My family and I loved this iconic British seaside town with miles of golden sand (Image: Erapic Over/PA)
Ominous laughter echoes from the floor to the rafters of England's oldest static circus building, promptly informing us that we are looking for a thriller.
The hissing and boos of the audience around the majestic hippodrome in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is a man who has a vicious fairground owner, and he is capturing local heroes Jack Jay and Johnny Mac. It echoes loudly as you make a demonic plan.
Hippodrome is the last remaining venue of the country fully built for Circus, a historic building that has been lively and lively through fun performers.
My 5-year-old daughter is terrified when she sees a stunt that defies death from an acrobatic hanging in the air. After a while, my 9 year old returned to her seat perfectly with the laughter surrounding the jokes that would entertain the adults in the audience.
My kids were adored at the show at the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth (Image: Erapic Over/PA)
We see that we are honored, and we squeeze ourselves into a small box to break, and we applaud happily at the seemingly impossible aerial stunt, Dortish Johnny saves the day, and we are enthusiasm He cheers loudly when he stops the villain Marin played by James Franklin.
After a great show, we head down the belly of the building to the museum, home to props and posters from the years passed. Artifacts from over 120 years ago recall images of hundreds of shows that we enjoyed before us.
When the Hippodrome was built in 1903, Great Yarmouth was a popular summer beach destination, and is still the case today. But with a short break with my family, I want to discover the charm of that winter.
Rose Cottage, our home away from our Norfolk home (Image: Winterton Cotaages/PA)
Away from home, our home is a cozy gem hidden in the village of Winterton-on-Sea, a 20-minute drive north along the coast from Great Yarmouth. The log burner in the heart of the perfect living room is perfect for a cool evening.
Up to four guests can stay in two comfortable bedrooms, while four-legged friends are also welcomed in a self-catering cottage that simply throws stones from the sandy beach of Winterton.
On the beach in Winterton-on-Sea, the sun shines through golden sand miles and miles (Image: Getty Images)
On the beach, the sun shines through miles and miles of golden sand, stretching as far as you can see. The family plays with the dogs, runs horse riders along the coastline, and the crowd gathers with binoculars to try and find grey stickers.
While traversing this beautiful corner of East Anglia, you will be forced to trip over important sites. After a delicious Sunday roasting at Branford's Restaurant in Caister-on-Sea, we spotted a small sign pointing to Caister Roman Fort. Intrigued, we drag ourselves into Leyby and step into what looks like a small park, but in reality it is the ruins of the fort.
In some parts of the world, there are large price tags to see this big exhibit in Roman history. Although it is thought to be part of a chain of coastal forts along what the Romans knew as the “Saxon Coast,” we have an entire site. To explore for free.
The Kiter ruins we had to ourselves (Image: PA)
Inspired by many wildlife watchers in the area, we head towards horse-like gaps and create grey seal spots. During late autumn and winter, these coasts belong to large colonies during puppy season.
We watch hundreds of seals lounge along the coastline to awe-inspiring. A handful of bubble play as a friendly watchman provides more information about Horsey's seals.
“This Groin has 250, and next is about 200, and I don't know more,” she says. “But that's still early in the season.”
While traveling, only two snow-white sticker puppies are found, but are said to be within a few weeks
Hundreds.
I find two snow-like seal puppies during my trip, but within a few weeks there are hundreds (Image: PA)
A little further afield, Great Yarmouth offers all the flirtation you would expect from a British seaside town. Our first destination is The Time and Tide Museum, offering an interactive look throughout the history of the coastal town. The museum, located in an old fish cure site, tells the story of Great Yarmouth and its herring industry, but still has the prolonged scent of smokehouses.
Next, the Venice waterways, home to the canals that meander through decorative gardens, take a leisurely stroll to explore the sidewalks and islands.
Feeling an adventurous spirit, we decided to take Pedalo out to the boat lake and run in order until the kids approached the bubbling fountains of the lake.
Great Yarmouth, a resort town on the east coast of England (Image: Getty)
After the exercise we have lunch at the nearby 4-star Imperial Hotel and have views from the terrace restaurant. Order haddock and chips in delicious malt vinegar jam and the boat slowly passes by. After lunch we really get stuck in a seaside antics, strolling through the village of charming Meribale models before heading to the dizziness of Pleasure Beach. I especially enjoy the stomach-slip ride on a traditional wooden roller coaster that opened almost a century ago.
Meanwhile, children are fascinated by traditional fair venues and some of the games, offering the opportunity for “last ride” and choose a yo-yo.
Children are also delighted to explore the Sea Life Centre in Great Yarmouth. Highlights include seductive jellyfish, shaking penguin wobbles and colonies of ants busy around visitors.
My husband is only worried that one of the ants has escaped and is told to look up at the highway of ants, built with the purpose of thousands of people a few feet above his head.
Our visit ends with an unexpected firework display near Pleasure Beach. There are golden stars and big bangs at the end of the wonderful break on the Norfolk Coast.
