1.    Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

2.    Things to do

3.    Local Villages

4.    Norfolk Broads - Hickling Broad  http://wildsofnorfolk.co.uk   

5.    Norfolk Broads - The River Thurne  http://www.broadsnet.co.uk

6.    Emergency contacts

1. GREAT YARMOUTH, Norfolk

Beaches
There are over 15 miles of sandy beaches within the Great Yarmouth area, from Winterton-on-Sea in the north to Hopton-on-Sea in the south. It`s all part of a great coastline offering an attractive blend of wide sandy beaches, sand dunes and cliffs � all in all, the toast of the Norfolk Coast.

Outdoor Activities
Thrills and spills, sun and fun � these are the ingredients for a happy holiday. There`s always something for everyone, with funfairs to fireworks, boat trips to novelty golf and bowling to strolling.

Indoor Activities
Whatever the weather, Great Yarmouth has a wealth of indoor activities for all ages and tastes. You`ll find that there`s too much for a day or even a week, so you will just have to save some things until next time.

Heritage
Once considered as one of the wealthiest towns in Britain due to its prosperous herring industry, Great Yarmouth has a rich and proud history with museums and monuments spread throughout the town.

Norfolk Broads and Countryside
As well as being famous as a seaside holiday resort, the Greater Yarmouth area is also widely renowned for the beautiful Norfolk countryside which surrounds it � mile after mile of open land, with traditional old windmills, wind pumps and the tranquil sight of ships` sails gliding across the horizon. The waterways, our famous Norfolk Broads, are an important part of East Anglia`s cultural heritage, and how better to see them than from a Great Yarmouth base.

Shopping
Great Yarmouth puts the fun back into shopping, whether in the high street chain stores, some of the quirky local shops or the more traditional seaside shops. Market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays all year and on Fridays as well during the summer months.

Trip the night fantastic
When the sun goes down, Great Yarmouth becomes a wonderland of colour as our seafront illuminations light your way to a night out on the town to enjoy our theatres, nightclubs, cinemas and casinos.

Special Events
Great Yarmouth hosts special events ranging from fetes to festivals, carnivals to concerts and fireworks displays on the seafront to add to your holiday experience.

2. THINGS TO DO

Angling
Great Yarmouth is the ideal base for those wishing to take advantage of the vast angling potential of the area. Within a 25 mile radius lie the Norfolk Broads, most of which are interconnected by rivers to give miles of bank fishing and thousands of acres of boat angling. All tastes are catered for with many species of freshwater fish in plenty. All anglers are statutorily required to purchase a National Rod Fishing licence.
Information fact sheet available from Tourism Services Tel. 01493 846345.

Billiards & Snooker
Merlins sports bar, Apsley Road, off Trafalgar Road, Great Yarmouth .

Bowls
There are Cumberland Turf and Grass greens available in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, bowls and shoes are for hire. Great Yarmouth Open Bowls Festival commencing Sunday 27th August to Friday 15th September 2006. There are also facilities at many other villages in the borough.

Cricket
Cricket is played on the Beaconsfield recreation ground in Great Yarmouth, Gorleston Recreation ground (synthetic pitch) and Southtown Common. There are pitches in many of the villages of the borough also.

Golf
Great Yarmouth and Caister Golf Club, Yarmouth Road, Caister Tel. 01493 720421. 18 holes, 6330 yards

Gorleston Golf Club, Warren Lane, Gorleston Tel. 01493 662103. 18 holes, 6400 yards; Club-house, P.G.A. professional, dress code applies at both clubs. Visitors welcome

Caldecott Hall Golf and Leisure Club, Fritton Tel. 01493 488488. 18 hole main and 9 hole par 3 courses. Restaurant and bar, floodlit driving range, Professional. Visitors welcome.

Fritton Lake Countryworld, Fritton Tel 01493 488208. 9 hole par 3 golf course. Beautiful lakeside location, with well maintained greens, raised tees and sand bunkers.

