Vibrant coastal town dubbed ‘just like Brighton’ is ideal for a winter getaway

When people picture the perfect British seaside escape, Brighton usually comes to mind.

Its colourful Lanes, lively nightlife and famous pier attract thousands of visitors every year, though all that popularity often comes with higher prices.

But there’s another coastal town that’s full of charm without the crowds. This hidden gem, a beautiful Victorian gem on the Norfolk coast, is quietly becoming a more relaxed alternative.

Photo © Carroll Pierce (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Like many seaside resorts in Britain, it was most popular before the First World War, but its appeal faded when people started heading abroad for their holidays.

Cromer has been described as having a “vibrant Brighton feel” without the bustle, according to travel writer Liz Hollis.

She notes that it’s now home to more artists, galleries and independent shops, giving the town a creative and youthful energy.

While Cromer shines in summer with its brightly coloured buildings overlooking golden sands, it’s just as lovely during the winter months, according to visitors.

One traveller said the beach stays “very pretty even in winter”, while another recalled a peaceful “walk on a winter day”.

They added: “You can stroll along the beach towards Sheringham or head the other way. In summer, it’s sometimes too busy for a quiet walk behind the cliffs.”

Photo © Mat Fascione (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Another visitor described Cromer as “glorious” in January, remembering “winter walks along the beach with the waves crashing against the shore”.

The town’s most famous attraction is its pier, one of only five in the country that still has a working end-of-pier theatre. It’s also the only one to host a full season of traditional variety shows.

Visitors can try their luck at crabbing from the pier, a favourite local pastime, or pop into the RNLI lifeboat station at the end to learn about Cromer’s proud sea rescue history.

The museum dedicated to the town’s most decorated lifeboatman, Henry Blogg, offers a deeper look into this fascinating story.

Beyond the pier, Cromer has plenty to see and do. The town is known as a food lover’s delight, especially for its famous Cromer crab, prized for its sweet flavour and caught just off the coast from the chalk reef that surrounds the town.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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