A new series of guided heritage walks in the borough of Great Yarmouth has been revealed for 2025.
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 rich history of the area.
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 market town.
There are 13 walks happening regularly:
- 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.
- Quayside and Seaside at Gorleston-on-Sea: 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.
- Building Great Yarmouth 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!
- Rows, Fishwives 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.
- Gravestones and Tombstones of Great Yarmouth Minster: Find out fascinating stories about the characters laid to rest in the cemetery of the magnificent church -including sailors, merchants and circus owners.
- Gory Stories on a Wicked Walk: 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.
- 2,000 Years of Caister-on-Sea: The village of Caister-on-Sea can be traced back more than 2,000 years. Discover how the village became the base for heroic lifeboat crews from the Roman period and how the phrase “Caister men never turn back” came into existence.
- Yucky Yarns: Families will learn all about the horrible history of Great Yarmouth while taking in gory stories, ghastly goings on with pirates, graveyard tricks and secret chests. Aimed at primary school-aged children (6-11) an activity book is included.
- Forgotten Inns and Taverns of Great Yarmouth: 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.
- Tales of the Old Cemetery: The quiet, older sister of Great Yarmouth, Gorleston has hosted many fascinating residents over the centuries. Learn about heroes, clowns and a pioneering woman all within the surroundings of a quaint Victorian cemetery where ordinary people with extraordinary lives are laid to rest.
- Seaside Adventure into the Past: Mixing past and present, this family walk includes using an app to watch short videos and answer quiz question as well as listening to the guide. Aimed at families with children aged 8+ it includes a stop at Williamson’s Old Penny Arcade.
- Roll Up! Roll Up! Seafront Stars of Entertainment: Starting at Britannia Pier and finishing at Wellington Pier, hear about the stars who graced the stages of Great Yarmouth from The Who to Morecambe and Wise.
- 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’.
There will also be a VE Day Special walk on Wednesday, May 7, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s marketing and events officer Ruth Cockrill said: ‘’Our new season of walks offers something for everyone and for all ages.
‘’We’re grateful to our superb heritage guides who bring the fascinating history of our borough to life through these guided walks which are always very popular with residents and visitors.
‘’We’d also like to thank local businesses who have worked with us on curating the walks to provide an extra dimension for people to enjoy.’’
This year’s heritage walks are being presented in collaboration with 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 (7-17 years old) and are free for under sevens. Family walks Yucky Yarns and Seaside Adventure into the Past cost £4 per person.
Booking for the walks is essential, with bookings for each walk closing 48 hours ahead of them taking place.
Private walks for groups of a minimum of eight people are also available to local 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
