Nelson's Monument, Great Yarmouth
A towering Doric column topped by Britannia, offering panoramic views and commemorating Admiral Nelson’s naval triumphs in Norfolk.
Nelson's Monument, also known as the Norfolk Naval Pillar or Britannia Monument, is a 44-metre tall Doric column in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, commemorating Admiral Lord Nelson’s naval victories. Built between 1817 and 1819, it predates London’s Trafalgar Square column and features a statue of Britannia atop, facing inland towards Nelson’s birthplace. Visitors can climb 217 spiral steps to a viewing platform offering panoramic views of the town and the North Sea.
A brief summary to Nelson's Monument
- Fenner Rd, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3PX, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Prepare for a climb of 217 steps to reach the viewing platform; ensure you are fit and wear comfortable shoes.
- Visit on Sundays during summer when the monument is open for ascents to enjoy the panoramic views.
- Explore the detailed plaques at the base, including one in Braille, to learn about Nelson’s victories and legacy.
- Combine your visit with a walk from Great Yarmouth’s seafront, approximately 30 minutes on foot.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving to Nelson’s Monument takes approximately 10–15 minutes from Great Yarmouth town centre. Parking is available on nearby streets, but the monument is located within an industrial estate, so be mindful of restricted areas and limited spaces.
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Walking
A scenic 30-minute walk from Great Yarmouth seafront to the monument offers a pleasant route, though it passes through mixed urban and industrial surroundings. The terrain is flat and suitable for most walkers.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Great Yarmouth town centre with stops near the industrial estate where the monument is located. Bus travel times range from 15 to 25 minutes depending on the route. Check local timetables for current schedules.
Nelson's Monument location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Nelson's Monument
A Landmark Honouring Norfolk's Naval Hero
Nelson's Monument stands proudly on the Denes in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, as a tribute to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, one of Norfolk’s most celebrated sons. Erected between 1817 and 1819, it was the first Nelson column built, predating the famous London Trafalgar Square monument by over two decades. The monument was funded by public subscription and designed by architect William Wilkins in a classical Doric style. At 44 metres (144 feet) tall, the column is topped by a stone statue of Britannia, symbolising Britain’s naval strength, who faces inland towards Nelson’s birthplace in Burnham Thorpe.Architectural Features and Symbolism
The column’s design includes six caryatid figures supporting the Britannia statue atop a globe inscribed with Nelson’s family motto, "Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat" ("Let him who has merited it take the palm"). Britannia holds an olive branch and a trident, representing peace and naval power. Around the base, plaques commemorate Nelson’s four major naval victories: The Nile (1798), Copenhagen (1801), St Vincent (1797), and Trafalgar (1805). The names of the ships he commanded in these battles are also inscribed. One plaque is uniquely presented in Braille, reflecting efforts to make the monument accessible to visitors with limited sight.Historical Connections and Custodianship
The monument’s first custodian was James Sharman, a local seaman who served aboard HMS Victory and claimed to have helped carry Nelson below deck after he was fatally wounded at Trafalgar. Sharman looked after the monument for nearly 50 years, becoming a living link to Nelson’s legacy. His bravery in rescuing shipwrecked sailors inspired Charles Dickens’ character Ham Peggotty in "David Copperfield." The monument’s location was once open land used for military exercises and public events, but today it sits within an industrial estate, a setting that contrasts with its historical grandeur.Visitor Experience and Views
Visitors can ascend the 217 spiral steps inside the hollow column to reach a small viewing platform at the top. From here, sweeping panoramic views stretch over Great Yarmouth, the North Sea, and the surrounding Norfolk countryside. The climb requires fitness and caution, as space is limited and only a few visitors can ascend at a time. The monument is fenced with a grassed area and benches at its base, offering a quiet spot to reflect on Nelson’s enduring legacy.Setting and Surroundings
While the monument is an impressive historical landmark, its location within a working industrial area somewhat detracts from the atmosphere. The surrounding estate contrasts with the monument’s classical elegance, though its height makes it visible from afar, serving as a maritime landmark. Efforts to improve public access and add greenery have been suggested to enhance the visitor experience and better integrate the monument with its environment.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Nelson’s Monument remains a powerful symbol of Norfolk’s maritime heritage and the county’s pride in one of Britain’s greatest naval heroes. It commemorates Nelson’s victories that shaped British naval dominance and honors the local community’s historical ties to his life. The monument also inspired poetry and song, and its story intertwines with literary history through Dickens’ connection to James Sharman. It stands as a lasting tribute to courage, leadership, and the spirit of the Royal Navy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
War Memorial
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Pudding tower
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Potter Heigham bridge
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TourNorfolk
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Museum of the Broads
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Barton House Railway
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Hoveton Hall Estate
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Experience the beauty and tranquility of Hoveton Hall Estate, a serene tourist attraction in Norfolk featuring exquisite gardens and rich history.
