The incredible UK seaside town with the most pubs per person and iconic seafront | Travel News | Travel

One of the UK’s best seaside towns has been named as the place with the most pubs per person. A new study examined pub culture throughout the UK and sought to highlight where it is thriving and where it might be dying out. The research, conducted and published by Best New Bingo Sites, looked at the areas in the country with the most pubs per 100,000 people. Topping the list was one area where there are an incredible 242 pubs per 100,000 residents.

The town in question is Great Yarmouth, a vibrant seaside town on the eastern coast of England in Norfolk. Featuring old-timey architecture, a lengthy beach, an exciting seafront and more than enough pubs for visitors to drink in, it may well be one of the top places for a British staycation in 2025. The town is known for its Ferris wheel and amusements, offering family-friendly fun as well as plenty for adult-only trips to the seaside. 

Sue Dawson, operations director at Best New Bingo Sites, said: “The data highlights how smaller towns, not just major cities, are keeping pub culture alive. Great Yarmouth’s top spot shows just how strong the local scene can be in coastal communities.”

Great Yarmouth has a huge amount to offer visitors. In terms of nightlife, there is an extensive number of pubs as well as The Hippodrome, which is Britain’s last surviving total circus building and one of only three in the world to still feature its original sinking ring. Expect to see some thrilling variety, stunts and magic here. 

There is also The Empire where you will find street food vendors as well as an exciting dancefloor, as well as Britannia Pier Theatre, which is one of the few remaining operating traditional end of pier theatres in the country. 

Great Yarmouth is also a go-to destination for nature lovers with its scenic coast and many walking routes. The area surrounding the town is home to stunning trails such as Fritton to Somerleyton, Filby Mill and Winterton Dunes. 

But the real attraction in Great Yarmouth, apart from the plethora of pubs located around this seaside town, is the seaside amusements, thrilling for all the family. In fact, there are a variety of amusement parks here. 

One of them is the iconic Britannia Pier, which almost transports you back in time to when British seaside piers were in their prime. Previous visitors have had positive things to say about this pier. One Tripadvisor reviewer said: “Nice walk on the pier lots of different food stalls to tempt you. Had a glass of wine in the bar at the end. Rides and arcades for the young.”

Another commented: “There are good options for food and drink (although they are understandably more pricey than off of the pier). There are lots of arcade games (2p pushers, crane games, etc), a few rides which use a token system to get on, a bar, a fish and chip shop, and multiple other food vendors. All of the staff that we interacted with were friendly and helpful. Would visit again!”

The other amusement parks to visit in Great Yarmouth are Fun Park at Hemsby, Hirsty’s Family Fun Park, Joyland, Merivale Model Village, Pleasure Beach and Wellington Pier. 

When it comes to pubs in Great Yarmouth, the most popular, as per online reviews, are Short Blue, Merlin’s Sports Bar, Prince Regent, The Marine, The Ted Herring, Liberty’s Rock Café and The Pier Tavern, to name a few. 

Dawson commented: “These figures suggest that interest in finding a good pub isn’t just a big city trend. People across the country are actively seeking out places to socialise, showing the ongoing importance of local pubs.”

However, the research showed a general decline in the number of pubs across the country. Dawson said: “These stats show the stark contrast between demand and availability. Pubs are more than just places to grab a pint, they’re part of the social fabric of the UK. From quiet corners to lively locals, they’ve always offered a space to unwind, connect and feel part of something. Even as numbers decline, the appetite for that kind of community is still strong, whether it’s found down the road or through the screen.”