Great Yarmouth is one of Britain’s last remaining strongholds of the Great British Holiday. Hence the name.
The Allure of Great Yarmouth
Every summer come rain or shine (mostly shine) since the Victorian era, tourists have been enjoying the colourful sights and sounds of Norfolk’s prime holiday destination.
In the early days there was a scenic railway and little else. However, this proved popular with top-hatted gents and corseted ladies.
As moderns, our summer jaunts require a little more than a scenic railway, no matter how scenic. We want music, culture, comedy – and we want beautiful beaches AND lovely food & drink. We’re easy to please…
Well, Yarmouth – as the locals call it, has it all.
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At the Imperial Hotel we thought we’d deliver you a hand-picked selection of summer goings on in Great Yarmouth – 20 of them. We’re delivering with a spade too; making the point: Great Yarmouth has never stopped happening.
Top 20 Things to Do in Great Yarmouth
1. Drawn to the Coast – Time & Tide Museum (till 9th Sept): What better way to explore the history of Great Yarmouth than through the exceptional artistry of Turner, Constable and Cotman. Over the years the land and seascapes around this iconic seaside town have inspired many a creative type.
2. Summer Spectacular & Water Show – Hippodrome Circus (till 16th Sept): A true variety act, with performers from around the world combining to give an amazing show, in Britain’s only surviving complete circus building. 2018 is a special show, celebrating the circus reaching the tender age of 250.
3. Rows, Fishwives & Red Herrings – The Fisherman’s Hospital (7th Aug): The Great Yarmouth Rows are unique and full of strange, macabre and sometimes funny tales. The trained heritage tours at the Fisherman’s Hospital give a one-off insight into the lives of by-gone wealthy merchants, brothels, bars and herrings.
4. Live Music on Race Night – Great Yarmouth Race Course (8th + 16th Aug): Great Yarmouth is crazy about horse racing, and its course is firmly on the racing map. To mark race days during the summer, there’s live music the night before.
5. Summer Fireworks – Central Beach (8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th Aug): During August this is a free weekly event. Fireworks don’t get boring, and Great Yarmouth knows this.
6. Stock Car Racing – Yarmouth Stadium (9th Aug): This fast & furious sport is a mainstay at Great Yarmouth Stadium along with banger racing.
7. Roman Revelations – Burgh Castle (9th Aug): The fascinating fort at Burgh Castle is the best-preserved example of Roman ruins in East Anglia.
8. King of Pop – Britannia Pier (9th Aug): This year in Great Yarmouth you can see the world’s leading MJ tribute act Navi perform with Jennifer Batten.
9. Sounds of Summer with the Joe Ringer Band – St. George’s Theatre (9th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th Aug): This is a traditional all-ages show, perfect for families on a seaside holiday.
10. Magic of Motown – Britannia Pier (11th Aug): There’s nothing so smooth on the ears as a bit of Motown, and there’s no better way to listen than with the Magic of Motown.
11. Pirates, Witches & Thieves of Olde Yarmouth – Great Yarmouth Minster (16th Aug): This is a light-hearted tour offered by experienced heritage guides.
12. Jimmy Carr: The Best Of, Ultimate, Gold, Greatest Hits Tour – Britannia Pier (17th Aug): Jimmy Carr is a comedian at the top of his game.
13. Night Fever – Britannia Pier (18th Aug): Disco is coming to Great Yarmouth, in the form of Night Fever.
14. American & Classic Car Display – Anchor Plaza (19th Aug): What better place to have a classic car display than Great Yarmouth?
15. Antiques & Collectors Fair – Hemsby Village Hall (19th Aug): For those that love antiques and collectables, there’s nothing better than the buzz of finding a gem hidden in plain sight at a fair.
16. Jim Davidson Live – Britannia Pier (24th Aug): Jim Davidson OBE is one of Britain’s greatest ever comics.
17. Red, White & Blue Brothers – Gorleston Pavilion (24th Aug): The Red, White & Blues Brothers is a brand-new tribute act set to take the country by storm.
18. Joe Pasquale Live – Britannia Pier (25th Aug): Joe Pasquale is known for his energetic, unrelenting live performances.
19. Gory Stories on a Wicked Walk – Great Yarmouth Minster (26th Aug): This heritage walk is a bit “Horrible Histories”.
20. Showaddywaddy – Britannia Pier (30th Aug): Great Yarmouth is and (hopefully) always will be a haven for Rock n’ Roll.
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There’s no dispute, Great Yarmouth is not suffering from a shortage of events or things to do in August. Even if there wasn’t lots to do, there’s still the wonderful pleasure beach and the sea. Who doesn’t enjoy being by the sea when it’s lovely weather?
Great Yarmouth is a top UK holiday destination, and a jewel in Norfolk’s crown. Nay, Britain’s crown.
Not only is it a great place to visit with lots of classic seaside attractions and atmosphere, but it’s right beside the finest wetlands in the country – The Broads. So, Great Yarmouth is the perfect destination for a wildlife holiday.
When you come, you’ll want a friendly hotel overlooking the North Sea with delicious food and exceptional wines (obviously). The Imperial Hotel in Great Yarmouth is this, and much more.