Wroxham Bridge
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Broads Tours
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Discover the serene beauty of the Norfolk Broads with Broads Tours – your gateway to unforgettable aquatic adventures.
Faircraft Loynes
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Wroxham Miniature Worlds
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Wroxham Barns
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Whitlingham Country Park
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East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
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Under The Pier Show Southwold Pier
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Unmissable attractions to see
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
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4D Cinema
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Dive into an immersive 4D cinematic adventure blending thrilling visuals with sensory effects at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach.
Great Yarmouth South Beach
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A classic sandy beach in Great Yarmouth offering family fun, seaside views, and easy access to Pleasure Beach and the new outer harbour.
Priory Gardens
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A peaceful, historic garden in the heart of Gorleston-on-Sea, perfect for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or a moment of calm by the sea.
Pleasure Beach Mining Company
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Discover hidden treasures and family fun at the interactive Pleasure Beach Mining Company in Great Yarmouth’s charming Pleasure Beach Gardens.
Grand Prix
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Family-friendly seaside fun with mini golf, kids’ driving tracks, and unique attractions in a relaxed garden setting by Great Yarmouth’s coast.
Pleasure Beach Gardens
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Free seaside fun with quirky attractions, family rides, and award-winning tearooms—a relaxed alternative to the main park.
Learners’ Driving School (Kids’ coin-operated cars)
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Where young drivers take the wheel in a safe, fun seaside setting.
The Upside Down House - Great Yarmouth
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Step into a topsy-turvy world where ceilings become floors and fun defies gravity at Great Yarmouth’s unique Upside Down House.
Merrivale Model Village
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Winter Gardens
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Historic Victorian Winter Gardens in Great Yarmouth, undergoing a major restoration to become a sustainable seaside cultural landmark by 2028.
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
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Medieval Town Wall Open Space
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Medieval Town Wall
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Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life
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Essential places to dine
Great Yarmouth Seafront Beefeater
0.3 km
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Olive Garden
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HMS Hinchinbrook great Yarmouth
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Joker's Diner
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Zaks Yankee Traveller
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Quayside Plaza
1.9 km
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Muse Restaurant
2.0 km
Elegant coastal dining with Art Deco charm, attentive service, and expertly crafted dishes in Gorleston-on-Sea.
The Courtyard Italian Restaurante
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Metropole Restaurant
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Ocean Spray
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JAN Restaurant
2.0 km
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Othello
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Chico's Restaurant
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Alexandra Restaurant
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Charcoal Grill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Loft Emporium
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What Is Hip
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Aurora Gift Store
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Gift Emporium
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Picnic Patch
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Discover timeless retro fashion and unique vintage treasures at Picnic Patch, Great Yarmouth’s charming vintage clothing boutique.
Life's A Beach
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Ferailles Shop - (Knot Just A Furniture Shop!) - Great Yarmouth
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Crown Stores
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Mermaid Quay
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Grasshopper
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R&D Crafts
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Martyns Walk Round Store
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Steve's 'n' Mix
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Rumbold Arms
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The Red Herring
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The Alexandra Freehouse
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The Marine
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The Blue Oyster
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The Landmark
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Liberty's Rock Cafe
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Merlin’s Sports Bar
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Uptown Bar
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The Empire
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Peggotys Lounge
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In The Mix
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The Great Eastern Party Bar
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Troll Cart Wetherspoons Great Yarmouth
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Buddha Club
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Mavvy’s
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Fallen Angels
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The Bermuda Club
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Sole Bay Bowls Club
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Loft Nightclub
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Mojo's
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Mantra
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Sugar & Spice - Strip Club and Lap Dancing Norwich
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Classic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