Pitch & Putt
Bure park, Caister Road, Great Yarmouth.18 hole course, picnic area and children�s playground. Open in summer from 10.00am till dusk. Tel. 01493 843621

Browston Hall Country Club, Browston Lane, Browston. 9 hole par 3 pitch and putt course and driving range. Tel 01493 603511

Sailing
The harbour, port, rivers (both Rivers Yare and Bure) and waterways that are in the vicinity of Great Yarmouth are under the jurisdiction of the Great Yarmouth Port Authority,20 South Quay, Great Yarmouth. For regulations, facilities, charges, etc. apply direct to that authority Tel. 01493 335500. Further inland waterways are under the jurisdiction of the Broads Authority Tel. 01603 610734.

At Burgh Castle Marina launching facilities are available which gives quick access to the Rivers Yare and Waveney. Tel. 01493 780331 minimum charge and weekly rate. Service not provided on a daily basis.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Sailing Club is a dinghy sailing club Tel. 01603 629992 or 612035. It has a boat park on Gorleston Pier and launching near the Pier Hotel. Racing takes place every Sunday from May to October. Members of other yacht clubs are invited to use the facilities of the club on a day membership basis.

Skateboarding, BMX and Inline Skating
The Park Warehouse in Great Yarmouth is East Anglia`s newest indoor SK8 and BMX Park. Situated in a totally refurbished 14,000 square feet warehouse with ultra smooth concrete floor, toilets, reception, Skate shop, cafe and first aid room.  First floor viewing area with 3 pool tables.  Many ramps and a granite ledge.

Squash
Marina Leisure Centre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth. Two courts available, to book Tel. 01493 852607

Swimming Pools
Marina Leisure Centre, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth Tel. 01493 851521. Indoor heated pool with wave machine, water chute and indoor beach, also, uni-sex sauna and childrens play area. Open daily from 10.00am.

Phoenix pool. off Mallard Way, Bradwell. Tel 01493 664575. Indoor heated open all year. Call for open sessions.

Burgh Hall, Lords Lane, Bradwell Tel. 01493 780333. Heated outdoor pool, summer opening only.

Tennis
There are hard courts on the Wellesley Recreation Grounds and North Drive in Great Yarmouth and on the Cliffs at Gorleston.

Ten Pin Bowling
Regent Bowl, Regent Road, Great Yarmouth. 22 lanes, air conditioned. Computerised scoring, bumpers and ramps available. Fully licensed bar and snack bar. Open all year, every day 10.00am till midnight. Bookings taken Tel. 01493 856830.

Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival

The 7^th annual Maritime Festival, a celebration of the Borough`s seafaring heritage and fishing industry with a mixture of maritime crafts, maritime music and visiting vessels as well as costumed folk giving heritage tours to nearby historical sites, fresh fish stalls and shanty men singing traditional folk songs.  Saturday 9^th & Sunday 10^th September 2006. 

3. LOCAL VILLAGES

The countryside surrounding Great Yarmouth is dotted with charming villages, each with its own identity, special attraction and history. You will find medieval churches, windpumps and windmills all punctuating the skyline. Many traditional pursuits such as eel-catching and reed-cutting are still continued today.

Belton
Belton has a village green with cottages and shop as well as its own holiday parks, pubs and a restaurant.

Burgh Castle
At Burgh Castle there are now no fewer than five holiday parks, a riverside holiday village and a yacht marina, all adding to the summer population. Half a mile from the village centre stands the ruins of the Roman Fortress of Gariannonum, a Roman fort which is one of Britain`s best preserved relics of the Roman era. From the three-sided boundary the view over the river and countryside depicts a perfect Norfolk setting.

Clippesby and Mautby
Nestling amongst tranquil surrounds are numerous secluded spots with a range of holiday accommodation including holiday cottages, a mill, a former coach house and touring sites. Surrounded by beautiful countryside but not too far from the nearest friendly tea room or village pub.

