Beaches

Our sandy beaches stretch almost continuously for over 15 miles and have been awarded both the coveted Blue Flag and Marine Conservation Society awards.

You cannot bring dogs to the main tourist sections between 1 May and 30 September. These sections are outlined in the following maps:

• Between Britannia Pier and Wellington Pier, Central Beach Great Yarmouth (PDF) [484KB] (opens new window)
• Between the harbour mouth and the ravine at Gorleston (PDF) [267KB] (opens new window)

You must keep dogs on a lead at all times on the adjacent promenade, and must clear up after them.

Over recent years there have been a number of incidents along the length of Britain's coastline of oil and fat deposits being washed up. Palm oil, which comes in solid white lumps, can be toxic to dogs if ingested. If you find any deposits, please report them to Great Yarmouth Services Ltd.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution provides a lifeguard, first aid and child tagging service on Central beach, Gorleston beach and Hemsby beach during the summer months.

We also have a Shoreline management plan, which outlines how we aim to maintain a sustainable coastline.

Advice is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on inflatable play equipment, including requirements relating to annual inspections. Please refer to the HSE's What is inflatable play equipment? (opens new window) page for further information.

Any queries should be raised with the HSE (opens new window).

Our torpedo buoys are important safety aids. If you notice a damaged one, please contact us at 01493 856100.

You do not need permission to use a metal detector on Great Yarmouth beach or Gorleston beach. For any other beaches, you will need permission from the relevant Parish Council (opens new window). You will need to let us know if you are carrying out commercial metal detecting, and you must contact us within 14 days if you find any treasure.

You cannot use metal detectors in any of our parks or open spaces.

In the interests of public safety, the lighting of fires and barbecues on Great Yarmouth Borough Council's beaches is prohibited.

Great Yarmouth introduced specially designed beach wheelchairs in 2014 with large pneumatic wheels which just slide over sand so that you can all enjoy the beach.

Whether it's a lazy day on the sand, or a brisk stroll along the beach in spring or autumn with the dog, come and hire a beach wheelchair so that everyone in the family can enjoy the sand.

Pushers are required as it is tricky to manhandle the wheels in the usual way.

Please note that you must be able to transfer yourself from your usual wheelchair onto a beach wheelchair as unfortunately we do not have a hoist available. The chairs are supplied with a chest strap but do not have a head support. The maximum weight is 18 stone (252 lbs / 114kg). Users should be at least 3' (92cm) tall to fit in the chair.

Two beach wheelchairs are available, one for Great Yarmouth beach and one for Gorleston beach. Hire is free but pre-booking is essential. One booking per day is taken for each wheelchair. 

Great Yarmouth beach wheelchair

To book the Great Yarmouth beach wheelchair:

• email marketing@great-yarmouth.gov.uk with the date you would like to hire the wheelchair and include a contact telephone number

We will send you a copy of the hire terms and conditions for you to read, sign and return.

The Great Yarmouth beach wheelchair is located at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth on Marine Parade. You can store your traditional wheelchair at SEA LIFE while using the beach wheelchair. The wheelchair must be returned by 4pm to SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth. 

Gorleston beach wheelchair

To book the Gorleston beach wheelchair:

• Gorleston Beach Wheelchair (opens new window)

The Gorleston beach wheelchair is located in a kiosk on the Lower Esplanade (NR31 6BT). On the morning of your booking, a code will be sent via email to unlock the padlock on the kiosk to access the beach wheelchair. You can store your traditional wheelchair in the kiosk while using the beach wheelchair. 

The Gorleston beach wheelchair kiosk was co-funded by the EXPERIENCE project in partnership with Great Yarmouth Borough Council. EXPERIENCE is a €24.5m project led by Norfolk County Council to promote experiential tourism and sustainable economic growth. 

EXPERIENCE is co-financed (€16.9 million) by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interreg France (Channel) England Programme under the Natural & Cultural Assets funding category.