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Gorleston-on-Sea Tourist Information


Gorleston-on-Sea is a village of around 5,800 residents just south of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. Often known simply as Gorleston, it is located on the banks of the River Yare. A red brick lighthouse guides local boats and supply ships serving local gas rigs around the tricky bend into the river estuary.

Gorleston-on-Sea has a long history dating back to 1086 when it was listed in the Domesday Book for its salt pans. By the Middle Ages two manors had developed - Gorleston Manor, which still remains, and Bacons Manor. Moving on from its salt pan industry, the town became a major port for herring fishing and tourism in the Victorian era.

Such was the town's importance it had three railway stations, the final one closing back in 1970.

Famous local residents include footballer Jeremy Goss, who played for Norwich City, and singer Myleene Klass from the pop group Hear-Say. Another Gorleston hero was William Adams who lived in the area from 1864 to 1913 and was a swimming instructor. He is credited with saving 140 people from drowning in many different incidents during his time as a bathing hut attendant on Gorleston Beach.



Present Day Gorleston-on-Sea

Gorleston today has much to recommend it. It has retained its elegant Edwardian charm around the seafront which has well maintained park gardens. The local high street supports several small supermarket chains and pharmacies. Along the seafront are numerous cafés and beach shops, two large hotels and many smaller guesthouses.

The town has a new library, a choice of restaurants and several pubs. On Baker Street there is a Parish Church and the remains of a much older Priory which was probably the source of the Gorleston Psalter manuscript and some medieval brasses which are now in the British Museum.

With good schools, a small hospital and the popular Gorleston Golf Club to the south of the town, it offers a good quality of life for locals. The cliffs separate the town from the fine sandy beach which boasts clean waters and has blue flag status.



Things to do in Gorleston-on-Sea

Visitors to Gorleston-on-Sea should enjoy a stroll along the promenade to the RNLI lifeboat station on Riverside Road. It was founded there in 1866 and now has a Trent class lifeboat and a smaller inshore lifeboat which are manned by brave locals.

The long sandy beach is popular in summer and is rarely crowded. It is ideal for families to dig in the sand, play games, swim or relax in a deck chair. It is a popular beach for windsurfing. At the foot of the cliffs there is a paddling pool and yacht pond, a bowling green and tennis courts.

Guests can stroll along the clifftop and enjoy the views of the beach, pier and harbour mouth. There is also a pitch-and-putt course and a bingo hall. The Gorleston Pavilion puts on a lively theatre program during the busier summer months with a varied range of plays and entertainment.

Places of interest to visit around Gorleston-on-Sea are the Time and Tide Museum, the Great Yarmouth Row Houses, Greyfriars building and the Berney Arms windmill.

 

Images of Gorleston-on-Sea
Gorleston Boat Pond © Jackie Nash
Directions
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Attractions near Gorleston-on-Sea
Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre (2 Miles)*
The magical marine world of Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre will introduce you to many beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep.
Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life (2 Miles)*
Set in one of the UK's best preserved Victorian herring curing works, Time and Tide tells the story of Great Yarmouth from its Ice Age origins to the present day.
The Tolhouse (3 Miles)*
Visit one of the UK's oldest gaols, dating back to the 12th century. See the original cells and discover the fate of thieves, smugglers, witches, pirates and murderers.
more attractions in Gorleston-on-Sea and things to do in Gorleston-on-Sea ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near Gorleston-on-Sea

Attractions:
  Great Yarmouth Sea Life Centre  2 Miles
  Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life  2 Miles
  Elizabethan House Museum  3 Miles
more attractions in Gorleston-on-Sea...
 
Towns:
  Belton  1 Mile
  Hopton on Sea  2 Miles
  Southtown  2 Miles
more towns near Gorleston-on-Sea...
 
Estate Agents:
  Charles Hawkins  1 Mile
  Aldreds Residential  1 Mile
  Howards Chartered Surveyors  3 Miles
Hotels:
  Cliff Hotel  1 Mile
  Travelodge (Travel Lodge) Great Yarmouth  1 Mile
  Pier Hotel  1 Mile
more hotels in Gorleston-on-Sea area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:

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Self Catering:
  Stones Throw  <1 Mile
  Midway Seafront Holiday Flats  1 Mile
  midway holiday flats  1 Mile
more self catering near Gorleston-on-Sea...
 
Campsites:
  Cherry Tree Holiday Park  2 Miles
  Broadland Sands Holiday Park  3 Miles
  Breydon Water Holiday Park  3 Miles
TIC: Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01493 842195  3 Miles



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Towns near Gorleston-on-Sea
Belton Tourist Information (1 Mile)*
Belton is a beautiful village on the outskirts of Gorleston-on-Sea. It's a great place for lovers of the outdoors, walkers and those interested in history and architecture.
Hopton on Sea Tourist Information (2 Miles)*
Hopton-on-Sea with its wide sandy beaches is just six miles south of Great Yarmouth. It is best known for hosting the World Indoor Bowls Championships each January in a series of tournaments at Potters.
Southtown Tourist Information (2 Miles)*
more towns near Gorleston-on-Sea...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Gorleston-on-Sea
Cliff Hotel (1 Mile)*
Situated on the Cliff overlooking the harbour and just a short walk away from Gorleston's beach and promenade. The popular resort of Great Yarmouth is only 5 minutes away.
The Embassy Hotel (2 Miles)*
200 metres from the beach, opposite the Sea Life Centre, The Embassy Hotel is under new family ownership and offers new restaurant and bar menus. The Embassy Hotel is easily accessed by the A12 or A47 roads. All are welcome, including group bookings.
Star Hotel (3 Miles)*
With a stunning black and white facade and some parts dating back to the 17th century, the Star Hotel oozes historic character and is one of Great Yarmouth's most unique buildings.
more Gorleston-on-Sea hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Gorleston-on-Sea
Manor Cottage (1 Mile)*
The cottage is Edwardian and attached to North Manor House, an 18th century building. This is a single cottage operated by the owner. The cottage offers comfortable 2 bedroom accommodation.
Poppy Cottage (2 Miles)*
Well appointed and nicely furnished to a high standard throughout for non smokers, Poppy Cottage offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Located in the centre of this thriving coastal village, just on the borders of Norfolk and Suffolk.
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* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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