Gorleston-on-Sea
| Gorleston-On-Sea | |
| Suffolk | |
|---|---|
 Pier Hotel, Gorleston-on-Sea | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | TG520040 |
| Location: | 52°34’33"N, 1°43’25"E |
| Data | |
| Population: | 5,882 (2001) |
| Post town: | Great Yarmouth |
| Postcode: | NR31 |
| Dialling code: | 01493 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Great Yarmouth |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Great Yarmouth |
Gorleston-On-Sea, also known colloquially as Gorleston, is a village in Suffolk, forming part of the larger town of Great Yarmouth, which latter town is across the river in Norfolk.
Gorleston stands at the mouth of the River Yare, on the south bank of the river facing Great Yarmouth on the north bank, the river forming the county border between them. The northernmost part of Gorleston also forms the northernmost point of Suffolk. Gorleston-on-Sea was a port town at the time of the Domesday Book. The port then became a centre of fishing for herring along with salt-pans used for the production of salt to preserve the fish. In Edwardian times the fishing industry rapidly declined and its role changed to that of a seaside resort.
History
In the Middle Ages, Gorleston had two manors, and a small manor called Bacons. Its close association with neighbouring Great Yarmouth caused it to be considered part of that town for administration from as early as 1835.
There used to be two railway stations. Both were on the coastal line which joined Great Yarmouth with Lowestoft - Gorleston-on-Sea closed in 1970 whilst its neighbour, Gorleston North closed in 1942.
It is a seaside resort and tourist destination. Its main attraction is its sandy "Edwardian Beach." It has traditional seaside gardens and model boat pond. It also has a theatre opposite the pier called The Pavilion.
The main shopping centre is on the High Street. It has its own golf club. There is also a hospital and a library. The nearest railway station remaining open is that of Great Yarmouth.
There is a lighthouse, lifeboat station and coastwatch station on Riverside Road.[1]
In the great storm of 1987, Gorleston experienced the highest wind speed recorded in the United Kingdom: 122 mph.
Sport and leisure
- Football: Gorleston FC play at Emerald Park.