Step inside one of East Anglia’s last remaining Edwardian seaside theatres and discover the stories built into its walls. This hour-long guided tour takes you through front-of-house spaces, onto the stage, and behind the scenes, sharing how the Pavilion has evolved over its 125-year history.
You’ll hear how the theatre was originally constructed in 1901, and the role it played during wartime, civic events, and changing eras of entertainment. We’ll spotlight architectural details from decorative plasterwork and proscenium arch to dressing room quirks and original fixtures, showing how form and function have always intertwined in a working performance space.
Tours are led by the theatre’s current custodians, who will also touch on the challenges and triumphs of preserving a heritage venue in the 21st century.
Access: The building’s main public areas are on one level, but some parts of the tour (including the stage and certain backstage areas) involve steps and may not be fully accessible. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss specific needs
Part of Heritage Open Days.
Free Event: Pre-booking: Required
Follow the public signs for the beach or follow the river until you reach our lovely part of the world. We're opposite the Pier Hotel and Ocean Room and have plenty of free parking right outside the theatre.
| Season (14 Sept 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Monday | 14:00 | |
| Season (15 Sept 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Tuesday | 12:00 | |
| Season (16 Sept 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Wednesday | 13:00 | |
| Season (18 Sept 2026) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Friday | 11:00 | |
* Pre-booking required
Booking conditions:
Please book a free space on the tour through our website or by calling/visiting our Box Office, which is open 7 days a week from 10am-3pm.
Booking telephone number:01493 662832
Max 20 people per tour/session. The full tour takes around 1 hour The Gorleston Pavilion Trust is a charitable organisation and relies solely on donations, so whilst the tours are completely free to attend we always appreciate donations, though there is no pressure or expectation to do so!