I THINK we’ve found Haven on earth – and it’s in Great Yarmouth.
The Seashore Holiday Park on the coast proved a perfect place for a kid-friendly break.
With direct access to a sandy beach, the children squealed with delight as they let off steam along the golden sand dunes after the car journey there.
Arriving late afternoon, there was still time to check out Seashore indoor water park, and we soon found ourselves careering down high-speed flumes and slides, Tidal Twist and Coastal Cyclone, on inflatable doughnuts, no less.
For those with smaller children, there is also a toddlers’ pool and interactive SplashZone with smaller slides, tunnels and water canons.
The next day, Harvey, 12, and Luella, ten, were eager to try more activities Haven had to offer — at a little extra cost.
First up was archery, and after a few tips from the super-friendly coach, even I was finding the target.
Junior Segway was next. Balancing was the tricky part, but once achieved, you just leaned forward to go and back to slow down.
In no time, the kids were sashaying through cones on their Ninebot miniPRO Segways, performing doughnuts and doing high-fives as they zoomed past.
Architectural gem
Back in the pool, Aqua Jet saw us propelled around the water at the click of a button, like characters from a movie.
But the joys of Great Yarmouth were calling — starting with the historic Pleasure Beach.
There’s something for everyone from the classic dodgems and fun house to the high-octane Polar Express and the dreaded Pendulum.
Having already experienced the terror of the latter ride, which mercilessly suspends you upside down 50ft up, I left this one to my children.
Just to show me up, they went on it TWICE laughing all the way.
My humiliation complete, we stopped for a bite at The Empire, an architectural gem with an eclectic interior as well as live music, street food and craft beer.
Surrounded by fairy lights, street signs and even a tree, it is a sight to behold and the Empire Stack burger will satisfy any meat lover.
Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome oozes old-fashioned grandeur.
Built in 1903 by circus showman George Gilbert, this quirky venue, which once saw legendary escapologist perform, is also home to a circus museum.
Snapshot of English life
The Pirates Live Action Water Show on the bill will appeal to landlubbers and swashbucklers alike.
Comedy duo Jack Jay and Johnny Mac star in this adventure involving circus stunts, pyrotechnics, acrobatics, trapeze artists and plenty of slapstick comedy on the water.
Merrivale Model Village, a hidden gem tucked away among the kitsch and glitz of the seafront, offers a snapshot of English life in miniature.
From haunted house to castle, the detail is incredible.
We enjoyed spotting the slapstick antics of OAPs escaping the old people’s home.
Just don’t forget to look out for the risque shop names on the high street in these interactive displays.
There is also an amazing vintage penny arcade attached with strength testers, fortune tellers and games such as Grand Prix Racer and The Mummy’s Tomb, using the old two pence coins.
A round of crazy golf, on a classic nine-hole course, is also included in the price of admission.
Nearby, the SEA LIFE centre transports you to the underwater kingdom of Nemo and Dory.
As well as Clownfish and Blue Tang, the kids loved the jellyfish and seahorses.
In need of refreshment, we enjoyed a traditional ploughman’s and afternoon tea at family-run Sara’s Tearooms just off Great Yarmouth’s seafront.
We’d packed so much into this trip, but still had time for one more stop on the way home — Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.
Only 15 minutes from the coast and set in beautiful grounds, it houses exotic animals such as snow leopards, gibbons, monkeys, snakes, crocodiles and many more.
We will definitely be back — our Great Yarmouth trip had been a roaring success.
