History of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk as a Seaside Resort
Years ago the upper classes travelled to Great Yarmouth, Norfolk and other seaside resorts in the UK to take the air. Dr Russell produced a report promoting the health benefits of sea water and air to this end a Bath House was built where for a fee the gentry could sample these benefits. A Guide to Great Yarmouth was published in 1817 promoting the town and its 'cool refreshing sea breeezes'. As a result small boarding houses (bed and breakfasts or guest houses) opened to welcome these new visitors.
With the development of railways by 1877 the tourist trade had deveolped . In 1875 to entertain them in an Aquarium was built with freshwater and salt water fish in large tanks. The original Aquarium was on the site where the Hollywood Cinema is now.
More entertainment was provided in the form of Brittannia Pier
http://www.britannia-pier.co.ukand the paradium- Great Yarmouths first amusement arcade. Having been damaged by wayward ships at the end of the century a new 810ft peir was developed incorporating sea trips by steamer. The Hippodrome was opened in 1903 and with a then state of the art system to sink the arena in water.
http://www.hippodromecircus.co.uk
Wellington Pier http://www.wellington-pier.co.uk was also rebuilt at the turn of the century closely followed by the construction of The Winter Gardens http://www.winter-gardens.co.uk next to it. Innovative Great Yarmouth also built the first picture house in the country. This was named the Gem and following its success the Empire was opened.
After World War 1 working class visitors began taking their holidays in Great Yarmouth. A swimming pool was erected and a new racecourse. By 1927 The Waterways and Boating Lakes were opened, later an open air theatre, tennis courts and the bowling green were in place.
The Golden Mile was established by 1939 with funfair, piers and amusements. During both wars the town was bombed and severely damaged, but undaunted the spirit of Great Yarmouth prevailed and the attractions were restored and improved.
Post Second World War the demand for holidays increased, holiday camps and the 'Hi de hi' era had arrived. Marine parade was developing into the style that we are more accustomed to now. Visitors by railway were decreasing due to the popularity of the motor car, Southtown station was closed. By the 1970's package holidays were becoming commonplace, British seaside holidays were on the decline. During the 80's and 90's the remained mostly in a slump.
In recent years Great Yarmouth has undergone a regeneration. Investment is high, improvements are ongoing and although there is much work still to be done, the outlook is good for the British Seaside Holiday The credit crunch and the current exchange rates has hit holidays abroad. There is more than a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
THE BRITISH SEASIDE HOLIDAY IS BACK!.
The Beach House Bed and Breakfast
B&B Guest House
14 Wellesley Road
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk
NR30 2AR