Great Yarmouth, a vibrant seaside resort on the Norfolk coast, has been a beloved holiday destination for generations. Known for its golden beaches, family-friendly attractions, and rich maritime history, it’s the perfect getaway for all ages. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit.
Getting to Great Yarmouth
By Car: Great Yarmouth is easily accessible via the A47 from Norwich or the A12 from Ipswich and London. Parking is available in several town centre car parks and near the seafront.
By Train: Direct train services run from Norwich to Great Yarmouth, with connections to London Liverpool Street and other major cities.
By Bus: Local and regional bus services, including the Coastlink and National Express, provide convenient access.
Where to Stay
Great Yarmouth offers a variety of accommodation options, including:
- Seafront Hotels: Stay at iconic hotels like The Prom Hotel or The Imperial Hotel for stunning sea views and easy access to the beach.
- Guesthouses: Family-run B&Bs like The Winchester and Sunnydene provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Holiday Parks: Perfect for families, parks like Haven Seashore and Vauxhall Holiday Park offer entertainment and amenities.
- Self-Catering: Choose from cosy cottages or modern apartments to enjoy a home-away-from-home experience.
Things to Do
1. Stroll the Golden Mile
The seafront promenade, known as the Golden Mile, is packed with amusements, attractions, and eateries. Don’t miss the iconic Joyland and the Pleasure Beach for thrilling rides and fun for all ages.
2. Visit the Time and Tide Museum
Learn about Great Yarmouth’s rich maritime history at this award-winning museum, housed in a preserved Victorian herring curing works.
3. Relax on the Beach
Great Yarmouth’s sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing, beach games, and family picnics. Lifeguards patrol during the summer months, ensuring a safe experience.
4. Explore the Norfolk Broads
Take a short trip to the nearby Broads National Park, where you can hire a boat, enjoy scenic walks, or spot wildlife in this stunning wetland area.
5. Enjoy the Hippodrome Circus
The historic Hippodrome is one of the UK’s last remaining circus buildings, offering spectacular shows year-round, including their famous summer and Christmas extravaganzas.
6. Discover the Sea Life Centre
Get up close to marine life at this popular aquarium, featuring fascinating exhibits, including a shark tunnel and a penguin enclosure.
7. Visit Historic Row Houses
Managed by the National Trust, these preserved 17th-century houses give a glimpse into Great Yarmouth’s past.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Sara’s Tearooms: A family-run cafe offering homemade cakes and light lunches.
- The Seafood Restaurant: Enjoy freshly caught seafood with stunning views of the seafront.
- The Barking Smack: A traditional pub serving hearty meals and local ales.
- Chico’s Restaurant: Perfect for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.
Events and Festivals
- Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival (September): Celebrate the town’s maritime heritage with live music, tall ships, and street performances.
- Out There Festival (September): A unique international festival of circus and street arts.
- Fireworks Nights (Summer): Every Wednesday during summer, enjoy spectacular fireworks displays over the beach.
- Christmas in Great Yarmouth (December): Festive markets, light displays, and seasonal entertainment make for a magical winter visit.
Tips for Visiting
- Plan for All Weather: Bring layers and waterproofs to enjoy your trip rain or shine.
- Check Attraction Schedules: Some attractions may have seasonal hours, so verify opening times in advance.
- Book Early: Accommodations and events can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- Bring Spare Change: Many amusements and parking areas operate on a coin system.
Why Visit Great Yarmouth?
Great Yarmouth offers a perfect mix of traditional seaside charm, modern attractions, and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring its beaches, enjoying family-friendly activities, or soaking in its rich history, this vibrant town promises an unforgettable holiday experience.
Start planning your trip today and discover why Great Yarmouth has been a favourite destination for generations!
