About

Welcome to the oldest surviving herring smokehouse in Great Yarmouth currently in the care of On-Your-Side Norfolk Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation.

Discover the history of this remarkable building. A rare and atmospheric glimpse into the town's industrial heritage. It is a lean-to, built onto the 12th Century town wall, with structural timbers reused from dismantled ships and flotsam.

Walk in to the double height smokehouse where herrings were preserved as kippers or bloaters. Peer into the ancient well that was used by the women to clean the herrings and into the steeps where the herrings were stored before gutting. Here as many as 60 women gutted, washed and salted the herrings and mended drift nets.

Following the collapse of the herring industry and a period of abandonment the building has had various uses. Currently it now serves as a community hub while preserving its unique character. Take a break during your trip, join us at Sheila's Tea Room. Relax with refreshments and soak in the atmosphere of this special site.

Come and be part of Great Yarmouth's living history. All are welcome.