Fleggburgh, Thrigby and Filby
Visit Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens where a superb collection of mammals, birds and reptiles can be seen in pleasantly landscaped grounds and gardens. Nearby, at the Norfolk Rare Breed Centre and Farm, there`s a collection of rare breeds set amidst a working farm.
Filby is a treasure trove of floral delights, winning the Best Small Village in Britain in the 2002 Britain in Bloom competition and the Best Small Village award in the 2003 Anglia in Bloom competition for the 5th year running.

Fritton and St Olaves
Fritton and St Olaves, four or five miles to the south-west of Great Yarmouth, form the outmost villages of `Greater Yarmouth`, perhaps best known for Fritton Lake Countryworld and Caldecott Hall. Between them they offer golf, riverside walks, falconry displays, boating, putting, shire horses, an equestrian centre and a bar, a restaurant and a tea room. This is now also the home for Redwings Horse Sanctuary which provides a caring home for rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. St Olaves, crossing point of the River Waveney, is a boating haven with its own riverside pub and popular restaurant.

Martham
On approaching Martham from any direction, the church of St Mary stands proud on a small rise surrounded by trees. The many walks around Martham and the surrounding villages give the visitors a perfect excuse to leave the car behind and sample country life at its best.

Ormesby St Margaret
Ormesby St Margaret is a mile or so inland from the coast with an unusually large two-acre village green which acts as a focal point for the village. Travellers in search of the `real` Norfolk need never go hungry or thirsty in these northern parishes of `Greater Yarmouth` for the friendly tea room or village pub can always be found in some idyllic setting.

Rollesby and Thurne
Rollesby has a proud history with first evidence of settlers in this area being around 2000BC and the nearby Rollesby Broad is an ideal spot for fishing and sailing.. Linked to Rollesby Broad is Filby Broad, a peaceful haven for a variety of wildlife, whilst the passing, almost silent, rowing boats create only a gentle interruption amidst an undisturbed setting. To the north is Thurne where two windmills stand either side of the river at the mouth of the dyke.

NORFOLK BROADS

4. Hickling Broad

The author has kindly allowed this extract to be published from http://wildsofnorfolk.co.uk    copyright Wilds of  Norfolk 2003

Hickling broad is part of the 568 hectare �Hickling broad and marshes national nature reserve� (NNR), which in turn forms a section of the �Upper Thurne broads and marshes Site of Special Scientific interest� (SSSI). Being the largest of the broads, and the largest area of open water in East Anglia, we�re pretty proud of it, even though it�s only about 150cm deep!

This is a stunning and wild place any time of year and visiting the reserve is a great opportunity to see how positive management in favour of the wildlife and it�s habitats has really transformed this area into one of the most spectacular places in Norfolk. Unless you take the (highly recommended, but book first) boat trip, you�ll not really see a huge amount of the water, never the less, what you�ll get a genuine feeling for the habitats and wildlife.

Wandering around the trail, stop off and install yourself in the hides, look our over the scrape and reed beds. Scrapes are areas literally �scraped� out (by mechanical means), the water table is so high flooding immediately occurs. The proximity of water combined with beautiful expanses of reed bed makes ideal habitat for incredibly rare species like the Bittern.

We love the Bitterns, they�re an emblem, `a standard` for the great work being done by conservationists in the struggle to change the tide in favour of the endangered flora and fauna. Time was that you`d never hear Bittern but get down here in April now and ...................
Sorry, it appears that I digress from the point, my most profuse apologies, I�ll attempt to chart a more direct course!

