The Allure of Circus and Coastal charm in Great Yarmouth
“Circus is a form of art that belongs to everyone.That’s my core belief.” As I spend a long weekend in Great Yarmouth, I find myself standing in the ring at the Hippodrome circus, feeling the electric anticipation that fills an empty stage.Ringmaster Jack Jay, representing the fourth generation of his family dedicated to this craft, has just returned from his annual quest for international talent to grace Norfolk’s stage: “We feature performers whose resumes boast ‘Macau, Las Vegas, Great Yarmouth’,” he shares. “That’s our benchmark for quality.”
A National Treasure: The Hippodrome Circus
The Hippodrome stands as a national gem—one of only two purpose-built circuses remaining in England (the other being part of Blackpool Tower). Established in 1903 by equestrian George Gilbert, who joined the circus at just 11 years old, this ornate venue showcases stunning art nouveau details. Though, its pièce de résistance is the sinking floor—a marvel restored by the Jay family in 1979. Utilizing original mechanisms,it transforms into a pool featuring fountains and synchronized swimmers during an unforgettable finale. Having witnessed this spectacle numerous times, its enchantment never fades.
Exploring Local Gems Beyond Circus
Your visit to Yarmouth will likely include experiences curated by Jack Jay’s family; they own two splendid Edwardian cinemas—one being the Empire, which has recently reopened as a venue for live music and comedy shows. Additionally, there’s The Windmill—once dubbed Palace of Light due to its illuminated facade—which now boasts one of my favorite crazy golf courses filled with cinema memorabilia.
I must confess—I have deep roots along this coastline; I grew up here enamored with everything about Great Yarmouth.My early jobs were at local caravan parks where nearly every member of my family found work at some point.
Resilience Amidst Challenges
this town has always fueled my creativity—from writing about maritime fashion history to curating exhibitions on swimwear trends—but it also highlights how seasonal employment can impact communities grappling with declining industries like fishing or tourism.
Despite visible challenges such as poverty common among coastal towns nationwide, there exists an undeniable spirit of resilience here—a community built on strong foundations rooted in both fishing traditions and entertainment.
Cultural Revitalization through Arts Initiatives
A testament to celebrating local heritage is found at the Ice House. Recently transformed into the National Center for Outdoor Arts & Circus by Out There Arts charity—the organization behind an annual circus festival—it was originally constructed in the nineteenth century for ice storage used during fish transport.
This unique thatched structure overlooking River Yare now serves as both training space & performance hub complete with pop-up café/bar facilities!
Taking our sunset stroll along promenade leads us past Winter Gardens—a stunning glasshouse reminiscent enough even diamonds would envy! Closed since ’08 but set reopen again come ’27 housing cafes/exhibition spaces mimicking original floral displays inside!
13000)
-and(-web-ket–device–pixel–ratio:
125),
-( min –width:
13000)
-and(min-resoluion:
12DPI)>
…
…
Diverse Culinary Experiences Await You Here!
…
…
After enjoying dinner together we head towards Courtyard Italian restaurante located within historic Rows where narrow passageways once formed medieval heart town itself! Candlelit ambiance creates intimate setting allowing us linger over meal prepared generously portioned wild mushroom linguine served up award-winning chef!
Feeling satisfied yet sleepy afterwards we retire back hotel Andover House situated peaceful leafy side street nearby bustling promenade known Golden Mile.
The following morning brings early rise leading us visit Merrivale Model Village fixture since sixties! Each time visiting town draws me back because from castle rocket ship finds utterly entrancing resembling regular albeit slightly unhinged tiny version real life complete excellent penny arcade fantastic tearoom nine-hole crazy golf course!
The survival thriving attractions like these owe much credit flair innovation traveling show folk settled coastal resorts mid-twentieth century Joyland seafront institution founded Horace Cole married into traveling show family inspired lineage creating Super Snails Tyrolean Tub Twist rides still going strong run fourth generation Coles crammed colorful attractions Neptune Kingdom Spook Express playing out hallucinogenic history fairground!
In contrast leisure industry increasingly corporatized refreshing experience remains dominated families businesses heading south end Golden Mile visiting pleasure Beach operated same clan since fifties tracing roots back traveling fairs offering rides ranging conventional dodgems Scenic Railway wooden rollercoaster opened year nineteen thirty-two one only two left contry alongside Margate Dreamland white-knuckle terror Sky Drop catapults meters above seafront before plummeting ground below.
After enjoying turn Edwardian carousel much more pace stop lunch Sara’s Tearooms fortune-telling hut Family-run establishment prides homemade fare while Sara still bakes cakes enjoyed beach terrace looking sea marvel gigantic sailing ship devouring perfect fish finger sandwich.
Before indulging fish fingers let’s not forget herrings! Since eleventh-century town flourished thanks silver darlings migrating coast bloater ungutted lightly smoked herring became specialty around eighteen thirties sending boxes holiday gifts common practice postcards crisscrossing country daily reaching five thousand shipments!
Time Tide museum housed Victorian curing works provides visceral feel process oak-smouldered aroma lingers smokehouse stacks chronicles area story last ice age seaside resort heyday.
great Yarmouth herring traditions kept alive White Swan seafood restaurant overlooking river next medieval wall tower established local fisher Paul Williams operates smokehouse preparing bloaters kippers red herring original way shiplap-panelled walls adorned netting photographs fishing fleets create convivial atmosphere reminiscent beach hut highlights oysters Rockefeller followed hake sea-kissed samphire cockle veloute vowing return autumn bloater season ahead!
Sunday morning begins leisurely stroll Venetian Waterways calmer north end seafront developed twenties work scheme unemployed men designed mimic canals bridges Venice albeit smaller scale recently restored part seven-acre park ornamental gardens including boating lake home swans herons pedalos hire available too!
Concluding weekend lunch Pier Hotel nearby Gorleston savor Cromer crab sweet cured herrings while gazing glorious coastline miles wide sandy beaches tufted marram grass rippled dunes watching people paddling waves recalling ringmaster Jack words pilgrimage even if go once should take holiday great yarmouth!