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 Great Yarmouth for nine hundred years but it is only in the last two hundred years that the seaside has become the main attraction. The monuments of Great Yarmouth's long and unique history are spread throughout the town.

Great Yarmouth has a rich and proud maritime heritage and once boasted being the one of the wealthiest town in Britain on account of its prosperous herring industry. In 1724 Daniel Defoe was compelled to say that the town had "the finest quay in England, if not Europe". South Quay has recently been restored to resemble its former glory with a tree-lined avenue and walkway beside the river.

Visit our Historical Great Yarmouth page for information on our historic sites and the town’s links with Nelson who often set sail from Great Yarmouth in search of glory.

Official Town Guides conduct guided heritage walks in Great Yarmouth from May to October. You have the choice of four great heritage walks , which explore the medieval town walls, Great Yarmouth’s maritime connections and the historic town centre.

For further information please contact Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre