The town has a lot to offer visitors, including a museum, tropical zoo, a weekly market and the only pier in the world to have a full-season show at the end of it
A seaside town brimming with attractions, including a museum, tropical zoo, a weekly market and the world’s only pier that hosts a full-season show at its end. The UK is teeming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered, places you might not have even thought of visiting.
For those yearning for a quintessential British seaside holiday or autumn day trip, the choices are endless, thanks to our island nation’s stunning coastline. One such spot that might not have made your bucket list is nestled on Norfolk’s north coast, a mere 23 miles from Norwich.
Cromer emerged as a resort in the early 19th century, attracting wealthy local families – even the future King Edward VII fancied a round of golf there.
Golf enthusiasts can still tee off today at the Links Country Park Hotel. Nestled within 40 acres of Country Park, this luxurious leisure hotel boasts a 9-hole golf course, gym, tennis court and indoor swimming pool. Another must-visit is Felbrigg Hall, a stunning country house surrounded by acres of parkland and a walled garden ripe for exploration.
History buffs will be thrilled at Cromer Museum. Housed in a row of late 19th Century Victorian fisherman’s cottages, it showcases displays on the lifeboatmen over the years, the growth of tourism and the town’s wartime experiences.
There are also intriguing exhibits on the area’s geology and archaeology. For a truly immersive experience, take a stroll along the towering coastal cliffs, some reaching heights of 70 metres and teeming with fossils.
To delve deeper into the history of this stunning coastline, make sure to visit the Deep History Coast Discovery Point where you can journey back in time. Download their app for a guided tour that reveals the coast’s past and offers insights into local amenities and refreshment spots.
The area boasts several breathtaking beaches, including the award-winning West Runton Beach and Cromer Beach. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, surf boards and SUPs are available for hire.
If you prefer a more leisurely pace, unwind on the immaculate sands or take a leisurely walk to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery. The promenade is framed by beautifully sculpted gardens and borders, as well as charming Victorian architecture.
Cromer’s Victorian pier, a major attraction in the town, has withstood the test of time and the British weather, including a massive storm surge in 2013. It even survived an attempt by the government to demolish it during WW2, fearing it could serve as a landing strip for enemies.
At the end of its 151-metre stretch, you’ll find a lifeboat station and the Cromer Pier Pavillion Theatre, which boasts the ‘only end of pier show’ of its kind globally. Live variety acts entertain crowds for three months each summer, while touring acts perform throughout the year.
Just south of the town, you’ll find the South American-themed Amazona zoo, where both kids and adults can marvel at animals like jaguars and pumas. Recent visitors to Cromer have taken to Tripadvisor to share their experiences.
One visitor gushed: “Cromer is a beautiful seaside town, lovely pier with a couple of nice cafes serving, lovely food, beautiful views out to sea, and the town has some very. Nice shops.”
Another wrote: “Beautiful beach, sandy and pebbly with lots of treasures to be found, such as sea glass and hag stones. Incredible sunsets too!”
A third chimed in: “Norfolk Cromer Beach is simply stunning – clean, well-maintained, and popular with visitors of all ages. There are convenient ramps at both ends of the beach, and red and yellow flags mark safe swimming areas, monitored by attentive lifeguards.”
And another said: “You can find great sandy beaches, museums, plenty of attractions and go walking along the Norfolk Coast Path, Cromer is a great place to visit, any time of the year.”
