Looking for cheap exercise in Norfolk?
Whether you're after free activities in Great Yarmouth, seeking free exercise Norfolk, or just want low-cost fun in Gorleston, you’ll find plenty to do without spending a fortune.
Here’s a guide to accessible ways to move more – it’s good for your body, your mind and your wallet.
1. Free Local Walks & RUNS with a View
A great way to stay active: the cost is zero and the scenery is priceless. Walk or jog the promenade or dunes between Gorleston and Great Yarmouth, explore woodland paths in Fritton Woods, or follow the riverside trails by Breydon Water. There are free activity trails for kids at The Waterways.
For specific walk ideas, check out our blog of Top Walks in the Area.
Top Tip: Walking with a friend or your dog adds motivation, for free!
2. Join a Local Parkrun – Free Every Week
Try Great Yarmouths’s North Beach Parkrun on Saturdays, starting at 9 am weekly. It’s free, friendly, and open to all abilities. Participants just register once, then scan and go each week. Families can head to the junior Parkrun in Gorleston on Sundays.
“Everyone is friendly… people of all shapes and abilities do the parkrun”
3. Make a Splash – Safely
Sea swimming is free and refreshing, especially on the lifeguard-patrolled beaches of Gorleston and Great Yarmouth Central. Always check tide times and consider joining a local swim group. Alternatively, beach paddling, sand games, and coastal walks are great family-friendly options.
Lifeguards are typically present at Great Yarmouth Beach in the summer, in 2025 this is from 12 July to September, 10am - 6 pm. Check Lifeguard details here. Please remember - No Flags = No Lifeguards.
You can get tips for sea swimming from the RNLI website here and check out Wonderlogs ‘Best Swimming Beachs in Great Yarmouth’ here >
4. GoodGym: Get Fit by Doing Good
GoodGym is launching soon in Great Yarmouth - an exciting opportunity to combine exercise with community volunteering. Whether you walk, run, or cycle, you'll help with local tasks like gardening, litter picking, or supporting isolated older people. It's free to join, inclusive, and meaningful.
5. Big Norfolk Holiday Fun (sCHOOL holidays only)
Looking for free activities Norfolk families can enjoy? Big Norfolk Holiday Fun offers a range of free or low-cost holiday activities for 4–16-year-olds, from sports to creative arts.
Funded places are available for families receiving benefits-related free school meals. Bookings open early in the summer.
6. Outdoor Gyms & Exercise Equipment
No cost, no fuss—just head to the park. Outdoor fitness equipment can be found at Hopton Playing field and Mill lane recreation ground.
These spaces offer strength and cardio workout opportunities in the fresh air.
7. Try Geocaching – The Free Outdoor Treasure Hunt
If you like a bit of adventure with your exercise, geocaching is a brilliant (and totally free) way to explore Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and the surrounding countryside. All you need is a smartphone and the Geocaching app. There are dozens of hidden “caches” tucked away locally, from woodland trails to seaside paths.
It’s fun for all ages, and a great way to get your steps in without realising. Find out more on the official Geocaching website here >
Find your first cache at Gorleston Cliffs, near Great Yarmouth Minster, or along the Bure Valley Way.
8. Walk Together – Join a Local Walking Group
Walking is one of the simplest, most accessible ways to stay active – and it’s even better when you do it with others. Across Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, there are local groups and mapped routes designed to support wellbeing, connection, and gentle exercise.
Great options to explore include Feathers Futures Walking Group and Wellbeing Walks by Active Norfolk which include dementia-friendly routes and gentle walks for different needs. There’s local community
Norsuf walking group with regular meets as well as Ramblers Walks who’s Great Yarmouth Group programme includes many local walks led by trained volunteers, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Local Norfolk charity Pathmakers put on an annual ‘Walk Norfolk’ festival each autumn, which you can explore here >
9. Try Your Local Skate Park – Free, Fun & Full of Energy
Skating isn’t just for teens – it’s a brilliant full-body workout that builds balance, coordination and confidence. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston are home to several free-to-use skate parks where you can bring a skateboard, scooter or BMX and give it a go. Top spots to try include Great Yarmouth Skatepark – A local favourite for all levels, Southtown Common Skatepark – comprising BMX as well, Gorleston Rec Skatepark - great for laying down the basics, skating and BMX alike and Cobholm Skate Park - another awesome spot to practice
10. Start Your Own Micro-Movement Group
No group fits your schedule? Create your own! Organise a weekly beach walk, prom stretch, or friendly netball game with friends. No cost, just a shared space and shared movement.
PLUS Low-Cost Local Clubs via GYSLT
Here at the Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust (GYSLT), we support many affordable exercise classes and clubs across the community - from seated fitness and youth cadets to social football and yoga. Check what's running near you via our regular blogs, Facebook or Instagram, and remember, local groups and clubs can apply for funding too >
Whether you’re looking for cheap exercise, free activities in Norfolk, or accessible fun across Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, there’s something for everyone, without breaking the bank. Pick one idea this week and make movement happen!!
Apply for a Great Yarmouth Sport & Leisure Trust grant
If you are part of an amazing sport or leisure team, or maybe run a leisure or fitness activity, and would like to apply for up to £500 of funding, we are taking applications now. ake a look at our Grant Application page.
