‘A nostalgic British holiday’: The seaside town with one of Europe’s best beaches – that gets country’s first sunrise

OUR new column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots.

This week we're heading closer to home with a staycation spotlight on Gorleston in Norfolk.

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The Sun's Head of Travel Lisa Minot often visits the seaside town.

She said: "If you're craving a little nostalgic look at how we holidayed before the advent of package holidays to the Med, then Gorleston ticks every box.

"I was entranced with this little slice of old-school seaside fun from the moment I saw my kids scamper onto the broad sweep of sandy beach.

"We were blessed with a very untypically sunny day and after sandcastles were made and destroyed, it was an easy stroll through the lovely gardens in search of ice cream.

"It may be just half an hour from the bright lights of Great Yarmouth but with my little ones in tow, the relaxed, family-friendly focussed Gorleston gave us a chance to pause and relax."

Just a few miles from the action of Great Yarmouth's Golden Mile, Gorleston-on-Sea offers a quieter stretch of golden sand with a huge bay.

The coastal town features in Tripadvisor's annual Travellers Choice Best of the Best Beaches list for 2025.

It was named 23rd best beach in Europe and one of only two UK spots featured on the list.

It boasts cliff-top gardens and a grand promenade perfect for walking and cycling.

An unspoilt gem of a resort, it is easy to see why Gorleston's charm caught the eye of director Danny Boyle, who used it as a backdrop to feelgood film Yesterday.

The Gorleston Pavilion, an Edwardian seaside theatre, features an eclectic mix of plays, pantomimes, musicals and an unmissable Summer Show which runs every Tuesday from May 6 to October 7 this year.

This gorgeous old theatre seats 300 cabaret style at candlelit tables and is all on one level, making it fully accessible to wheelchairs.

Drinks are served to your table by friendly bar staff.

The adjacent bandstand has summer concerts throughout the main season so you can bring a chair and a picnic and listen to the music while overlooking Gorleston beach.

The best views can be found from Gorleston's cliff top towards the southern end, providing great vistas of the sandy beach and the gentle rolling waves of the North Sea.

Family-run The Shed Tapas on the quay side is a surprise treat and serves an excellent choice of small dish.

Mediterranean tapas including favourites such as chorizo in cider, padron peppers, patatas bravas, garlic prawns plus daily specials.

The Cliff Hotel's restaurant and bar is the place for beach views and drinks can be enjoyed on the terrace on warmer days.

It's a fabulous spot to while away a few hours over a beer or glass of wine or two. It also serves a great range of cocktails.

Cast and crew for Danny Boyle's Yesterday movie spent a month at The Pier Hotel and the hotel and beach both feature in the film.

A key scene was shot from the balcony overlooking the beach, where 6,000 local people responded to Danny's call for a lively crowd to dance and have fun as the film's star Himesh Patel and a band performed The Beatles' song Help! for them.

The hotel is just a few metres from the beach and has wonderful sea views, 21 bedrooms, an elegant restaurant and spacious bar.

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