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Things to do out of season and over winter in Great Yarmouth
Winter itinerary ideas
When the nights draw in, the clocks go back and the crowds leave Great Yarmouth, it's a great time for an out of season break, to explore the area as the locals know and love it. There's still plenty going on and great fun to be had, whatever time of year you visit.
Animals, afternoon tea, winter walks and pub sports
The unusual collection of Asian animals at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is open all year round and well worth a visit at any time of year. You can see tigers, monkeys, leopards and alligators up close all round this lovely zoo.
In nearby Ormesby St. Margaret, The Boathouse overlooking The Trinity Broads has a warm welcome, delicious food and a roaring fire during winter. Next-door Rollesby, another pretty village also on the edge of the Trinity Broads, is home to The Waterside, a fabulous restaurant serving delicious afternoon teas.
If you're up for a winter beach walk, then a trip to the dunes at Winterton-on-Sea from November onwards and a walk along the beach towards Horsey will bring you face to face with grey and harbour seals who breed in the dunes and on the beach. Make sure you watch the wildlife from a safe distance though. There's a great beach café at Winterton serving amazing home made cake and hot chocolate on your return and a traditional fisherman's pub in the village.
If you'd rather stay inland, there are some great walks near Filby and from Fleggburgh up to Rollesby and back, which are also tranquil places for birdwatching and fishing. Norfolk is one of the driest counties in England, perfect to get wrapped up and stride out over rolling Norfolk countryside at any time of year, especially if you know there's Sunday lunch, a pub supper or a blazing fire waiting on your return.
Quiz nights and pub games such as darts or snooker, are great fun at pubs all over the borough, some also have live entertainment evenings, perfect to round off your day.
Attractions open out of season
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Thrigby Hall, Filby, Norfolk, NR29 3DR
01493 369477
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, near Great Yarmouth has a 250-year-old landscaped garden, a play area and a wide selection of Asian mammals, birds and reptiles including tigers, crocodiles and storks.
Time and Tide - Museum of Great Yarmouth
Time and Tide Museum, Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3BX
01493 743933
Time & Tide in Great Yarmouth is set in one of the UK's best preserved Victorian Herring curing works, and tells the story of the area from its ice age origins to the present day. Experience the heady atmosphere of a 1950's fish wharf.
Wellington Pier
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3JF
01493 845947
Built in 1854, the Wellington Pier was only the seventh pier to be constructed in Britain. Following significant reconstruction, the pier has a bright and airy ten-pin bowling alley and a family-friendly amusement arcade.
Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3AH
01493 330631
Explore an incredible underwater world at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth & get closer than ever before to over 1500 creatures & features of the world's oceans! From the colourful to the curious, the majestic to the mystical, get ready to be amazed
St. George's Theatre
King Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2PG
01493 331484
St George's Theatre is one of only 10 Grade 1 listed theatres in the UK. With over 100 different productions a year, the theatre is the heritage jewel in the crown of entertainment venues in Great Yarmouth. Open 52 weeks a year!
Merlins Sports Bar
38 Apsley Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2HB
01493 856150
Merlins Sports Bar, Great Yarmouth, has a lot to offer the keen indoor sportsman. With a range of pool and snooker tables, dartboards, large screen tv's and a bar serving food all day, Merlins is the perfect place to unwind with friends.
Docwras Rock Factory & Shop
13 Regent Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2AF
01493 844676
Docwras Rock Factory & Shop, Great Yarmouth, has a long history in the town going back over a century. Come and watch seaside rock being made and see the fabulous range of rock and confectionery on display in the shop. Sweet heaven!
Potters Rock Factory
38-39 Regent Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2AJ
Potters Rock Factory, Great Yarmouth, sells an impressive variety of sweet items including seaside rock, pick and mix confectionery and soft drinks. Perfect for gifts or as a personal treat.
The Tower
32 Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EW
01493 852239
Join an amazing adventure back in time on Great Yarmouth seafront. See dinosaurs like never before as they roar into life. Become a trainee paleontologist with Professor Possilfossil - what will you unearth in the scavenger zone?
The Palace Cinema
159 High Street, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6RG
01493 440506
The Palace Cinema in Gorleston-on-Sea near Great Yarmouth is a recently renovated 4 screen cinema with some 3D screens, showing the latest blockbuster movies.
