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Things to do out of season and over winter in Greater Yarmouth
Winter itinerary ideas
When the nights draw in, the clocks go back and the crowds leave Greater 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 743930
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
Dive into the underwater world of SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and be wowed by the many strange, beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep. Prepare for astonishing close views of everything from humble starfish to tropical sharks.
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!
Hollywood Royalty Cinema
83 Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2DL
01493 852600
Visit Hollywood Royalty Cinema in Great Yarmouth to catch the latest blockbuster movie releases on the big screen and indulge yourself in a classic cinema snack while you sit back and enjoy the action.
Great Yarmouth Painting & Arts
19 Trinity Place, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3HA
01493 850585
Great Yarmouth Painting & Arts is the perfect place to learn something new from renowned local artist Ernie Childs. Painting classes available in various mediums Tuesday & Wednesday mornings, please telephone for more details.
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 851530
The Tower Complex, Great Yarmouth, is an all-in-one leisure & entertainment complex. Fun family activities, Jurassic Journey, a viewing tower, eateries, clubs & bars and live entertainment are all under one roof.
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.
Greater 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.
A trip to the cinema is a great way to round off your day on the seafront, the Hollywood cinema is right at the northern end, overlooking the whole of the Golden Mile and shows all the latest blockbusters.
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 refurbished 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
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Thu 18 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Fri 19 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
Ladies in Lavender
Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6PP
01493 662832
Fri 19 Oct 2018
One morning following a violent storm, sisters spot from their garden a nearly-drowned man lying on the beach. They nurse him back to health, and discover that he is Polish. Communicating in broken German while they teach him English...
Rise Presented by Dizzy O'Dare
St. George's Theatre, King Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2PG
01493 331484
Fri 19 Oct 2018
Combining tightwire, live music, theatre & Dizzy O’Dare’s surreal, eclectic style, Rise is a voyeuristic journey woven through with rich and romantic imagery, a poignant series of vignettes about the complexity of relationships.
80's Pride Party
Quay Pride, 126 Quay Pride, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3LD
01493 851572
Fri 19 Oct 2018
Great Yarmouth Pride fundraiser....and it’s the 80s Pride Party. Look out the leather, the neons, the leg warmers and leotards and even the codpieces!
Charlie Caper Street Show
Great Yarmouth Market Place, Market Gates Shopping Centre, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2AX
01493 745458
Sat 20 Oct 2018
Charlie Caper became a household name in Sweden when he won TV show U Got Talent in 2009.
Ladies in Lavender
Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6PP
01493 662832
Sat 20 Oct 2018
One morning following a violent storm, sisters spot from their garden a nearly-drowned man lying on the beach. They nurse him back to health, and discover that he is Polish. Communicating in broken German while they teach him English...
The Drill House Tea Dance
The Drill House - SeaChange Arts, York Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2LZ
01493 745458
Sat 20 Oct 2018
The Ragroof DJs will be playing authentic music from the 20s to the 50s and bring their trademark instant dance classes. Polish up your dancing shoes and join us!
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sat 20 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
1940's Big Band Dance
Royal Assembly Rooms, Royal Assembly Rooms, Albert Square, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3JH
07563651989
Sat 20 Oct 2018
Prepare to take a trip back in time to the swinging 1940’s when we will be recreating the exciting atmosphere of the war time dance halls right here at the Royal Assembly Rooms in Great Yarmouth.
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sun 21 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
The Magic of Circus
Time and Tide - Museum of Great Yarmouth, Time and Tide Museum, Blackfriars Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3BX
01493 743930
Mon 22 Oct 2018
Want to run away to the circus? Find out your true circus skill through this day of juggling, dressing up, design and more!
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Mon 22 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Tue 23 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Wed 24 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Thu 25 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
Sex Please, We're Sixty
Gorleston Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 6PP
01493 662832
Thu 25 - Fri 26 Oct 2018
Mrs. Stancliffe's Rose Cottage Bed & Breakfast has been successful for many years where her Guests (nearly all women) return year after year. But do they come just to see 'Bud the Stud'?
School of Cool
Great Yarmouth Community Library, Tolhouse Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2SH
01493 844551
Fri 26 Oct 2018
From Sean Goodman - an exciting magic event 'School of Cool'. Learn some card tricks to amaze your friends and family!
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Fri 26 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
Halloween Spooktacular 2018
The Hippodrome Circus, St Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU
01493 844172
Sat 27 Oct 2018
A truly amazing and hilarious show full of all manner of ghosts, ghouls and crazy goings on! The Halloween Spooktacular is perfect for all the family and undoubtedly the best way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year.
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