Guided Heritage Walks exploring Greater Yarmouth

Delve into the history that surrounds Great Yarmouth on one of our fantastic heritage guided walks for 2018, explore the history of this ancient seaside resort, fishing port and market town. 

The Greater Yarmouth area has some fantastic history and architecture to admire, and some colourful stories of local characters to go with it. An exciting range of  walks, written and designed by some of our heritage guides will take you off the beaten track and out into the local area to discover more about what went before in Greater Yarmouth.

Guided heritage walks this year include some of our old favourites exploring the town's Medieval Town Wall and famous Row houses along with hearing a few more local gory stories. Alongside these there are 3 new walks for 2018.

Sun, Sea, Stars and Circus- Over the years Great Yarmouth seafront has played host to many famous names and faces. Take a trip down memory lane with one of our heritage guides and learn how the holiday & entertainment industry has played its part in how it looks today.

From mid-July to mid-September in celebration of the 250th birthday of Circus our walk has been given a fantastic chance to end with an opportunity to go inside the iconic Hippodrome building to see the one of the last complete sunken circus rings in the UK in action. 

The Finest Quay in Europe-  South Quay is a great place to start an exploration of Great Yarmouth's rich heritage. In the early 18th century Yarmouth, as a thriving herring port, was vividly and admiringly described several times in Daniel Defoe's travel journals, including a glowing description of South Quay as ‘The Finest Quay in England if not in Europe’. Hear all about its fascinating history and see some of the fine examples of Georgian architecture.

As part of this guided walk there will be an opportunity to tour inside the Town Hall to see the town’s regalia and view some of it's restored rooms.

Caister-on-Sea, 2,000 years of history- takes you on a walk around this fascinating village with a heritage which dates back to the Romans. Join us on this special holiday walk to discover how from its Roman beginnings it became a heroic lifeboat community and find out the meaning of the phrase ‘Caister men never turn back’.

And back by popular demand is our newly named Pirates, Witches and Thieves of Olde Yarmouth. Join our costumed heritage guide team and take a light-hearted but factual guided walk to learn about body snatchers, smugglers and pirates. Hear tales of Great Yarmouth’s witches and their demise at the hands of the Witchfinder General. 

Taking place regularly from April to October, Heritage Guided Walks, led by an official Great Yarmouth heritage guide, are one of the most interesting ways of discovering more about the area.

Regular walks this year include

Sun, Sea Stars & Circus
Quayside and Seaside at Gorleston-on-Sea
The Medieval Town Wall
Rows, Fishwives and Red Herrings
The Finest Quay in Europe
Gory Stories on a Wicked Walk

All the above walks cost £4.50 for Adults, £2.00 for children (7-16 years). Under 7's free, no unaccompanied children allowed on any walk. Tickets can be bought on the day from your guide.

Our Special walks this year include

Medieval Town Wall – Then & Now (£4.50 for Adults, £2.00 for children (7-16 years). Under 7's free, no unaccompanied children allowed on any walk.)

Roman Revelations at a Fascinating Fort (£4.50 for Adults, £2.00 for children (7-16 years). Under 7's free, no unaccompanied children allowed on any walk.)

Caister on Sea 2000 Years of History (£6.00 adults, £4.00 children 7-16, includes refreshments)

Pirates, Witches & Thieves of Olde Yarmouth costumed walk (evening walk - £7.50 adults, £5.50 children (12-16) - not suitable for those under 12).

Tickets for holiday special walks must be bought in advance from the Tourist Information Centre on 01493 846346.

Starting points vary, see the event details for more information or download the leaflet. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, no unaccompanied children are permitted on any walk.

More information is available in the 2018 Heritage Guided Walks leaflet.

Private tours for walking groups or coach tours for a minimum of 8 people can be accommodated on any day of the week and are eligible for a special group rate. Download a booking form here.

We are also happy to hear from schools and educational groups where we are always willing to assist in matching our walks to your requirements. We can also offer a great new educational rate where teachers and accommpanying adults go free!

For more details please call Sheila on 01493 846344 or email tourism@great-yarmouth.gov.uk