A new series of guided heritage walks across Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Caister has been revealed for 2026.
The walks – which run from April to October – cover a wide range of subjects and locations and provide an opportunity for people to discover more about the borough’s rich cultural history.
Each walk is led by an official Great Yarmouth Heritage Guide, who takes people back through time to explore the fascinating history of the seaside resort, fishing port and other places.
There are 14 walks happening regularly as part of this year’s programme:
- Quayside and Seaside: This explores the stories and history of Gorleston’s seafront, including the demise of the elegant, turreted Victorian hotel, how the pier came into being and where the lido was. It also includes a look inside the Edwardian Gorleston Pavilion Theatre.
- Great Yarmouth at War: Find out about our defences and how the town was damaged during the war and the devastating effect it had on buildings and families.
- Sip Through Time: In 1908 there were 295 licensed properties in Great Yarmouth – now there are fewer than 45. Discover the story of the landlady who was hanged because she would not reveal the identity of a murderer, the tavern run by a Pilgrim Father, the inn where Dutch officers were kept as prisoners of war and where teetotal tourists would stay on holiday. The walk also includes a voucher for Lacons Brewery for all adults.
- From Romans to Rescuers: Find out about the Roman beginnings of Caister-on-Sea, which traces its history back more than 2,000 years. Discover how the village became the base for heroic lifeboat crews during the Roman period and how the phrase ‘Caister men never turn back’ came into existence.
- Seaside Stars: Starting at Britannia Pier and finishing at Wellington Pier, hear about the stars who graced the stages of Great Yarmouth, from rock legends The Who to comedians Morecambe and Wise.
- Building a Seafront: Learn about some of the landmark buildings along the Golden Mile that have contributed to the town’s holiday industry – not all are as they seem.
- More Tales of the Old Cemetery: A quaint Victorian cemetery in Gorleston holds many fascinating stories of past residents. Ordinary people who led extraordinary lives are laid to rest here.
- The Finest Quay: Learn about Historic South Quay, described by Robinson Crusoe author Daniel Defoe as ‘The Finest Quay in England, if not in Europe’.
- Medieval Town Wall: An opportunity to explore the Scheduled Ancient Monument that surrounds Great Yarmouth. The wall dates from the 14th century and, after York, is the best-preserved medieval town wall in England.
- Rows and Red Herrings: The story of Great Yarmouth’s historic alleyways – known as Rows – and the people who lived and worked in them. It takes in historic South Quay, the rise and fall of the herring industry and its importance to the town’s growth. It also includes a visit to the Lydia Eva – the last-surviving steam drifter which enjoyed Hollywood fame with an appearance in 2023’s Wonka movie.
- Minster Memorials: Find out fascinating stories about the characters laid to rest in the cemetery of the magnificent church – including sailors, merchants and circus owners.
- Gruesome Great Yarmouth: Prepare to be shocked and appalled at the murders that took place in the Rows and the press gangs that toured the town’s brothels, as well as stories of the stocks and pillory, whippings and hangings.
- Crime and Yuckishment: Forget crime and punishment, this is crime and yuckishment! A family-focused guided walk which mixes past and present with the use of an online app. Find out who helped prisoners and what crimes you could be punished for. Aimed at primary school-aged children (aged six and over).
- Puzzles near the Pier: A family guided walk which mixes past and present with the use of an online app. Use the app to watch short videos and answer quiz question as well as listening to the guide. Aimed at families with children aged eight and over, it includes a stop at Williamson’s Old Penny Arcade on the seafront.
Councillor James Bensly, Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture and Coastal Management, said: ‘’We have a proud and fascinating history in our borough – Great Yarmouth really is a national treasure. These walks provide a unique opportunity for residents and visitors of all ages to learn more about our rich cultural history.
‘’We are extremely lucky to have expert Heritage Guides who bring history to life and the walks are always incredibly popular, so I would urge anyone interested to register as soon as possible.’’
This year’s heritage walks are delivered in collaboration with, and the support of, local businesses, including the Pavilion Theatre, the Lydia Eva, Lacons Brewery and Williamson’s Old Penny Arcade.
Tickets cost £5.50 for adults, £3 for children (seven to 17 years old) and are free for under sevens. Family walks Crime and Yuckishment and Puzzles near the Pier cost £4 per person.
Booking for all of the walks is essential, with bookings for each walk closing 48 hours ahead of them taking place.
Private walks for a minimum of eight people are also available to community groups, clubs, schools and educational groups (teachers and accompanying adults go free). Private walks have a discounted cost of £4.50 per person.
A number of special free walks will also be available as part of Heritage Open Days in September and will be announced shortly.
More information and booking information can be found at www.heritage-walks.co.uk
