The picturesque seaside town of Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk County, has been attracting tourists since the late 1700s. Currently, it is one of the UK’s top deluxe destinations for daytime trips, weekend getaways, and extended vacations. Great Yarmouth has a pleasant blend of traditional coastal charm and trendy niceties, picturesque countryside, quaint villages, and attractions like the historic Hippodrome Circus. The Circus has a retro vibe and special features like a sinking floor. Great Yarmouth isn’t just about the seaside; it’s connected to the Norfolk Broads, Norwich, and the enchanting Norfolk Coast. Visiting Great Yarmouth is ideal for families, filled with arcades, rides, and unlimited enjoyment along the famed Golden Mile. Great Yarmouth is great for tourism, it’s all about exploring the wonders of the coast and engrossing yourself in its charms.

Where Is Great Yarmouth?

The stunning coastal town of Great Yarmouth is situated in the picturesque county of Norfolk, England. Great Yarmouth welcomes adventurers because of accessibility via road, rail, air, and even boat. Just a quick 35-minute drive from Norwich International Airport, Great Yarmouth embraces you with its vibrant charm. Great Yarmouth is stretched along the picturesque North Sea for 15 miles (24 km), with the borough flaunting a gorgeous blend of coastal and rural landscapes. The town of Great Yarmouth is located on a fascinating sandbank at the mouth of Breydon Water. The conjunction of the Rivers Yare, Bure, and Waveney forms a spectacular setting for exploration.

The southern area of Great Yarmouth goes past Breydon Water, inundated in the prosperous heritage of Suffolk County.

If you are still thinking about where Great Yarmouth is, it’s more than just a place on the map; it’s a beautiful destination lingering to be explored, filled with rich heritage and coastal beauty.

Things to do Visiting Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is a coastal town and borough in Norfolk county. Great Yarmouth has everything from nature to amusement parks, which makes it a perfect destination for holidays. If you’re interested in exploring the history of Great Yarmouth, visit the museums like The Time and Tide Museum showcasing regional history. For more historical experience go to The Nelson Museum that highlights the life of Admiral Horatio Nelson. The SEA LIFE aquarium has sharks and penguins and Merrivale Model Village showcases diminutive landscapes and buildings. In case you want more fun and entertainment visit Joyland amusement parks and The Pleasure Beach offering family rides.

Hippodrome Great Yarmouth

Built in 1903, Hippodrome is considered one of the seven wonders of

the British seaside destinations. Hippodrome is located in Great Yarmouth and was constructed by George Gilbert with the help of architect Ralph Scott Cockrill. A pool-bottom circus floor makes it the only purpose-built permanent circus in the UK and one of only three in the world.

The Hippodrome Circus in Great Yarmouth presents four new shows each year, allowing you to witness the world’s best circus performers. The shows have fun, entertainment, and thrill with performances of international artists and local performers including Jack Jay, Johnny Mac, and Ben Langley.

The most epic part of these shows at Hippodrome Circus is the performance of circus swimmers after the sinking of the circus ring.

The Hippodrome Circus is a must see when visiting Great Yarmouth and welcomes everyone to families, children, groups, and coach parties, and it offers accessibility to disabled access. Other facilities include a gift shop, allowing guide dogs, catering offering light refreshments, free parking, and additional paid options.You can check the details for shows, timings, and ticket details through their website. While visiting Great Yarmouth, Hippodrome Circus should be on your bucket list.

Sea Life Centre Great Yarmouth

If you want to spend time indoors in a relaxing place with friends and family, visit the Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth. The Sea Life Centre

Exhibits marine life including sharks, penguins, rainforest species, crocodiles, sea turtles, and more. The Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth is an ideal place to spend quality time with children exploring fascinating sea creatures. It takes almost an hour to walk around, you should check the timings and book tickets online in advance to avoid any problems.

There is specific time allocated for talks and feeds every day for specific species, check through the website and book your time slot accordingly.

