People have been flocking to Great Yarmouth since the 1700s. Bursting with fun, entertainment and 15 miles of glorious golden sandy beaches, it’s the perfect summer holiday destination for the whole family.
Written by Emmanuelle Gammage
The best beaches to visit in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth has an array of beaches to choose from. The central beach is famous for its entertainment. The promenade has a range of shops, ice-cream parlours and amusements, so if you’re looking for a fun-filled experience with the kids, this is the place for you.
Leave behind the hustle and bustle and head to the North. This quiet beach surrounded by sand dunes is an ideal relaxation spot. Bring your walking boots for a hike or enjoy a welcome moment of shade from the summer heat. It’s a dog friendly beach and lifeguards are situated in the summer months so it’s safe for the entire family.
For any avid bird watchers, a little further along, you can find a rare colony of Little Terns that have migrated from Africa, to birth and raise their chicks.
To the south of the central beach lies another delightful two mile stretch of golden sand. This area is renowned for its fun water sports and sand castle creations. Ideal for kids of all ages, they’ll have a chance to get their adrenaline pumping with surfing or splashing in the shallows. Although still a quieter space than the central beach, it’s still only a short walk away from all the excitement.
Journey a little further and you’ll also find Hemsby beach which is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and you might even spot a grey seal!
Great Yarmouth Attractions
When you’re not tanning and exploring nature, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy.
Sea Life Centre
Home to sharks, crocodiles, rays, jelly fish and all kinds of tropical fish, your family will learn all about life under water at the Sea Life Centre. Explore an ocean tunnel, partake in activities along the way and even have the chance to touch some exotic fish.
Merrivale Model Village
Set over an acre of beautiful landscape gardens, step into the miniature world of Merrivale. Marvel at the tiny inhabitants and enjoy the tranquil running streams, waterfalls and lake with koi karp. With admission, a game of crazy golf is also included.
Pleasure Beach
Whether you want to get dizzy on the cups and saucers or scream 22-meters high up on the Sky Drop, there are rides suitable for all ages and adrenaline lovers. There’s plenty of places on site to find food to regain your energy and go again.
Due to COVID restrictions you’ll need to pre-book a time slot but while you’re there you’ll have unlimited access to all of the rides. Book your tickets.
Time and Tide Museum
Don’t miss your chance to learn about Great Yarmouth’s rich history. This historic building used to be the Tower Fish Curing Works in Victorian times, today it’s a museum that tells the story of Great Yarmouth’s herring industry. Locals say you can still smell the lingering aroma of smoke, even after all these years.
Hippodrome Summer Spectacular
Built in 1903 by legendary showman George Gilbert, the Hippodrome is Britains last standing circus building, that still hosts amazing productions year after year.
After a year of online productions, the Summer Circus and Spectacular will return this July. Enjoy a mesmerising performance as the entire circus ring transforms into a huge swimming pool. Make sure you pre-book tickets to the socially distanced performance that’s on every Tuesday evening.
Not far from Great Yarmouth, you’ll discover many more enchanting villages and you can rent a boat for the afternoon on the serene Norfolk Broads too.
Where to eat in Great Yarmouth
One of the best parts of a holiday is all the food and ice-cream, right?
Great Yarmouth is host to an array of traditional family friendly pubs: The Marine and The Pub on the Pier, to name a few. Watch the buzz of the town while relaxing with a delicious home cooked pub meal and a cold drink.
If you want to dress up for the occasion, The Courtyard and Pamela’s Restaurant both come recommended and if you prefer cute cafes, there’s plenty of options too. The Courtyard has a beautiful outdoor seating area to enjoy at lunchtime, and PO41 Coffee House serves scrumptious coffee and unbeatable cake.
Accommodation in Great Yarmouth
Haven Seashore Holiday Park is located right on the beautiful beachfront of Great Yarmouth so all the excitement is only a stone throw away. But if you don’t feel like venturing far one day, there’s plenty of amusements, swimming pools and bars on site.
Air BnB is also host to hundreds of family friendly homes to rent in and around Great Yarmouth so you’ve got tons of choice to make this summer one to remember.
