Norfolk, United Kingdom
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is a historic nine-acre amusement park located on Great Yarmouth's seafront in Norfolk. Opening in March 1909, this traditional seaside park is home to one of only two wooden roller coasters still operating in the UK.
About the Park
The park features 26 rides and attractions ranging from gentle family rides to thrilling attractions. The star attraction is the historic Roller Coaster, a wooden scenic railway that opened in 1932 after being transported from the Paris Colonial Exhibition. This Grade II listed ride reaches speeds of 72 km/h and provides a 3.5-minute journey through its 982-meter track.
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach offers a mix of traditional fairground attractions and modern thrill rides, making it suitable for all ages. The park operates a closed gate system with entry via wristbands or Fun Cards.
What Can Your Family Ride?
Toddlers and Young Children (Under 90cm)
Very young children can enjoy the 4D Cinema (no restriction). Many other rides allow children under 90cm with adult accompaniment, including Cups and Saucers, Gallopers, and Haunted Hotel.
90-110cm Children
Children in this height range can access many family rides when accompanied by an adult:
- Big Apple (kiddie coaster, 90cm with adult)
- Roller Coaster (historic 1932 wooden coaster, 90cm with adult)
- Leo's Jungle Journey (safari bus ride, 90cm with adult)
- Raft Ride (pirate themed, 90cm with adult)
- Fun Factory (90cm with adult)
- Floaty Boat (90cm with adult)
- Flying Dumbo (90cm with adult)
100-120cm Children
More rides become available, some independently:
- Whirlwind (spinning coaster, 100cm with adult)
- Dodgems (100cm as passenger)
- Bonanza, Yo-Yo (100cm to ride alone)
- Ghost Ship (110cm with adult)
- Big Apple, Roller Coaster (110cm to ride alone)
120cm+ Riders
Many rides become available solo:
- Flying Dumbo, Whirlwind, Leo's Jungle Journey (solo at 120cm)
- Disk'O, Reverse Time, Sky Drop, Polar Express (120cm minimum)
- Snails & Fairytales (125cm to ride alone)
125cm+ Riders
Additional thrill rides open:
- Pendulum (frisbee ride, 125cm)
- Twister (scrambler, 125cm)
- Dodgems (125cm to drive)
- Monorail (125cm to ride alone)
130cm+ Thrill Seekers
The biggest thrill rides:
- Family Star (spinning wild mouse coaster, 130cm)
- Lightning 360 (130cm)
140cm+ Maximum Thrills
All attractions accessible:
- Ghost Ship (solo at 140cm)
- All thrill rides independently
Ticket Information
- Wristbands
- From £21 online (£2 discount), £23 on-gate
- Unlimited rides for the day
- Book by midnight the night before
- Prices vary peak/off-peak
- Fun Cards
- £5 minimum (includes 5 ride credits)
- Unlimited FREE park entry all season
- Top up with additional credits as needed
- Season Pass
- £85 per person
- Entrance every day of the season
- 50% discount on Fairground Frights
- Free Entry
- Children under 3 years
Key Features
- Historic Roller Coaster: Grade II listed wooden coaster from 1932
- Added in 2025: Leo's Jungle Journey safari bus ride
- Added in 2024: Ghost Ship pendulum swing, Polar Express
- Twister: Scrambler-style thrill ride
- Gallopers: Beautiful carousel from 1954
- Monorail: Scenic ride operating since 1983
- 4D Cinema: Immersive movie experience
- Short Queues: Typical wait times under 5 minutes
Opening Times
The season usually opens in late March, with opening times varying throughout the season. Check the official website calendar for this year's dates and hours.
Getting There
Located at the southern end of Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile, the park is approximately:
- 30-minute walk from Great Yarmouth railway station
- On South Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3EH
- Accessible from the seafront
Planning Your Visit
- Best for: Families with children aged 4+, though attractions exist for all ages
- Height requirements: 15 of the 26 rides are open below 100cm, most of them with an adult
- Accessibility: Most rides at 110cm+ can be ridden independently
- All children under 12: Must be accompanied by a responsible adult
- Peak season: Summer holidays and school holidays
- Weather: Open-air park, check forecast
- Facilities: Clean toilets, food outlets, arcade games
Sources
Information compiled from: