Old Merchant's House, Great Yarmouth
Step into the past at Great Yarmouth’s Old Merchant's House, where maritime history and elegant architecture meet on the scenic South Quay.
Step into the Old Merchant's House on South Quay, a rare surviving example of Great Yarmouth's historic 'Rows'. Built in the early 17th century for wealthy merchants, this beautifully conserved property offers a glimpse into the town's maritime past, with ornate plasterwork, original oak panelling, and fascinating exhibits on local life through the centuries. Nearby, the Greyfriars' Cloisters add further historical depth to your visit.
A brief summary to Old Merchant's House
- S Quay, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2RG, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the museum’s website for special events or guided tours to enhance your visit.
- Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and more opportunities to engage with staff.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the museum features multiple levels and historic staircases.
- Take time to explore the nearby Greyfriars' Cloisters and the scenic quayside after your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Drive to the center of Great Yarmouth and follow signs for S Quay. Use postcode NR30 2RG for navigation. Limited street parking is available nearby, or use a car park in the vicinity. The Old Merchant's House is a short walk from the parking area.
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Public Transport
Take a bus to Great Yarmouth bus station. From there, walk southwest on King Street, then left onto St. Nicholas Road, continuing to the riverfront and S Quay. The walk takes about 15–20 minutes.
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Walking
From the town center, walk south along King Street, then turn left onto St. Nicholas Road. Continue to the riverfront and S Quay. The walk is approximately 15 minutes on flat, paved paths.
Old Merchant's House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Old Merchant's House
Merchant Life on the Quay
Nestled along the scenic South Quay, the Old Merchant's House stands as a testament to Great Yarmouth's golden age as a bustling port. Constructed in the early 17th century, it was home to prosperous merchants whose fortunes were tied to the sea. The house’s prime location allowed its residents to keep a watchful eye on their ships, while its elegant interiors—featuring flamboyant plasterwork ceilings and fine oak panelling—reflected their status and wealth. Over the centuries, the house was altered to reflect changing tastes, with sash windows replacing mullions and fashionable tea-drinking buffets installed in the 18th century.From Prosperity to Preservation
The fortunes of the Row Houses mirrored those of the town itself. By the 19th century, as wealthier residents moved to the suburbs, these once-grand homes were subdivided into smaller dwellings. The Old Merchant's House was eventually split into two cottages, and many similar buildings were lost to war and redevelopment. Thanks to careful conservation, both Row 111 House and the Old Merchant's House survived, rescued from demolition and restored in the 1950s. Today, they offer a rare window into the architectural and social history of Great Yarmouth.Stories in the Walls
Inside, the house is filled with period features and carefully curated exhibits that bring the past to life. Visitors can explore rooms restored to reflect different eras, from the opulent merchant’s parlour to the more modest living quarters of later tenants. Over a thousand historic fixtures and fittings—wood panelling, door furniture, fire surrounds, and ornate cupboards—have been salvaged from the Rows and are now cared for by English Heritage. These objects provide a tangible connection to the craftsmanship and daily life of the town’s residents across five centuries.Greyfriars' Cloisters and the Rows
Adjacent to the Old Merchant's House, the Greyfriars' Cloisters are the remains of a 13th-century Franciscan friary, later converted into dwellings for the town’s working class. The Rows themselves were a network of narrow alleyways where port workers lived in cramped conditions, contrasting sharply with the grandeur of the merchant houses. Guided tours and walking trails explore the stories of both rich and poor, revealing the complex social fabric of Great Yarmouth’s past.A Living Museum Experience
The Old Merchant's House is more than a static museum; it’s an immersive journey through time. Interactive displays, hands-on activities, and engaging staff bring the history to life, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the maritime heritage, or the stories of the people who lived here, the house offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
English Heritage - Greyfriars Cloisters
0.2 km
Medieval Franciscan ruins revealing seven centuries of Norfolk's spiritual heritage and monastic life.
War Memorial
0.4 km
A solemn tribute in Great Yarmouth honoring 619 service members and 162 civilians who sacrificed their lives in the World Wars.
Medieval Town Wall
0.4 km
Explore England’s second most complete medieval town wall, a mile-long historic fortress with surviving towers and rich maritime heritage.
Pudding tower
0.6 km
Step back in time at the Pudding Tower, a medieval gate that once guarded Great Yarmouth’s bustling port.
The Broads National Park
8.8 km
Explore the breathtaking waterways and rich wildlife of The Broads National Park, a hidden gem in Norfolk and Suffolk perfect for nature lovers.
The Broads
8.8 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of The Broads, a national park filled with picturesque waterways, diverse wildlife, and charming villages perfect for outdoor adventures.
St Olave's Priory
10.0 km
Discover St Olave's Priory, a historical gem in Great Yarmouth, where heritage and tranquility intertwine amidst stunning medieval architecture.
Discover the Norfolk Broads
12.2 km
Discover the natural beauty and tranquil waterways of the Norfolk Broads, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers in East Anglia.
