When you think of a quintessential British seaside break, Brighton may well be one place that springs to mind. Colourful Lanes, pulsating nightlife, and the iconic, bustling pier are just some of the attractions that attract throngs of tourists, along with the high prices that come with a popular urban escape. Fortunately, there is a similar beach brimming with charm but without the crowds. Cromer, a Victorian-era gem on the Norfolk coast, is quietly gaining a reputation as the perfect, more tranquil alternative.

Like most British seaside towns, the resort reached its peak popularity just before World War I, but its appeal diminished as exotic overseas holidays gained popularity. Cromer boasts a “vibrant Brighton feel” without the crowds, says travel writer Liz Hollis, who notes that it is “increasingly home to artists, galleries and independent shops” as it attracts a new, younger demographic. While the coastal town is prepared for summer with its rainbow-coloured properties overlooking sandy shores, it proves equally appealing during the winter months, according to visitors. 

One visitor observed that Cromer beach is “very pretty even in winter”, while another recalled their “enjoyable walk on a winter day”.

They said: “You can either walk along the beach with the cliffs above towards Sheringham or in the other direction. In the summer months, it can get too crowded for that relaxing stroll behind the cliffs.”

A second visitor described Cromer as “glorious” in January, reminiscing on “winter walks along the beach, with the waves crashing on the shore”.

The most famous attraction in Cromer is undoubtedly its pier, which holds the unique distinction of being home to one of only five end-of-pier theatres in the UK and the only one to host a full season of variety shows.

Visitors can also enjoy crabbing from the pier, a beloved seaside pastime, or visit the RNLI lifeboat station at its far end, a nod to the town’s proud maritime history and its most decorated lifeboatman, Henry Blogg. For those who want to immerse themselves in this heritage, the Henry Blogg Museum is a must-visit.

Beyond the pier, Cromer offers plenty to keep visitors engaged. The town is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its sweet and tender Cromer crab, which is caught from local waters surrounding a chalk reef just off the coast.

Cromer’s historic streets are also home to a fantastic array of independent shops, cafes, and galleries, providing a great opportunity for some leisurely retail therapy

As travel bloggers at ‘Our World for You’ wrote in their guide to Norfolk, Cromer is a “gem of the Norfolk coast” and “so much more than just Cromer crabs.”

For a dose of history and spectacular views, climb the 160-foot tower of the 14th-century church of St Peter and St Paul, the tallest in Norfolk, which offers panoramic vistas of the town and coastline.

A brisk walk along the Norfolk Coast Path, which runs through Cromer, is a perfect way to experience the area’s natural beauty in October or November, with the crisp air and dramatic skies.

The town also embraces the festive season with a traditional Christmas Fayre at the Parish Hall, offering local gifts and festive treats.

For a show-stopping festive experience, the acclaimed Cromer Pier Christmas Show runs from mid-November to late December, bringing West End-quality variety entertainment to the coast and making it an ideal destination for a pre-Christmas or even post-Christmas break.

Visitors can enjoy the show, which lasts approximately two and a half hours. This year, the event runs from November 15 to December 28.