Some of the best things to do in Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is like Marmite – some people love it and some people loathe it. Whatever side of the fence you sit, there is no disputing the fact that it attracts a vast number of visitors each year and is one of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations. Situated 20 miles east of Norwich, Great Yarmouth has been a seaside resort since 1760 and with more than 70,000 bed spaces it accommodates over a third of all visitors to Norfolk each year.

With 15 miles of sandy beaches, the Golden Mile, the Norfolk Broads, Hippodrome Circus, Racecourse, Sea Life Centre, Greyhound Racing, casinos, museums and much more, it is clear to see why Great Yarmouth is the destination of choice for around 6 million visitors each year, for day trips, holidays and short breaks.

Here are some of the best things to do whilst in Great Yarmouth:

Hippodrome Circus

Built in 1903, Great Yarmouth’s historic Hippodrome Circus offers year-round family entertainment, including water spectacles, international circus artistes, aerialists, synchronised swimmers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers and comedy characters.

Hippodrome Circus, St. Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU

Tel: 01493 844172

www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life

A fascinating museum which tells amongst other things, the story of Great Yarmouth and its herring industry. The lingering aroma of the smokehouse remains today, and the museum is suitable for all age groups.

Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life, Blackfriars Rd, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3BX

Tel: 01493 743930

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/time-tide

Elizabethan House Museum

This hands-on museum is a treasure trove of 16th-century domestic history that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Housed in a 16th-century quayside building, learn about the life and times of the families who lived there from Tudor through to Victorian times.

Elizabethan House Museum, 4 South Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2QH

Tel: 01493 855746

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/elizabethan-house

The Tolhouse Gaol

With many interesting displays and hands-on activities, at the Tolhouse Gaol you will learn about the history of this 12th Century medieval merchant’s house that was transformed into one of the town’s most important civic buildings. Explore Great Yarmouth’s story of crime and punishment and visit one of the oldest prisons in the country.

The Tolhouse Gaol, 12 Tolhouse Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2SQ

Tel: 01493 858900

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/tolhouse-gaol

Britannia Pier Theatre

Located on Britannia Pier, Britannia Pier Theatre has a great selection of shows every summer, including stand-up comedians, live music and more. To see what’s coming up, go to their website.

Britannia Pier Theatre, Britannia Pier, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EH

Tel: 01493 842914

www.britannia-pier.co.uk/theatre

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

You will find the Pleasure Beach on Great Yarmouth’s famous Golden Mile, a free to enter amusement park with a mixture of traditional attractions and white-knuckle rides. Their roller coaster has been the star attraction since 1932 and remains a firm favourite amongst visitors today.

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, South Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3EH

Tel: 01493 844585

www.pleasure-beach.co.uk

Beautiful Beaches

Great Yarmouth’s coastline stretches along 15 miles of beautiful sandy beach, with sand dunes, seaside amusements and bouncy castles. From Winterton-on-Sea in the north to Hopton-on-Sea in the South these beaches are wide, clean and sandy and get very busy during the summer months; Gorleston beach is particularly good. If you don’t like the crowds on Great Yarmouth beach you don’t have to walk far to find much quieter stretches.

Yarmouth Stadium

Located in Caister-on-Sea, Yarmouth Stadium is home to greyhound racing and motor racing, from Hot Rods to Bangers.

Yarmouth Stadium, Yarmouth Road, Caister-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 5TE

Tel: 01493 378168

www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk

Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre

Many beautiful and fascinating marine creatures of the deep call Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre home. Get up close to starfish, sharks, clownfish and giant sea turtles and learn about their natural habitats and watch feeding demonstrations.

Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3AH

Tel: 01493 330631

www.visitsealife.com/great-yarmouth

Yarmouth Market

No trip to Great Yarmouth is complete without a visit to its market and its famous chip and mushy pea stalls.

Market Place, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1LX

Grosvenor Casino Great Yarmouth

At Grosvenor Casino you will find a restaurant, bar, sports and entertainment screen, roulette, blackjack and poker tables, as well as many popular slot games.

Grosvenor Casino, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3JG

Tel: 01493 850444

www.grosvenorcasinos.com/local-casinos/great-yarmouth

Joyland

This small theme park on Great Yarmouth’s seafront has been popular with the younger visitor since 1949. Next to Britannia Pier, Joyland is home to the world-famous snails and spinning tubs as well as other fun rides and an American Diner.

Joyland, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EH

Tel: 01493 844094

www.joyland.org.uk

Merrivale Model Village

With award-winning landscaped gardens, a 350m railway, streams, waterfall, castle, penny arcade, mansion and seaside displays, there is so much to discover in the miniature world of Merrivale.

Merrivale Model Village, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3JG

Tel: 01493 842097

www.merrivalemodelvillage.co.uk

Close to Great Yarmouth you will find:

• The beautiful Norfolk Broads
• Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
• Pettitts Animal Adventure Park
• Burgh Castle