Potter Heigham bridge
15.4 km
Discover the charm of Potter Heigham Bridge, an iconic historical landmark in the heart of Norfolk's stunning Broads, perfect for scenic walks and photography.
Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
16.7 km
Explore the natural beauty of Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, where lush landscapes meet serene waters in the heart of Norfolk.
St. Benet's Abbey
16.8 km
Discover the enchanting ruins of St. Benet's Abbey, a historical gem in Great Yarmouth, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and rich heritage.
Hickling Broad
17.0 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Hickling Broad, a premier nature reserve in Norfolk perfect for birdwatching, walking, and kayaking.
Ranworth Broad
18.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Ranworth Broad, a tranquil waterway in Norfolk perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking peace and adventure.
Toad Hole Cottage Museum
19.5 km
Explore the Toad Hole Cottage Museum and dive into the rich history of the Norfolk Broads in a charming and serene setting.
Wheatfen Broad - Ted Ellis Trust
19.9 km
Explore the serene beauty of Wheatfen Broad, a nature reserve near Norwich, rich in wildlife and stunning landscapes ideal for relaxation and exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Great Yarmouth Row Houses
0.1 km
Explore Great Yarmouth’s unique medieval merchant houses and historic Rows, a rare glimpse into centuries of urban life and maritime heritage.
The Tolhouse
0.1 km
Explore Great Yarmouth’s 12th-century Tolhouse Gaol, a historic prison and courthouse turned immersive museum of crime and punishment.
National Trust - Elizabethan House Museum
0.2 km
Explore the Elizabethan House Museum in Great Yarmouth, where history comes alive through engaging exhibits and authentic architecture.
The South East Tower
0.3 km
Sleep within medieval walls: a 14th-century tower transformed into an extraordinary heritage holiday home.
Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life
0.3 km
Discover Great Yarmouth’s maritime heritage and vibrant coastal life in a beautifully restored Victorian fish curing works museum.
St George's Park
0.4 km
Urban green sanctuary connecting Great Yarmouth's town centre to the seafront with rose gardens, play areas, and maritime charm.
Medieval Town Wall Open Space
0.4 km
Walk the longest surviving medieval town wall in England and discover the rich maritime heritage of Great Yarmouth.
Hippodrome Circus
0.6 km
Britain's only surviving purpose-built circus, where Victorian spectacle meets contemporary artistry on the Norfolk coast.
Jurassic Journey
0.6 km
Explore the prehistoric world with animatronic dinosaurs and fossil digs at Great Yarmouth’s family-friendly Jurassic Journey.
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
0.7 km
Explore the depths of the ocean at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth, where adventure and education meet in an unforgettable aquatic experience.
About Great Yarmouth
0.8 km
Historic seaside charm meets lively coastal attractions on Norfolk’s scenic Great Yarmouth peninsula.
Winter Gardens
0.8 km
Discover the last Victorian glasshouse on a UK seaside promenade, soon to be reborn as a sustainable community hub.
Great Yarmouth Beach
0.8 km
Discover the golden sands and lively promenade of Great Yarmouth Beach, a classic British seaside destination with fun for all ages.
Anchor Gardens
0.8 km
A peaceful coastal garden with iconic anchor-shaped flowerbeds, offering a serene escape on Great Yarmouth’s vibrant seafront.
Merrivale Model Village
0.8 km
A whimsical acre of English countryside in miniature, complete with working trains and hidden treasures.
Essential places to dine
Quayside Plaza
0.2 km
Charming Mediterranean restaurant on Great Yarmouth’s South Quay, offering homemade dishes and warm, attentive service in an elegant setting.
Zaks Yankee Traveller
0.2 km
Hearty American comfort food, generous portions, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Great Yarmouth.
The Courtyard Italian Restaurante
0.3 km
Intimate Italian dining where handmade pasta and personal hospitality define every meal.
Alexandra Restaurant
0.5 km
A family-run gem in Great Yarmouth, serving hearty English and Mediterranean dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.
HMS Hinchinbrook great Yarmouth
0.6 km
Classic British fish and grill dining by the seaside, blending tradition with modern flavors in Great Yarmouth.
Charlie's Tapas Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Spanish tapas with vibrant flavors and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Great Yarmouth.
The Arches
0.7 km
Traditional British pub fare and warm hospitality in the heart of Great Yarmouth
Ocean Spray
0.7 km
Savor fresh seafood and premium steaks in a welcoming seaside setting at Ocean Spray, Great Yarmouth’s refined coastal dining destination.
Othello
0.7 km
Fresh Mediterranean flavors and seafood by the sea in Great Yarmouth’s vibrant Marine Parade.
Metropole Restaurant
0.7 km
Classic British seaside dining with genuine warmth and honest value on Marine Parade.
JAN Restaurant
0.7 km
Award-winning fine dining in an intimate art deco setting overlooking Great Yarmouth's seafront.
Gilfreds Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic English carvery serving home-cooked roasts and traditional puddings with genuine Norfolk hospitality.
Chico's Restaurant
0.8 km
Fresh seafood and hearty steaks served with friendly service on Great Yarmouth’s scenic Marine Parade.
Charcoal Grill
0.8 km
Charcoal-grilled excellence meets Norfolk hospitality on the seafront.
Strollers Restaurant
0.9 km
Modern seaside dining with fresh seafood and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at Strollers Restaurant on Great Yarmouth’s Marine Parade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ferailles Shop - (Knot Just A Furniture Shop!) - Great Yarmouth
0.2 km
Explore Ferailles Shop in Great Yarmouth - a unique blend of gift shop, art gallery, and antique haven with treasures waiting to be discovered.
Mermaid Quay
0.3 km
Explore Mermaid Quay in Great Yarmouth for a unique selection of crafts, jewelry, and gifts that capture the spirit of your visit.
Grasshopper
0.3 km
Discover authentic seaside treasures and locally crafted souvenirs in Great Yarmouth's most charming gift shop.
R&D Crafts
0.4 km
Discover unique handmade crafts and gifts in the charming Victoria Arcade of Great Yarmouth.
Cauldron37
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at Cauldron37, a cozy boutique in the heart of Great Yarmouth’s vibrant Regent Street.
Craftmania
0.4 km
Premier craft supplies and materials for card-makers, scrapbookers, and creative enthusiasts in Great Yarmouth.
Martyns Walk Round Store
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures at Martyns Walk Round Store in Great Yarmouth, the ultimate shopping destination for tourists.
Steve's 'n' Mix
0.5 km
Traditional sweet shop on Regent Road offering classic British pick 'n' mix sweets and fudge gifts in the heart of Great Yarmouth.
Market Gates Shopping Centre (Great Yarmouth)
0.5 km
Discover a vibrant shopping experience at Market Gates Shopping Centre, the ultimate destination for retail therapy and delightful dining in Great Yarmouth.
Branded Collectibles
0.5 km
Discover a vibrant world of licensed toys and pop culture memorabilia at Branded Collectibles in Great Yarmouth.
Handmade GIFTS AND CRAFTS From Bali
0.5 km
Discover authentic Balinese handmade gifts and crafts in the heart of Great Yarmouth’s vibrant shopping scene.
Shelly's Emporium
0.5 km
Discover unique gifts and local artisan treasures at Shelly's Emporium, a family-run gem on historic Regent Road in Great Yarmouth.
Belzart
0.5 km
Discover mystical treasures and unique gifts at Belzart, a cozy and enchanting shop in the heart of Great Yarmouth’s Market Row.
Unique Crafts
0.5 km
Explore Unique Crafts in Great Yarmouth for one-of-a-kind miniatures and handcrafted treasures that capture the essence of local artistry.
Cottage Jewels
0.5 km
Discover exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance at Cottage Jewels, Great Yarmouth’s premier jewellery boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Liberty's Rock Cafe
0.2 km
Historic seventeenth-century pub in Great Yarmouth offering traditional British ales and a lively social atmosphere.
The Blue Oyster
0.2 km
Lively bar and dining hotspot in Great Yarmouth, known for quality food, excellent cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Uptown Bar
0.3 km
Affordable and friendly bar in Great Yarmouth’s heart, perfect for casual drinks and lively social evenings.
Peggotys Lounge
0.3 km
A lively pub and restaurant in Great Yarmouth offering great cocktails, tasty food, and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.
The Red Herring
0.4 km
A cozy, historic pub in Great Yarmouth famed for quality real ales and a warm, community atmosphere.
Theatre Tavern
0.4 km
Traditional Great Yarmouth boozer with affordable drinks, live entertainment, and genuine local character.
The Mariners
0.5 km
Traditional real ale pub where locals and visitors unite over quality beer and genuine Norfolk hospitality.
Troll Cart Wetherspoons Great Yarmouth
0.5 km
A vibrant Wetherspoon pub and hotel in Great Yarmouth offering affordable food, comfy rooms, and easy access to local attractions.
Duke's Head Hotel
0.5 km
A historic waterfront bar in Great Yarmouth known for friendly service, quality casual dining, and a lively atmosphere.
The Jube
0.5 km
Great Yarmouth's family-friendly sports bar and nightclub where entertainment meets community spirit.
Tombstone Brewery & Saloon Bar
0.6 km
Step into an Old West saloon with handcrafted ales brewed on-site, offering a unique real ale experience in the heart of Great Yarmouth.
The Feathers
0.6 km
A friendly, traditional pub in Great Yarmouth with affordable drinks, live sports, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The Alexandra Freehouse
0.6 km
A lively, family-run pub in Great Yarmouth offering traditional ales, classic pub games, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere at an affordable price.
The Marine
0.6 km
A lively seaside pub on Great Yarmouth’s Marine Parade, serving classic food, drinks, and entertainment with a friendly atmosphere.
The Market Tavern Public House
0.6 km
A traditional Great Yarmouth pub serving hearty British classics with warm hospitality in the heart of Market Place.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
