An unassuming UK seaside town is a big hit with visitors who come across it thanks to its multitude of attractions and a beach that has been described as ‘simply stunning’
A resort in England has many attractions, including a museum, tropical zoo, a weekly market and the only pier in the world to have a full-season show at the end of it. The UK has a plethora of undiscovered places to visit that you may have never even considered. Those wanting to enjoy a traditional UK seaside holiday or day trip are spoilt for choice thanks to Britain being an island with miles of beautiful coastline.
One such area that may not have been on your to-do list is located on the north coast of the county of Norfolk, 23 miles from Norwich. Cromer became a resort in the early 19th century with rich local families visiting – even the future King Edward VII enjoyed a game of golf there. Fans of the sport can still enjoy a round there today at the Links Country Park Hotel. Set in 40 acres of Country Park, the plush leisure hotel is home to a 9-hole golf course, as well as gym, tennis court and indoor swimming pool.
Another hotspot is Felbrigg Hall, which is a beautiful country home with acres of parkland and a walled garden for visitors to explore. History fans will be in their element at Cromer Museum. It is located in a row of late 19th Century Victorian fisherman’s cottages and features displays on the lifeboatmen over the years, the growth of tourism and what happened to the town during wartime. There are also fascinating exhibits on the geology and archaeology of the area.
You can get up close and personal with the local landscape by enjoying a walk along its long stretches of coastal cliffs, some of which are up to 70 metres high and are rich in fossils. For those wanting to know more about the coastline, visit the Deep History Coast Discovery Point where you can find out what the area was like thousands of years ago. Download the app to take a guided tour along the coast to uncover its history and see how it used to look. It also provides information on local facilities and where to get some refreshment.
There are several awe-inspiring beaches, including the award-winning West Runton Beach and Cromer Beach. Here those wanting to enjoy some water sports can hire surf boards or SUPs. But if you’re craving a slower pace of life you can relax on the pristine sands or enjoy a stroll to take in the breathtaking scenery. The promenade is surrounded by incredible sculpted gardens and borders, as well as quaint Victorian buildings.
One of the town’s biggest attractions is its Victorian pier, which has survived the wrath of the British weather, including a huge storm surge in 2013, and an attempt by the government to blow it up in WW2 for fear it would be used by the enemy as a landing strip. At the end of its 151 metres is a lifeboat station and the Cromer Pier Pavillion Theatre, which claims to have the ‘only end of pier show’ of its kind in the world. Live variety acts are showcased and entertain audiences for three months throughout the summer while touring acts perform all year round.
Cromer town celebrates its Carnival Week in August which includes the crowning of a Carnival Queen and street parade. There is also a weekly market and independent retail shops to browse for those wanting to take home some souvenirs. To the south of the town is the south American themed Amazona zoo where children and adults alike can see animals including jaguar and puma.
Recent visitors to Cromer took to Tripadvisor to share their experiences. One praised: “Cromer is a beautiful seaside town, lovely pier with a couple of nice cafes serving, lovely food, beautiful views out to sea, and the town has some very. Nice shops.” Another wrote: “Beautiful beach, sandy and pebbly with lots of treasures to be found, such as sea glass and hag stones. Incredible sunsets too!” A third shared: “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.” Another summed it up with: “You can find great sandy beaches, museums, plenty of attractions and go walking along the Norfolk Coast Path, Cromer is a great place to visit, any time of the year.”
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