7 Low Cost Things to do in Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is one of the most popular holiday spots in East Anglia, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning coastline and easy access to plenty of local attractions, this lovely resort has plenty to offer holidaymakers, even those who are travelling on a budget.

The area boasts plenty of things to see and do that are cheap or even completely free of charge, so you can easily enjoy a weekend break or day out at low cost. 

1. Discover Some Local History

There are plenty of interesting museums in Great Yarmouth that can be visited for a low entrance fee. The Elizabethan House Museum has free entry for National Trust members, or if you visit an hour before closing time, you can enter for just £1 per person. Discover antique furniture and a stunning art collection in a genuine Tudor building.

The Time and Tide Museum is a family friendly attraction that explores the area’s rich maritime heritage while the Tolhouse Museum offers interactive activities that allow visitors to find out more about one of the country’s oldest prisons.

Alternatively, why not visit the Nelson Museum – a fascinating attraction that celebrates the life of Admiral Lord Nelson who grew up in Norfolk. 

2. Relax On The Sands

The Great Yarmouth coastline stretches for 15 miles, so you can always find a spot on the golden shores. On a sunny day, you can laze away the day on the clean beach, or take a stroll on the pretty sand dunes.

The kids will love the opportunity to build sandcastles and paddle in the water, while adults will relish the chance to lie back and soak in the rays. If the British weather doesn’t co-operate, the seafront is still a wonderful place to take a bracing walk. Wrap up against the wind and discover the Golden Mile between the Wellington Pier and Britannia Pier. 

3. Explore On Foot

Whether you are a keen hiker or would prefer a more leisurely stroll in the fresh air, there are plenty of excellent walks to suit all preferences in the Great Yarmouth area.

For those who want to discover the local heritage, the Great Yarmouth Historic Town Walk covers almost 2 miles and takes a circular route past the seafront, the old town wall and the historic quay.

Meanwhile, those who are looking for something a little more rural will enjoy a walk through Winterton-on-Sea village with its thatched cottages, lighthouse and traditional village church. More serious hikers will enjoy the 9 mile trek to Mautby that takes in beautiful riverside and countryside scenery. 

4. Enjoy A Festival

Great Yarmouth plays host to a range of exciting festivals all year round, many of which offer free entertainment including fireworks, street theatre and live music.

The Maritime Festival gives visitors the perfect opportunity to go onboard ships, watch demonstrations of gansey and lace making, and the chance to listen to shanty music, while the annual Arts Festival brings live shows and cultural activities to venues around the town. 

5. Watch The Fireworks

If you’re visiting Great Yarmouth during the summer months, you can enjoy a free firework display every Wednesday night at the seafront. This event takes place at 10pm every week during the school holidays, and is a great way to pass a budget evening.

Find a spot along the Esplanade and watch as the sky lights up, or enjoy the complimentary entertainment and music that is provided at the Sea Life Gardens. 

6. Land A Catch

Why buy fish and chips when you can catch your own? There are plenty of spots where you can go fishing in Great Yarmouth, and what better way to spend a budget day out? Take your fishing rod down to Filby Broad and relax on the wooden boardwalk waiting for the fish to bite, or fish from one of the town’s piers and see if you can land an impressive catch from the sea.

If you’re feeling like splashing out, you can charter a boat or join an organised fishing trip on a boat out of Great Yarmouth harbour. Take a half day or whole day excursion and enjoy all of the fun of being out on the water. 

7. Grab A Bargain

Anyone seeking a spot of retail therapy will love exploring Great Yarmouth’s fabulous two day market which is held every Saturday and Wednesday at the town’s historic market place.

Around 100 traders come here every week selling all kinds of great value merchandise from clothing and food to accessories and toys. On rainy days, why not explore the undercover market which is open 6 days a week and is home to 35 stalls where you can buy everything from collectibles and DVDs to fresh fruit and vegetables.

Great Yarmouth is also home to Julie’s Gigantic Car Boot Sale – a fun day out for all the family where you can browse through a massive array of stalls selling bric a brac, plants, food and toys. With around 100 traders on site every Sunday, you’re sure to find a bargain, whatever you’re looking for.