RAF MILDENHALL, England -- From any point in the U.K., the coast is no more than two hours away by car. With a weekend opportunity simply a quick two hours away, why not visit the coast? One of the most popular and closest seafront destinations to RAF Mildenhall is Great Yarmouth. The town is located on the Norfolk coast and offers many attractions year round.

1. Visit the coast. One of the top appeals to Great Yarmouth is the coast. There are more than 15 miles of beaches along the town open to the public. A visitor can stroll down the many beaches, or they can go deep sea fishing or they can rent a boat for the day.

2. Visit the Sea Life Aquarium. The Sea Life Aquarium is open year round. It features a penguin exhibit, jelly fish tunnel and shark tunnel. Throughout the day, there are specialized educational talks and feedings. The aquarium is open seven days a week and admission varies. For more information, visit http://www.visitsealife.com/Great-yarmouth/.

3. Visit the Grosvenor Casino. The Grosvenor Casino features three roulette tables, multiple blackjack tables and slot machines. Additionally, the dining room offers nice sit-down meals throughout the day, and at night it features a small bar. Although the casino is open to the public, first-time patrons have to register with the front desk. The registration is free and a one-time deal. For more information, visit http://www.grosvenorcasinos.com/local-casinos/great-yarmouth. 

4. Grab a meal and pint at a pub. Public houses populate the pier. One such pub is the Bulletin Pub. It is a small pub with an even smaller restaurant located in the back of the building. The most notable item on the menu is the rib eye steak. The rib eye dinner is meant to be shared between two people. People who order the rib eye are able to pick the cut and size of the meat. After the selection is made, the rib eye is grilled to perfection.

5. Visit The Hippodrome Circus. Located off the pier is The Hippodrome Circus. The circus building was constructed in 1903, and 110 years later it is still operational. Most exhibitions feature a water show because the ring floor can lower and fill with 3 to 4 feet of water. It is open year around and offers a variety of different circus shows throughout the season. For more information, visit http://www.hippodromecircus.co.uk/.

6. Go to the pier. The pier runs parallel to the coastline and offers tons of entertainment opportunities. There are three museums, multiple arcades, an indoor putt-putt golf course, take away restaurants and pubs. Additionally, the Amazonia Reptilaruim is a notable pier attraction where visitors can get an up close view of different reptiles.

7. Stay at a bed and breakfast. Since Great Yarmouth is a popular seaside destination, there are an abundance of bed and breakfasts located throughout the town. Features vary depending on the bed and breakfast. Most offer home cooked meals and are conveniently located within walking distance to main attractions.

8. See the greyhound races at the Great Yarmouth stadium. Watching greyhounds race is a popular pastime in the U.K. The Great Yarmouth stadium offers races every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year. There is plenty of parking and the races are open to everyone. For more information, visit http://www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk/greyhoundracing/.

9. Visit the arcades on the pier. There are more than 10 different arcades on the pier in Great Yarmouth offering year-round family-friendly fun. Most arcades are named after Las Vegas casinos. Some arcades even feature a small casino for adults as well. Admission to the arcades is free.

10. See the banger and stock car races at the Great Yarmouth stadium. Banger racing is similar to the demolition derby in the United States. On event nights both stock car and banger races are offered. The stadium offers hot food, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Races are held weekly throughout the racing season. For admission prices and other offers go to http://www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk/motorracing/.

Great Yarmouth has a lot to offer both families and single Airmen. Whether it's a quick day trip or a weekend escape, Great Yarmouth offers a wide variety of interesting things that will immerse one in the seafront community and British culture.

Editor's Note: The appearance of off-base locations/attractions/activities/events does not constitute endorsement by RAF Mildenhall, the U.S. Air Force or the Department of Defense of the location/attraction/activity/event, its external website or the information, products or services contained therein.