5 best things to do in Cromer
Cromer is one of the most popular seaside destinations in the UK and with good reason. There is plenty to keep all ages entertained, from surfing to crabbing and local history. On first sight, it might seem like a typical tourist coastal town, but is far from it.
The quintessentially Victorian destination is full of history and beautiful architecture and plays a vitally important role in the local fishing industry. There are countless things to do in Cromer, from visiting the impeccably preserved pier, to taking in the views from the tallest church tower in Norfolk and enjoying the sublime Blue Flag beach. There is also an array of independent shops, restaurants and museums to peruse as well as a fun fair on the promenade during the summer months which is especially fun for the kids. Children will also enjoy a go at crabbing off the end of the pier, a traditional seaside activity which is sure to stick in the memory.
1. Go crabbing
Undeniably one of the most popular things to do in Cromer is crabbing. Should you try your luck then you won’t be alone, you’ll have plenty of company on the pier and all the supplies you need can be purchased at the gift shop. Make sure you’re stocked with the correct equipment – you’ll need bait (bacon, mackerel and squid all work well), a line or net with a weight and a bucket to put your catch into. Be sure to return the crabs to the sea though: it’s best to take the crab back to the beach and release it there.
The best time to go crabbing is from March through October with the peak season between May and June. If you enjoy crabbing, consider also visiting Walberswick in Suffolk, where the world championships are held or Gorleston-on-Sea, right next to several Haven sites, where the concrete pier juts out into the sea.
2. Visit Amazona Zoo
Amazona, set in secluded grounds on the North Norfolk coast, is one of the best things to do in Cromer as a whole family. Home to over 200 animals from tropical South America, including monkeys, pumas, capuchins monkeys, spiders, snakes and flamingos. Get up close and personal with Brazilian wild animals or pay a visit to the education Yurt to learn facts about the fascinating continent of South America. Under 12s will also love Jungle Tumbles soft play adventure where they can let off some steam.
Once you are finished with the animals, there's a wonderful gift shop that stocks a range of soft toys, games, souvenirs, confectionary and gift ideas from jewellery to colourful stationery and fun books. The zoo is open from 10am to 5pm with last entry 3.30pm. Amazona is cashless and it’s always best to book ahead!
3. Henry Blogg Museum
Located at the end of Cromer’s delightful promenade, the Henry Blogg Museum celebrates the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history, who served for 53 years. Along with his crew, he saved 873 lives from the choppy water of the North Sea. He was also the cox of the lifeboat H.F Bailey during World War II which is on display in the museum.
You will also find model lifeboats, Henry Blogg’s medals, videos, old photographs, paintings, and some hands-on activities for the kids at the site. The museum also documents the storied history of lifeboats in Cromer which goes back over 215 years. The museum is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and with free admission there really is no reason not to stop by on your visit to Cromer.
4. Try the local fish and chips
On the seafront of Cromer you can find a wonderful fish and chip shop called No1 Cromer. True to their name, they do indeed serve the finest fish and chips in Cromer using locally sourced produce. The fish and chips served at No1 are renowned for being fresh with crispy batter and no uncooked batter in sight.
The regular fish and chips are made with quality ingredients and come at affordable prices for all the family. There is also the newly opened ‘Upstairs at No1’, for an extended menu of traditional and modern British dishes. Tables are available on a first come first served basis and reservations aren’t taken, so even though the shop is open seven days a week between 12pm and 8pm, it’s best to aim for a non-peak time as this is one of the most popular restaurants in Norfolk.
5. Enjoy the beach
Cromer’s large beach with Blue Flag status is what the town is best known for. Cromer Beach is perfect for swimming during the summer, especially when low tide exposes miles of soft sand. Cromer is also famous for the colourful beach huts that are located on either end of the beach. They are a popular way to spend the day, so you will need to book in advance if you fancy your own private bit of shade.
Fossil hunting is another popular activity in Cromer and while the Norfolk Coast may not be as iconic a location for prehistoric finds as the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, you can still find some interesting fossils on Cromer Beach if you chose to go in search of them. You can also try your hand at surfing or simply relax along the charming promenade, which plays host to a small funfair for the kids during the summer.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
7 best things to do in Great Yarmouth
Visit norfolk’s nature reserves and wildlife parks
Best Norfolk boat trips and tours
Important information
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.