BEST Things to Do in Cromer, Norfolk
Do you want to uncover the best things to do in Cromer, Norfolk? As a seasoned traveller who’s called East Anglia home for years, I’ve created this ultimate guide for visitors seeking the best of Cromer.
From the iconic Cromer Pier to the vast shores of Cromer beach, immerse yourself in the traditional seaside fun of this Norfolk gem. Explore the rich maritime history at Cromer’s museums or wander along the Norfolk Coast Path for breathtaking views.
With tips on transportation, accommodation, and must-see attractions, this guide ensures an unforgettable Cromer experience. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or a leisurely getaway, join me as we discover the very best things to do in Cromer.
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Location
Cromer is situated on the North Norfolk coast in East Anglia, England. It’s approximately 116 miles from London (depending on where in London you start from).
The great news is that Cromer has its own train station. This makes it easy to get to by train, although as it’s on the east coast, depending on your starting station, the journey time may be long.
You will need to connect in London or Norwich. The train journey from Norwich to Cromer takes 45 minutes.
Cromer station is located a short walk from the centre but I found it easy enough to get to within 15 minutes.
How to get to Cromer by train from London
Journey time by train from London to Cromer station takes from two and a half hours. Trains leave from London Liverpool Street, change at Norwich.
To get the best price, book your train tickets in advance from thetrainline.com.
To make sure you visit the best places when in London, read my already made for you itinerary for London in 2 days.
Best things to do in Cromer, Norfolk
Cromer beach
A visit to Cromer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach. Come rain or shine, a stroll along the vast sands of Cromer has to be the best thing to do in Cromer. I loved walking along the promenade.
As Cromer is in Norfolk, England, it sees its fair share of rainy and windy days. However, if you manage to come during a sunny summer’s day then rest assured that the beach has been granted Blue Flag status, a testament to the quality of the sea water.
Cromer is a tidal beach so check out the latest tide times for more information.
The pier at Cromer
An iconic sight in Cromer that must be on your list of things to see is the Cromer pier. This Victorian structure opened in 1901 and is Grade II listed.
The pier is home to a traditional end of the pier theatre, which is very unusual in that it still puts on regular variety shows during the summer (and other events throughout the year).
As well as the Pavilion Theatre there’s also a café, where you can get some good old-fashioned ice cream and sweet treats, a bar and a souvenir shop.
You can try your hand at crabbing on Cromer Pier. Head to the shop for the required items and you’ll be having a go yourself in no time. Don’t forget, there’s a sign telling you to release any crabs you catch back on to the beach before you leave Cromer.
Museums
Henry Blogg Museum
Discover all about the life story of Henry Blogg, an incredible human who saved over 870 lives out at sea whilst working on the lifeboats. A very moving story indeed of this highly decorated Norfolk local.
Entrance to the Henry Blogg Museum is free. Opening days are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
Cromer Museum
The small but perfectly formed Cromer Museum will fill you in on the town’s history, including some pre-historic and ice-age exhibits. There’s also the fisherman’s cottage to explore, along with local photography.
Tickets cost around £5. The museum is open from April to October.
Visit Cromer’s offshore lifeboat station
The Cromer Lifeboat station was founded in 1805 and there has been one at the end of the pier ever since (although the building itself has changed over time).
You can have a look from the viewing gallery or take a guided tour. It’s free but you need to book the tour in advance.
Check out the ‘Banksy’ art work
Located at the eastern end of the beach and marked on Google maps is a work of graffiti by famed artist Banksy. Mystery surrounds his identity but this artwork was apparently created during his ‘Great British Spraycation’ project.
Go to the zoo
Cromer may appear small but it’s big enough to have its own zoo. With over 200 animals and birds, the Amazona Zoo is one of the best things to do in Cromer with kids.
If you’re a fan of big cats, as I am, you can see jaguars, pumas and ocelots. It has its own gift shop (naturally) where you can buy fluffy replicas of what you’ve just seen.