The scrape water level  is managed for varying purposes, such as provision of mud to encourage breeding waders and flooding to rejuvenate the mud. Depending on the time of year you could see anything from Green Sandpiper to Bearded Tit (Reedling), the astonishing array of birds is usually written up on the board at the visitor centre, so check first, to see what treats you may have in store. Hang around long enough, and if you�re lucky you might see a Chinese water deer slip out of the margins, look for  his fangs, he can make an incredibly eerie bark during the rut, so listen up. Summer is a good time for Grass snakes, natural swimmers, look for the yellow collar as it curves it�s way across the water, maybe after a frog. Amazing butterflies also abound with arguably the most striking, the Swallowtail present and reasonably visible on hot sunny days at the right time of year, people have come literally hundreds of miles on weekend trips just to catch a glimpse of this �king if the hill� of UK butterflies. I�ve seen a couple whilst out canoeing but never here on the trails, it�s just luck really, and a bit of planning, so come on a fine day in June (the first brood is always the best, I�m reliably informed) or August, and you�ve got as good a chance as anyone else. Once you�ve wandered the trails around the reed beds, fen and even the little wood, (interesting fungi in here), don�t forget the stride on up to Stubb Mill. A telescope is handy here, because you�ll look out over a huge expanse of grazing marsh to Horsey mill and the dunes beyond. I always get up here on a winter�s afternoon, to watch the Raptors come into roost. Basically if you don�t see a Marsh Harrier, you�ve got there too late and it�s already dark, in which case this is an awesome spot for star gazing some of those winter constellations, like Orion or Taurus see if you can make out Cancer  and the Beehive, that amazing dome of sky well I just ca��..
Apologies again! No more deviations.

Anyway imagine the scene. It�s half past three and  no fog to speak of, so scan the vista, Marsh Harriers abound here so look out for the gray and brown male, golden headed female and overall brown juvenile. You can`t believe how happy it makes me to see these birds, only a few years back  you�d be lucky, very lucky, to see a Harrier at all!
Less common, and a real treat, are the ethereal grey male Hen harrier, now look for those black wing tips, the female has no grey but a white ring around it�s rump, hence ringtail (I saw her once out of my back room window, one morning as I was putting washing on the linen horse, a damn good  start to the day)!!!
Count up whilst you`re here, I�ve counted 26 Marsh and 4 Hen in the air together, and I�m sure keener folk than I have seen more.

On any winters trip to �Stubb�, always stay to the �bitter end�.
 You�ll know what I mean when your fingers, and other vital extremities have gone numb. As well as the  Barn owls  this is the best chance to see the fabled Cranes, I�ve seen nine come in, others say thirteen, what an amazing call too, once heard never forgotten! Your eyes will probably pop out of your head just looking, in that semi darkness, but chances are they�ll make your day by drifting in, neck and feet out, before it�s totally dark. For me this is one of the best wildlife experiences anywhere in Norfolk.

Getting there : Grid ref TG 428222.Leave  the A149 & travel towards Hickling then following  the signs, turn off past the Greyhoung Inn and then left up Stubb Road

Amenities : Parking, Visitor Centre, Wheelchair Access & toilets, boat trip, Hides

Need more information : Call 01692 598276
 The author has kindly allowed the above extract to be published from http://wildsofnorfolk.co.uk   copyright Wilds of  Norfolk 2003

