Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth

Photographs of Marine Parade and some of its attractions

By Paul Douch

Photo 1 appears to date from circa 1890 to 1900. The Sailors Home is the big building on the left, and the Royal Aquarium stands at the head of Marine Parade in the distance. Landaus and goats are visible on the right of the frame; goat carriages used to take children for rides along the front until 1911.

The coloured postcard shows the bathing pool, situated just north of the Jetty, which opened in 1922. Unheated, the water had a reputation for being very cold.

The next photo was taken in the 1950s and shows the attraction which opened as Pixieland in 1954, became Caveland in 1956 before closing a year later. In the background is the unmistakable pavilion of Wellington Pier.

The final photo shows Anchor Gardens with landaus on the left, beach huts on the sand, the Jetty in the distance. Also one or two classic cars and buses, indicating the photo was taken in the late fifties or early sixties.