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Original poster

What should I expect from Great Yarmouth

53 replies

Frankola · 09/08/2021 20:11

We've decided not to risk a holiday abroad this year and opted for a week in Great Yarmouth instead. Me, DH and DD4.

Dd4 loves a good old English seaside holiday. She adores a bit of tacky. Last year we went to Blackpool for an overnight stay and she loved every minute Hmm

It's not my ideal holiday tbh but getting away anywhere sounds like heaven after the last 18 months. Plus, it's not about where you are but who you're with.

But what can I expect from Great Yarmouth?
What's good? What's not?
Any recommendations on places to visit/things to do?

OP posts:
pinkpixie83 · 09/08/2021 20:13

Go to the circus, its amazing one of the oldest in Britain. Well worth it.

Evenstar · 09/08/2021 20:14

Actually very similar to Blackpool I think, so if that’s your expectations you shouldn’t be disappointed.

There are lovely beaches that are less bingo and chips, slightly further north like Winterton on Sea and Sea Palling.

Floralnomad · 09/08/2021 20:17

Pleasure wood hills isn’t far away , no idea if it’s any good now as I’ve not been for several years , also the Oasis camel park is about 30 miles away .

ProfYaffle · 09/08/2021 20:19

The museums are great, Time and Tide, Tollhouse and Elizabethan House. I also agree about the circus.

check out the new Banksys www.edp24.co.uk/news/banksy-artwork-suspected-cromer-seafront-8220546

Go to the north end of the beach, check out the Venetian waterways, sand dunes and Munchies cafe.

Gorleston is lovely, really nice beach, boating pond and splash play area. Cliff Hotel, the ice cream kiosk and Jay Jay's cafe all worth a visit.

ProfYaffle · 09/08/2021 20:21

(I know the link to the article says Cromer but it also has a map of where they all are in Gorleston, Yarmouth and Lowestoft)

Roselilly36 · 09/08/2021 20:23

I have a soft spot for Yarmouth, great seafront, shopping needs improvement though. If you like Blackpool you will like Yarmouth. Enjoy your holiday.

FussyLittleFucker · 09/08/2021 20:24

Circus is truly brilliant, and food in its newly opened sister venue (The Empire I think) is great too. Beaches are lovely, pleasure beach ok for kids/early teens. There is a model village too which is nice for younger ones. There is a lot to do.

Evenstar · 09/08/2021 20:24

Time and Tide museum is really good and the cafe was excellent when we visited a couple of years ago. Hot, tasty food and a good range of gluten free was available.

Indecisivelurcher · 09/08/2021 20:25

Following for ideas, got a week at Winterton-on-Sea coming up with 2 young reception aged dc.

Evenstar · 09/08/2021 20:27

Gorleston is lovely as per PP, and would also recommend Jay Jay’s cafe, we had to take some food home with us last time we ate there, lovely chunky chips and delicious sandwiches.

Myfanwyprice · 09/08/2021 20:27

Pettitts adventure park is close by and was a lovely day out when we went a few years ago. The sea front itself is typical seaside, we went earlier this year and had a couple of great days, some great rides at the pleasure beach, plus a couple of good crazy golf courses.

I think go with an open mind and you’ll have a great day.

If you want somewhere quieter, Gorleston is lovely.

SummerHouse · 09/08/2021 20:30

Joyland.
Circus (I literally cried at one of the acts it was so incredible)
Miniland (not sure it's called this but it's a miniature village)
Sarah's cafe (as you look at the sea it's to the far right)

It's a fabulous beach with amazing dunes. You can't go wrong. If it gets a bit full on, take a picnic to Winterton beach. There's nothing there but a quaint village and toilets.

newnortherner111 · 09/08/2021 20:31

You might see a Banksy if you are lucky.

Evenstar · 09/08/2021 20:31

OP and @Indecisivelurcher your little ones might enjoy Pettits www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk/

I think there might be more there for little ones than Pleasurewood Hills.

My children enjoyed Thrigby Wildlife Park when they were small www.thrigbyhall.com/

SummerHouse · 09/08/2021 20:32

@Indecisivelurcher

Following for ideas, got a week at Winterton-on-Sea coming up with 2 young reception aged dc.
If you go to the maize maze, go at the start of the week as I think you get a years pass so could swing by daily.
Jacketpandbeans · 09/08/2021 20:33

There's a series on channel 5 at the moment called Susan Calman's week by the sea. One of the episodes is about Great Yarmouth. If you watch it, you'll get a feel for the place before you go!

SummerHouse · 09/08/2021 20:35

www.maize-maze.com/locations/hirstys-family-fun-park

Sorry duff information from me previously. You don't get an annual pass, you have to pay extra.

AnotherEmma · 09/08/2021 20:38

I think Hunstanton is better than Great Yarmouth. I'm not a snob (also have a 4 year old and happy to go to "tacky" places that are fun for little ones) but I found Great Yarmouth very run down and depressing. Also there are lots of shitty overpriced rides so you have to be pretty firm and say no to all the pestering or waste a lot of money!

Pettits Animal Adventure Park was a hit with the 4yo. Also Bewilderwood is fantastic, fun for adults and big kids too.

Muckles · 09/08/2021 20:41

It's like a tackier more run down Blackpool.

I find it quite depressing tbh.

We had to be there for about half a day recently, nobody wearing masks, never seen so many people smoking in one town, it's pretty horrible.

PaolaDiLorenzo · 09/08/2021 20:49

The model village is lovely and has a really nice tearoom. The tickets last for a week.
Sara's tearoom is also good for tasty meals and is near the Pleasure Beach.
There is Joyland for children's rides. I used to love the snail rides when I was little, bloody terrifying as an adult though
There is a Sealife Centre but it is bit smaller than some other ones.
Hope you have a great time Smile

Travellingraspberry · 09/08/2021 20:49

Merrivale model Village is lovely, just had a visit from Banksy too!

Pettitts is a great day out for that age, lots of child friendly rides and animals.

Bewilderwood is also good and we enjoyed Hemsby for its lovely beach and ice cream van that drives up and down the sand.

SummerHouse · 09/08/2021 20:50

I absolutely love Great Yarmouth. I think it's way better and nicer than Blackpool. I think any big seaside town gets a bit much for a week but there are lots of beautiful beaches nearby you can visit if you get overwhelmed. Norfolk is fabulous. It will be a lovely holiday.

lljkk · 09/08/2021 20:52

The beach is lovely. No one talks about the Yarmouth beaches, but they are bracing & pretty. if you go north, Winterton beach & heath is especially pretty.

QuitMoaning · 09/08/2021 20:55

@Muckles

It's like a tackier more run down Blackpool.

I find it quite depressing tbh.

We had to be there for about half a day recently, nobody wearing masks, never seen so many people smoking in one town, it's pretty horrible.

I think you have that the wrong way round. Been to GY many times and finally went to Blackpool last year and was so sad to see how it was so run down. GY is tacky but at least most of the shops are open.

Have a lot of nostalgia for GY.
The beaches are clean and Sandy, lots of seafood and the donkeys are sweet.

SummerHouse · 09/08/2021 20:56

@lljkk

The beach is lovely. No one talks about the Yarmouth beaches, but they are bracing & pretty. if you go north, Winterton beach & heath is especially pretty.
Winterton dunes. It's my favourite scenery in the whole world.
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