Greater Yarmouth Holiday and Short Break Brochure 2013

Greater Yarmouth, centred on the historic coastal town of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, has been welcoming holiday-makers since the Victorian era, when the railway first brought families from across England to its wide sandy beaches and famous Golden Mile of amusements. Whether you are planning a lively family break or a quiet escape to the surrounding countryside and Broads, this corner of the East Anglian coast has plenty to offer every type of visitor.

Beaches and the Golden Mile

Great Yarmouth boasts miles of gently shelving sandy beach along its seafront promenade. The celebrated Golden Mile brings together traditional seaside amusements, fish-and-chip stalls, souvenir shops, and a lively atmosphere that has defined British bucket-and-spade holidays for generations. Nearby Gorleston-on-Sea offers a quieter alternative, with a sheltered bay popular for windsurfing and body boarding, and a bandstand on the promenade where visitors can relax in a deckchair and enjoy live music.

Heritage and Culture

Away from the seafront, Great Yarmouth has a rich maritime history rooted in its busy port on the River Yare. The medieval heritage quarter rewards exploration with its old town walls, narrow Rows, and the Time and Tide Museum, which tells the story of the town from its Ice Age origins through its herring-fishing and seaside-resort heyday. The Hippodrome, built in 1903, is Britain's only surviving total circus building and a landmark of Edwardian entertainment.

Family Entertainment

Families are exceptionally well catered for across the Greater Yarmouth area. The Pleasure Beach funfair, which has been operating since 1909, remains a favourite with its iconic wooden roller coaster. Sea life attractions, indoor amusement centres, and a wide calendar of seasonal events mean there is rarely a quiet moment, whatever the weather. The Norfolk Broads, a short drive inland, add yet another dimension with boat hire, nature reserves, and peaceful waterway villages to discover.

Countryside and Smaller Towns

Beyond the seafront, the Greater Yarmouth borough takes in a varied landscape of market towns, river valleys, and open countryside. Villages and smaller coastal settlements provide a slower pace of holiday, with local produce, independent shops, and a warm welcome that characterises this part of Norfolk. The area sits on the edge of the Norfolk Broads National Park, offering walking, cycling, and wildlife-watching opportunities throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Great Yarmouth?

Great Yarmouth is a seaside town on the Norfolk coast in East Anglia, England, situated where the River Yare meets the North Sea. It lies approximately 20 miles east of Norwich and is the main urban centre of the Greater Yarmouth borough.

What kind of beaches does the area have?

The town has miles of broad, gently sloping sandy beaches along its seafront. Gorleston-on-Sea, a few miles south, has a more sheltered bay with calmer water, making it well suited to families with young children as well as water sports enthusiasts.

Is Greater Yarmouth suitable for a short break as well as a longer holiday?

Yes. The area works equally well for a weekend short break or a full week's holiday. The compact seafront, heritage quarter, and nearby Broads can all be sampled in a couple of days, while a longer stay allows time to explore the wider Norfolk countryside and smaller outlying villages.

What heritage attractions are worth visiting?

Key heritage sites include the medieval town walls and Rows, the Time and Tide Museum in a Victorian herring smokehouse, and the Hippodrome circus building dating from 1903. The historic port quarter along the River Yare also offers an insight into the town's long seafaring and fishing traditions.

Are there activities for children beyond the beach?

There is a wide range of family-friendly activities, including the Pleasure Beach amusement park, sea life attractions, indoor entertainment venues, and boat trips. The Norfolk Broads nearby add further options such as wildlife spotting and gentle river cruising, suitable for all ages.

What water sports are available in the area?

The bay at Gorleston-on-Sea is noted for windsurfing and body boarding thanks to its reliable wind and wave conditions. The Norfolk Broads inland offer a contrasting experience with sailing, kayaking, and motor boat hire on a network of navigable waterways.

Note: this brochure is from our archive and was originally published around 2014. Some details, prices, and availability may have changed. We recommend checking directly with relevant providers before making travel plans.