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Within a few miles of Great Yarmouth, up and down the coast which is noted for its wide, sandy beaches, are several smaller places popular with family holidaymakers.
Just north of Yarmouth is Caister-on-Sea, dating from Roman times as its name suggests. The first Romans arrived in the first century, and footings of Roman buildings can be seen along the main street. The town used to be called Caister-next-Yarmouth, until, in 1927, presumably in a bid to establish its own identity and to show that it wasn't a mere satellite of its big brash neighbour, it officially became Caister-on-Sea.
A castle dating from the 1300s houses a collection of classic cars, and another aspect of the motoring scene is presented by stockcar racing. Caister also has a greyhound stadium.
Neighbouring California (let your friends think you're in San Francisco) has amusements at the top of its low cliffs. Just to the north, Scratby's beach shelters beneath cliffs. Householders all along this stretch of coastline get slightly nervous about reports of cliff erosion.
Hemsby, formerly an important village fishing community, holds its annual Herring Festival in September. It was first settled by Danish invaders but is now a self-contained resort with all the trimmings – funfair, bingo, discos, cabaret venues, dancing, children's play areas and entertainment for all. Dunes decorate the sandy beaches.
To the north is Winterton-on-Sea, a quieter resort with sandy beach flanked by dunes, and a 12th century church.
South of Yarmouth are popular Gorleston-on-Sea, with its beach chalets, seaside shows at the Pavilion, casino, bingo and amusement park, and Hopton-on-Sea, a seaside village with amusement arcades and a nightclub.
About five miles south-west of Yarmouth are the villages of St Olaves and Fritton, where the attractions include Caldecott Hall, falconry displays, heavy horses, Redwings horse and donkey sanctuary and Fritton Lake Countryworld.
St Olaves is an important boating centre on the River Waveney.
At Fleggburgh, The Village is a 35-acre theme park presenting village scenes and activities from yesteryear – enough to keep you fascinated all day. Traditional fairground rides, crafts, working steam appliances, traction engines and vintage vehicles, puppet shows, a great old cinema organ, shops and live shows keep the whole family entertained.
Nearby are two places to see animals: exotic reptiles, leopards, tigers, giant salamanders and birds at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens at Filby, and the Norfolk Rare Breeds Centre – a fine collection of domestic farm animals, donkeys and heavy horses at Ormesby St Michael. It has a farm museum and is open daily except Saturdays from late March to late October and on Sundays in winter.
Burgh Castle, on the River Waveney west of Yarmouth, has a yacht marina and a whole selection of family holiday parks. Half a mile from the village centre, overlooking the river, are the remains of Gariannonum, a 3rd century Roman fort, accessible only on foot.
