Great Yarmouth, on Norfolk’s coast, has been a seaside tourist resort for almost two and a half centuries. Although for much of its life it has been a fishing port as well more recently that has given way to offshore natural gas rigs. The town has two promenades for you to walk along as well as a long beach to laze and relax on. There are plenty of things to see and do locally in Great Yarmouth; below we look at some of them:
1. Elizabethan House Museum – The museum’s building was built in the sixteenth century and the museum itself allows you to learn more about the kinds of people who inhabited it since first being built. Be sure to visit the Tudor bedroom and dining room, which have been recreated to reflect those bygone days. There is also Victorian kitchen, complete with scullery, a parlor and the famous Conspiracy room. This is the room where those who plotted the trial and execution of King Charles I would meet.
2. Horsey Windpump – This is a building which dominates the Norfolk skyline and is situated one mile away from the county’s coastline. It is under the care of the National Trust and this red brick, 4 storey, buuilding has been restored to its former glory. If you are brave enough to climb the steps to the very top then you can take in the panoramic view to Horsey Mere. The Windpump does offer light refreshments but for something a little more substantial in the village of Horsey which is a mile down the road there is a wonderful pub serving good quality food.
3. Wroxham Barns – This is ideal for a family day out. There is a Junior Farm for your children to enjoy. This provides them with a chance to experience what life is like in a farmyard and it’s definitely a “hands on” experience. Many of the old barns at Wroxham have been converted and house skilled craftspeople making all sorts of items from jewelry and pottery through to Norfolk Cider.
4. Bure Valley Railway – This is a carefully restored railway with it’s own steam locomotive. The complete journey is around an 18 mile round trip from Alysham and through the local countryside. Along the way it passes through the villages of Brampton, Coltishall and Buxton you can disembark and explore these villages. The far end of the track stops at Wroxham and you can then take your time exploring this village before returning to Alysham. During your visit to Wroxham you can also take a pleasure cruise on the water as well.
5. RAF Neatishead Air Defence Radar Museum – This is really something for the boys and traces the history of radar back to its beginnings in the 1930’s. The museum is inside the original air defence units constructed during World War Two and houses a number of exhibits for people to try. Plus one gets an idea of how things were running during the Second World War and the Cold War as well.
Find your Great Yarmouth accommodation here.
