Unveiling Cromer: The Gem of Norfolk Coast

Step into the heart of Norfolk's shoreline, and discover Cromer, a town celebrated for its picturesque coastal charm and rich history as a fishing town. A mere 23 miles from Norwich and perched on the distinct North Sea coastline, Cromer offers a blend of traditional British seaside, storied landmarks, and natural beauty. Embracing the town's motto, the "Gem of the Norfolk Coast", a visit to Cromer is a journey through time and an engagement with nature's allure.

A Stroll Through History

Cromer's history is as deep as the waters that border it. The town's contribution to the chronicles of Earth's past is cemented with the Cromerian Stage, a period in the Pleistocene glacial history reflecting an era when mighty mammals roamed these lands. The noble parish church of Saints Peter and Paul stands as a marker of the town’s medieval beginnings, while vestiges of Shipden, a sunken area, whisper tales of what lay before.

The legacy of Cromer Pier and its Pavilion Theatre, coupled with the backdrop of Victorian and Edwardian times when monarchs made this their summer retreat, establishes Cromer not just as a beach destination but as a cultural cornerstone. Enter the era known as "Poppyland", where the writings of Clement Scott attracted droves of urbanites to the rural beauty and serene coastlines of Cromer and its surrounds.

Cromer's Coastal Economy

A town's heart often beats in rhythm with its key economic activities, and Cromer pulses with the industry of crab and lobster fishing. The famous Cromer crab is a savory ambassador, attracting food enthusiasts from afar. Tourism naturally blends with the town’s lifeways, where visitors seeking reprieve in Victorian splendor find Cromer's shores brimming with promise.

Cromer’s vitality is also seen in eclectic attractions such as the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum and the exotic creatures at Amazona zoo park. The confluence of the past with the present serves a diverse experience for visitors—whether it’s to honor heroes of the sea or to explore the wilder side of Norfolk’s natural world.

Cultural Tapestries and Landmarks

Cromer's energetic community spirit bubbles over during the Carnival Week in August, with a parade and a dash of royal flare, while the town’s landmarks like the towering cliffside Cromer Lighthouse and the stunning stained glass windowed church speak to the aesthetic that has attracted artists, architects, and wanderers alike.

Cromer Hall, a veritable inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles", beckons to literature enthusiasts. The town's lifeboat station and its history of daring rescues solidify the intrinsic courage woven through Cromer's narrative.

Stay with Ashore in Cromer

After you've immersed in Cromer's tales and tallest cliffs, retreat to The Blackwood. This award-winning design house, nestled within National Trust woodland, is just a stroll from Cromer Beach, fusing convenience with serenity. It boasts super-fast wifi and one workspace set-up, aligning perfectly with Ashore's belief that new surroundings reinvigorate the mind for creators and thinkers alike. A blissful family getaway, made easier by a 3-hour direct train from Liverpool Street to West Runton.

There's ample to enthrall outside your haven as well—untouched coastlines, delectable dining options, and a host of National Trust sites to explore. And if it's maritime adventure you seek, chart a course from Morston Quay or Wells Quay for an experience like no other.

Visit us at The Blackwood for an unparalleled Cromer expedition, where work and wonderment coalesce at the doorstep of the North Norfolk coast’s scenery.