As a holiday destination the Norfolk coast has lots to offer – from Heacham all the way to Lowestoft and beyond. Stop three-quarters way round and you will be at Great Yarmouth. A place where we had our family holidays as young children (including Caister-on-sea, which is a stone’s throw away) and enjoy all the fun of the fair, days on the beach, arcades aplenty and even experience thoroughbred horse racing. In memory of my late father, Colin, we go to the Eastern Festival every September, a merry pilgrimage of family and friends to reflect on those who are no longer with us and raise a drink to the ones we love. As you may have gleaned from this introduction Great Yarmouth is a place gambling fans head for a true betting experience. Take a look at these 5 gambling venues.
1) Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Not a million miles from the headquarters of Newmarket, means Great Yarmouth is a racecourse associated with top-class horse trainers and quality horses. A Flat racing course with a straight mile and a lovely place to enjoy a day or three racing. The course isn’t over big and a little bit dated but a grandstand which not only looks over a winning post but a sea view. With race meetings from April to October you have plenty of time to visit. All the fun of the seaside you really are onto a winner.
2) Great Yarmouth Greyhound Racing (Located at Caister-on sea)
I can’t say I have ever been to a greyhound meeting but I know my dad, family and friends used to go to the horses in the day and venture to the dogs at night. A mix that saw many suffering great losses in the early days of their holiday, borrowing money from those who were more financially stable or had a bit of luck. A track opened in 1940. Racing every Monday (6:20), Wednesday (6:25) and Saturday (7:00). Plus additional meetings including the Derby Festival in September 14th with a price of £15,000.
3) Grosvenor Casino
A venue I have frequented on many occasions. A beautiful grade II listed building Shadingfield Lodge which has been in the ownership of the great and the good since it’s building in the late 19th century. A lovely restaurant on the ground floor and the gaming room in the basement. Plenty of action including slots, blackjack, 3-card poker, roulette live and terminals. A very professional outfit and staff are exceptional. One of the better settings for a casino and on the seafront, across the road from the Wellington Pier. You don’t need membership to have some gambling fun. Join their mailing list to get plenty of offers, incentives and promotion which, for small bettors, puts the odds in your favour. You won’t be disappointed. Also, the Palace Casino is worth a visit, down Church Plain.
4) Golden Mile
Like most seaside locations Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile offers all the tourist trapping with shops, restaurants and arcades. Regent Road is vibrant and full of life with locals and holiday makers alike. Enjoy the Landaus Station for a horse and carriage ride, Sea Life Centre, Britannia Pier, Pleasure Beach, Cinema, The Hippodrome Circus, Wellington Pier, Castaway Island Crazy Golf, Merrivale Model Village, Great Yarmouth Road Train and so much more. Including a vast number of arcades including The Mint, The Flamingo, Caesar’s Fun Palace, Magic City and traditional bingo. Literally all the fun of the fair.
5) Super Casino
There was talk of a £35M super casino and leisure complex which was almost given the go ahead by Gordon Brown back in 2008. However, such bold plans have been put on hold and we await further developments.
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