The oldest wooden rollercoaster in Britain? It’s in Great Yarmouth

A seaside town steeped in history!

Great Yarmouth has an amazing past and a lot to recommend it still, despite its faded qualities from its heyday in the 50s. Getting there from Fairway Lakes is a doddle – a 15 minute drive if timed right around the bottlenecks of Gapton Hall and Harfrey’s.

Its golden mile is bookmarked either end by natural and man made features.

At its southern extreme, a Pleasure Beach and new Premier Inn mark regeneration. The Pleasure Beach has the oldest surviving wooden rollercoaster in the UK and the view from the top is incredible. It’s listed too and worth a visit just to sample it.

At its northern end, commercialism gives way to residential and quieter attractions – like the dunes, home to Mediterranean gulls, and the newly renovated Venetian waterways, where Benny Hill and Tommy Cooper can be seen on YouTube videos on gondolas there.

The middle section has Britain’s only surviving indoor permanent circus; though circus is a misnomer as its shows feature comedy and acrobatics and not animals. Wonderful too.

There’s amusement arcades, crazy golf, Joyland with its iconic listed Snails ride, as well as piers, a leisure centre and a wide sandy beach.

Regent Road is thronged in summer and it leads to the market place, famous for its chips, dating back to King John, believe it or not.

There’s some stunning architecture to be seen too: from the Gothic town hall, down South Quay where museums and amazing merchants’ house line the river, as well as a 12th century gaol and a Royal Naval Hospital from the Napoleonic Wars.

Yarmouth is well worth leaving Fairway Lakes for.

More Posts

Best Places To See The Seals In Norfolk

Best Places To See The Seals In Norfolk

Best Places To See The Seals In NorfolkOur Beautiful Norfolk coastline is great all year round for wildlife & nature lovers with an abundance of walks, beaches & waterways to explore but did you know we also have one of the largest colonies of grey seals in...

read more
Halloween Events in Norfolk and Suffolk

Halloween Events in Norfolk and Suffolk

Halloween events in Norfolk and SuffolkWith October round the corner, the charm of Norfolk and Suffolk is further enhanced by the vibrant Halloween events that take place throughout the region. A must-visit Halloween event in Norfolk is Bewilderwood's Glorious Glowing...

read more
Free Firework displays and events this Summer!

Free Firework displays and events this Summer!

Free Firework displays and events this Summer!Don’t miss Great Yarmouth Big Wednesdays this Summer, running every Wednesday until the 30th August. Starting the Summer holidays with a bang and a great event for families, friends and couples alike, there will be street...

read more

Our Lodges

The Lakes

3 Bedrooms - 6 Guests

The Suntrap

2 Bedrooms - 4 Guests

The Greens

2 Bedrooms - 4 Guests

The Meadows

3 Bedrooms - 6 Guests

The Springs

3 Bedrooms - 6 Guests

The Bluebells

2 Bedrooms - 4 Guests

The Willows

3 Bedrooms - 6 Guests

The Views

4 Bedrooms - 8 Guests

Check Availability