15 December 2023 , 11:35
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A seaside town that has has been dubbed "the gem of the Norfolk coast" is also likened to popular holiday hotspot Brighton.
Whilst Brighton attracts thousands of tourists every summer and is arguably the country's foremost seaside town, many in the region argue that Cromer is just as good but with far fewer tourists. In her novel Emma, Jane Austen praised the town, writing "You should have gone to Cromer…the best of all the sea bathing places. A fine open sea…and very pure air".
Cromer's heyday was during the Victorian age when Brits would flock to the coastal retreat to breath in the clean air, dip their toes in the water and take a little time out from the grind of the Industrial Revolution, the Daily Express reports.
In its pomp it attracted famous holidaymakers including the future King Edward VII, Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill. Its popularity remained until the rise of the foreign package holiday tempted people away from British seaside towns and overseas. Since then, the town has faced a gradual decline in tourist numbers.
The 122-year-old pier was awarded as runner-up in the National Piers Society’s annual Year of the Pier Award 2023, (Getty Images)While it may not be at its peak in terms of sheer popularity, that it not necessarily a bad thing. The crowds that once filled its promenades have now thinned and the number of sun worshippers cluttering up its sandy beaches reduced in number, making the experience of visiting pleasant and easy-going.
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The resort is now attracting a younger crowd, with surfers opting to visit the beaches and commuters moving from busy London in greater numbers to be closer to the seaside.
It has a reputation as being a particularly dog friendly place during the low season (although there are restrictions between May and September on people bringing their pooches!).
In terms of getting there, Cromer is slightly stranded on the east coast jut. It takes slightly over three hours to get there on public transport from London and a full six if you're coming from Manchester.
Cromer first made a name for itself as a fishing town famed for the Cromer crab. The relatively shallow chalky waters off the beaches of Cromer and Sheringham allowed the crabs there live on the chalk reef, filtering in the clean and unmuddied waters and giving them a sweeter and unique flavour.
Visitors today head to the beach for watersports and crabbing as well as the scenic coastal walks and quaint streets with shops selling local produce, homeware, fashion and traditional seaside gifts. The Grade II-listed pier remains to be a major draw standing 151 metres out to sea. The Pavilion Theatre hosts the UK’s only remaining end-of-the-pier variety show while its lifeboat house marked its centenary in July.
The 122-year-old pier was awarded runner-up in the National Piers Society’s annual Year of the Pier Award 2023, having previously won the title twice, most recently in 2015.