It is known as one of Britain's favourite seaside resorts.
But for the hordes of summer visitors its enduring appeal stretches
far beyond sandy beaches and amusement arcades, says Stephen Pullinger
Please note that the postcard from series
ended in 2004 and that descriptions of shops and services were correct at
time of going to press
Where is it:
Follow the A47 from Norwich and brave the treacherous nine-mile
Acle Straight: Still the narrowest A road in the country for fear
of disturbing water voles and other marsh wildlife.
What's the population:
Around 90,000 for the borough, including more up-market Gorleston
and the surrounding villages.
Best-known landmarks:
Britannia and Wellington Piers, whose theatres have played host
to some of Britain's top entertainers, including the perennial comic
Jim Davidson; the town's magnificent St Nicholas Church; and the
seafront Pleasure Beach, much loved by children if not their parents.
Brittania Pier
Defining moment in history:
The turn of the century when the holiday industry boomed and many
enduring landmarks went up, including the Winter Gardens and Hippodrome
Circus.
Best place for a drink:
Take your pick. Go for a bar crawl along the Golden Mile or try
the Gallon Pot in the Market Place for comfortable surroundings.
And a bite to eat:
The Market Place is a Mecca for visitors wanting to sample the
town's famous chips. For a more substantial meal, there is a cosmopolitan
mix of restaurants, including Italians and Indians. For fish, there
is the famous Harry Ramsden's on the seafront and the distinctly
upmarket Seafood Restaurant on North Quay.
Yarmouth Town Hall at night
Any opportunities for retail therapy:
Take a stroll down Regent Road from the seafront and you can buy
just about anything, including much of dubious taste. A notable
tourist hotspot in the road is the self-proclaimed world's largest
rock shop.
What to do after dark:
Take in a show during the summer or for the young at heart, try
the array of clubs in King's Street and on the seafront. More risque
is the Angels Gentleman's Club with lapdancers.
How to pretend you're
a local:
Just remember to forsake the visitor's customary shell suit and/
or Premiership football shirt.