Merrivale Model Village
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3JG
01493 842097
One of Great Yarmouth's best loved family attractions, is set in over an acre of award winning landscaped gardens with streams, waterfalls, lake with Koi Carp, garden railway & picnic area.
Jump Warehouse
Main Cross Road, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3NZ
01493 853 389
Jump Warehouse in Great Yarmouth, our first indoor trampoline park and a great place to have fun and burn off some energy!
Great Yarmouth walks
Celebrate the relative flatness of Norfolk with stunning scenery as you stride out on a walk.
Browse walks
Turn on the sound for more ideas
Fun on the seafront in midwinter
A winter's day on Great Yarmouth seafront is still a whole lot of fun. A quick walk along the beach or esplanade will blow any cobwebs away, then visit the Sea Life Centre,an amazing opportunity to learn more about the coast and the animals who live off shore both locally and further afield.
Several arcades remain open all winter, so you can have a play on the 2p slot machines or on a virtual reality video game.
If you walk through the amusement arcade at Wellington Pier, you'll find a fanastic ten-pin bowling alley with floor to ceiling views out over the beach and the sea.
A short stroll from the seafront towards the river brings you to Blackfriars Road, home to a large section of the medieval town wall. You'll also find Silver Darlings café just next to the award winning Time & Tide museum of Great Yarmouth life, well worth a visit to find out all about the herring industry and how this small fish impacted on Great Yarmouth life.
Shopping, pottery, rock and theatre
Start your day on historic South Quay where wealthy merchants built their houses creating a fine architectural display, a private heritage guided tour can be booked any time of year.
From here it's a short walk to the town centre with lots of shops, the market place, the Victoria arcade and a shopping mall. The town centre has a number of unusual independent shops and stores, well worth a visit if you're looking for something a bit different. You'll also find plenty of places to eat.
There are more shops along pedestrianised Regent Road as you head towards the seafront. You can also see traditional seaside rock being made in the two rock factories.
To round off your day, watch a show at the theatre with a varied programme of all sorts of entertaining performances, from musicals to comedy to plays and shows.
Shows and Plays
Circus of Horrors 25th Anniversary Tour
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Fri 6 Mar 2020
The New Circus of Horrors show will be a celebration of the 25 years and will include an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll sound scape, a show that will have you sat on the edge of your seat...
Circus of Horrors 25th Anniversary Tour
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sat 7 Mar 2020
The New Circus of Horrors show will be a celebration of the 25 years and will include an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll sound scape, a show that will have you sat on the edge of your seat...
Rock For Heroes
Cromer Pier, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HE
01263 512495
Sat 14 Mar 2020
Rock for Heroes" is back on the road for 2020; bringing the perfect combination of your favourite Rock & Pop artists, fundraising in support of the fantastic Help for Heroes.
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Thu 2 - Sat 4 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sun 5 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Mon 6 - Tue 7 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Wed 8 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Thu 9 - Fri 10 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
My Fair Lady - The Musical
Hopton-on-Sea Beach, Hopton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, NR31 9SE
Thu 9 - Sat 11 Apr 2020
Gorleston Theatre Company present Lerner & Loewe's 'My Fair Lady'. Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston, Norfolk NR31 6PP 9th - 11th April 2020 - 7.30pm (Sat.Matinee 2.00pm)
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sat 11 - Sun 12 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
My Fair Lady - The Musical
Hopton-on-Sea Beach, Hopton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, NR31 9SE
Sat 11 Apr 2020
Gorleston Theatre Company present Lerner & Loewe's 'My Fair Lady'. Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston, Norfolk NR31 6PP 9th - 11th April 2020 - 7.30pm (Sat.Matinee 2.00pm)
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Mon 13 - Tue 14 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Wed 15 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Thu 16 - Fri 17 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sat 18 - Sun 19 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Wed 22 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Fri 24 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sat 25 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Pirates Live!
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sun 26 Apr 2020
Join Jack Jay and Johnny Mac for a brand new pirate adventure. Pirates Live! is without a doubt the UK’s no.1 Live action Pirate show, featuring acrobats, aerialists and of course lots of rum too!
Folk on the Pier
Cromer Pier, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9HE
01263 512495
Fri 8 - Sun 10 May 2020
Folk on the Pier is a folk festival held annually on the pier at Cromer in Norfolk
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