SHORT BREAKS AND DAYS OUT FOR FEBRUARY HALF TERM IN GREAT YARMOUTH

Great Yarmouth shows a different side in winter with bracing beach strolls, castle ruins, attractions and events ideal for a family half term day out or short break.

The Time and Tide Museum for a peek into the past
Time and Tide Museum tells the story of Great Yarmouth from its ice age origins to the present day and houses the UK's best preserved Victorian herring curing works. Visitors are whisked back in time through the original smokehouses (where the aroma of smoked fish still lingers) and can try steering a steam drifter and hear tales of shipwrecks and rescue. Entry price: £7.80 adult, £6.60 child. https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/time-tide

Thrigby Hall for some animal interaction
The landscaped grounds of Thrigby Hall feature a special collection of rare animals from Asia this includes a pair of Sumatran tigers, cute red pandas, a pair of snow leopards, amur and clouded leopards, meerkats, huge crocodiles, noisy gibbons and oriental small-clawed otters. The animals are both indoors and outdoors making this an option for wet weather days.

There is a big play area with 3D Adventure Maze, climbing frames, a large slide and pyramid climbing frame as well as a separate Tree Ropes play area. The large front lawn provides plenty of space for children to run around and play. The park is wheelchair and pushchair friendly and offers free parking. Adults £17.50 and children £13.50 with under 4yrs free www.thrigbyhall.com

Rainy day fun at the Marina Centre on Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile

For those not brave enough to swim in the sea, great for a rainy morning or afternoon, the Marina Centre's Aqua Play has plenty to keep the whole family entertained with three waterslides, water cannons and mega splash bucket. Thrill seekers will also love the two flumes which twist and turn outside the building before splashing back into the aqua play zone (flume riders must be over 102cm). Aqua Play entry is for 1.15 hours and immediately after their Aqua session families can enjoy free access to the 25-metre swimming pool for 45 minutes. Price is £29.40 for a family of four or individual tickets £9.80. Price includes three hours free parking (space dependant).

Other indoor action includes Clip n Climb crazy climbing wall centre (£11pp) and indoor play at Inflazone (£6.50pp).  For more information and to book: https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/marina-centre/

Gladiator roleplay for free at Burgh Castle and Caister Roman Fort

The majestic flint walls of Burgh Castle, one of the most impressive Roman Forts to survive anywhere in Britain, provide the setting for a family adventure. On a clear day, it's possible to see for miles with beautiful views across the river Yare to the marshes and Berney Arms windmill. Entry is free.

Castle loving families will also enjoy Caister Roman Fort. The partially excavated remains of the Fort, built around AD 200 and occupied until the end of the 4th century, can been seen including wall and ditch sections and building foundations. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/caister-roman-fort/

Beach Strolling
Families will love the wild dune backed beach of Winterton-on-Sea, where they have the chance to spot seals frolicking in the waves or basking on the sands.

Alternatively, the traditional resort of Gorleston-on-Sea offers a quiet two mile stretch of golden sand with a huge bay and a traditional prom offering a lovely nostalgic seaside vibe to it.  Warming coffees and hot chocolate can be enjoyed at beachside Jay Jay's café.

Wizards and Demons headline the Great Yarmouth Escape Room Experience

Overlooking the beach, the Great Yarmouth Escape Rooms offers two challenges to solve. Aimed at families with children aged 10yrs+, 'Wizard and Potion Maker' is the perfect choice for Harry Potter fans, while slightly more challenging and scary, 'Conjured – Spirits and Demons' – is set in a haunted house and ideal for those aged 14 year and older. Tickets from £24.50 pp based on four participants. For more information visit www.GreatYarmouthEscapeRooms.co.uk

New Retro Arcade addition and major facelift at Merrivale Model Village

Merrivale Model Village, the ever popular English town and countryside in miniature, is open throughout half term from 15th February to 2nd March. Alongside the attraction exhibits, visitors can also enjoy the venue's nine-hole crazy golf course and gardens plus the ever popular Penny Arcade. Following a revamp last year, it features vintage machines and a new retro arcade with games from 80's and 90's including Out Run, Defender, Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons and Sega rally. Tickets cost £13 for an all day pass, £9 for children 4-15yrs www.merrivalemodelvillage.co.uk

Kidz Pop Party at Gorleston's Pavilion Theatre Gorleston – Saturday 15th February

Music loving families are in for an all-singing and all-dancing treat this half term as the Kidz Pop Party heads to the Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston on Saturday 15th February. Both the afternoon and early evening show combines pop hits from the likes of Ariana Grande and Little Mix with dance floor-fillers and childhood classics including Disney favourites to create a spectacular combination of live music, dance and comedy. There are two sessions taking place from midday to 3.30pm and from 4pm to 7.30pm. Family tickets £50 (2+2) with extra tickets £15. For more information: https://www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk/

STAY: Enjoy Feb-Fest at Parkdean's Vauxhall Holiday Park

New for half term, Parkdean Resort's Vauxhall Holiday Park is staging a Feb Fest-ival inspired break with activities galore meet & greets with the likes of PAW Patrol and live music.  The fun takes place across the park including The Den and the treehouse adventure playground as well as the indoor pool and entertainment venues.  Families can also enjoy jungle-themed adventure golf, snooker and mini-bowling. The Feb Fest weekend runs from 22 February with the cost a two-night stay for a family of four sharing a two-bedroom caravan from £129. https://www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk/

For the latest happenings and events, plus accommodation options see www.great-yarmouth.co.uk and visit https://www.facebook.com/VisitGreatYarmouth