Popular Self Catering Holiday Cottages
Villa Sa Riera Sea View
- Guests: 8
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Self Catering Holiday Cottages
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination:
Villa Pasadena
- Guests: 8
- Size: 350m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 1 Queen bed, 4 Tween beds, 1 Full bed
- Categories: Self Catering Holiday Cottages
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination:
Villa Bastilicata Grande
- Guests: 6
- Size: 300m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination: Hunstanton
Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma
- Guests: 6
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Destination: Hunstanton
Popular Hotels, Holiday Parks, B+B’s and Campsites
Villa Sa Riera Sea View
- Guests: 8
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Self Catering Holiday Cottages
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination:
Villa Pasadena
- Guests: 8
- Size: 350m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 1 Queen bed, 4 Tween beds, 1 Full bed
- Categories: Self Catering Holiday Cottages
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination:
Villa Bastilicata Grande
- Guests: 6
- Size: 300m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination: Hunstanton
Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma
- Guests: 6
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Destination: Hunstanton
Hunstanton Attractions
Private Boat Tour
Price: £85 / Once / Per Guest
North Norfolk Champagne Sunset trips .In the warmth of the summer months, these trips are something special. As we head out west while the sun sets, we will find an idyllic spot to anchor the boat and serve a chilled glass of champagne as you sit and watch the sun slowly set over the sea. […]
Seal Watching
Price: £59 / Once / Per Guest
Join a family-run seal trip to Scroby Sands, the UK’s largest grey seal colony. Observe grey seals and common harbour seals in their natural environment. Enjoy a thrilling adventure and support a local business dedicated to showcasing the east coast’s marine life. Depart from Great Yarmouth and head to Scroby Sands. Witness hundreds of seals […]
SEA LIFE Hunstanton
Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest
Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary is Norfolk’s only seal sanctuary open to visitors and is home to over 2,000 creatures, from tiny shrimps to Amazonian Piranhas! Boasting a state of the art marine aquarium taking visitors on a memorable undersea odyssey filled with amazing close encounters with sea creatures of astonishing variety in spectacular ‘high-tech’ displays. […]
True’s Yard Museum
Price: £5 / Per Day / Per Guest
The Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich maritime heritage of King’s Lynn’s North End, showcasing both its past and present through preserved historic assets. At the heart of the Museum are two late 18th-century cottages, which are Grade II listed buildings, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of […]
Swaffham Museum
Price: £4 / Per Day / Per Guest
The Museum is located in a superb Georgian house built in 1776, following the Great Fire of Swaffham, offering five galleries that tell the stories of the people who lived in Swaffham through the centuries Being an old building, the galleries are arranged on three floors which are accessible by stairs – there is a […]
Kayak Hire
Price: £29.99 / Once / Per Guest
Lifejackets and dry bags are provided as part of this package as well as a basic demo and safety tuition by our qualified paddlesport instructors prior to your launch. Importantly there are no boats to avoid on this section of the beautiful Wensum and you will find yourself amongst Kingfishers, Heron, Swans and dragonflies as […]
Paddleboard Hire
Price: £20 / Once / Per Guest
This paddleboard rental allows you to explore and unwind down the Norfolk broads for 2.5 hours. With two routes available, either head north into the tranquillity of the broads and witness wildlife and beautiful scenery or head south with options of Riverside bars to stop off at and enjoy. With our location on the banks […]
Canadian Canoe Hire
Price: £34.99 / Once / Per Guest
Come explore the Norfolk Broads national park on our 3 person Canadian canoes! Each hire comes with a safety demo and basic tuition taught by our qualified instructors and includes lifejackets and dry bags to ensure your safety whilst on the water. Amongst the tranquillity of the River Wensum is a variety of wildlife such […]
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest
Explore an incredible underwater world at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and get closer than ever before to the creatures and features of the world’s oceans Come face to fin with our rapidly growing juvenile blacktip reef sharks in the 250,000 litre Tropical Ocean Display/tunnel where you can also see an awesome array of creatures and […]
Gravity Norwich (Trampolining)
Price: £13.95 / Once / Per Guest
Let loose as you jump, bounce, hop and dance through the air on our extreme trampolines. During Open Jump, you can use all of the general park activity areas for an intense 60-minute session. From striking a pose in mid-air to defying gravity with huge jumps, there is no better feeling – whatever your moves […]