Cromer

Introduction

A lovely coastal resort rightly referred to as ‘The Gem of the Norfolk Coast’ famous for its Lifeboat, summer shows on the pier and of course Cromer Crabs.

HISTORY
 
Cromer is not mentioned in the Doomsday book, but two other settlements (Shipden-Juxta-Mere and Shipden-Juxta-Felbrigg) are. It is assumed that the Cromer we know today is at the site of the Shipden-Juxta-Felbrigg, centred around the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul. The other Shipden is now about a quarter of a mile to the North East of Cromer Pier and now lies 400m offshore under the North Sea. Its location was originally marked by Church Rock but unfortunately is no longer visible even at low tide.
 
The Church of St Peter & St Paul was built in the 14th and 15th centuries and stands at 160ft (49m) high, the tallest in Norfolk giving spectacular views of the surrounding area. The seafront exhibits some of the work of leading Norfolk architect George Skipper (1856-1948) of particular note are the striking turrets.
 
Cromer became a holiday resort in the early 19th century, with rich banking families from Norwich making it their summer home; in fact King Edward VII played golf there. Cromer gained additional prominence through the writings of journalist Clement Scott in 1883; he nicknamed the town ‘Poppyland’ due to the numerous fields of poppies that still line the local roads to this day.
 
Cromer Pier with its open air Pavilion Theatre was opened in 1901. At the end of the 500ft (152m) long pier is the Lifeboat station; the station is one of the most famed in Britain, best known for Coxswain Henry Bloggs (1876-1954) whose bravery was decorated time and again. A stained glass window in the Church commemorates one of his most heroic rescues in 1933.
 
The town still retains much of its original charm today and is home to an award winning sandy beach.
 
GEOGRAPHY
 
A coastal resort located on the North Norfolk coast accessed via the A149 coast road, A140 and A148 from inland. Transport links are also provided by National Rail via Norwich station.
 
ATTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS
 
Felbrigg Hall – One of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, with a Georgian interior and amazing Stuart architecture. Felbrigg has a stunning walled garden with orangery and orchards. There are many lakeside and woodland trails to explore. 
 
Amazona Zoo - located just to the south of Cromer, the Zoo is home to a wide range of animals from Tropical South America including Jaguar, Otters, Spider Monkeys and Flamingos. The Zoo is open all day every day.
 
Hilltop Outdoor Centre - set in over 25 acres of rolling wooded valleys and lush pasture, the centre offers an all season experience, Climbing, High Ropes, Archery, Air Rifles, Assault Course, Tree Top Trail, Mountain Bikes, Big Zipper, as well as a panoramic seascape and stunning coastal views over Sheringham. Located on the A148 half a mile east of Sheringham
 
Aylsham Fun Barns – provides fun for children under 12 where they can Swing, climb, slide, balance and clamber on the outdoor play frames. Picnic areas are also available and all play areas are easily accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. Located on the A140 at the Aylsham roundabout - between Norwich and Cromer.
 
Cromer Museum – Housed in a row of Victorian cottages, the museum has displays of geology, archaeology, photographs of old Cromer, lifeboat men, poppyland and a feature on Cromer at war. The museum is open daily from 10am and is located on Tucker Street.
 
RNLI Museum – The museum tells the story of Henry Blogg, who has been dubbed the greatest lifeboat man of all time. Open daily from 10am (closed Mondays) located on the Gangway.
 
Priory Maze and Gardens – Traditional hedge maze set in 10 acres including a tea room and nursery. Located between Sheringham and Cromer on the A149.
 
BEACHES
 
Cromer - The sand and shingle beach backs on to the North Norfolk cliffs and rock pools are revealed at low tide. Cromer is a popular destination for families and it is ideal for swimming. The beach is also a popular place to go surfing, due to its consistency and shelter, which is provided by the pier.The beach is one of seven beaches in the county to feature in the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide for 2005. On the seafront you will find toilets, beach huts (there’s a waiting list if you want to buy) and a public shower. You can take a pleasant walk along the cliff-tops to the lighthouse. Lifeguards are on duty from the spring bank holiday weekend in May to the end of the school summer holidays, in September.
 
Sheringham - Sheringham has a stony beach but at low tide an expanse of sand and rock pools is revealed. The beach retained its prestigious Blue Flag for cleanliness and visitor facilities in 2005 and has toilets, beach huts and a public shower. The beach has easy access to cafés and amusement arcades.
Weybourne - A significant point on the Norfolk coastline with a steep pebble beach once popular with smugglers.
Overstand - A deserted sandy beach overlooked by a picturesque village on the cliff tops above.
Mundesley - A blue flag winning sandy beach, very popular with families with a row of brightly coloured beach huts along the promenade.
 
 
 
 
Page Sponsor
 

Priory Maze & Gardens

One of the most enchanting gardens in Norfolk, where you can experience peaceful relaxation in natural gardens of woodland, water and meadow