14 Of The Best Things to Do in Cromer, Norfolk

Known as the ‘Gem of the Norfolk Coast’, I spent the first 20 years of my life living in Cromer, and it’s full of fond memories. Cromer combines the liveliness of a classic British seaside town with a strong connection to its heritage in the fishing trade. With colourful beach huts, fresh seafood and a gorgeous beach held in high regard by holidaymakers, the summer season sees visitors flock to this seaside town annually.

The perfect place for a classic British family holiday; or an afternoon stop on a North Norfolk road trip, check out some of the best things to do in Cromer.

1. Walk along Cromer Pier

A three-time winner of the ‘Pier of the Year’ awards (most recently in 2024), this is a Cromer attraction you just can’t miss! Cromer Pier was opened in 1901, with the Pavilion added shortly after in 1905. Although restoration work has taken place to strengthen against rough tides, much of the pier looks relatively unchanged since Victorian times, with original features still remaining.

The Pavilion Theatre is home to the award-winning Cromer Pier Show – affectionately known as the ‘Seaside Special’. Fusing classic variety with contemporary entertainment, household names including Bradley Walsh and Darren Day have cut their teeth performing here earlier in their careers. Outside of their summer and Christmas seasons, you can catch a variety of shows at the Pavilion, including tribute bands, comedy, and the annual Folk On The Pier Festival.

2. Take a peek inside the famous RNLI Lifeboat Station

Established in 1804 at the end of Cromer Pier, Cromer’s lifeboat station is entrenched in the town’s history, with a total of 56 awards for gallantry presented to crew members across it’s lifespan. The station was rebuilt in the 1990s to expand its size.

There are currently two active lifeboats in Cromer’s Lifeboat Station for off-shore and on-shore rescues: A Tamar and a D class lifeboat. The lifeboat station is free to visit, however donations towards its upkeep and the wider work of the RNLI are gratefully accepted.

3. Get sandy on Cromer Beach

The Blue Flag certified beach is one of the highlights of any summer visit to Cromer – I spent most days of the school holidays here, building sandcastles and floating my paddleboard out to sea!

4. Check out a Banksy artwork

Apparently Banksy’s a fan of fish and chips too. Back in August 2021, a painting sprung up of a group of hermit crabs, one holding a sign saying ‘Luxury Rentals Only’. It was then confirmed that it was part of the anonymous artist’s ‘Great British Spraycation’ project. You can find it on the seafront, around 7-10mins walk east of the pier, near the ‘Doctor’s Steps’ down from the cliff.

5. Learn more about saving lives at sea at the Henry Blogg Museum

One of history’s best-known and most decorated lifeboatmen, Henry Blogg and his Cromer lifeboat crew saved the lives of 873 people at risk of being lost to the sea. For 53 years, he dedicated his life to helping others, and remains an inspiration within the RNLI and beyond.

This uplifting small museum chronicles the history of saving lives at sea in Cromer, and features a collection of Blogg’s numerous medals, as well as photographs and paintings.

The Rocket House, The Gangway, Cromer NR27 9HE
Opening Times: Tue-Sun 10am–4pm (low season); 10am-5pm (summer season)
Admission Price: Free admission (donations welcomed)

6. Tuck into the best fish and chips in Norfolk

Okay, growing up here, I may be biased, but Cromer’s fish and chips are something special. You’d expect nothing less from a town with such a strong fishing history. There are two main fish and chip spots fighting for the title of best in town. Honestly, there’s not much in it.

With a queue that’s often out the door, Mary Jane’s would be my go-to; but No.1 also comes highly rated, and their restaurant has sea and pier views. The real recommendation? Try both!

7. Visit Cromer Parish Church

This 15th century parish church is the focal point of Cromer’s town centre, with its 160ft tower and picturesque stained-glass windows. At certain times of the year, visitors can climb the tower for impressive birds-eye views of Cromer and the surrounding area.

8. Play some games at Leisureland Arcade

The clink of two-pence pieces dropping against the pulsating music of Dance Dance Revolution is a soundscape that transports me back to my childhood. A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without an arcade, and Cromer’s has all the classics!

9. Explore the town’s history at Cromer Museum

Housed in a row of Victorian fishermen’s cottages, Cromer Museum details various aspects of the town’s history as a seaside resort. In the Geology Gallery, you’ll find an impressive collection of fossils found on North Norfolk’s beaches, as well as a display about the ‘West Runton Mammoth’ – the largest nearly complete mammoth skeleton ever found.

Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm; Sat & Sun 12-4pm (summer season only – check opening dates on the Cromer Museum website)
Admission Price: £5 (adult), £4.40 (child)

10. Shop at independent boutiques

Cromer’s high street is relatively compact, but there are some lovely little independent shops to browse and pick up something lovely from! Little Gems is an Aladdin’s cave of gemstones, fossils and crystals with a vibrant pink exterior. Sweet-tooths can get their fix at Harald’s Fine Chocolates, and lovers of all things retro will enjoy a visit to Brisbane Antiques.

(If you’re in search of a secondhand bargain in the name of a good cause, Cromer also has some great charity shops!)

11. Visit an art gallery

Despite its small size, Cromer is a real hub of creativity, evidenced by the numerous galleries dotting the high street and side alleys. Cromer Artspace, a registered charity, aims to engage local communities through art in public spaces, supporting the growth of exhibition space and art education in the town. Exibitions are hosted at their gallery space, Cromer Artspace on the Prom.

The Gallery Norfolk features a range of art mediums, with artwork, ceramics and jewellery available to buy. The Garden House has six rooms of paintings and crafts from local artists, alongside thoughtful gifts and greeting cards.

12. Walk the Overstrand Cliff Path

The clifftop walk from Cromer to the nearby village of Overstrand takes in stunning views of the seafront and town, at a height of up to 250ft. The path is just over 2 miles long, and is a relatively easy walk aside from the 236 steps from beach to clifftop – the ‘Doctor’s Steps’.

On your walk, you’ll encounter Cromer Lighthouse, an 1830s structure built to guide passing ships. Built in the place of previous lighthouse that was destroyed in 1866, the present tower is an octagonal shape that stands at 18m tall.  

Once you reach Overstrand, you can reward yourself with a drink at the Cliff Top Café! Tide dependent, you could make your way back along the beach, taking in the towering cliffs and colourful beach hits.

13. Drive yourself wild at Karttrak Cromer

If you’re visiting Cromer with kids (or big kids) and looking for an outside attraction, Karttrak is an exhilarating way to spend an hour! The family behind the karting track has 30 years’ experience in motorsport, so you’re in safe hands as you whizz around the 550m all-weather track.
The Avenue, Hall Rd, Cromer NR27 0JW

Admission Price: From £27 for a 15min session (longer sessions available)

14. Tour Cromer’s only microbrewery and distillery

The small but perfectly formed Poppyland Brewery and Distillery was founded in 2012, with all aspects of the brewing process taking place on-site. Enjoy a taste of their bespoke beer, or if you’re a spirits lover, take home a bottle of local gin, rum or vodka. You can also take a brewery tour – find out more on the Poppyland website.

46 West Street, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9D

The Best Places to Visit Near Cromer

If you’ve made your way through the list of things to do in Cromer and want to get out and see a little more of the North Norfolk area, discover some of the best places to visit near Cromer!

Felbrigg Hall

If you’re a fan of National Trust properties, Felbrigg Hall is a must-visit if you’re in the North Norfolk area! This 17th century Georgian House is known for its impressive Jacobean architecture, fine Georgian interior, and stunning gardens. Surrounded by 520 acres of woods, it’s a charming spot to visit, with plenty to spur curiosity both indoors and outdoors.

Getting there: Felbrigg Hall is a 10 minute drive from Cromer. Limited bus services run between Cromer Bus Interchange and Felbrigg Hall, taking just over 15 minutes.
Opening Times: Sat-Wed 12pm-4pm (House); Daily 12pm-4.30pm (Garden); Daily Dawn-Dusk (Parkland)
Admission Price: (Hall & Gardens): £14.30 (adult), £7.20 (child), £35.80 (family)

Sheringham

A traditional seaside town just along the coast from Cromer, with a couple of museums, steam train railway (known as the ‘Poppy Line’, clean and safe Blue Flag certified beach and some cute independent boutiques.

Just outside of town, you’ll find Sheringham Park – another lovely National Trust Property.

Getting there: It’s a 15 minute drive from Cromer to Sheringham, or you can catch the X15 bus from Cromer Bus Interchange, which also takes 15 minutes. The train takes 10 minutes and runs roughly every hour.

