Lowestoft the Sea and Gunton Woods

Some of the earliest evidence of settlement in Britain have been found in Lowestoft and the town has a long history. It is a port town which developed due to the fishing industry and a traditional seaside resort. It has wide, sandy beaches, two piers and a number of other tourist attractions. Whilst its fisheries have declined, the development of oil and gas exploitation in the southern North Sea in the 1960s led to the development of the town, along with nearby Great Yarmouth, as a base for the industry. This role has since declined and the town has begun to develop as a centre of the renewable energy industry within the East of England. The Sparrow's Nest gardens are in the North Denes area of Lowestoft, near the seafront. They were once part of a private estate, owned by Robert Sparrow. The council bought the gardens in the 1890's and the tea rooms now occupy the site where the big house once stood.
In the early part of the last century the gardens became very popular for alfresco events and concerts. In 1913 the Borough of Lowestoft commissioned the Pavilion Theatre, which seated 1,300.
On 3rd September 1939 the Royal Navy commandeered the theatre and the grounds to set up the HQ for the Royal Navy Patrol Service, known as HMS Europa. The Royal Naval Patrol Service Association museum is now in the grounds. There is a memorial to sailors lost at sea and it bears the names of 2,385 sailors.
The pavilion was demolished in 1988 and only the booking office remains - now a camcorder and cine club.
The gardens are landscaped with a kiddies play area, two bowling greens, a cafe, a pub, museums and public toilets.

England - East England - Suffolk - Coast

Walk id: 6689

Walk grade

Easy Walk

Length

6.2 Miles

Height gain

45 Metres

Duration

2 Hours 35 Mins

Average rating

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