Tickets cost from £16 for adults and £12 for kids.
See Felbrigg Hall and gardens
Felbrigg Hall is a 17th-century English country house, managed by the National Trust, near Cromer. It boasts stunning Jacobean architecture, complemented by meticulously maintained gardens that provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of life. This is a great family friendly activity to do in the area.
Tickets cost from £13 for adults, £6.50 for children. However, it’s free to visit the large 520 acre estate only.
Walk the Norfolk Coast Path
A great thing to do in Cromer if you want to stretch your legs is to walk a section of the Norfolk Coast Path. The full path covers 84 miles, all the way from Hopton-on-Sea to Hunstanton. However, there’s a lovely short walk that covers from Cromer to Sheringham (4.5 miles).
The official path takes you along the cliff tops and over Beeston Bump but you can also walk along the beach all the way if the tide is out. It took me one hour and 45 minutes to walk this part, via the beach.
Go seal spotting
The Norfolk coast is famous for seals and going on a trip to spot them is one of the absolute best things to do in Cromer.
Sail out on a seal watching boat trip from nearby Morston Quay or head down to Horsey Gap during the pupping season to find hundreds of new seals being born. I loved the boat trip I went on from Morston, despite the cold.
Visit Sheringham
A short train journey up the Norfolk coast you’ll find loads more things to do in Sheringham, another lovely seaside town. It’s a beautiful place to spend time, with a heritage railway station running the poppy line trains, lots of gift shops and several of its own museums. You can also visit the beautiful green space of Sheringham Park.
Play golf
If you’re a golf lover, then one of the best things for you to do in Cromer is to check out the golf club. As if that’s not enough, there’s another, cliffside, golf club up the road in Sheringham.
Get an ice cream and walk along the front
UK seaside was just made for getting something sweet and bad for you and strolling along the promenade. Whether that’s a stick of rock or a delicious homemade ice cream, you’ll find it in Cromer. Check out the fun Windows Ice Cream shop on New Street for an ice cream shop that does what it says on the tin.
Cafés and restaurants
Cromer’s culinary fame comes from its local crab fishing industry. From March until October you can find fresh crab for sale that’s been caught off the Cromer shores.
There are shacks on the sea front that will sell you a range of seafood, or head to the fish and chip shops in town. No 1 Cromer comes highly rated and the portions of chips at Mary Jane’s Fish Bar are massive.
Wander through the Victorian heart of Cromer and you’ll still see period buildings and a thriving café scene. Check out Buttercups for enormous pieces of cake or other less sugar-filled food options. Or grab a coffee from the Grey Seal Café, which also has a branch in nearby Sheringham.
If you’re unsure how much to tip on your trips to Cromer’s cafés and restaurants, check out my handy tip calculator.
Shopping
Cromer has some wonderful independent shops. As well as gift shops and art galleries, there’s also the fabulous Another Planet, on West Street, which sells vintage vinyl and music and games memorabilia. I could have spent hours in here when I visited, if I didn’t have a train to catch.
For book lovers, there’s the cute Bookworms book shop on New Street.
This being the British seaside, of course there are also several amusement arcades in Cromer where you can have a go on traditional 2p slider machines.
Parking in Cromer
Paid for parking is available in Cromer in the long stay car park on Runton Road. It costs from £9 for a day. If that’s full, you can try the car park on Cadogan Road. Alternatively, leave the car and travel by train instead.
Where to stay
Budget
Located only 5 minutes up the coast by train, theYHA at Sheringham is a great budget choice. I booked a private room and was very impressed with how clean the bedding was.
Mid-range
Experience the charm of Cromer at the Knoll Guest House. Located just a stone’s throw from the beach, this delightful 1910 property offers cosy rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi. Indulge in a full English breakfast and enjoy the convenience of being moments away from the pier. Rated 9.6 on Booking.com, this is a great find.
For more UK seaside fun, check out my guide to the best things to do in Eastbourne, East Sussex.