Though administratively part of Great Yarmouth, and linked to that town by Haven Bridge and the newer structure further up river as well as the old ferry, Gorleston is a very separate entity with its own rather more genteel identity. Sitting to the south of the river Yare that forms the border with much of Suffolk, for most of its history – and that history stretches back farther than Great Yarmouth’s – Gorleston was in Suffolk, not Norfolk as it is today. In 1835 Gorleston was made a part of the borough of Great Yarmouth, but it remained in Suffolk until 1891. With the Yarmouth roads providing protection to shipping, and the great harbour shared by Yarmouth and Gorleston, the town was an important fishing port for centuries, herring being the main catch associated with the port, though cod aplenty was landed here too. In the 19th century the fleet was so numerous that it is said you could walk from Gorleston to Yarmouth across the boats moored there. Sea-bathing began to be of some significance in the 19th century, and travellers enjoyed the fine hotels built in the resort in late Victorian times: the Cliff Hotel, Pier Hotel, and Gables amongst others. But it was in 1903 when the railway finally came to the town that numbers of tourists soared. There was – and is - much for tourists to enjoy from Edwardian times through to the present. While Yarmouth had its piers and amusement arcades, Pleasure Beach and nightclubs, Gorleston tended to appeal to the quieter sort: the cliff-top gardens; bowling greens, putting green and tennis courts were and remain for the more discerning visitor. For children the excellent beach was the great draw, with the lovely colourful beach huts in the not too distant past forming a great backdrop to the scene. And there was and is a great yacht pond. A stroll along Marine Parade above the beach is rewarding, some interesting architecture to be seen from the 30s and 60s in particular. Lower down near the harbour is Riverside Road, with some pretty fishermen’s cottages still evident. Here too is Gorleston pier, actually just a breakwater and entrance to the harbour, but a great – and free- spot for fishing, with codling, whiting and in season bass to be had by those who know what they are doing. The parish church, St Andrew’s, is an imposing building, its tower said to have been used as a lookout during the Napoleonic wars, though it is by no means next to the sea. Some lovely crinkle-crankle walling is to be found in a stroll around the town. And there are some wonderful pubs to be discovered, not least the listed Short Blue, a reminder of the days when Gorleston was in its heyday as a fishing port.
Dentist
Dental Surgery
John G Plummer & Associates
Doctor
Golf Club
Pub and Bar
Albion
Belle Vue
Cap and Gown
Dock Tavern
Dukes Head
Fastolfe Arms
Feathers
Kevill Arms
Lord Nelson
Magdalen Arms
Oddfellows Arms Public House
Three Tuns Free House
Wheelwright Arms
White Lion Inn
Restaurant
Berry’s RestaurantCap and Gown
Dock Tavern
Dukes Head
Kevill Arms
Lord Nelson
Raj Indian
Shanghai
Three Tuns Free House
Wheelwright Arms
School
Cliff Park High School
Peterhouse First School
Solicitor
Taxi
Theatre
Sports Clubs
Great Yarmouth & Gorleston Sailing Club (Sailing)
Places to Stay near Gorleston
Avalon Hotel (0.40 miles)
All Seasons Lodge Hotel (0.40 miles)
A friendly, family-run hotel, All Seasons Lodge Hotel near Great Yarmouth is perfectly located just a short walk away from the beautiful, sandy beaches of Gorleston. All Seasons Lodge Hotel boasts a ... More
Cliff Hotel (0.47 miles)
The Cliff Hotel overlooks the harbour, and is just a short walk from Gorleston's Beach and promenade. This 3 star rated hotel offers a special blend of luxury accommodation and friendly service.
The hotel is one ... More | visit website
Travelodge Great Yarmouth (1.12 miles)
This Travelodge provides contemporary quality accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Spacious en-suite rooms, television in every room, tea and coffee making facilities, free parking plus on site catering make Travelodges ... More | visit website
The Southern (1.93 miles)
A former merchant's house, these family-run licensed premises rest in a quiet location, overlooking private grounds, yet close to all the town's attractions and amenities. With the current proprietors, The Southern has undergone a major refurbishment ... More | visit website
Chequers Guest House (1.94 miles)
The Chequers (1.94 miles)
Our small, family-run, 4-star guest house is situated within easy reach of the beach, the town centre and all the other attractions that Great Yarmouth has to offer.
We have a choice of single, double/twin rooms ... More | visit website
Taunton House Hotel (2.00 miles)
Comfort Hotel Great Yarmouth (2.05 miles)
A warm and welcoming hotel makes a pleasant change whether you come for a well-earned rest, a family holiday, a business trip or wedding. The 3-star Comfort Hotel in Great Yarmouth is a flexible family-friendly ... More | visit website
The Corner House Hotel (2.05 miles)
Just one minute’s walk away from Great Yarmouth’s seafront, this large double bay-fronted Victorian house provides comfortable accommodation, complimented by a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, within an attractive prize-winning garden. The perfect adult ... More
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