The 11 best things to do in Great Yarmouth – hand luggage only

On the beautiful coast of Norfolk, Great Yarmouth has been a popular seaside resort for donkey years. In fact, the popularity of Great Yarmouth goes back centuries, when the British would flee to the coast for a while escape to the sea; and not much has changed! Go on now, and there are still a bunch of the best things to do in Great Yarmouth that’s too good to miss.

The entire coast of Norfolk is absolutely beautiful to see, and the Great Yarmouth a gem to visit for a trip to the sea.

Now, over the years, some people have fallen in love with the city and it is sometimes overlooked in favor of more “modern” seaside resorts. Still, don’t let that throw you away or throw in the towel! Great Yarmouth is a great little place to visit if you really want to see a traditional seaside resort.

In addition, with places like Norfolk Broads; historical Norwich and the wider Norfolk coast nearby, is worth a little sightseeing as part of a wider trip around the region.

So, to focus on you while you were visiting, I wanted to share some dazzling points and places that I will see during my exploration of the Great Yarmouth.

Check out the best things you can do in Great Yarmouth below. Don’t forget to give me back the rock stick!

1.) Museum of Time and Tide

Great Yarmouth has a rich history of fishing and seafaring that lasts for centuries. Given the city’s great maritime heritage, it’s no wonder it is Museum of Time and Tide, is as popular as it is worth and worth a walk through the city.

Once here, be sure to check out the preserved works of herring treatment, dating back to Victorian times, and it’s so fascinating to see. Then explore the fish dock, try the waters on an old raft and hear stories of life at sea.

It’s easy to do best in Great Yarmouth if you’re interested in local history, including how the fish finger was invented in the city.

2.) Gorleston-on-Sea beach

Speaking of beaches, another gem to visit is Gorleston-on-Sea Beach. Not only is it a beautiful sandy beach in the bay, but it is also really easy to visit it with the whole family.

In addition, it is one of the more accessible beaches in the area for those who have difficulty moving. Are you becoming peckish? Hread on Jay Jays Cafe which is something like a snack bar on the beach.

After a day at the beach, book a table for Pamela’s restaurant. It is one of the most delicious places in Great Yarmouth and has eeverything from delicious cocktails to fine dining that are nice for an evening treat.

3.) Pleasure Beach

Located right on Yarmouth’s Golden Mile, Pleasure Beach is a historic fairground, which first opened its doors to the public more than 100 years ago!

With the proper atmosphere of the fair, it is a great place to go with the family and take sweets before you go on rides. Be sure to head to the dodgems, scream at Haunted hotel and ride the historic Roller Coaster which was built back in 1932

4.) Great Yarmouth Central Beach

Located between historic piers, Great Yarmouth Central Beach is hard to miss!

With a huge sandy cooling area and windsurfing, it’s the perfect place to enjoy one of Norfolk’s beaches without leaving the city itself.

Now, in the summer months, it can be quite busy. If that’s not your cuppa tea, head to one of the quieter beaches right in front of Great Yarmouth; as Caister-on-Sea. Plus, if you go here, you’ll have to stop at Roman Fortress Caister ruins, too.

5.) Hippodrome Circus

Built in the early 1900s, Hippodrome circus is one of the only permanent operating circuses in all of England.

Leaning on that retro seaside atmosphere, it is completely unique in that it has a floor that sinks into the pool. In fact, it is said that only three circuses in the whole world have this!

Depending on when you visit, you’ll come across seasonal shows held inside – Circus and Water Spectacular is so much fun.

6.) Elizabeth House Museum

Right next to the Yare River, visit Elizabeth House Museum is one of the best things to do in Great Yarmouth located on the city embankments.

The museum is based on an Elizabethan-era estate and is decorated with historic furniture that is too good to miss.

Once here, explore the costume design to the top filled with centuries-old armor, clothing and accessories. Some date back to the 1500s!

And not only that, it is claimed that the estate was exactly the place where the fate of Charles I was decided in 1648 and continued so that he lost his head. Yikes!

Afterwards, be sure to explore the wider area around the river banks and stop by Quayside Plaza which serves delicious linguines with seafood.

7.) Merrivale Model Village and Marine Parade

Located on the beach, Merrivale Model Village is one of the best things to do in Great Yarmouth while wandering the parade.

With perfectly landscaped gardens and a vintage arcade, Merrivale Model Village makes for a fun afternoon in the city.

For me, the biggest attraction has to be just a model village. Cfull of waterfalls, streams, miniature attractions, and even small roads, it’s totally sweet to see.

As you wander through the village, spot the small streets, the waterways, the Merrivale Eye before heading towards the teapot for a quick glass! It is the perfect stopping point for warming up a cocktail on a gloomy day.

After that, take a walk along the Marine Parade and visit the vintage arcade video games and cash drops! It’s pretty fun.

8.) Norfolk Broads

Exploring Norfolk Broads is easily one of the best things to do in Great Yarmouth if you want a few days away from the seaside town itself.

Broads National Park is a network of pristine waterways that traverse this entire region and is absolutely beautiful to explore.

Perfect for quieter weather in the countryside, you can rent a boat and cross waterways at your own pace. Oh, and don’t forget to spot the famous windmills lining the waterways of the park. They are so beautiful to see.

9.) Joyland and Britannia Pier

Joyland, which opened in 1949, is a popular little place to visit when exploring Great Yarmouth with kids!

Located right on the beach, next to the Britannia pier, it has a bunch of little rides, fun and games to enjoy. It’s the same for generations, and a nostalgic favorite for visitors returning to the city.

Then head down to the Britannia pier and catch a few rocks or take a tip at Long John’s Showbar.

10.) Hemsby beach

About a 20 minute drive from Great Yarmouth, Hemsby Beach is a perfect visit if you want to explore another small seaside resort on the Norfolk coast.

Here you will be able to cool off on the spacious sandy beach, stop by the retro Hemsby amusement park and walk the dunes to Winterton Beach. It’s wonderful.

In addition, on the way out (or back from Hemsby Beach) you can stare at the medieval Northwest Tower which stands right next to the Bura River.

You won’t be staying here long at all, but it’s worth taking a look at it for a few minutes to gain insight into the history of Great Yarmouth.

11.) St. George’s Theater

located in the historic building of the chapel of St. Georges, this is one of the best things in Great Yarmouth if you want to catch a show.

From pantomime, musical and comedy, it’s worth it checking the list before you visit. This way you can book tickets before the trip and avoid sold out grief!