Great Yarmouth: Quintessential English seaside charm

Great Yarmouth is a seaside town, which epitomises the charm of English coastal settlements: it is peppered with shops selling bright pink sticks of rock, has a sea-front lined with arcades and a thriving chip-shop industry.

It is a former fishing village which has transformed itself into a popular tourist attraction, complete with fun fair rides, candyfloss-filled piers and a racecourse.

Furthermore, unlike other seaside towns, Great Yarmouth also offers visitors the chance to gain some cultural enrichment during their trip. Its cultural quarter boasts the most complete set of city walls in the UK after York and there are several museums worth a visit.

However, this town with many faces also has an industrial side as it is a significant energy hub. Oil from the north sea, gas and offshore wind power are all sourced in Great Yarmouth.

Great Yarmouth Location

Located at the mouth of the River Yare, 120 miles to the north-east of London, the nearest big settlement to Great Yarmouth is Norwich.

Those travelling to the town by rail can catch a train from London Liverpool Street. Trains leave every 30 minutes from the capital.

Services also operate from Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Peterborough and Norwich.

Norwich International Airport is an option worth considering for those coming from abroad or the opposite end of the UK.

Motorists can access Great Yarmouth from the A47, coming in from the west, or on the A143, if journeying from the south. Those driving from the north should take the A149.

Why Visit Great Yarmouth?

The main attraction of Great Yarmouth is of course its coastline. A visit to the town without stepping out onto its clean beaches would be a waste.

However, for those looking for some variety in their seaside escapades the town also has a crazy golf course, a range of amusement arcades to take cover in when the rain starts and stockcar racing facilities.

The Sea Life Centre is also a great attraction for family days out. It gives visitors the chance to come face-to-face with a range of aquatic life. Inside the centre there is a giant tank, which has a pathway for visitors to travel though, giving them an under-the-sea experience.

Great Yarmouth Racecourse operates 23 days per week, while the Greyhound and Stockcar Racing centre hosts a range of sporting events throughout the year.