5. The River Thurne, Norfolk Broads The author has kindly allowed this extract to be published from http://www.broadsnet.co.uk West Somerton to Candle Dyke including Horsey Mere and Hickling Broad, Norfolk Broads The River Thurne rises near Martham Broad and flows for 5 � miles to Thurne Mouth where it joins the Bure. The Thurne is totally different to the Ant being wider more open and wind swept. Hickling Broad the largest on the Norfolk Broads lies to the north through Candle Dyke.   West Somerton There are good moorings in the dyke (fee). The Post Office Stores and Somerton Lion Public House are a 5 minutes walk from the village staithe. The beach at Winterton-on-Sea is a pleasant two mile walk. On leaving the dyke the river flows through Martham Broad, keep to the marked channel. The river from here to Martham Ferry has been designated by the Broads Authority as a `fishing area`, boat users are requested to avoid this stretch before 9 am on Sundays during the fishing season. Martham Broad The broad is very shallow and boats are limited to a narrow marked channel. The broad is a nature reserve of over 140 acres and is managed by the Norfolk Naturalist Trust. The broad is less polluted than others and so is very rich in aquatic life. Birds of all types can also be spotted and during the months of June and July the Swallowtail butterfly may be seen near its favourite food, Milk Parsley. The river takes a sharp turn to the left with the Hundred Stream flowing into it on the right. Vast reed beds line both banks, to the left, a distant wind farm can be seen. Martham Ferry approaches, there are some chalets here and a boatyard, the chain ferry is for farm use and is usually in the open position. Moorings are available near the boatyard. Martham The attractive village of Martham with its fine Georgian houses around the green is well worth a visit. There are a good range of shops and two pubs. Candle Dyke is a � downstream of Martham Ferry and leaves the Thurne to the right. Keep to the marked channel through Heigham Sound. On the right at the north end of Heigham Sound is the entrance to Meadow Dyke, which leads onto Horsey Mere. The channel is narrow and in some ways reminiscent of the Ant. Mooring is possible, but care must be taken not to restrict the passage of other craft. Horsey Mere can look drab on a dull day, but as its a wildfowl sanctuary with cruising discouraged during the winters months, perhaps you will be lucky enough to see it on a warm summers day. The deepest water can be found to the left of the island, the whole broad being very shallow. Horsey Mere Horsey is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), it covers an area of over a 100 acres and was acquired by the National Trust in 1948. It is a popular place for migrating birds who over-winter here. At the eastern end is the staithe (fee), Horsey Mill and the Staithe Stores, where tickets can be purchased to visit the mill. The main brick structure of the present Windpump was built in 1912 with bricks made locally at Martham. It has suffered damage over the years from lighting and in 1987 by gales, but is now fully open to the public, including the gallery which offers outstanding views across the Broads. The village and dunes can be included in a circular walk from the staithe. The Nelson`s Head is a 15 minute walk from the staithe and is listed in the Good Pub Guide. After Heigham Sound, Deep-Go Dyke is reached with moorings on the left bank At White Slea Broad is the thatched Royal Shooting Lodge. More moorings can be found on entering Deep Dyke. Hickling Broad is now entered, despite being the largest broad it is very shallow outside the marked channel, keep between the posts as you cross to the staithe. On the left is the entrance to Catfield Dyke, turn off the main channel when the two white triangle marker posts at the mouth of the dyke are aligned. Catfield Common There are moorings at Catfield Common Staithe, but these waters are only really suitable for small craft. The village of Catfield is 1 � miles to the west. The marked channel now bends northwards towards the Pleasure Boat Inn Staithe, look out for small yachts and windsurfers (very fast). The Houseboats of Whispering Reeds boatyard overlook the broad and are just to the right of the staithe. Keep clear of the sandy bay to the left on entering the dyke. Mooring is available on both sides of the dyke, with a berth kept clear for the water trail. Hickling Broad Covering over 370 acres of open water, it is the largest broad and forms part of a 1400 acre National Nature Reserve owned since 1945 by the Norfolk Naturalists Trust. Like Horsey the water is brackish, even though the North Sea is 3 miles away seepage still occurs. The flora and fauna are encouraged by sensitive management of the marshland pools and reed beds. The astute visitor may see red shank, snipe, bittern and migrants like ospreys, green shank and the rare spoonbill. Hickling is also the place to see the swallowtail butterfly, the largest butterfly in Britain. The angler is also well catered for with some of the best pike fishing in the area. Visitors are asked not to disturb the wildlife or plant life. A 4 mile water trail leaves from the staithe twice daily during the summer taking in both marsh and woodland hides. There are also nature trails which start from the Wardens House. A small information hut is situated to the rear of the Pleasure Boat Inn. Cycle hire is also available at the Hickling Pleasure Boat Stores. Public Telephone. The shops and Greyhound Pub are in Hickling Green a 15 minute walk from the staithe.

Candle Dyke to Thurne Mouth Candle Dyke leaves the main river to the right, the Martham Boat Building and Development boatyard is on the left. A number of holiday chalets and lodges of various age and condition announce the arrival of Potter Heigham, 1 � miles downstream of Candle Dyke There are two bridges at Potter Heigham, the first is the new road bridge, it has 8 ft headroom at average high water. The second is the famous old road bridge, with only 6 ft 9 in headroom at average high water, and the sides fall away sharply to the water in a half circle.

