Great Yarmouth is something of an institution in the south east of England and its pier is a well-known and much loved sight, throughout the south east as a whole. Great Yarmouth is still a popular destination for people, either as day trippers or having a longer break and it is a very typical seaside resort, but its pier is just that little bit special.
The pier that is still in use today is not the original pier, but a replacement for the somewhat primitive, wooden pier that was first built. This was known as the Wellington Pier, to commemorate the Duke of Wellington, sometimes referred to as the Iron Duke.
Despite the fact that it was wooden, it was a fairly impressive structure, with a length of 210 or so metres (700 feet) and it was fitted with quite intricate ornamental features such as railings, as well as having a specific platform for ‘promenading’ right up at the pier head. It opened to the public in 1853, making it one of the earliest piers.
However, the company responsible for the pier overstretched themselves financially. The result of this was that the pier could not be maintained properly, nor could new facilities be created, leaving the pier to effectively languish, despite the fact that visitors were now coming in their droves.
Eventually the local authority, then known as the Great Yarmouth Corporation, bought the pier in 1899, so that they could try and reverse some of its decline. A new pier was constructed to replace the existing, wooden pier and work soon began on a new pavilion that was opened in 1903 and gardens as well as a bandstand were provided for general entertainment.
And thus began a long history of entertainment and typical seaside fun, for the pier in Great Yarmouth. It thrived throughout most of the 2oth Century, with a very vibrant entertainment scene that somehow managed to keep up with the needs and tastes of the day. In fact over the years almost every kind of show was performed at the pier, from military bands to comics. The pier also put on specials, such as firework display to keep the crowds coming in, as indeed they did.
The pier was not without its incidents and she suffered a total of five fires, some of which caused quite extensive damage and caused the pavilion to be re-built, a total of four times. Whilst this was a major inconvenience and also quite dangerous, repeatedly rebuilding the pavilion meant that it was kept relatively modern and up to date, offering the latest facilities.
The structure itself was however, not the most durable and despite the fact that the local authority carried out some significant remedial works, to effectively ‘prop up’ the pier during the 1970’s, they had no option but to recommend in 1986 that the pier should be closed. Financially it was running at a loss and there was no way that the local authority could afford to maintain it. Visitors had tailed off and the pier was now becoming something of an expensive luxury.
But at this point, the pier was soon to find out just how dearly loves she really was. A huge public outcry followed this announcement and a dramatic campaign was launched to save the pier.
And so the council limped on with trying to find a new owner. Eventually it was taken on by the comedian Jim Davidson, who ran the pier for 6 years. Then the current owners took ownership in 1995.
Today the pier has quite a full range of things to do and see. There is a funfair with some quite exciting rides, as well as some very traditional ones for the younger children, such as cups and saucers or the carousel. The Water Ride is fantastic fun and the whole family can find something that will amuse them.
Great Yarmouth Pier can also boast not just one, but two amusement arcades. One can even be reached from the beach! One is located just at the entrance and the other is part way down the pier, so if you get caught in a shower you can just head off into there.
Many traditional games are offered in the arcades, but also some quite new and innovative games, so whatever your tastes, you will find something to amuse you.
Great Yarmouth loves its food and there are lots of places to eat from waffles kiosks to the Sea Chef restaurant. There are two bars where you can quench any thirst that the sea air has drummed up. These are both suitable for all the family.
The Pier is perhaps most famous for its theatre and this is a much loved institution in the UK, with all the big names in comedy and the music scene having played here and many former big names, often still treading the boards. The shows are quite family orientated and also very much the typical seaside resort type shows. Shakespeare may not be on offer, but plenty of laughs and good old fun are very much available. Some shows are put on especially for children, which can make it a great place to go when the children want something specifically for them.
Great Yarmouth Pier is not about genteel promenading, but it is about fun and it is quite a vibrant place, with lots to see and do. The view from the end of the pier is lovely and it can be great just to watch the sea, the different birds all going about their business and hear the waves lapping against the pier’s supports. You feel as if you are spanning two different worlds, the man made pier and all its attractions and the natural splendour of the sea.
Overall the pier is not as delicate and refined as say, Eastbourne, but if you want some good old fashioned and family orientated fun, then you will certainly find this in bundles at good old Great Yarmouth Pier.