Gorleston Splashpad

The splash pad at Gorleston sits right on the seafront between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, making it a proper godsend when you've got small kids who need cooling off on a hot afternoon. It's the sort of place where you're not looking for deep swimming or lessons - just water jets, fountains, and enough splash to keep toddlers and primary school kids occupied for a solid hour or two.

The setup is straightforward. Water shoots up from the ground, kids run through it, everyone gets soaked. There's no charge to use it, which is the beauty of these council-run water features. You'll spot families spread across the surrounding grass with towels and picnics, taking advantage of the free entertainment. On busy summer days it does get rammed, so early morning or late afternoon is smarter if you want a bit of space.

Who's this for? Families with children under about ten will genuinely enjoy it. Teenagers and adults mostly use it as a place to cool off rather than an actual attraction. It works brilliantly as a free break if you're staying at Azure Seas Holiday Village just down the coast - gives you a different spot to base yourself for an afternoon without spending more money.

The seafront location means you can easily combine it with fish and chips at nearby beach shacks or a quick walk along the prom. It's not somewhere you'll spend a whole day, but that's rather the point. Thirty minutes to an hour, get wet, move on. Unpretentious and functional.