UK beach that's 'our own little California" close to major tourist town (original) (raw)

It might not be a celebrity hot spot, but visitors love the sandy beaches and seaside vibe

California Beach is just down the road from the bright lights of Great Yarmouth

A charming beach in Norfolk shares its name with one of the most iconic destinations in the world. While California Beach near Great Yarmouth may not offer some of the more glamorous aspects of its transatlantic twin, it is still a great place to visit.

Situated just down the coast from the less exotically named Scratby, the gorgeous stretch of Norfolk beach allegedly owes its intriguing name to a discovery of 16th-century gold coins on its shores in 1848. This find coincided with the frenzy of the California Gold Rush, capturing the imagination of locals and leading to the beach's distinctive name.

Nestled at the foot of sloping cliffs, the beach may not be overlooked by the mansions of Malibu or the palm trees in Venice Beach, but it is backed by a vast expanse of caravan parks, making it a popular choice for families.

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Access to the beach is via a slope with steps at the bottom, leading to a wide, sand-and-shingle shoreline. Visitors can also reach California Beach by winding their way down the sandy cliffs or by taking a pleasant walk along the beach from Caister.

Caravan parks overlook the wide sandy beach (

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Getty)

The beach merges seamlessly with Scratby Beach, forming a peaceful and picturesque part of the coastline. At the beach entrance, light refreshments are available, along with public and disabled toilets.

There is parking but it is very limited, so visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

For a delightful break, visitors can pop into the Tastebud Tearooms. The small café is known for its friendly service and tasty treats, has an overall 4.5 out of 5 score on Tripadvisor. One hungry visitor described it as a "Lovely quaint place" adding "the best toasted cheese scones we've ever had. Lovely staff, can be a bit of a wait but it's worth waiting for."

There is also a local pub, conveniently named The California Tavern, serving up real ales and comfort food, with a beer garden and occasional live entertainment.

Just a mile down the road is the lively seaside resort of Great Yarmouth, known for its Golden Mile. This stretch is packed with more than a mile of attractions and amusements between two traditional seaside piers.

The lively seaside town of Great Yarmouth is just down the road (

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Getty)

Marine Parade, the vibrant focal point of the seafront, is filled with adventure golf, pubs, and restaurants and offers a stunning view over the beach and out to sea. At night, the seafront is illuminated by twinkling decorative sails stretching from Britannia Pier to the Pleasure Beach.

Whether you're exploring the historical charm of California Beach or the bustling attractions of Great Yarmouth, this coastal area offers something for everyone.

Who needs surfer dudes and West Coast vibes when we've got our very own California beach, right here at home.