The Sea Life Centre organises events like beach cleans, turtle rescue, sleepovers at the aquarium, pirate treasure hunt, and stepping into the seahorse hotel. There is a restaurant at the Sea Life Centre Great Yarmouth serving both visitors and public food and coffee. The Sea Life Centre is fully accessible for the disabled and also offers toilets for the disabled. My advice is to prebook tickets when visiting great yarmouth sea life centre, especially during the peak times

Arc Cinema Great Yarmouth

For films and cinema lovers, Arc Cinema in Great Yarmouth is a great place to visit. The Arc Cinema has installed five new screens with a digital sound system, and comfortable leather armchairs with ample leg space to relax and enjoy. Screens 1, 2, 3, and 4 have disabled access, with installations for hearing impaired and visually impaired visitors. The Arc Cinema Great Yarmouth is a great option to watch movies and enjoy light refreshments. The Arc Cinema Great Yarmouth welcomes educational visits, groups, children, and coach parties. This place has facilities for conferencing, corporate meetings, education/study areas, and wedding facilities. The Arc Cinema also has public toilets and allows guided tours.

Great Yarmouth Beach

Nothing better than spending a day visiting Great Yarmouth Beach surrounded by multiple boardwalk attractions and piers. The Great Yarmouth Beach is a sandy beach and dunes stretching for 15 miles always a perfect spot for spending time with multiple options for fun, entertainment, and enjoying nature. While visiting Great Yarmouth Beach spending a day or maybe two is a must to fully soak in nature and relax. You can enjoy walks on a soft sandy beach, bask in the sun, or go swimming. The Great Yarmouth Beach has two piers separated by less than a mile, to the south Wellington Pier, and to the north Britannia Pier. The Britannia Pier above the beach faces the seafront, and during summers donkey rides take place on the beach.

Moving towards the Wellington Pier, here you will find entertainment arcades and a ten-pin bowling alley. You can find beach huts available to rent along Gorleston promenade and on Great Yarmouth beach

Great Yarmouth Racecourse

Another favorite spot to spend quality time is visiting Great Yarmouth Racecourse, situated just a mile north of Great Yarmouth. This is a historic horse racing seaside venue on the Norfolk coast with nearly 23 flat race meetings during the summer season. The Great Yarmouth Racecourse features straight miles, which makes it a significant racing venue for both the spectators and trainers.

Great Yarmouth Racecourse hosts themed races like Family Fun Day, Bank Holiday, Ladies Night, and the exclusive three-day Eastern Festival in September. Great Yarmouth Racecourse consists of three grandstands, restaurants, and fast-food venues. Relish lively public bars, a peaceful picnic area, and a lively children’s playground. Great Yarmouth Racecourse has a capacity of 600 during race day, with accessibility, catering, and ample parking. You should come to Great Yarmouth Racecourse, to experience their hospitality or attend events like conferences, weddings, and more.

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Pleasure Beach invites visitors with its charm and thrill, nestled along the South Beach Parade in Great Yarmouth. Since its opening in 1909, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach covering an area of a nine-acre amusement park has been a favourite spot for tourists of all generations. Pleasure Beach is known for its beloved wooden Roller Coaster, it was first available for tourists in 1932. There are four roller coasters in total, tourists love all of them. It is a perfect destination that combines a serene beach and recreational facilities. Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach has attractions for all age groups specifically for children. You don’t need to worry at all when planning a trip to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, as it is easily accessible and caters to everyone including the disabled. Here you can enjoy food, go for seaside adventures, have fun and games, or just relax on the beach.

Marina Leisure, Centre Great Yarmouth

For fitness enthusiasts and sports lovers, Marina Leisure Centre Great Yarmouth is heaven. The Marina Leisure Centre consists of a swimming pool (25 metres long), indoor sports facilities with a gym and a play area for kids. Marina Leisure Centre in Great Yarmouth is operated by Freedom Leisure, a non-profit leisure trust of England with the ambition to “improve lives through leisure”. This leisure centre has reasonable facilities, providing inclusivity for the Great Yarmouth community in partnership with the Great Yarmouth Borough Council Council. This centre offers fitness and swimming classes, numerous playing, fun, and sports options, parties for children, and a Boardwalk cafe.

