Days out: Lower Bure and Great Yarmouth

Lower Bure and Great Yarmouth

#4 in our series of Days out in the Broads

The day starts with a visit to Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. The 250-year-old landscaped gardens are renowned for its collection of Asian Mammals, birds and reptiles. You can get up close to the Snow Leopards, Gibbons, Deer, Otters and Crocodiles in the swamp house. Get a fantastic view of Kabu and Dua, the two critically endangered Sumatran Tigers resident at Thrigby when you complete the Tiger Treetop Walk. There is also a play area which includes a 3D Adventure Maze, climbing frames, a large slide and pyramid climbing frame. A separate tree ropes play area and another maze on the front lawn, suitable for younger children, provides plenty of ways for the little ones to burn off some energy.

Just a mile up the road at Filby Broad, stop off for lunch at Filby Bridge Restaurant. This is a family run restaurant that serves lunch and evening meals, with beautiful views over the Trinity Broads. The Trinity Broads are three connected lakes which are landlocked and not connected to the main Broads network of rivers. They provide a haven of tranquillity and are perfect for fishing and enjoying nature and wildlife. It’s possible to hire a two-person rowing boat from Filby Broad Restaurant to explore the broad and experience the amazing scenery and wildlife found in Norfolk. Or just enjoy a spot of bird watching from your table.

After lunch, a 15-minute drive will take you into Great Yarmouth, one of the UK’s most popular resorts for an afternoon at the seaside. Great Yarmouth’s vibrant seafront harks back to the traditions of yesteryear, but remains upbeat, modern and fun, packed with family attractions and entertainment.

The famous golden mile runs between two fun-packed piers, stretching from the Pleasure Beach to North Beach. The sea has played a huge part in shaping Great Yarmouth. The town has the second most complete mediaeval town wall in England complete with several gate towers and was used to raise taxes on arrival or departure and to keep pirates out altogether. Nelson's monument is a stunning 44m (144 feet) memorial to Norfolk's most famous son, Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson who frequently sailed from the town in the 1800s.

Several museums in the town recall Great Yarmouth's maritime past and herring heyday which lasted until the mid 1900s, when Silver Darlings were fished and packed, employing a vast industry of workers. Employees were housed in Great Yarmouth's famous Rows, unique tightly packed together houses built onto narrow alleyways, with wealthy merchant houses at one end and bars and brothels at the other. In the early 1700s the first tourists came to take the waters at Great Yarmouth as hundreds of visitors flocked to the seaside to stroll along the esplanade and enjoy the warm weather. When the sun goes down there’s plenty of evening entertainment and colourful seafront illuminations to enjoy.

Places to stay nearby…

• Millview Meadow Camping – Camping, Gt Yarmouth
• Beachside Holidays Norfolk – Self-catering, Gt Yarmouth
• Richardsons Hemsby Beach – Holiday Park, Hembsy
• The Swiss Cottage – B&B, Gt Yarmouth
• Alternatively, stay on the water with Eastwood Whelpton Sailing Holidays, Upton