Nearby locations: Cromer
Cromer is a classic Norfolk seaside town, perched on the cliff top overlooking fine sandy beaches. Developed as a resort by the Victorians, it still retains much of its old world charm, with narrow streets and lanes full of independent shops, galleries, cafes and pubs. It is also the home of the famous Cromer crab, caught fresh from boats launched off the beach and sold throughout the town.
The Pier
Cromer is one of the few places remaining with a fully used pier. Its Pavilion Theatre hosts the world famous Cromer Pier Show each summer season, the last traditional ‘End of the Pier’ show of its kind anywhere in the world, along with a festive Christmas show and one night performances throughout the year. The RNLI lifeboat station at the end of the pier is open to visitors, and anglers can enjoy mixed catches of fish from the pier itself.
The Town Centre and Church
The town centre is dominated by the 14th century church of St Peter and St Paul, whose 160ft tower is the tallest of any parish church in Norfolk. The tower is no longer open for visitors to climb, as it is now home to a pair of nesting peregrine falcons.
The birds have become a major attraction in their own right and can often be seen flying around the tower. During the breeding season the Cromer Peregrine Project runs a manned watchpoint with telescopes near Cromer Museum, and live footage from the nest can be viewed on a screen inside the church. The project also streams a live nest webcam on its website and YouTube channel, so you can follow the falcons before your visit and keep watching once you are home.
Amazona Zoo
A short walk from the town centre is Amazona Zoo, a South American themed zoo set in 15 acres of woodland. It is home to more than 200 tropical animals and birds, including jaguars, pumas, monkeys, flamingos and tapirs, and there are indoor and outdoor play areas that make it a great day out for families.
Cliff Walks
The cliff top to the west of the town has ornamental gardens and fountains where, after looking round the shops, you can relax and take in the fresh sea air. Eastwards, the cliff path leads to Cromer Lighthouse, built in 1833 and still in full working order today. The path runs along the cliff top past the boundary of the Royal Cromer Golf Club, a top 100 ranked clifftop course founded in 1888, and continues on to the pretty village of Overstrand.
Parking
There are two car parks near the town centre and a much larger one on the cliff top to the west of the town. Roadside parking is also allowed on the western approach road. Parking can be tricky at peak holiday times, but it is rarely an insurmountable problem.
