9 Ways to Explore the Adventure in Great Yarmouth

Do you want to make new memories with your family? Then, a visit to Norfolk would be one of the best things you could ever do, as there is just so much to see and do there. The best part of living in Norfolk is being surrounded by its beautiful and varied coastlines. From the pretty village of Happisburgh with plentiful sands stretching for miles, to the candy-striped cliffs in Hunstanton where you can watch the sun set over the sea. If you're more of a thrill seeking, then Great Yarmouth has plenty to offer.

Great Yarmouth is a well-known seaside town that has a rich maritime heritage, famous gold mile promenade, pleasure beach and attractions. There's a real buzz about its Victorian pier and lively promenades. You’ll never be short of things to do in this special seaside town.

On the promenade you can enjoy adventure golf, rides on giant snails, and rollercoasters, and even rollercoasters. However, the attractions don’t stop there. You can also see the wonderful and fascinating species at Sealife Great Yarmouth and learn about local history at the Time and Tide Museum. You can get lost in a miniature world at Merrivale Model Village before heading to the Old Penny Arcade for some old-fashioned fun. 

Our family has so many wonderful memories of exploring adventures in Norfolk. Growing up, my family spent weekends at Great Yarmouth soaking in the views and eating ice cream along the pier. Marine Parade is a vibrant focal point of Great Yarmouth's seafront packed with amusements, attractions, crazy golf, trampolines, boat trips, restaurants and a stunning view over the beach out to sea. You can wander up and down the beachside promenade all the way from Britannia Pier to the Pleasure Beach.

The Hippodrome Circus

The Hippodrome Circus is considered one of the seven wonders of the British seaside. Built in 1903 by the circus showman George Gilbert and has played host to an incredible variety of entertainment, from stage shows, political rallies, cinema and even used as a military practice shooting range. There is something very special about the Hippodrome circus, and those lucky enough to visit will be pleasantly surprised by its distinctive features. It is one of the few purpose-built circus buildings left in England, and one of three in the world with a sinking floor. We were lucky enough to go and see their Circus and Water Summer Spectacular when we went away over bank holiday weekend. 

The Pleasure Beach

We always looked forward to going to the Pleasure Beach every year. It offers huge fun for all the family, from white-knuckle rides to traditional attractions, there really is something for everyone. It's situated on South Beach Parade and has been entertaining visitors for more than a century. It's all about wholesome fun and adrenaline-pumping thrills for families.

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is definitely an extensive amusement park with a mixture of modern and traditional attractions. With an old-fashioned fairground feel, it makes an excellent place for the entire family as well as those who want to have some candyfloss before riding every ride they can. Don't forget to ride the Dodgems, climb up to the Monorail and scream at the Haunted Hotel. The biggest and most popular ride at the park is the Roller Coaster that has been thrilling those who dare ride it since 1932.

Time and Tide Museum

The town itself has a fabulous maritime heritage and a port famous for once being the hub of the herring industry. It's no wonder that the Time and Tide Museum is a popular tourist attraction, that is worth a visit while strolling through the town. It's housed in an old herring curing works, which sits in the maze-like old centre of town down Blackfriars' Road, a quick 5-minute walk from the beachfront.

SEALIFE Great Yarmouth

SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth Aquarium is situated on the sea front and is home to stingrays, penguins, seahorses, turtles and an abundance of clownfish. Journey through and discover the magical underwater world. You can walk through their iconic sea tunnel, explore the rock pool, and learn about all the creatures that live in our oceans.

SEALIFE is nothing short of amazing! There were many fascinating creatures to discover. We enjoyed watching the penguins and seeing the rays in the huge submarine. However, the Tropical Rainforest, Pirate Reef and Rock Pool Explorers are fantastic additions to SEALIFE. My daughter liked exploring inside the Pirate Reef zone and discovered all the tropical fish, she liked spotting the pirate decorations and looking for gold inside the tanks. 

There is no denying that the Lost City of Atlantis Tropical Ocean Display and Tunnel was extraordinary. This tank is just full of life and no view is the same as another. If you like learning about life underwater, then SEALIFE in Great Yarmouth is a great place to explore with your family.

Merrivale Model Village

Not too far along you'll come across more attractions, mini golf, shops and ice cream shacks. The Merrivale Model Village which is located on the Marine Parade is a remarkable miniature model attraction is full of life with many surprises along the way. It has its own busy town centre, school, church as well as its perfectly kept village inn, rocket, air ship, travel lodge, castle and an abundance of cute cottages. You will see different types of models set against an attractive scenic background. You may even spot an original BANSKY Art Display inside the Merrivale Model Village too.

Gorleston-on-Sea Beach

A stunning bay with a huge, wide curving, sandy beach. Not only is it a lovely sandy beach on the bay, but it’s also a favourite of surfers, body boarders, and kite flyers. It's the perfect place to visit with the whole family. This has to be one of the best beaches that we have visited as a family. It offers great walks along the promenade with a steady climb to the top of the cliff with breath-taking views. There is a selection of gift shops, cafes, ice cream parlours and lots of chip shops along the seafront too.

Great Yarmouth Big Wheel

The best way to see Great Yarmouth in all its glory is by a 50-metre-high Ferris wheel. Towering over the SEALIFE gardens, the giant wheel that has quickly coined the name 'Yarmouth Eye' is open for all sight seers and thrill seekers. At the very top, the view is breath taking in all directions over Great Yarmouth and has to be one of the best attractions you must do when visiting Great Yarmouth.

The entrance to the giant wheel is ramped for easier access, and there is a pram park for younger families. The gondolas also have enough space for one wheelchair user and up to two carers. You can be any height to ride, but you must be taller than 1.4m to ride without an adult. Have you ever been to Great Yarmouth? If you have, what was your favourite part?

Joyland

Joyland is a popular little spot to visit when exploring Great Yarmouth with little ones. Located right on the beachfront, next to Britannia Pier, it has many rides, amusements and games to enjoy. It’s been the same for generations and a nostalgic favourite for visitors that return to the town. 

The Norfolk Broads

Exploring the Norfolk Broads is easily one of the best things do in Great Yarmouth if you fancy a few days from the seaside town itself. Discover stunning landscapes natural beauty and a rare quality of light. Perfect for a quieter time in the countryside, you can hire yourself a longboat and navigate the waterways at your own pace.

** We have been kindly gifted tickets from some of the placed mentioned from Visit Great Yarmouth as part of the ambassador program but as always, my words and opinions are my own. Images are subject to copyright, please seek permission before using. **