Iconic Great Yarmouth snails are set to trundle on for another summer of fun

The traditional Snails ride at Joyland in Great Yarmouth.Picture: James Bass (Image: (C) Archant Norfolk 2013)

They have clicked, twisted and trundled through their jolly corner of the children's funfair since it was opened in 1949. The colourful creatures have given countless wide-eyed children their first taste of the heady cocktail of fear and excitement that goes with a seafront funfair ride – even though they only plunge a few feet among cheery gnomes and colourful creatures.

A mile along the golden sands the wooden rollercoaster towering above the Pleasure Beach goes back even further, to 1932, when it moved lock stock and barrel from a Paris exhibition. Its cars clank and climb 70ft into the sky and give a seagull's eye view of the coast before plummeting at 45mph into the aromas of candyfloss and donuts at ground level

Both are firm favourites of families as adults introduce youngsters to the fun of their own youth, unleashing a rollercoaster of emotions and memories across the generations. And they are also an important part of the modern-day mix at Great Yarmouth, helping to attract return visitors and first-timers alike.

Both venues are run by local families keen to invest in the town's heritage – which involves a lot of unsung winter work – as well as its future.

The Cole family, who's great grandfather Horace founded Joyland, said its enduring success was down to visitors enjoying the nostalgia of traditional seafront rides, which were freshened up with new additions.

Although the Snails were the signature ride, the Tyrolean Tubs were also unique – and a visiting group of historic funfair fans from America has pledged to help subsidise them if they ever have financial problems.

Michael Cole, one of Joyland's directors, is 'positive' about the way Yarmouth tourism is going, with major investment in seafront streetscapes and lighting as well as events to attract extra visitors.

But there is also a lot of unseen, winter work going on to keep the popular retro rides in running order at Joyland, which is due to reopen this weekend - as metallic parts of other rides are being galvanised against the bracing but corrosive seaside air.

Pleasure Beach managing director Albert Jones said: 'People think we hibernate in winter, but that's when the hard work really starts.'

All 28 rides at this attraction, from the biggest rollercoaster to the little tea cup roundabouts, are stripped down while the tourists are away. Painting and improvements are being carried out at the Fun House, waltzers, and monorail. And the log flume is undergoing its first major refurbishment since was installed in the 1980s.

At Easter a big wheel will return to the seafront for the first time since 2009 when Mr Jones installs the 108ft observation ride which was at the London 2012 Olympic Park. And a new Max Adventures superhero cartoon will be shown in 4D cinema with smoke, bubbles, smells and moving seats.

The key was to keep the traditional popular rides well-maintained while adding new attractions – all aimed a family audience.

He added: 'We are not Alton Towers. Not everyone wants to hang upside down and be turned inside out. We are a free entry park and want rides more for the family.'

And he is also upbeat about the future of Yarmouth as it promotes special events – from arts to possible major airshow - and increases marketing to attract more visitors.

The Greater Yarmouth area has a rich mixture of attractions charting local history from Roman ruins at Burgh Castle to the medieval Minister (the biggest parish church in England), a museum and monument flagging up the links with Norfolk's seafaring hero, and a restored drifter boat from the port's herring fishing heydays.