From children to adults, Marina Leisure Centre Great Yarmouth accommodates people of all ages, offering activities that are enjoyable and promote reviving the community.

Places to Stay in Great Yarmouth for All Budgets

The most crucial part of planning any trip is to choose a place to stay that feels like a home away from home. Everyone has different budgets and offcoure prerequisites for choosing hotels Here, we will give you some of the best options for places to stay in Great Yarmouth for all budgets during your trip.

Premier Inn, Great Yarmouth – Budget Choice

One of the prime places to stay in Great Yarmouth for all budgets is Premier Inn’s hotel in Great Yarmouth for an unforgettable family holiday. You can choose between Premier Inn (Seafront) Great Yarmouth or Premier Inn West (A47) Great Yarmouth locations.

Both Premier Inn and Great Yarmouth offer the best customer services, while in proximity to top attractions including Pleasure Beach and SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth. You can trust Premier Inn Great Yarmouth to provide the best food, clean space, super-comfy beds, family rooms, WiFi, parking, disabled access, and a restaurant. Here you can relax and unwind with family while enjoying seaside views. Make sure you check rates and book in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Travelodge – Budget Choice

Discover an immaculate family-friendly retreat just a brief drive from Great Yarmouth and close to the picturesque Norfolk Broads at Travelodge Great Yarmouth Hotel. This welcoming hotel is located on Gorleston-on-Sea and presents comfy guest rooms installed with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. Travelodge ensures you remain relaxed and enjoy yourself throughout your trip. The Travelodge offers a breakfast buffet, dog/pet-friendly accommodations, parking, and meals at the on-site restaurant during your stay.

While you stay at Travelodge try sampling local tapas treats at Gambas and marvelling at the architectural magnificence of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. The prices for rooms however keep on changing depending on season and demand. Keep a check on prices and get information on room availability through the website.

Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth – Mid range Hotel

If you are searching for a holiday resort that has access to everything from the beach to the tennis court, book your room in Imperial Hotel Great Yarmouth. This is a family-owned 4-star hotel since the 1930s, now being managed by a third generation offering breathtaking sea views and an ideal location for business and travellers. Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth offers free breakfast, restaurant, parking, Wi-Fi, bar, pet-friendly, tennis, board games, electrical vehicle charging facilities, and much more. At Imperial Hotel Great Yarmouth you can book ocean-view rooms, bridal suits, and family rooms and enjoy food cooked by 2 AA Rosette chefs.

Book your rooms at the Imperial Hotel in advance and check the availability and price of rooms online as they vary.

https://www.imperialhotel.co.uk/

Carlton Hotel, Great Yarmouth – Mid range Hotel

While planning your trip to Great Yarmouth consider the Carlton Hotel for a stay as it is located in the heart of Great Yarmouth. This seaside hotel is a brief walk away from prime locations including Sea Life Great Yarmouth, Great Yarmouth Beach, The Pleasure Beach, and Britannia Pier Theatre. To reach Gorleston Beach you have to take a short drive of 14 minutes.

Carlton Hotel with 97 rooms facing the sea offers services like a restaurant, bar/lounge, street parking, TV, free WiFi, entertainment staff, child-friendly, and evening entertainment. Carlton Hotel in Great Yarmouth is the perfect holiday resort for family, friends, and couples. Make reservations in advance to get the best room and price.

Holidays In Great Yarmouth

On a trip to Great Yarmouth you surely don’t want to miss any moment of fun, adventure and fantastic memories. So, plan your next trip to spend holidays in Great Yarmouth, surrounded with the breathtaking views of Great Yarmouth beach. Here you will find resorts that are surrounded by nature and plenty of tourist attractions too. Here we have shared our top recommendations.

Haven Seashore, Great Yarmouth

True to its name Haven Seashore holiday park in Great Yarmouth is a heaven for tourists. Located on Great Yarmouth’s panoramic beachfront, it is a perfect family holiday destination with world-class attractions. The tourist attractions consist of the thrilling Shore Water Park having a display of exhilarating waterslides, flumes, and a spacious children area. To enjoy food and have fun, Coast House dining complex and Marina Bar and Stage leave no vacuum to make your trip memorable.

