The Sparrow's Nest estate was once the summer home of Robert Sparrow of Worlingham hall nr Beccles and was bought by Lowestoft Corporation to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. In 1939 it was commandeered by the Royal Navy and became the central depot of the Royal Naval Patrol Service whose main duty was Minesweeping using small ships including many from the local fishing fleets.

The Royal Naval Patrol Service Memorial stands in Belle Vue park overlooking the Sparrow's Nest Gardens. The Memorial is dedicated to the members of the RNPS who lost their lives during the war and have no known grave but the sea. Around the base of the memorial are 17 bronze panels bearing the names of 2385 lost souls.

Once the RNPS Headquarters this building now houses the RNPS Museum.

Originally named "Pembroke X" the Nest was later renamed HMS Europa and became the admin HQ for more than 70,000 men and over 6000 ships worldwide.

In one corner of the Nest stands the Lowestoft Maritime Museum.

Plenty of Bowlers playing today.