A seaside town on the east coast of England, Great Yarmouth is known for its sandy beaches, traditional seaside attractions and rich maritime history. But the resort town isn’t just a nostalgic holiday destination. With a blend of coastal charm and modern convenience, it’s the perfect place to settle down for anyone seeking a more relaxed lifestyle without compromising amenities or community.
Great Yarmouth has a long maritime history. Originally a Roman fishing port, the town became one of Britain’s most important ports for the herring industry. In fact, one of the earliest records of herring fishing in Great Yarmouth appears in the Domesday book! Despite bombing during both World Wars, the town retains many historical landmarks, including the second most complete medieval town wall in England and several Georgian buildings.
With property prices significantly lower than the national average, Great Yarmouth is particularly attractive for first-time buyers or anyone looking for a home that won’t break the bank. First-time buyers in Great Yarmouth paid, on average, £179,000 in August 2024 compared to an overall national house price average of £338,000.
With most homes in Great Yarmouth privately rented, the town has a wide range of affordable housing options for tenants of all kinds, from young professionals to families. The average monthly private rent in Great Yarmouth was £723 in September 2024, compared to a national average of £1295.
The town has a wide range of schools for every stage of learning. In the primary sector, Great Yarmouth Primary Academy, St Nicholas Priory CofE VA Primary School, and Cobholm Primary School have all been rated “Good” in their recent Ofsted inspections. For secondary education, Ormiston Venture Academy received an “Outstanding” rating, while Great Yarmouth Charter Academy was rated “Good.” East Coast College also offers A Levels, apprenticeships, adult courses and degrees in a range of subjects.
Despite its position on the coastline of Norfolk, Great Yarmouth has excellent transport links to major towns and cities. Norwich is just a short 40-minute train journey away, and from there, commuters can easily access Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford, Cambridge and London Liverpool Street. For drivers, the A47 provides a direct route to Norwich, while the A12 connects the town to Suffolk and beyond.
As a gateway to the Norfolk broads, Great Yarmouth is perfectly located for nature lovers. With scenic walks and boat rides through wildlife-filled rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the Broads National Park offers an unmissable day out. But you don't have to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors. With 15 miles of golden, sandy beaches, various nature reserves and walking trails, Great Yarmouth has plenty of spaces to relax, unwind and recharge.
There is no shortage of things to do in this seaside town. Families will have endless fun on the rides at Great Yarmouth Pleasure beach or stomping (carefully!) around Merrivale Model Village. Get up close to the marine life at The Sea Life aquarium or learn more about the history of the local area at the Time and Tide Museum. There are also several retail parks and theatres to explore.
It wouldn’t be a seaside town without a classic fish and chips and ice-cream sundae, but Great Yarmouth has much more on offer for its hungry residents. With a range of restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, pubs, bars and takeaways, the town has something for everyone. Pop to The Grayling for a classic carvery or enjoy afternoon tea on an alfresco terrace at The Waterside Rollesby.
With so many seaside towns and villages bordering Great Yarmouth, there is plenty to discover in the surrounding area. Drive to ‘sunny hunny’ Hunstanton to enjoy seal safaris and heritage gardens. Enjoy snorkelling in Cromer or go crabbing at Wells-next-the-Sea. Don’t miss the sand and shingle beach at Sheringham, where you can explore 1000 acres of woodland parkland.
Hooked on Great Yarmouth? Let us know! We have a wide range of stunning homes available to buy and rent in the area. Give us a call at 01493 509362, send us an email at gtyarmouth@howards.co.uk or come in and visit our Great Yarmouth branch.