STEPPING on board the historic Lydia Eva, I realised the glamour of Hollywood films can be found in the most surprising of places.
That includes a creaking old boat moored on Norfolk seaside resort Great Yarmouth’s South Quay.
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This vessel, the 1930s Lydia Eva, plays a starring role in the new Wonka film, which was released in the UK on Friday.
The world’s last surviving steam-powered herring drifter can be seen carrying a young Willy Wonka, played by Timothée Chalamet, on his prequel adventure where he first encounters the Oompa Loompas.
I wasn’t sure if I would meet any of the cheery orange-faced creatures during my travels around Great Yarmouth but it was still a thrill to be on board that boat.
And Wonka fans will be able to explore it for FREE. Visitors are invited to get completely in on the action by stoking the boiler, helping the crew or simply kicking back and relaxing on deck.
The best part of my time on board was climbing up to the boat’s wheel where I tried to steer — my technique needed work but it was a thrill.
The boat is only open to the public from April to October 2024 but at least this will give you time to practise your Wonka impression ahead of visiting.
Later, back on dry land, I was rewarded with an ice cream on the golden-sand beach. It came with a Flake that Wonka would surely have approved of.
My base while in town was the Premier Inn, near to the Pleasure Beach amusement park.
I couldn’t resist the traditional wooden roller- coaster or the arcade slot machines, which took me back to childhood.
But there’s so much more on offer in Great Yarmouth than the usual seaside attractions.
Witches and pirates
For those keen to look into the town’s history, as far back as the origin of the Ice Age, the Time And Tide Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon.
I was treated to a tour of the original smokehouses, while hearing gripping tales of shipwrecks and rescues.
Or there’s the Tolhouse Gaol, one of the UK’s oldest prisons, dating to the 12th Century, where I was shown the original cells that housed thieves, murderers, witches and pirates.
I still feel a shiver down my spine, thinking back.
But I was able to steady my nerves with a drink back at the hotel’s Beefeater restaurant, which also does great fish and chips with tartare sauce, and a juicy rib-eye steak.
Its buffet breakfast is decent, too.
There’s fruit, yoghurts, juices, teas and coffees as well as cooked brekkies including a veggie fry-up, and a hefty selection of pastries.
Kids eat for free if you’re staying there, so fill up ahead of a day out.
For a sweet treat, visit the Potters Rock Factory which has been serving the traditional seaside sweet in all manner of colours, patterns and flavours since 1935.
Another must is the town’s Hippo-drome Circus — which currently has a Christmas Spectacular, on until January 7.
I watched in awe as huge fountains created an incredible water display and a string of daredevil acts performed stunts that had me on the edge of my seat.
It was magic that would have impressed even Wonka.
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