Whether you’re coming for some classic seaside fun and fare or looking to take in something a little less traditional, Great Yarmouth certainly doesn’t disappoint.

To help you plan your next trip, we’ve pulled together a list of the best things to see and do that will keep the whole family happy — a few big ticket attractions you won’t want to miss, as well as a couple of the perhaps lesser-known hidden gems!

Not all seaside resorts are created equal; Great Yarmouth is exceptionally popular and with good reason. From classic seaside games and fun to museums, walks and classic sandy beaches, you’ll find your own favourite part of this beloved resort.

1. Merrivale Model Village— a full acre of miniature model fun

Reminding us all of the staycations of yesteryear, there’s not a person alive who can’t be charmed by a model village! Merrivale Model Village is a much-loved attraction in Great Yarmouth, offering a whole acre of picturesque miniature perfection, situated amidst its own gardens, lakes, streams and waterfalls.

When you’ve soaked up all the mini vistas you can, enjoy a go on the penny arcade, play some mini golf and visit the gift shop. When you’re all worn out from exploring the sights, be sure to enjoy some homemade refreshments in the tea rooms.

2. Time and Tide Museum— an insight into Great Yarmouth’s rich heritage

There’s nothing like getting a real taste of local history! The Time and Tide Museum is a must-see attraction which takes you through the backstory of Great Yarmouth, starting as long ago as the ice age and walking you through its role as a base for herring curing.

Experience an insight into the resort’s maritime heritage and walk down a street just like a 1913 row of fisherman cottages, getting the chance to see inside and immerse yourself in the lives of those who lived then. You can visit the smokehouses, before popping into the on-site cafe.

You can expect this trip to take between two and three hours — leaving more than enough time for an ice cream or white-knuckle ride at the Pleasure Beach!

3. The Pleasure Beach— rides and games for the whole family

Would it even be a day at the seaside without some good old-fashioned fun at the Pleasure Beach? A must-see for all the family, the Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach offers everything you’d expect and more for a fun-filled day out.

With an excellent mix of traditional and contemporary attractions, you can expect nine acres of fun including full-throttle thrill rides like the Lightning 360 — built for the Pleasure Beach — combined with family coasters like the Big Apple and classic beach fun like the dodgems.

Its star attraction remains the original rollercoaster that has been at the Pleasure Beach since its opening in 1932. There’s rides to suit everyone!

If this all sounds a bit dry for a beach day there’s the log flume, raft rides and many more attractions on site to explore. When you’ve been all coastered out, you can enjoy plenty of choice from the food court or ice cream parlour, and of course, a visit to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without some rock from the rock shop!

4. SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth— experience sea creatures like never before

For when the weather takes a slight turn for the worse, this one’s ideal. Spend time getting up close and personal with a fascinating array of marine creatures.

SEA LIFE offers a chance to experience hundreds if not thousands of aquatic critters of all shapes and sizes throughout nine incredible zones. Each gives you the chance to experience sea life in a unique way, seeing all manner of incredible creatures like never before.

Enjoy seeing the rays, the jellyfish and much more. There’s also penguins, crocodiles, sharks, as well as events throughout the year. Be sure to check the SEA LIFE website to see if there’s anything extra happening during your visit.

5. Great Yarmouth Central Beach— 15 miles of unmissable coastline

OK, we said beyond the beach, but you’re not having a day out here without at least taking in the beauty of Central Beach.

With its own promenade boasting amusements, cafés, independent shops and opportunities for ice cream consumption, it’s simply a must-do if you’re in Yarmouth — particularly for the little ones.

Yarmouth’s 15 miles of beautiful coastline boast excellent golden sand, dunes to explore and are punctuated with plenty of other attractions as you go — so it’s kind of multiple attractions in one! We suggest grabbing some lunch or maybe a picnic and heading onto central for a break. Soak up the sea air, and then walk it off or stay and build some world-class sandcastles.

Owners of four-legged family members — be aware that dogs are not allowed on Central Beach between 1 May and 30 September; instead, head to the north and south piers beyond Britannia and Wellington Piers respectively.

To stretch your legs and escape the crowds, head north along the sand dunes and you’ll discover the delightfully quaint, dog-friendly beach of Caister-on-Sea.

Discover Great Yarmouth from one of our holiday parks

This is just a taste of what’s on offer at Great Yarmouth, there’s plenty more museums — honourable mention must go to the Elizabethan House Museum and the many more family attractions to while the day away, such as Joyland. There’s no time to be bored here!

Yarmouth shares the same stretch of coast with Horsey Gap and Sea Palling, much-loved for their year-round seal colonies and nearby to our Waxham Sands Holiday Park, where we’re delighted to offer a range of luxury touring and camping pitches.

If you’re seeking a more permanent commitment to Norfolk, we also offer holiday home ownership at Golden Beach, our second location in Norfolk. Those at Azure Seas, our owners-only park in Suffolk, are only a 15-minute drive from Great Yarmouth!

Discover Great Yarmouth with Lovat Parks