Homes with a sea view and lots going on for all ages, these neighbouring east coast towns have plenty to offer
It might be best known as a traditional holiday hot spot, attracting thousands of visitors every year, but Great Yarmouth and its neighbour Gorleston are also great places to call home.
Whether you are a family with young children or a retiree looking to enjoy your free time by the seaside, the towns and nearby villages offer a wide range of properties to suit all tastes and budgets. In recent years, the area has undergone major regeneration and investment, benefiting not just local business and industry, but also residents.
For those who want to make the most of the coastal setting, in Gorleston a traditional four bedroomed detached house with a sea view can be found for around £500,000, with those on streets set a little further back from the seafront starting at around £350,000. Terrace houses start from about £100,000 and there a number of bungalows in both towns in the region of £200,000, most of which are just a stone’s throw from the sea.
In the surrounding villages, there are some beautiful period homes and country cottages to be found, as well as modern housing developments offering affordable family homes. The towns have a good choice of primary and high schools as well as Great Yarmouth College and East Norfolk Sixth Form Collge in Gorleston which offer a wide range of courses for students aged 16 upwards - between them these learning establishments enable students to undertake degrees, enrol on an apprenticeship or do a business course, attain A-Levels, diplomas and other qualifications that will take them into higher education or the world of work.
Great Yarmouth has a busy town centre and ever popular traditional market, and there is also a wide range of out-of-town retailers close to both towns. As well as its bustling high street, Gorleston has some fantastic cafes and bars - to soak up the sea views visit The Cliff Hotel, and for a more laid-back vintage vibe, head to Margo’s Lounge for tea and cake.
Not only are both towns blessed with wide expanses of golden sand, they have plenty of amenities to suit all interests and ages.
For those who enjoy an active life, there are long walks to enjoy along the beach, bowling greens, parks and plenty of sports facilities.
Head to the northern end of Yarmouth’s Golden Mile and enjoy the peace and quiet across the dunes where you can spot plenty of birdlife.
In Gorleston, the clifftop greens and wide promenade overlooking the sea are brilliant for families – and a stop at Jay Jay’s at the Beach for breakfast is a real weekend treat.
Yarmouth also has some excellent museums – including Time and Tide and The Tolhouse museum - all celebrating the town’s rich heritage. Throughout the year, there is also a host of colourful festivals, from arts and sport to heritage and culture – so you will never be short of things to do, whatever the season.
