Cromer: Breathe it in… you’re officially UNLONDON
Take a seat on a promenade bench in Cromer, locally caught fish and chips in hand, maybe from Mary Jane’s or No 1, and gaze across the shimmering North Sea. Below, a pristine sweep of sandy beach curves toward the Victorian pier. Take a deep breath of fresh sea air and realise you’ve done it… you are officially UNLONDON.
Where is Cromer in England
Seaside Cromer is in Norfolk in the East of England, just 25 miles north of Norwich. London to Cromer by train is easy - you can travel to Cromer from London by train via Norwich in around 3 hours.
What makes Cromer special
The name Cromer may mean ‘lake of crows’, but it wasn’t always coastal - coastal erosion and deep-time geology have shaped this landscape for millennia. On the Cromer Ridge, you’ll stand on the East’s highest seaside point - formed by ancient glaciers and now a stunning walking route with panoramic sea views.
It’s unique for its tasty crabs, the last end-of-pier theatre in the country and lifeboat legacy –Henry George Blogg (1876-1954) is the most decorated lifeboatman in Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) history.
What to do in Cromer
Naturally Cromer: fresh air, fresh perspective
For the best view in Norfolk, climb the church tower of St Peter and St Paul, the tallest in the county. Or stay grounded and stroll the cobbled Gangway to Cromer’s wide beach, where locals still launch fishing boats directly from the sand. Paddleboard, learn to surf, or just roll up your trousers and go crabbing from the end of the pier. Buy a line and bait nearby, then settle in. You’ll feel a million miles away from London!
Cromer Crabs are iconic. Plump, sweet, and famously flavourful thanks to the world’s longest chalk reef just offshore. Fishermen land their daily catch right on the beach, supplying local restaurants, cafés, and fishmongers with dressed crabs that make the perfect sandwich. You can't find these anywhere else!
Cromer Uncovered: stories you can’t find in the city
Explore Cromer Museum's collection of mammoth bones from Norfolk’s Deep History Coast. On the sands between West Runton and Overstrand go rockpooling and search for fossilised teeth or strange doughnut-shaped flints known locally as paramoudra.
And in the centre of it all stands the pier with its world-famous end-of-pier theatre. Whether you’re catching a Summer Spectacular or simply soaking up the sea views, it’s a slice of Cromer magic you won’t find anywhere else.
Cromer across all seasons
Cromer is glorious in summer but is magical year-round. Think winter seal pups at nearby Blakeney, blustery beach walks in autumn, spring birdwatching, or off-season surf when the waves are wild. If you’re here in May, don’t miss the Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival!
London to Cromer is easy with Greater Anglia trains, changing at Norwich, so your next escape is closer than you think.
You’ll leave lighter. You’ll leave UNLONDON
This is not a place to rush. Cromer invites you to linger, explore its stories at your own pace, and reconnect with what matters. A few days here and the fresh air will stay with you long after you take the train ride home.
Places to stay in Cromer
Try The Grove or Virginia Court Hotel or The Sea Marge at nearby Overstrand.
Getting to Cromer by train from London
You can get to Cromer by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 2 hours 58 minutes, and has 1 change at Norwich station. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats. First Class and catering are available on most of our London to Norwich intercity services.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
FAQs about Cromer staycation
London to Cromer by train is easy - you can travel to Cromer from London by train via Norwich in around 3 hours.
Yes, it’s sandy, especially at low tide, with some shingle.
Absolutely! The beach has Blue Flag status, which highlights good water quality and safety for swimmers. There are RNLI guards in the summer.
The beach is dog-friendly year-round but the western end is a designated dog-free zone from May to September.
Just the last end-of-pier theatre in the country! And often people crabbing.
You can at low tide but otherwise walk along the cliffs for dramatic views.
Cromer crab season is from March to October, with peak crab around June/July.
Photography courtesy of Visit East of England