Cromer Beach

I would recommend going here early before all the crowds descend. When we went it was quiet and at high tide so there wasn't a lot of beach. The pier is lovely, and you do get to see a great view. There is some parking nearby, but you have to get there early to get a space. When we drove back through Cromer in early afternoon there were a lot more crowds and it was a lot busier which would make it a lot less pleasant to visit.

It was a lovely day and Mother’s day so a trip to the seaside was planned. Just 20 miles from Norwich is Cromer known as the Gem of the Norfolk coast and home of the traditional Cromer Crabs. It became a resort in the early 19th century with some of the richest Banking families in Norwich making it their home. Facilities include the late Victorian Cromer Pier, which is home to the Pavillon Theatre. It dominates the seafront and is 151 meters long. Cromer lighthouse stands to the east of the town with a tower of 18 meters above sea level. The museum of natural history say these cliffs form part of the Norfolk coastline which are rich in fossils. The Church of St Peter and St Paul dates from the 14th century and is in the centre of the town. The Hotel de Paris was originally built in 1820 as a coastal residence and converted into a hotel between 1895-1896. Other notable hotels include the Red lion Hotel, the Victorian Sandcliff Hotel and the Edwardian Cliftonville Hotel. In the 1820s a lifeboat Station was built at the end of the pier which enables the boat to be launched ahead of the break waters. Most famous of the lifeboatmen was Henry Blogg who received the RNLI gold medal for heroism three times and the silver medal four times. Cromer is known for it’s Blue Flag sandy beaches so children will be making sandcastles, rock pooling at low tide. The water quality is 5 star so Dogs are not allowed on the main beach between 1 May - 30 September and a lead must be used on the promenade. Limited free car parking but there is a 1000 space car park available at an hourly charge. There are a good number of cafe/restaurants, public toilets and shops. I would highly recommend a visit.

This is our local beach and we love it! There are so many areas, sandy, pebbly, you can happily walk for miles or sit on the beach, you can even sit on the low parts of wall if you don't have chairs/blankets with you. We absolutely recommend North Sea Coffee (East of the pier between Whitewater and the surf club (and lifeguard hut in season) It can get busy in the Summer, so the earlier or later you can get to the beach the easier it is to find space, but it's a long beach, there'll be space somewhere!

Norfolk Cromer Beach is simply stunning—clean, well-maintained, and popular with visitors of all ages. There are convenient ramps at both ends of the beach, and red and yellow flags mark safe swimming areas, monitored by attentive lifeguards. While the shoreline features a few rocks and the sand can be a bit coarse, the beauty of the beach more than makes up for it. Do note that the waves can be strong, making the water a bit challenging for younger children as it gets deep quickly. The local council is actively working on the sea wall defences, ensuring that this beautiful seaside spot remains protected for future generations. Their efforts are commendable and reflect a commitment to preserving the area. With friendly council staff emptying bins and sweeping regularly. There is also plenty of parking nearby with a giant overflow car park. At a cost of £08.50p per day. One of the highlights of Norfolk Beach is the wooden pier, which is a true gem. The pier offers plenty of seating, and there are public crab fishing lines available for use. Towards the end of the pier, you’ll find a delightful ice cream parlour, as well as spots to grab a beer or coffee. The standout feature, however, is the theatre, which hosts performances suitable for the whole community, making it a vibrant cultural hub. Additionally, there’s a lifeboat station at the end of the pier, which is an impressive sight. The lifeboat service plays a crucial role, and they always appreciate support from the local community.

Lovely quiet seaside town. And very dog friendly.