For fun and sports lovers, there are plenty of activities like Crazy Golf, arcade, and frenzied bungee trampolines. If you are still satisfied, Great Yarmouth Beach is just a few steps away from Seashore Holiday Park which makes you feel rejuvenated and relaxed.

Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth

Pack your bags and come to Vauxhall Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth. There are so many brilliant options to spend your entire day that you might lose count. This holiday park is filled with all sorts of fun activities, adventures, food, and entertainment for all age groups.

There are good options for children under 12 years like Den and the treehouse adventure playground. Enjoy Tropical Waterworld pool, mini-bowling, snooker, or tee off in jungle adventure golf for more adventure.

Vauxhall Holiday Park is dog friendly and offers the best options for food and entertainment such as Reedcutter’s Restaurant, Fish & Chippery, Pizza Box, Scoops, or Thunderbird Fried Chicken.

Beachside Holiday Park, Scratby

Open all year around, Beachside Holiday Park is a self-catering accommodation for visitors, situated in the coastal villages of Scratby and California. Beachside Holiday Park, is a stunning and peaceful resort just a few miles away from Great Yarmouth. This is a Dogs/pets friendly resort, with a garden and facilities including TV, WiFi, private parking, fishing, and water sports. Other amenities include laundry facilities, central heating, a freezer, a microwave cooker, baby cots, and high chairs.

The Best Restaurants in Great Yarmouth

A trip is incomplete without its food, especially local food. Great Yarmouth has a wide range of options offering old English breakfast, afternoon cream tea, fish and chips, or local seafood cuisines and contemporary British meals. The restaurants in Great Yarmouth won’t disappoint you but here are your recommendations for the best restaurants in Great Yarmouth.

Chico’s Restaurant

Located on Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Chico’s Seafood Restaurant brings the most exotic flavours of British and Greek-style seafood. This place has a friendly vibe, offers homemade dishes, and accommodates children and pets as well. For more than 6 people, make a reservation in advance. The delicious food at Chico’s Restaurant will make your experience enjoyable.

Pamelas

The Pamelas in Great Yarmouth has offered contemporary British cuisine, a cocktail bar, and a champagne lounge for over 15 years. This place is decorated to give a modern chic vibe and comfortable space. The menu offers British cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. If you’re visiting great yarmouth and wanted to high quality restaurant, pre book this one.

Wrights Restaurant

The Wrights Restaurant in Great Yarmouth has been offering fine British dining experience for more than sixty years. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, and desserts all under one roof in a pleasant and clean environment. Wright Restaurant also has outdoor seating to enjoy food and relax. It’s a family owned restaurant found on regent road. You can’t really miss this restaurant as it’s always busy. Rememer, it’s seasonal town so won’t be open in winter like most of the town. Wrights restaurant is a must see when visiting Great Yarmouth

Yankee Travellers

The Yankee Travellers in Great Yarmouth is an American restaurant offering traditional American food since 1973. The menu consists of burgers, ribs, and Tex-Mex classics with some favourite items from English cuisine. Enjoy the flavours of authentic American cuisine in a restaurant with elaborate decor and relics from the 1950s. The long island iced teas are to die for at this restaurant (and strong)

Olive Garden

For the love of Mediterranean and Greek food, visit Olive Garden Restaurant in Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth. The restaurant was established in 2004, with a devotion to bringing authentic recipes and flavours from the beautiful island of Cyprus. The chefs at the Olive Garden Restaurant specialise in Greek and Cypriot cuisine as they belong to Cyprus. This place gives you the best Mediterranean gastronomic experience. The Olive Garden Restaurant is child and disabled-friendly, but only guide dogs are allowed. My advice is to pre book if you plan on visiting great yarmouth and the olive garden.

Conclusion

If you’re looking at visiting great yarmouth and looking for things to do in norfolk, this guide is great yarmouth in short. If you were after other recommendations, please reach out to us as we’ve so much knowledge of norfolk and especially Great Yarmouth