfolk is one of the flattest areas of Britain, but certainly does not lack character. Great Yarmouth is Britain’s second most easterly town, after Lowestoft (which is in Suffolk), and is Norfolk’s biggest and busiest seaside resort. It boasts a 5 mile stretch of golden sand, a variety of traditional entertainment including a fun fair, amusement arcades and two piers. The Wellington Pier, which is the larger of the two, is owned by comedian Jim Davison. Throughout the summer months he and other entertainers perform to the visiting crowds. There is also a large leisure centre, a sea life centre and plenty of attractive gardens. At night the seafront comes alive and is illuminated by thousands of coloured lights. Great Yarmouth used to be a big fishing port, and at one point it was said to have over a thousand fishing boats. Today, most of the fishing boats have gone, but it still has a busy commercial harbour.

North along the coast from Great Yarmouth is Caister-on-Sea. With a fine stretch of sandy beach, backed by dunes, it was originally one of the chief towns of the Iceni Tribe. Caister was an important Roman port and remains of the Roman defences, including part of the town wall, can still be seen.

About a mile from the village of Caister-on-Sea stand the ruins of the moated Caister Castle. This was the first brick castle to be built in England and was erected in the 1430’s.

California and Hemsby are north along the coast from Caister. With golden sandy beaches and traditional amusements, they are both very popular with holiday-makers.

Happisburgh - pronounced ‘Haisboro’ - is well known for its red and white striped lighthouse. It was constructed in 1791 to warn sailors of the dangerous sand banks.

Further along the coast is the town of Sea Palling. Once very vulnerable to flooding, the sea defences have been greatly improved in recent years. Sea Palling has a vast expanse of golden sand and is also very popular with jet skiers.

Nearby Waxham was at one time 12 miles inland, but due to coastal erosion, it is now a very pleasant seaside resort.

Next door to Great Yarmouth is Gorleston. It is much quieter than its neighbour, but its excellent beach means it is still popular with holiday-makers.

Ten miles inland from Great Yarmouth is the market town of Acle. The town was granted permission to hold a market in 1272 and, to this day, one is held every Thursday.