Spring lambs, exhilarating rides and a swashbuckling pirate show are all part of a showcase of entertainment and activities available in the Great Yarmouth borough this Easter.

The holidays are upon us and there is much going on in Great Yarmouth and beyond. 

Here are some of the highlights:

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A bustling Regent Road, Great Yarmouth. Picture - James WeedsA bustling Regent Road, Great Yarmouth. Picture - James Weeds (Image: Liz Coates)

Amusements and attractions

For those looking for a thrill-seeking time, The Pleasure Beach is open until and including April 16, and then every weekend after.

A new ticketing system has been put in place at the Pleasure Beach, with Fun Cards available from £5. Also, a new ride is set to be coming to the theme park over the following weeks.

While at Joyland, families can ride on the legendary tubs, and iconic snails and take home a photograph as a memento.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Pirates Live returns to the Hippodrome this Easter. Picture - HippodromePirates Live returns to the Hippodrome this Easter. Picture - Hippodrome (Image: Hippodrome)

The first traditional helter-skelter spiral slide in Great Yarmouth for 40 years is at Merrivale Model Village along the Golden Mile.

Children can enjoy whizzing down the fairground attraction, before taking part in a mini-Easter egg hunt in return for a prize. There’s also a giant egg to be won - so keep your eyes peeled.

And the Hippodrome Circus is hosting a brand-new Pirates Live water show set on a lifesize galleon and a movie-size port set. Jack Jay and Johnny Mac will be joined by an ensemble of actors, acrobats and aerialists.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Sea Life Great Yarmouth launches its new rainforest attraction this Easter. Picture - Sea Life Great YarmouthSea Life Great Yarmouth launches its new rainforest attraction this Easter. Picture - Sea Life Great Yarmouth (Image: Sea Life Great Yarmouth)

Meet wildlife

A new experience has arrived at the Sea Life Centre this year. Visitors will be transported to an underwater world and be one of the first to visit the new Rainforest Ranger area.

Families can trek through the rainforest to meet the rainforest ranger and the different creatures and critters before taking a walk through the underwater tunnel to spot the tropical fish and sharks above.

For those wanting to spot a red panda or brave the swamp house to walk the wobbly bridge, head to Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: New arrivals at Hirstys Family Fun Park. Picture - Hirstys Family Fun ParkNew arrivals at Hirstys Family Fun Park. Picture - Hirstys Family Fun Park (Image: Hirsty's Family Fun Park)

Hirsty's Family Fun Park brings back its Spring Baa Nanza until April 17, with all the play equipment open, an Easter egg hunt, Easter crafts and a café jam-packed full of food.

The team are expecting around 200 lambs and 30 calves to be born over Easter and there will be tractor and trailer rides on offer to visit the lambing and calving shed.

Pygmy goats Gin and Tonic will be entertaining the crowds with their cheeky behaviour and there’s a chance to hold and pet a rabbit.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Horsey Windpump is a sight on the Hopton walk. Picture - NewsquestHorsey Windpump is a sight on the Hopton walk. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Walks

With activities available inside and out, there are also dozens of walks and stunning coastlines to explore across the whole area from Winterton to Gorleston.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Asa Morrison, chief executive of Visit Great Yarmouth, Lyndon Bevan, chair of Visit Great Yarmouth, and Sarah Bird, education and conservation director at Thrigby Wildlife Gardens, and Scott Bird, zoological director at Thrigby. Picture - TMS MediaAsa Morrison, chief executive of Visit Great Yarmouth, Lyndon Bevan, chair of Visit Great Yarmouth, and Sarah Bird, education and conservation director at Thrigby Wildlife Gardens, and Scott Bird, zoological director at Thrigby. Picture - TMS Media (Image: TMS Media)

Lyndon Bevan, chair of Visit Great Yarmouth, said the season couldn’t be getting off to a better start.

"It’s a really exciting time as this time of year is when every business door is flung open, every attraction is running and there are some amazing extra activities on offer specifically geared for Easter.

"It creates a real buzz as there’s so much to see and do for all ages. If you’re looking for a day out you would be spoilt for choice. Equally, if you are visiting for a longer break you would be hard-pressed to fit everything in.

"There is so much to our destination and we’re looking forward to welcoming back some of our regulars with many new visitors."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The legendary snails are ready to go inside Joyland this Easter. Picture - NewsquestThe legendary snails are ready to go inside Joyland this Easter. Picture - Newsquest (Image: Archant)

Asa Morrison, chief executive of Visit Great Yarmouth said: "We are as usual looking forward to a busy and bustling Easter weekend. 

"We have brilliant businesses in our locality, all of which go the extra mile to make sure we expand our already fantastic tourist offer."

For more information, visit www.visitgreatyarmouth.co.uk