Beautiful seaside town just like Brighton is ‘very pretty’ in winter with few tourists

Cromer in Norfolk was once a popular that saw a decline in numbers, but now it is attracting a new crowd.

Brighton remains a bustling hub for sun-seekers every summer, and the seaside destination has been tipped as “just as good” but with a trickle of crowd numbers.

Described as “the gem of the Norfolk coast”, Cromer was once lauded by literary icon Jane Austen in her beloved novel Emma: “You should have gone to Cromer…the best of all the sea bathing places. A fine open sea…and very pure air.”

Like most British seaside resorts, the town peaked in popularity just before the First World War, but its appeal dwindled when exotic foreign became the rage.

In response to dwindling tourist figures, with towns like Brighton stealing the limelight for coastal escapes, Cromer has reinvented itself. The opening of trendy bars, cafes and shops has seen it amass a new following, luring those seeking a quieter refuge by the sea.

Cromer has been re-established, with surfers catching waves at its beaches and city dwellers escaping the hustle to savour seaside living amid rising living costs. As noted by travel expert Liz Hollis, Cromer boasts a “vibrant Brighton feel” and is now a haven for artists, galleries, and eclectic outlets.

The seaside town is geared up for summer with colourful buildings that line its sandy beaches. But it’s just as attractive in winter, as Tripadvisor users agree.

One person remarked that Cromer beach is “very pretty even in winter”, adding: “Stayed in Thursford but drove short distance to explore Cromer before heading home to Nottinghamshire. Easy to park near the Morrisons garage and seafront for £9 all day, and the pier is fun to wander down and to see the beach huts – there’s also a Banksy if you search hard enough on the sea wall. A very pretty beach perfect to stroll along and relax – pebbles in parts but also sand to enjoy.”

Another wrote: “Staying in Cromer in January was glorious! Winter walks along the beach, with the waves crashing on the shore – a sound that is still ringing in my ears!”

A third visitor reminisced of their “enjoyable walk on a winter day”, noting: “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.”

It’s also been named one of the top dog-friendly beach destinations for pet owners who want to take a break with their furry friends.

Situated on the north coast of Norfolk, just 23 miles north of Norwich, this town was once a traditional fishing hub renowned for its Cromer crab.

It later evolved into a popular tourist destination during the Victorian era, attracting notable holidaymakers such as the future King Edward VII, Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill.

The Grade II-listed pier, extending 151 metres to the sea, remains a significant attraction. Here, you’ll find the Pavilion Theatre, which hosts the UK’s only remaining end-of-the-pier variety show.

Where to enjoy the iconic Cromer crab? The Old Rock Shop Bistro has an impressive 4.7 out of five stars on Google Reviews. 

Gibson’s Bistro and The Garden Street Grill are among the area’s top-rated eateries, along with Browne’s on Bond Street, which has a 4.9 out of five-star rating.

Meanwhile, Upstairs @ NO1 Cromer is a great option for fish and chips with “amazing views” out to sea while you dig in.