Heritage and arts

Great Yarmouth features a number of remarkable heritage sites, some of which are at risk and in need of repair and restoration. 

Venetian Waterways and Boating Lake

In partnership with the Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust, Great Yarmouth Borough Council was awarded £1.7m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for the restoration and enhancement of the unique Grade II listed park dating back to 1926-28. The scheme reinstated the beautiful and vibrant planting that originally existed, reopened the Boating Lake and provides a variety of training opportunities and activities linked to horticulture and traditional building skills.

Work on the site took place between the summers of 2018 and 2019, with the site reopening on 20 August 2019. The Island Cafe, currently run by the Access Community Trust, includes the hire of pedalos and rowing boats on the lake. You can get involved in helping to look after this community park by visiting The Waterways website (opens new window). 

The Winter Gardens

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is working with a team of consultants to prepare a Stage 1 application to the NLHF in order to repair and conserve the remarkable glass and iron structure dating back to 1883. The Winter Gardens were originally erected in Torquay, but moved to Great Yarmouth in 1903. The Winter Gardens are currently listed on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. An outdoor exhibition around the Winter Gardens is available to view and showcases some of the town's historic tourism posters and photographs accompanied by a timeline of events. 

If you have any queries, or would like further details, please contact our Conservation team.