Blickling Estate

Another National Trust Property close to Cromer, Blickling Estate is a Jacobean stately home surrounded by 5000 acres of beautiful parkland. This magnificent mansion, thought to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, is home to impressive collections, including 12,500 books in the Long Gallery Library alone!

Getting there: Blickling Estate is a 20 minute drive from Cromer.
Opening Times: 10am-4pm
Admission Price: (House & Gardens): £16.50 (adult), £8.30 (child), £41.30 (family)

Holt Country Park

If you’re keen to find some tranquility in unspoilt nature, Holt Country Park is the perfect place to discover it. On the edge of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 100 acres of mixed woodland is home to beautiful flora and fauna, alongside a thriving population of striking, colourful butterflies.

Getting there: The drive from Cromer to Holt Country Park takes around 18 minutes. Entry is free, but there’s a £2.30 charge for parking.

Blakeney

Around half an hour’s drive from Cromer, this picturesque and characterful village combines coastal history and outstanding nature. Home to England’s largest grey seal colony, Blakeney National Nature Reserve is the best place to see seals near Cromer.

How to get to Cromer

By car: Cromer is around 40 minutes’ drive from Norwich, and around 3hrs 15mins drive from London. The roads are all single-lane, so there might be the occasional tractor to overtake! Parking is plentiful and cheap in and around Cromer. Meadow Road Car Park is the most central spot, but it gets very busy in the summer months, so the Runton Road car park might be your better option!

By train: Norwich is the nearest major city station, and it’s well-connected by trains from London, Liverpool, Manchester and the Midlands. It takes around 40 minutes to travel from Norwich to Cromer by train. There are around 17 services per day, and an Anytime Day Return costs £10.40.

Where to stay in Cromer

Hotels in Cromer can shoot up in price during the summer season, but if you’re happy under canvas or have your own campervan vehicle, you’re in luck – the North Norfolk coast has plenty of campsites to pitch up in.

Cromer Camping (£) – £20 per tent/campervan per night, with shower, toiler & water facilities.
Manor Farm Caravan and Camping (£) – campsite in nearby East Runton

If you’re more about that four-walls-and-a-roof life, there are some great hotels in Cromer that offer boutique seaside comfort.

Sandcliff Guest House (££) – cosy and clean rooms in a typical seaside guesthouse
The Grove (£££) – A Georgian country house hotel with indoor pool
The Red Lion Hotel (£££) – 200yr old hotel with period features and sea views
The Old Sunday School & Vestry (££££) – quirky and spacious one-bedroom house with period-style décor.

Restaurants in Cromer

Cromer benefits from a wealth of delicious places to eat, whether you’re looking for a cosy brunch, a locally-sourced seafood dinner, or just a quick sandwich stop for lunch.

The Old Rock Shop Bistro – breakfast and lunch in a relaxed café setting (open 8am-6pm)
Doggie Diner – delicious daytime delights for you and your four-legged friend! (10am-3/4pm)
No.1 Cromer – the aforementioned seafood-focused eatery, with sea views. (12pm-8.30pm)
Gibson’s Bistro – family owned traditional bistro open for brunch, lunch and dinner (10am-10pm)
The Cliftonville – great for Sunday roasts and weekend brunch

Pubs in Cromer

Cromer also has its fair share of lively, charming pubs to enjoy a drink in, from old-school local favourites to newer establishments. Many of pubs will serve food too, so you can enjoy a traditional English pub lunch.

The Red Lion – seafront hotel pub that looks out over Cromer Pier
The Gangway – modern spot serving craft beers and cocktails
The Wellington – Victorian pub, referred to by locals as ‘the Welly’

Cromer Carnival

If you’re visiting Cromer in the third week of August, you’ll get to experience the town’s beloved carnival – a Cromer tradition dating back as far as 1285! A funfair moves in for the week on top of the cliffs on Runton Road, and the Wednesday is Carnival Day, when a parade of floats make their way through town. Traditional carnival competitions include fancy dress, Glamorous Grandmother and Bonny Baby prizes, and a firework display takes place on the Thursday of Carnival Week.

Looking for more traditional seaside towns to visit in the UK? Take a day trip from London to Whitstable! Or spend a weekend in Portsmouth to experience it’s rich Naval history.