Seaside fun

Good evening
There’s a unique kind of fun to be had at many of Britain’s traditional seaside towns - and for writer Amber Butchart, Great Yarmouth in Norfolk is the resort that has her heart.
With its spectacular circus (the sinking floor transforms into a pool graced by synchronised swimmers for the grand finale), Edwardian cinemas (one of which has been reborn as a music and comedy venue), quaint tearooms and model village, it’s a place that has retained its character over the decades, remaining resilient in the face of declining coastal communities.
Built on the “twin pillars of fishing and fun” - its fortune was made from herrings which migrate along the coast - Amber’s hometown thrives, partly because it’s still dominated by family-run businesses, many with connections to the travelling show folk of yesteryear.
The coastline is also glorious, “miles of wide, sandy beaches, tufted with marram grass and rippled with dunes.” As circus ringmaster Jack tells Amber: “It’s like a pilgrimage. Even if you only go once, you should go on holiday to Great Yarmouth.”
Elsewhere this week our writers visit other revitalised UK resorts, from Llandudno to Scarborough, enjoying their magical mix of tradition and innovation.
We do love to be beside the seaside - and hope you do too.