Still wondering what to do in Great Yarmouth? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Great Yarmouth and book your hotel today!
Great Yarmouth, a major seaside resort on the Norfolk coast, is famous for its vast, sandy beaches and the lively, traditional amusements of its Golden Mile. This classic English seafront promenade is packed with arcades, food stalls, and entertainment that evokes a sense of nostalgic fun. Dominating the coastline is the Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, an iconic amusement park home to a historic wooden rollercoaster that dates back to 1932.
The town also boasts a rich maritime history, which can be explored at the Time and Tide Museum, housed in a converted Victorian herring curing works. From the historic Hippodrome Circus, the UK's only surviving purpose-built circus building, to the miniature world of Merrivale Model Village, Great Yarmouth offers a full, fun-filled traditional seaside experience.
In Great Yarmouth, choosing where to stay means picking your proximity to the vibrant seafront attractions versus the historic town centre.
The most popular area is undoubtedly the Golden Mile and Seafront. Hotels and guest houses here line the promenade, offering immediate access to the beach, the Pleasure Beach, arcades, and the main seaside entertainment. This is the ideal area for first-time visitors and those who want to be immersed in the lively, traditional seaside atmosphere.
For a quieter base and better access to the town's history and river connections, consider the area around the Quay and Town Centre, slightly inland from the Golden Mile. Here, you are closer to the Time and Tide Museum and the market square. Accommodation in this area can often provide a more traditional and peaceful stay, and it's well-positioned for exploring the town’s broader heritage.
For those seeking a more tranquil and upmarket feel, the North Beach area, further up the coast from the main Golden Mile, offers a quieter beach experience with more self-catering and guesthouse options.
Great Yarmouth is served by Great Yarmouth train station, which is located close to the town centre and a short walk or taxi ride from the seafront. The nearest major airport is Norwich Airport (NWI), with onward travel via train or bus services. The town centre and seafront are highly walkable, but a local bus network connects all the main areas.
To secure the most affordable hotel rates in Great Yarmouth, you must be aware of the seasonality of seaside resorts. Prices surge during the school summer holidays from late July to August, making this the most expensive time to visit.
For the absolute cheapest deals, try to travel during the winter months, with January consistently offering the lowest average hotel rates. A unique tip for saving money is to be mindful of the Great Yarmouth Racecourse calendar. Race days, which occur frequently in the summer, significantly increase hotel demand and prices across the town. By booking outside of both the main summer holiday period and these specific race days, you will find the best value.