Behind the glamour, glitter and bright lights that make Great Yarmouth one of the UK's most popular seaside resorts, lies a charming town that is steeped in history.
Behind the glamour, glitter and bright lights that make Great Yarmouth one of the UK's most popular seaside resorts, lies a charming town that is steeped in history.
Visitors have been coming to Yarmouth for 900 years but it is only in the last two centuries that the seaside and seafront has become the main attraction.
The monuments of Yarmouth's long and unique history are spread throughout the town and this year official guides are conducting heritage walks right through the summer from early May to late October.
Visitors can choose from four fascinating walks.
t The Medieval Town Wall Tour takes you round one of the most complete medieval town walls in England, including the 300-year old smoke houses and a pottery, which is built into one of the towers. It starts from the ancient Norman church of St Nicholas and lasts about an hour and a quarter.
t The Maritime Connections Walk explores Yarmouth's 1,000-year-old fishing industry and traces the town's role as a major naval base for Nelson. Find out about the herring industry which kept Yarmouth going for a thousand years and walk along historic South Quay. Yarmouth men and their little ships were the backbone of the English Navy, especially in the days of Nelson who became closely associated with the town. This walk provides a fascinating glimpse of life long before the seafront resort was developed. It starts at the Town Hall and lasts around 75 minutes.
t The Historic Town Centre Walk centres on the Market Place and explores the ancient heart of Yarmouth. It takes in the Fisherman's Hospital, St Nicholas Church and the ancient Rows, starting at the close and lasting about an hour.
t The Old Yarmouth Walk includes sections of all three main walks including the Market Place and the Rows, the quay, the Tolhouse and the sea. It begins at St Nicholas Church and lasts around 90 minutes.
Tickets for each walk cost £2.50 for adults, £1 for children aged 11-16 and are free for children under 11. Tickets are available on the day from the guide.
For more information call the Tourist Information Centre on (01493) 842195 or the Official Guides Coordinator on 07901 915390, or visit www.great-yarmouth.co.uk
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