Grand Pirx

The Grand Pirx sits on the seafront between Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, a sprawling amusement complex that's been pulling families through its gates since the 1970s. It's not subtle - you'll spot the rides from the road, all primary colours and peeling paint, which somehow adds to its charm rather than detracting from it.

This is proper old-school seaside fun. The place revolves around go-kart racing, which is genuinely decent - the track is long enough to actually get some speed up and test your driving. Beyond that there's the usual arcade games, bumper cars, and rides that range from gentle enough for small kids to moderately thrilling for teenagers who think they're made of stronger stuff. The dodgems are particular quality.

The real appeal here is unpretentious, honest entertainment. Your kids won't be bored. You won't either, really - there's something about the slightly ramshackle energy of the place that beats the clinical perfection of modern theme parks. Allow a couple of hours minimum, though families often stretch it to half a day because once you've spent money on tokens, you find reasons to use them.

If you're staying at Azure Seas Holiday Village just down the coast, it's barely fifteen minutes away. The park makes a decent wet-weather option or a break from beach days. Admission won't cost you much - rides are pay-as-you-go token systems - but budget accordingly if you've got multiple children.