More chip shops than Blackpool

Saturday 8th October 2016 - Near Caister-on-Sea.

We had a slow start to avoid a few showers in the morning.  We sat tight in the van and planned our campaign for next week.  After lunch with no more delusions of a new career as an MI5 spy we cycled to see the delights of Great Yarmouth.

We had told the site owner of our plans to visit Great Yarmouth.  She took a deep breath and chose her words carefully so that she didn't undermine our sense of anticipation.  She did find something positive to say and that was that a lot of European money had been spent on the promenade!  I think she ignored the rest of the town for good reason.

The following photos have been censored to avoid cruelty to the reader.

The Britannia Pier was suitably tacky for a seaside resort but the sands were gorgeous.  Not really a day for the beach though.

Great Yarmouth's version of The Tower.

I have never seen so many fish and chip shops.  At times there were 3 or 4 chip shops within 10 yards of each other.  There was no point of out visit when I couldn't smell chips....and I'm not exaggerating.

In fairness there were some buildings that were probably grand theatres in their day but we're generally sad and run down.  The shopping areas were generally tired too, a bit like the people who were frequenting them.  Even the National Trust property in the town was closed on a Saturday, so no joy there.  

The site owner had told us that the neighbouring town of Gorleston-on-Sea was more refined.  So we carried on and felt she had gilded the lily a little in its description too.  We did enjoy hearing the Bingo caller over the loudspeakers though!

This is Gorleston.  I think the photo fully caught the best feature of the town....the sand.  It's a pity these resorts have fallen so far from fashion because the raw materials are so good.  I suppose if we saw them on a sunny day with all the beaches full and holiday makers in abundance we might have a different opinion.  I'm not funny about older seaside resorts as I like Blackpool for its tackiness, trams, donkeys and fun fair.  Maybe we just saw Great Yarmouth and area at the wrong time.

We did love the day out - cycling is such a great way to get around.  Back to the van for a lovely prawn curry, so it might be Horsey Wind Pump tonight after all!!