Gorleston Beach, quieter than its neighbour, Great Yarmouth. More beach than you can shake a stick at.

Gorleston, on the Norfolk coast - what a large sandy beach

The coastal town of Gorleston can be found between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, in south Norfolk. A much quieter version of its neighbour, Great Yarmouth, Gorleston has a lovely wide and long sandy beach, with one or two amusements, and of course, the obligatory fish and chip shop.

Gorleston, what a beach

Gorleston is often overshadowed, in terms of the number of visitors, by Great Yarmouth. This can really work to your advantage though, as the beach rarely gets packed. The north end of the beach is where the action is; a small parade of shops, amusements, fish and chip shop and a restaurant give you the staples for a day on the beach (the photo below show the north end of the beach at Gorleston, taken from the top of the cliffs). There are inflatable bouncy castle type shenanigans to try. For those looking to pop in the sea for a cool down, you'll be pleased to hear the life guards keep an eye on proceedings during the summer months. And, of course, like all popular beaches, dogs are banned during the high season (read more about dogs on the beach later on).

Walk along the promenade

You can walk along the promenade, heading south, the beach is still expansive, but less popular away from the north end. Midway along the promenade you can stop for a brew at Jay Jays cafe - open all year round, you can even sit outside during the winter months should you be hardy enough.

The south end of the promenade (approximately ½ mile) is the place to park your car. There is a free car park, as well as plenty of road parking available.

Dogs on the beach

Although the popular north end of Gorleston beach doesn't allow dogs on the beach during the summer, you're more than welcome to let your pet run riot in the surf at the south end of the promenade.

Whether or not you have a dog as part of the family, Gorleston beach will have something for you.

Take a holiday near Gorleston

There is a plethora of holiday cottages dotted along the north Suffolk and Norfolk coast. With cottages in Pakefield and Lowestoft - although you may want to head the 10 miles to Gorleston for a different view. The Old Post Office is inland, and also about 10 miles from Gorleston.

Other cottages to look at include Blacksmiths Cottage and Rosebud Cottage both in Lound and, 5 miles from Gorleston. Or Hobland Barn in Bradwell, just a couple of miles from that glorious coast. Willow Cottage is a short walk from the seafront.

You could also try a holiday lodge, such as Fritton Lake Retreats, which are a couple of miles down the road. More of a drive are Langmere Lakes Lodges in Frettenham, nearly 30 miles from Gorleston, but a lovely destination.

One last thing, you have to try one of the ice-creams at Dimascio's - they have more flavours than you could possibly have time to try!

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