ISSUE NO: 127
A traditional seaside town with a world-famous pier and plenty to do in or out of the sea
This popular Victorian resort is known as the ‘gem of North Norfolk Coast’. Its main attractions have changed little over the years, yet continue to draw visitors from around the world: there’s the atmospheric pier, home to Pavillion Theatre, where the UK’s only remaining traditional end of the pier variety show takes place every year. Add in the delicious namesake crab and beautiful blue flag beaches and it’s no surprise this is still a holiday hotspot.
What to see and do
Wander the narrow lanes, dotted with independent shops and brightly painted houses and you’ll see from the goods on offer to the names of the cutesy cottages that this is a town proud of its rich fishing heritage and its ties to the RNLI. To find out more about the latter, head to the family-friendly Henry Blogg Museum, which celebrates the area’s remarkable history of life-saving at sea.
Obviously, no trip here would be complete without visiting the historic pier, where you can catch a show (returning in 2021), browse for souvenirs or try your hand at crab fishing.
Cromer is also one of only a few places on the Norfolk coast that offers sufficient waves for surfing, so if you fancy a lesson, there are several schools here that will get you out on a board during the spring and summer months.
LUNCH
There’s nothing like the sea air to build up an appetite – and nowhere better to sate your hunger than the Old Rock Shop Bistro. This bright, welcoming and family-run cafe serves up a selection of hearty homemade meals, pastries and highly-recommended Cromer crab sandwiches. As with anywhere worth going, you may have to wait for a table if you turn up during the lunchtime rush – although at the moment takeaways are available instead.
DRINKS
The Gangway is a chic and stylish bar just a stone’s throw from the shore that opened in 2019 and managed to expand its premises during the madness of 2020. Offering an impressive selection of local and further afield small batch craft beers and spirits alongside wines, coffees, cocktails and nibbles.
STAY THE NIGHT
Offering style within a magnificent Georgian setting, The Grove’s ivy-clad exterior houses a range of en-suite bedrooms, as well as six self-catering cottages in the adjacent barn conversions. All of the accommodation is light and airy, with views over the grounds. Rooms are equipped with the essentials – a flat screen digital television, telephone, hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi. Other on-site facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, table tennis table, 4 acres of landscaped garden featuring a children’s play area, tree house and trampoline, and a private path to Cromer beach. Breakfast is free when you book a room direct and is packed with delicious, locally sourced fayre.