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Great Yarmouth: A Family-Friendly Seaside Destination
Commonly referred to as the premier resort in Norfolk, Great Yarmouth boasts pristine beaches, historic sites and popular attractions. Known for its once-thriving fishing port, the town is now primarily recognised as one of the most popular seaside destinations in the UK for families that are seeking a fun-filled break by the beach.
Putting the Great in Yarmouth
Since 1760, Great Yarmouth has been a seaside resort that has welcomed families to experience its sandy beaches and enticing attractions. Yet the town’s history is not exclusive to being just a coastal destination for visitors. Throughout the Middle Ages, Great Yarmouth’s prosperity was built upon its herring fishing. The town remained a major fishing port for hundreds of years, until the industry began to rapidly decline during the second-half of the 20th Century. More information about this period of Great Yarmouth’s history can be discovered at the highly regarded Time and Tide Museum, which is housed within a traditional Victorian herring curing works. As the town began to embrace its draw as a seaside resort – helped by the convenience of the Great Yarmouth railway station opening in 1844 – both the Wellington Pier and Britannia Pier were built in the 1850’s, and further up-to-date attractions for the time were added throughout the years. Other historic sites that still remain in the town include England’s largest parish church in the form of Great Yarmouth Minster, The Rows alleyways, and the Tolhouse – the latter of which being one of the country’s oldest prisons, dating back to the 12th Century.
Fun for the Family
Great Yarmouth is known as a leading seaside choice in the UK for a reason, and that’s because it features an abundance of activities for all the family to enjoy! The main enticement is the seafront, which not only offers 15 miles of wonderful golden sand, but also a variety of attractions such as SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and the Merrivale Model Village. Yet with all that said, perhaps the most well-known seafront destination in the town is the Pleasure Beach. Containing a wide range of rides to thrill and entertain, the Pleasure Beach is very popular with children and adults alike. Also situated in the centre of Great Yarmouth – along with an array of hotels, shops and dining choices – are the acclaimed Hippodrome Circus and Joyland, with both historic attractions being a big hit with younger travellers! And if you’re looking for something a little more adult-oriented, the Yarmouth Stadium presents live racing alongside a welcoming and relaxed setting.
Dining at the Seaside
In the town centre, you will find a large selection of restaurants and takeaways to match whatever budget or requirements you have when dining out. Want to stay traditional with a portion of fish and chips? Well numerous establishments are available for you to get your fried seafood fix, although your best bet for a tasty meal include the commended Crystal Fish Bar, Ocean Spray and HMS Hinchinbrook. For something a little more sophisticated and upmarket, Chico’s Restaurant, Bar 1 and Restaurant, and Pamela’s Restaurant all provide contemporary British food. And if you want to take your taste buds on a journey overseas, Mediterranean delights can be sampled at highly regarded choices such as Champagne Charlie’s and the Quayside Plaza, while the Albatross Italian Restaurant, Savoy Tandoori and Othello Restaurant also deliver a foreign touch to cuisine in Great Yarmouth.
Festivities to Enjoy
Although booking a hotel during this time could be tricky due to demand, one of the best times to visit Great Yarmouth would be in September. Why is this? Well not only is the sun still shining, but this month welcomes two of its biggest annual events: The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival and the Out There Festival. The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival offers many activities such as ships to explore and live shanty music performances to enjoy, while you can view an array of exciting, vibrant acts at the Out There Festival. And that’s not to say that other times of the year are neglected in terms of things to do – far from it in fact! In July, the Gorleston Clifftop Festival, with carnival rides and live shows, provides a wide mix of family-themed entertainment, while a more relaxing time at the seafront can be had in August when the Festival of Bowls comes to town. Other fun days out by the sea include the Beer and Cider Festival, Eastern Festival of Racing and Heritage Open Days.