The Second World War was over. Major cities had suffered catastrophic damage. Rationing remained in place and there were shortages of housing and food.

The 1950s were a trying time but by the end of the decade, life in Britain had transformed.

And today we are turning back the clock to visit Great Yarmouth in the 1950s with these old photos of the seafront from our archive. 

Eastern Daily Press: People sitting on benches outside Britannia Pier and Joyland at Great Yarmouth seafront in June 1955. People sitting on benches outside Britannia Pier and Joyland at Great Yarmouth seafront in June 1955. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Taken from an Air Anglian Charter plane flying over Great Yarmouth while the E.B.A. bowls tournament was in progress, showing the pier, greens and the North Denes beyond. Date: September 1, 1953.Taken from an Air Anglian Charter plane flying over Great Yarmouth while the E.B.A. bowls tournament was in progress, showing the pier, greens and the North Denes beyond. Date: September 1, 1953. (Image: Newsquest)

There are aerial views along the coast and snapshots of the eager crowds.

We see people of all ages there for a grand old time, from a group of children gathered in front of a Punch and Judy booth to the Norfolk Old Peoples Rally at the Marina theatre.

Eastern Daily Press: A group of children gathered in front of a Punch and Judy booth on Great Yarmouth seafront in June 1956.A group of children gathered in front of a Punch and Judy booth on Great Yarmouth seafront in June 1956. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Old Peoples Rally at the Marina Theatre on Great Yarmouth's seafront. Dated: June 16, 1954.Norfolk Old Peoples Rally at the Marina Theatre on Great Yarmouth's seafront. Dated: June 16, 1954. (Image: Newsquest)

Visitors stroll along the promenade in their finest threads.

There's camping and boating and much more besides. 

Eastern Daily Press: Whitsun holiday crowds at the Anchor Gardens in Great Yarmouth on May 21, 1956.Whitsun holiday crowds at the Anchor Gardens in Great Yarmouth on May 21, 1956. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: South Denes, Great Yarmouth camping and caravan site in 1955.South Denes, Great Yarmouth camping and caravan site in 1955. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Holidaymakers taking a trip on the Waterways at Great Yarmouth on August 21, 1955 or 1956.Holidaymakers taking a trip on the Waterways at Great Yarmouth on August 21, 1955 or 1956. (Image: Newsquest)

What are your memories of visiting Great Yarmouth in days gone by?

Did you live or holiday there in the 1950s?

Let us know in the comments below.

For more old photos and articles about Norfolk history and heritage, subscribe to our fortnightly Through the Decades email newsletter. Sign up by clicking here.  

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth Marine Parade in 1954.Great Yarmouth Marine Parade in 1954. (Image: Newsquest)

Eastern Daily Press: Great Yarmouth boat pond in 1957.Great Yarmouth boat pond in 1957. (Image: Newsquest)