All hire craft except small day boats are required to use the services of the Bridge Pilot, provided free by the Broads Hire Boat Federation. The best time to arrive at the bridge is about two hours before low water. Suitable moorings for craft wishing to lower their windscreen and canopy can be found on the left bank just before the bypass bridge. On the right bank the Broads Authority have provided a dingy park and a mooring point for yachts to raise or lower their masts. On passing through the bypass bridge, immediately on the left is the pick up point for the Bridge Pilot while on the right there are moorings for craft not passing through the old road bridge. Potter Heigham To many people Potter Heigham is the area around the medieval bridge   the main village is, however, � a mile to the north, but few visitors stray further than the shops that cluster around the River Thurne. The largest of the shops is Lathams, where you will find everything from groceries to fishing tackle. There are a number of boatyards here, all of which offer day boat hire. A day boat would be ideal for skippers of large craft unable to pass through the bridge. There is also a Broads Authority Information Centre, open throughout the season on Bridge Road. The old Herbert Woods Tower was demolished in 1999 and was rebuilt during the early part of 2000. The views from the Penthouses on the upper floors are extensive. The area around the old road bridge has been tidied up over the years, it now has dykes reserved for small craft to moor, and makes an ideal spot to watch the Bridge Pilots take large hire craft through the low bridge. A gauge at the bridge gives the height underneath. Immediately under the bridge on the left bank is the Bridge Pilot Pickup Point, on the right are small dykes suitable for day boats. Keep well clear of the bridge and over to the right when travelling upstream to the Bridge Pilot`s mooring point. Mooring is available for people wishing to stop at Potter Heigham on the left bank and on the right under the footbridge at Broads Haven the Herbert Woods boatyard. From here to just below Repps Staithe the banks are lined with holiday chalets and summer houses. On the right bank 1 � miles below Potter Heigham is Womack Dyke leading to Womack Water and the village of Ludham. The moorings at Womack Water can often be full, but moorings can be found on both banks of the dyke and on a small island to the left of Hunter`s Yard - home of the Norfolk Heritage Fleet Trust. The island and left bank of the dyke has no access to the village, on the right bank a footpath can be followed to Womack Water. The staithe at Womack Water has water and litter receptacles, mooring is stern-on. The Wherry `Albion` The Albion was built by B. Brighton in 1898 at Oulton Broad, she is 58` long and 15` wide and just under 23 tons in weight. She has the traditional black sail, but unlike other clinker-built Wherries, she was built with planks joined flush at the seams- carvel-built. Like other Wherries she was used by Colman`s of Norwich as a lighter. Her working days are long gone and now she is maintained by the Norfolk Wherry Trust and when not sailing the Broads, she can be seen at her base in Womack Dyke. Womack Water and Ludham The attractive village of Ludham with its impressive 14th century church, is a short walk from the staithe. There are a good range of shops and one pub the King`s Arms. A Public Telephone is situated near the church. Continuing downstream you can not fail to notice the white painted Thurne Mill, it marks the entrance to Thurne Dyke and Thurne village, 1 mile below Womack Dyke. Extensive moorings are available on both sides of the dyke (fee). Thurne The white painted Thurne Mill is a major landmark and can be seen for miles, it houses a small exhibition and is owned by The Norfolk Windmills Trust. Provisions are available at Thurne Village Stores, cycles can also be hired. The 14thC church of St Edmund looks out towards St Benet`s Abbey, its tower a well known landmark. At the head of the dyke is the Lion Public House, a Public Telephone is nearby. On the opposite bank to the dyke is St Benet`s Level Windpump. Thurne Mouth is � a mile downstream, turn left for Great Yarmouth and right for Wroxham and the River Ant.

The author has kindly allowed the above extract to be published from http://www.broadsnet.co.uk

Martham

Martham is situated about one mile away. The village has the following shops and facilities:-

Church, three pubs, general stores, butcher, Post Office, Fish & Chip shop, Lady`s hairdresser, chemist, estate agent, horse riding stables, Chinese take away, etc