by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:22nd June 2017
Cromer, so much more than just Cromer crabs
Our second base for our 5 day ‘Norfolk’ road trip, was in the quaint seaside town of Cromer.
Perched at the top of the Norfolk coastline, this little town hasn’t lost its knotted handkerchief charm.
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Where is Cromer?
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Giving Cromer the benefit of the doubt
Proud of its charmBefore we arrived in Cromer, I personally wasn’t sure if this was going to be the ideal place to stay for a couple of nights, but I can now categorically say “I was wrong”.
The pier at dusk
Cromer’s motto is “Gem of the Norfolk Coast’, which you’ll spot on signs around the town & proud of it they are.
Gem of the Norfolk Coast - Cromer
Promenading Cromer's pier
Strolling in the evening sunsetWhat I particularly liked about Cromer was that it wasn’t too brash. It had the charm of the bucket ‘n’ spade family fun, mixed with the traditional promenading of couples along the pier.
The elegant Cromer Pier
The pier which is now Grade II listed stretches out around 500ft into the North Sea and was given a new lease of life in 2013 by the local council. Along the pier, you’ll find the Pavilion Theatre still hosting the customary ‘end-of–the-pier’ entertainment, this is so memorable for me and very traditional with British seaside towns.
Tourist information
If you're tempted by the beautiful English county of Norfolk and its incredible far reaching coastline take a look at the 'Visit Norfolk' official website.
Cromer Pier & Pavillion Theatre
Great Yarmouth which we visited a couple of days earlier still draws in the big names of the 70’s & 80’s.
Escape for a few days
Are you searching for a tranquil hideaway to unwind in, while you explore the picturesque Norfolk landscape?
After a day visiting the golden beaches or touring the charming, quaint villages return to one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
Cromer's infamous Cromer Crab
The local fishermen's daily catchYou couldn’t visit Cromer and not mention the crab.
Cromer Crab
Cromer used to be a thriving fishing town, but unfortunately this has depleted over the years. However, it still upholds its reputation for its celebrated local crab, which is still caught and brought in by fishermen's boats daily.
Boats at dusk
If you're intrigued by Norfolk, a UK county with an interesting past, then why not check out "The Little Book of Norfolk". Full of facts and obscure information. It's a fun read on the region.
You can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old hardcover. (Depending on region)
Ambling Cromer's historic lanes
A little bit of nostalgiaStrolling around the cobbled lanes of Cromer was really intriguing, you felt like its old charm hadn’t left it. Unknowing where the narrow lanes would lead you to, or to which little shop you would stumble upon.
Jetty Street in Cromer
Sunset over Cromer
A little more of Norfolk
Our few days in Norfolk gave us some wonderful memories, Why not check out our posts on the places we visited with tips & inspiration to get the most out of your visit?
Cromer's historic architecture
George Skipper's stamp on NorfolkWe had seen Mr Skipper's work in Norwich; he was the architect behind some of the cities iconic buildings including the Royal Arcade and Norwich Union’s head office ‘Surrey House’.
The entrance to the Royal Arcade in Norwich
Now we were to discover that he was the brains behind the wonderfully imposing Hotel de Paris, sitting high above the pier commanding the top spot of the cliff top.
Hotel de Paris
Discover Cromer Lighthouse
Centuries of lighting the North SeaA lighthouse has stood at Cromer since 1669, the current one which was built in 1833 stands ½ mile from the cliff edge as the previous lighthouse succumbed to the vigour’s of nature and fell into the sea in 1866.
The Lighthouse
The light in the present lighthouse stands 275 feet (84m) above sea level, however it wasn’t until June 1990 that the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation.
Finding the Lighthouse
The lighthouse tower is not open to the public, but you are able to wander around the area below it. We struggled to find signposts for it but found you can drive up to it through Cromer Country Club.
The Bagot goats of Cromer
Honestly there are goatsWho knew….well, apparently the herd of eight Bagot goats were brought in to nibble at undergrowth and keep the clifftop vegetation under control. I had to double-take, as it isn’t the usual sight you see in the seaside – donkeys ‘yes’, goats ‘no’.
Do I see goats?
I didn’t like to tell anyone, but I only counted seven.
Fish and chips over Cromer bay
It has to be done!We venture passed the goats and down onto the seafront, only to be greeted by a row of colourful little beach huts.
The brightly coloured beach huts
We were really lucky with the weather and went for a stroll before we dined on fish ‘n’ chips with lashings of salt & vinegar at ‘No.1 Cromer’
Fish 'n' Chips at No1
One evening we also ate at the Red Lion, the food was fantastic and if you enjoy your ales this is the place to go.
It could be busy
No.1 Cromer fish & chip shop can get quite busy, so you may have to enjoy the British past-time of queueing.
Where we stayed in Cromer
Our choice of hotel while we were staying in Cromer, was the Edwardian Cliftonville Hotel, it was in a lovely location along the cliff top with amazing views over the North Sea.
The Cliftonville Hotel
I have since found out that the architect George Skipper who I mentioned above, designed the façade of the hotel along with the main staircase, stained glass windows and a Minstrels’ Gallery.
The hotel also had plenty of on-site free parking.
Would you like a little more?
We have created a little YouTube video of Cromer. Why not take a look?
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