A Must See Family Attraction - The Maritime History

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East Anglia's fascinating maritime history

‘Welcome to Norfolk – Nelson’s County’, you’ll be greeted by the road signs as you cross the border into Norfolk, giving a first taste of the area’s rich maritime heritage. Yes, Admiral Nelson, one of the greatest naval commanders in history, was born in this county, in the village of Burnham Thorpe – but there’s lots more to be discovered here too, from thriving industry, to folklore, to life-saving acts of heroism.

At Hemsby Beach Holiday Park, located in the traditional seaside resort of Hemsby on the east coast, you’ll be perfectly placed to immerse yourself in the county’s maritime heritage. Here are three of the best places to dive in.

Great Yarmouth

The seaside resort and port town of Great Yarmouth has had strong links with fishing for hundreds of years, with herring being the catch of choice. Its annual herring fair attracted merchants from across Europe during the Middle Ages, and by the mid 19th century Yarmouth was the largest fishing centre on the East Anglian coast. Sadly, this thriving industry fell into sharp decline towards the end of the 20th century – but the town has since become a key hub for the booming offshore energy sector.

You can explore Great Yarmouth’s maritime history at the Elizabethan House Museum, which is set up to give visitors a glimpse into the day-to-day domestic lives of families who lived in this historic merchant’s house, from Tudor to Victorian times.

Meanwhile, a few streets behind the town’s South Quay is the Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life. Housed in a converted fish curing building, the museum boasts interactive displays, historic fishing boats and a replica Victorian ‘row’ house, presented as if a fisherman were living there.

Cromer

Cromer is perhaps best known for its delicious crabs and proud Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) heritage. The town’s Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and has been awarded an impressive 56 medals for gallantry over the years. Today, the station operates a huge Tamar class lifeboat, as well as a D-class, and visitors are welcome to pop in for a look around. Also nearby is the Henry Blogg Museum, which celebrates the life and career of the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history, Coxwain Henry Blogg, who helped to save 873 lives during his 53 years of service.

Lowestoft Maritime Museum

Just up the road from Richardson’s Family Entertainment Centre in Lowestoft is the Lowestoft Maritime Museum, in Sparrow’s Nest Gardens. The museum celebrated its 50th year in 2018, and opens from April until October. Visit the museum to trace the town’s history from a fishing village to a thriving port, as well as getting the kids involved in the museum’s maritime identification trail. You will also be able to find out about shipbuilding on Lake Lothing, the invention of the hovercraft and much, much more! This is a great day out for kids and adults alike, and is just 17 miles from Hemsby!