Things to Do in Scratby, Hemsby & Great Yarmouth
Norfolk Seaside Escapes is perfectly placed for guests who want the best of both worlds: a relaxed seaside stay with access to the facilities at California Sands Holiday Park, and easy access to some of Norfolk’s best-loved coastal attractions.
Scratby Beach is just a short walk away, offering a peaceful spot for beach days, dog walks, paddling, sandcastles and fresh sea air. For something livelier, Great Yarmouth is within easy reach, with its traditional seafront, amusements, arcades, pier, family attractions, places to eat and classic seaside entertainment.
If you would like to explore beyond the coast, the Norfolk Broads offer beautiful waterways, wildlife, countryside views, walking routes, boat trips and waterside pubs. It is a wonderful way to experience a slower, more scenic side of Norfolk during your stay.
After a day out exploring, return to your cosy chalet at Norfolk Seaside Escapes and enjoy the facilities at California Sands Holiday Park, including the indoor swimming pool, clubhouse, children’s activities, amusements, food and drink options, playground, sports court and evening entertainment.
Below are some of our personal recommendations for making the most of your stay in Norfolk.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Animal lovers will enjoy discovering this wonderful wildlife sanctuary, home to fascinating creatures including crocodiles, clouded leopards and red pandas. It’s a brilliant family-friendly day out and a lovely way to experience something a little different during your stay in Norfolk.
The Broads National Park
The Norfolk Broads is one of Britain’s most beautiful national parks, with peaceful waterways, scenic lakes, riverside walks and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a slower pace, whether you fancy a boat trip, a waterside stroll, or simply taking in the views.
Sea Life Great Yarmouth
Discover the wonders of the ocean and meet some amazing sea creatures, from graceful seahorses and playful penguins to fascinating sharks. It’s a fun and educational day out, perfect for families who want to learn more about life beneath the waves.
Great Yarmouth
Enjoy a classic British seaside day out in Great Yarmouth, with sandy beaches, amusement arcades, family attractions, roller coasters and plenty of places to eat and explore. Whether the sun is shining or the weather turns, there’s always something to keep everyone entertained.
Merrivale Model Village
Step into the charm of Merrivale Model Village, where award-winning gardens, detailed miniature scenes and a much-loved model railway create a magical little world to explore. It’s a lovely family-friendly attraction and a nostalgic day out for visitors of all ages.
Joyland
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at this charming vintage fun park, where little ones can ride traditional fairground attractions and grown-ups can enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Entertaining families since 1949, it’s a lovely place to make classic seaside holiday memories.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Escape into nature with a visit to this beautiful ancient woodland, where flower-filled glades, peaceful walking routes and a clear, tranquil lake create a wonderfully calming place to explore. It’s a lovely spot to slow down, enjoy the scenery and experience a quieter side of Norfolk.
Hirsty's Family Fun Park
Enjoy a fun-packed family day out with plenty to keep children entertained, from bouncing around on inflatables to racing around on go-karts and finding your way through a giant maze. It’s a great choice for families looking for active, outdoor fun during their stay in Norfolk.
The Pleasure Beach
Add some thrills to your seaside break with a visit to Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach. From exciting roller coasters and bigger rides for thrill-seekers to classic funfair favourites for all ages, it’s a lively family day out full of traditional seaside fun.
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
Step inside a former Second World War radar operations building and discover the fascinating story of radar, from its early development and vital wartime role through to the Cold War and beyond. It’s an interesting and educational visit, perfect for anyone who enjoys history, technology or discovering something a little different.
Hemsby Mega Maze
Take on the challenge of this impressive maize maze, stretching across more than 10 acres and created from hundreds of thousands of maize plants. It’s a brilliant outdoor adventure for families, with plenty of twists, turns and fun along the way.
The Waterside Cafe
One of our absolute favourite places to take visiting family and friends, this is a lovely day out surrounded by nature, birdlife and peaceful lake views. Enjoy a gentle boat trip on the water, followed by a visit to the on-site restaurant or café. The café is open all year, while boat trips usually run during the summer months and are weather dependent.
Yoga on the Beach
During the summer months, The Cabin Café in Great Yarmouth usually hosts beach yoga on Saturday mornings, typically from May to September. It’s a lovely way to start the day by the sea, with fresh air, gentle movement and coastal views. Check their Facebook page before visiting for the latest dates, times and booking details.
Horsey Beach
Known for its wild, unspoilt beach and incredible seal colony, this is a wonderful spot for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who enjoys a bracing coastal walk. During the winter months, you may also be lucky enough to see seal pups on the beach, making it a really special place to visit during your stay.
Hippodrome Circus
A real favourite of ours and somewhere we visit a few times a year, this unique seaside theatre offers fantastic live shows full of circus acts, music, panto-style fun, laughs and plenty of thrills. It’s a brilliant treat whatever the weather and a memorable family-friendly experience for all ages.
Caister Castle Car Collection
Home to one of the largest private car collections in the UK, this fascinating attraction features more than 200 classic, vintage and iconic vehicles. It’s a great day out for car enthusiasts, history lovers and families looking for something a little different during their stay.
Britannia Pier
A well-known landmark on Great Yarmouth’s seafront, Britannia Pier is full of traditional seaside character. With classic pier architecture, fairground rides, amusements, bars, theatre shows and places to eat, it’s a lively spot to enjoy a proper Great Yarmouth day out.
Norwich City
Norwich is a vibrant and characterful city, full of history, culture, independent shops and great places to eat. Wander through the lively market square, explore the beautiful historic streets, and don’t miss Jarrolds Department Store, including its seafood restaurant, The Bay. For something sweet, we also recommend stopping by Churros For The People, one of our favourite treats in the city.
Sandringham Estate
Visit the much-loved country retreat of the Royal Family and enjoy a wonderful day out exploring the house, gardens, museum and woodland walks. With beautiful surroundings and plenty to discover throughout the seasons, it’s a memorable Norfolk visit for history lovers, garden enthusiasts and families alike. Dogs are welcome in some areas, although restrictions do apply, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Wroxham Miniature Worlds
Step into a fascinating miniature world filled with model railways, detailed scenes and themed displays inspired by places, toys and cartoons. With thousands of tiny figures, trees and scale miles of railway to discover, it’s a fun and nostalgic visit for families, railway fans and anyone who enjoys spotting the little details.
Burre Valley Railway
Enjoy a charming heritage steam train journey through the Norfolk countryside, travelling along the scenic Bure Valley Railway. The route follows the winding River Bure through peaceful meadows and pretty villages including Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall, making it a lovely day out for families, railway enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a slower-paced Norfolk adventure.
Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Enjoy a classic day at the races at Great Yarmouth Racecourse, a fantastic seaside venue offering flat racing throughout the warmer months. With themed racedays, family events, hospitality options and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great choice for couples, groups or families looking for something a little different during their stay. Check their website before visiting for the latest fixtures, tickets and event details.
Yarmouth Stadium
Enjoy an exciting night out at Yarmouth Stadium, home to greyhound racing, stock car racing and banger racing close to Great Yarmouth. With Raceview bars, trackside viewing, food options and a lively atmosphere, it’s a fun choice for families, couples or groups looking for something a little different during their stay. Check their website before visiting for the latest race nights, events and booking details.
Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club
Enjoy a round of golf by the coast at Great Yarmouth & Caister Golf Club, a historic links course founded in 1882 and set close to the sandy beaches of Caister-on-Sea. Visitors are welcome all year round to play the 18-hole course, with a clubhouse, bar and restaurant for food and drinks afterwards. It’s a great choice for golfers looking to enjoy fresh sea air, coastal views and a relaxed day out during their stay.
Bure Park Pitch & Putt
Enjoy a relaxed round of pitch and putt at Bure Park, a lovely open green space in Great Yarmouth bordered by the River Bure. With an 18-hole seasonal course, children’s play area, lake, wildlife and free parking, it’s a great option for families, couples or anyone looking for a gentle outdoor activity away from the busier seafront. Check their Facebook page before visiting for the latest opening details.
Ready to explore the Norfolk coast for yourself?
Book your stay at Norfolk Seaside Excapes and onjoy the perfect base for discovering Scratby, Hemsby and Great Yarmouth.