Great Yarmouth (pop. 52,700) is situated on a narrow spit of land between the sea and the River Yare, the latter from which the town takes its name. In the past, Great Yarmouth owed its development to the herring fishing industry, but is now primarily a pleasant, modern, seaside holiday resort, with a 6mi/9.6km long sandy beach, an attractive
promenade, three piers and a wide range of amusements. The Yare is navigable by seagoing vessels right up into the town, and the harbor makes a busy scene. Great Yarmouth is a also a good base from which to visit the delightful Norfolk Broads. There are regular horse-race meetings during the summer.