Our recommendations for what to do in Great Yarmouth

Classic English seaside towns are undoubtedly one of the first locations that spring to mind when considering a holiday in the UK. Great Yarmouth is one such impressive location, steeped in the old world charms of Norfolk. Looking for inspiration on what to do in Great Yarmouth? We’ve listed the best seaside entertainment the town has to offer.

Britainnia Pier

Any proper English seaside town has an impressive Victorian pier as its main focal point and Great Yarmouth is no exception. A gamer’s paradise and a haven for peckish or thirsty folks, the Britannia Pier can satisfy any tourists needs. Catch the headlining performers at the pier's own theatre before the adults head to Long John’s Show Bar, which is open until 4am on summer nights.

Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life

Built in a converted Victorian herring curing works, the Time and Tide Museum is a brilliant spot to learn about the town’s maritime and fishing heritage. Open seven days a week, adults can enter for £5.20 with reduced rates for kids, plus concession prices too. Once inside, check out the 1950’s Quay and traditional fisherman’s home. Stop to listen to old sea tales or take the wheel of a coastal drifter and ‘sea’ how you fare!

Great Yarmouth Guided Heritage Walks

Offering an alternative heritage experience, these tours get you out on the streets so you can really experience the town up close and personal. Walks cover the graveyard, South Quay, medieval town walls and much more. Adults cost £3.75, kids are £1.50, and under 7’s go free.

Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens

Thrigby Hall’s 250 year old landscaped gardens are home to Asian mammals, birds, and reptiles. Highlights include the willow patterned garden and elevated tiger tree walk. The gardens are open year round and cost £12.50 for adults, £9.50 for kids and £11 for concession tickets.

Yesterday’s World

This fascinating emporium is one of those hidden gems that always seem to be inexplicably overlooked. Yesterday’s World covers 125 years of Britain’s social history through an enormous collection of 150,000 memorabilia artefacts. Open all week, fully accessible to all, an award winning tea room, free carousel rides, special rates for carers, concessions and families - it ticks all the boxes for a great day out!

Merrivale Model Village

Be mesmerised by the Merrivale Model Village’s fully functioning rail system or gaze at the miraculous miniature architecture. Dogs on leads are allowed and the paths are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and buggies. Be sure to try out the tea room, vintage penny slot machines and 9 hole crazy golf course.

Pleasure Beach

For happy day out for the whole family, head to Pleasure Beach. Entry is free but each ride requires tokens to enter. Purchase tokens individually or buy a wrist band for a day’s unlimited access, the most expensive of which is less than £20. The park is ranked in the top 10 of all leisure parks in the country and welcomes over 1.4 million visitors each year. Its popularity speaks for itself and it is definitely worth checking out.

Joyland

Recall the heyday of amusement parks with a visit to Joyland. Though it opened in 1949, some of the famous original rides, such as the Snails and the Tubs, still operate to draw in the crowds. All rides take 1 token per person costing £1 each. However, there are bulk buy discounts. Spend £10 for a bag of 12 tokens or £20 for 25 tokens. The newest addition to the park is an American diner serving favourites such as surf and turf, hotdogs and pancakes.

Retro Skate

Strap on those skates and pull your best moves (or a hamstring) on Retro Skate’s dance floor. Public sessions are Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm during the summer holidays. Get your groove on at the evening roller discos or enjoy the beach firework display on Wednesdays in the summer. Skate hire is only £1.50 and there are plenty of cheap skate deals too, so what are you waiting for!

Somehow Great Yarmouth manages to incorporate the flashing lights and magic of modern tourism and technology without losing the classic charm of a traditional seaside town. All these attractions are family friendly and great for young and old alike. If all else fails, grab some fish and chips to munch on the beach for relaxing day of people watching, sunbathing or sand castle building. When the day is done, there are numerous camp and caravan sites within a 10 mile radius of Great Yarmouth amongst the beauty of the Norfolk Broads.

Discover the freedom of a touring holiday when visiting and book one of these Great Yarmouth caravan parks.