Cromer was first mentioned as a town in 1262, when it was also a small port well known for it's crab fishing industry. At the turn of the 18th century it became fashionable as a health resort, patronised by Royalty; the town prospered. Further expansion took place during the 19th century with the building of the railway, and it was around this time that the development of the sea front, pier and promenade took place. Many of the hotels and guest-houses were also built.

Today Cromer is an attractive town, having grown to a population of around 7,500, with well stocked small gardens and parks, cliff top walks, the golden sands of the beach and a backdrop of wooded inland areas. The town centre is dominated by the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul with it's 160 foot tower which also served as a navigational mark until 1719 until the first lighthouse was built.

The other famous landmark is the pier and lifeboat station. It has been

damaged several times in it's history, firstly during the second world war, again in the storms of 1953 and more recently in 1997 when an oil-rig barge broke away and took with it a section of the pier. Restoration is now finished, so it will once again become the centre of entertainment.

The theatre provides an extremely popular summer show as well as other attractions during the season. There is more to entertainment in Cromer than just the pier; with a top class cinema, showing a wide selection of new releases, and several amusement arcades, the odd rainy day can be whiled away.

Cromer Carnival is renowned throughout the area, providing a whole week of either free or well subsidised entertainment. The Carnival is all about joining in, as well as being entertained, and the final procession is said by many to rival Notting Hill in it's diversity and attraction.

Other amenities include an art gallery and the museum which provides a "view of times past", including a reconstruction of a fisherman's cottage. The museum specialises in the natural history of the area.

For those of sporting inclination, Royal Cromer Golf Club provides good golfing and wonderful scenery from the cliff-tops. Cromer is also well known for it's squash and lawn tennis courts, both grass and all-weather. The club has for many years hosted "Counties Week" and other major junior and senior tournaments. There is a sports hall attached to Cromer High School, with activities such as net-ball, badminton, short-tennis and roller-skating. For the slightly less energetic, bowls is well catered for , with several greens in the town; there is also an indoor bowling facility as nearby Bodham. Cricket fans can enjoy the facilities at Cromer Cricket Club.

Accommodation: is diverse, with many 'B & B's, Holiday-homes; Caravan and Camping parks including static caravans for rent; several Hotels in the town, all of good standard and with differing price ranges.

Activities: Bowls; golf; sea angling; swimming; tennis; walking.

Churches: St Peter and St Paul (C of E), Church Street.
Cromer Methodist Church, Holt Road.
Cromer Roman Catholic Church, 147 Overstrand Road.
Cromer Baptist Church, Church Street.

Exploring: In town: Art Galleries; Cromer Museum.
Out of Town: 17th century Felbrigg Hall with it's gardens, walks in mature woodland and picnicking areas.

Location: A148 - Holt and A140 - Norwich.

Services: Bus & Train: The North Norfolk Railway connects to Anglia Railways at Sheringham. Anglia Rail provides regular services to Norwich.
Sanders Coaches operate regular services along the coast; to the other towns of North Norfolk and to Norwich.
Dentists: Sinclair & Best, Wiles & Hardy, 24 Norwich Road. - 01263 512390.
S. Cramp, 17 West Street. - 01263 515229.
Doctors: Cromer Group practice, 48 Overstrand Road. - 01263 513148.
Dr. C. D Ding, 7 Canada Road. - 01263 512157.
Hospitals: Cromer & District - 01263 513571.
Library: Prince of Wales Road.- 01263 512850.
Police: 01263 512211
Taxis: Blue Star Taxis - 01263 512645.
Crisp Taxis - 01263 512564.
Shopping: The town provides a wide range of shopping with both small family shops and national stores. There is an in-town supermarket and two hypermarkets on the edge of town.