A new range of guided heritage walks around Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Caister has been unveiled for summer 2026.
The tours are designed to appeal to people of all ages and include walks tailored specifically for families with children.
The walks – which run until 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. New for this year is an expanded tour that offers a unique insight into the borough’s historic pubs and taverns.
All of the walks are led by knowledgeable official Great Yarmouth Heritage Guides, who take people back through time to explore the fascinating history of the seaside resort, fishing port and other key locations.
There are 14 walks happening regularly as part of this year’s programme:
- 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.
- Sip Through Time: Starting at Blackfriars Tavern (CAMRA’s Pub of the year 2026 and Cider Pub of the Year 2026), is a pub crawl with a difference that reaches parts of Great Yarmouth other walks do not! It takes in a number of hostelries – some open, some closed, some converted to flats and some demolished. There are about 30 pubs in Great Yarmouth, but at one time there were closer to 300. Pubs were a vital part of our social history, fostering a sense of community as well as providing sustenance for weary travellers, sailors, merchants and – more recently – holidaymakers. Raise a glass to our heritage and discover some of the forgotten inns and taverns of Great Yarmouth on a walk that takes in the history of brewing in the town, origins of pub names and more. The special evening walks start at 6pm with two stops for refreshments – Peggotty’s, which holds different memories for different generations, and the Tombstone Brewery and Saloon Bar.
- 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.
- 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 and how the phrase ‘Caister men never turn back’ came into existence.
- Seaside Stars: Starting at Britannia Pier and finishing at Wellington Pier, learn 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.
A spokesperson for Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: ‘’We have a proud and fascinating history – Great Yarmouth really is a national treasure. These walks provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages to learn more about our rich cultural past.
‘’The family-focused walks are also a great way for youngsters to have fun while exploring Great Yarmouth. We are extremely lucky to have expert Heritage Guides who bring history to life – the walks are always incredibly popular.’’
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 for all walks, except A Sip Through Time, 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.
The Sip Through Time tours begin at 6pm and take place on Thursday, June 11; Wednesday, July 29; and Sunday, August 23. The walk costs £15pp, which Includes two drinks and a Lacons voucher.
Booking for all walks is essential, with bookings for each one 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
