I arrived in Cromer, after just over an hour’s drive from Swaffham on Thursday 20th April ’25. A drive, that like most A-road journeys in England, contained a lot of bumps in the road. Literally. My 29-year-old Hymer doesn’t have a modern suspension. It feels the bumps and potholes — they’re simply terrifying. I’m left hoping a tyre hasn’t burst. Again.
Journeys are so bad that I’ve seriously given consideration to wearing a kidney belt whilst driving!
I arrived at 1 pm, having initially entered the wrong entrance/driveway. I was towing my transverse trailer and motorcycle, which made the prospect of reversing out of a steep driveway into a single-lane rural road quite daunting.
If anyone reading has had the pleasure of towing a transverse articulating trailer behind a van, I’m sure you agree that avoiding situations or routes where you may need to reverse is best practice. I’ve towed caravans for many years in my earlier decades, so I’ve no issue reversing a caravan if I need to. But with a transverse trailer, my experience is that they punish you severely for any under or oversteering.
But I’m quite pleased to say that I managed the manoeuvre on my first attempt, with the assistance of the property owner stopping traffic. After reaching the correct location, I went about getting ‘settled in’. Filling up with water, levelling the van, etc.
I then set off on the motorcycle to go and do some initial exploring of Cromer to get a feel for the town.
Cromer is a charming seaside town perched on the north Norfolk coast, known for its Victorian pier, crabbing heritage, and good old-fashioned seaside spirit. It was once a favourite retreat for the upper classes in the 19th century, and you can still see echoes of that elegance in the architecture lining the clifftops.
It’s famously home to Cromer crabs – a delicacy around these parts – and has long been a magnet for holidaymakers looking to breathe in the sea air, eat something fried in batter, and maybe lose a tenner in the amusements.
There’s a traditional, unpretentious British seaside feel to the place. Think deckchairs, Punch and Judy (if you’re lucky), and the sound of seagulls trying to rob you blind. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll also find some striking coastal walks, a lifeboat history to be proud of, and one of the few places where the pier still hosts regular theatre shows – a bit of nostalgia still alive and well.
Having posted in a local community group, where the admin actually allow people like myself — who aren’t necessarily from their town or area — but are looking to engage with the local communities to make the most of their visit to the area, I had a few places marked out on Google Maps that I needed to visit. Why do so many group admins not allow people from out of town, but looking to visit their town and spend whatever money they can afford to in the community? I realise there are many scammers out there, but simply take the time to look at a persons profile and you should be able to quickly tell whether they are legit or not.
Sadly, my budget for eating and drinking out is very limited. My photography project is self-funded and I provide several services to earn an income to continue the project. So it’s important to me that when I can afford to spend on leisure, I’m not going to be disappointed.
Mary Jane’s, Cromer
One establishment that was recommended several times for fish and chips was Mary Jane’s. Whilst I primarily follow a plant or vegetarian diet, I do eat other foods when I’m travelling. Typically, it’s food traditional to the area I’m visiting, unique items (or never heard of by myself), the ‘best’ in the area, etc.
When I’m at a seaside town anywhere in the world, I expect there to be an abundance of seafood-related establishments. Whilst I’d love to eat at many of these establishments, it’s simply not within my budget to do so.
Due to the number of recommendations given for Mary Jane’s, I knew where I was heading for my first meal in the town. It was now 5 pm and I realised that I had not eaten all day — and my tummy was letting me know all about it.
Mary Jane’s has two areas: a restaurant area (which I cannot comment on) and the takeaway area. Upon entering the takeaway, I noticed how bright and clean it was inside. The only ‘mess’ to be seen was where you’d expect to see it — on the self-service shelf where people add salt and/or vinegar. As someone who has worked in hospitality, people are messy, so this is no reflection on the business.
I placed my order of a large cod and chips and was informed it would be about 10 minutes. No issue for me personally as I went outside and people-watched. About 10 minutes later I was called to collect my order. I was informed that I was only being charged for a standard cod as the cook had broken my fish in half. A totally unexpected but nonetheless appreciated gesture. They charged me £11 (I think it would have been £14). I contributed to the ‘mess’ on the self-service shelf and headed off to the pier.
Cromer Pier is the beating heart of the town – stretching 151 metres into the North Sea, it’s one of the few remaining traditional piers in the UK that still has a working theatre. The Pavilion Theatre sits proudly at the end and hosts the UK’s only full-season end-of-pier variety show. Yes, those still exist — and Cromer’s is award-winning.
The current pier opened in 1901, although it replaced earlier structures dating back to the 1820s. It’s survived storm damage, ship collisions, and decades of changing seaside tastes. Today, it’s not just a place for catching a show or a photo at sunset – it’s a great spot for watching the waves, anglers doing their thing, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, even spotting seals bobbing around offshore.
I found a sheltered seat along the pier and sat down to enjoy my meal and watch the sun setting behind the cliff to the north of the pier.
The fish was very well prepared. Nice crispy, tasty batter and soft, but not mushy, interior. It was a very generous portion of fish. The chips were as I expect from ‘chippies’ in England — thick and ‘sloppy’ or ‘floppy’. I’ve seen some reviews suggesting that the chips can be dry, but in all honesty, I put so much vinegar on mine I couldn’t comment on that. They were perfectly edible.
I ate in peace, which was a new experience for me. I’m guessing that it was simply down to the fact that I was sitting under cover rather than well-behaved seagulls. My experience of eating fish and chips in other English seaside towns always involved a few profanities being aimed at the bird life of the beachfront.
Fish and chips at the seaside isn’t just a meal – it’s basically a national ritual. It dates back to the 19th century when fish from the North Sea and potatoes from the north and Midlands met in the fryer and birthed the ultimate comfort food.
For whatever reason, the combo just tastes better when eaten by the sea, ideally while fending off gulls and trying not to drop your chips in the wind. It’s part of the nostalgia – like sticks of rock, fairground rides, and those 2p coin pushers that never quite pay out.
Every town swears their local chippy is the best, and Cromer’s no different. Whether it’s battered cod, haddock, or something a bit more rogue like skate or plaice, what matters most is that it’s fresh, fried, and served in paper. Bonus points if you can find a bench with a decent view and keep the vinegar off your trousers.
After thoroughly enjoying my meal and stuffing my face, I took a walk south along the promenade with the intention of getting to the beach huts. But due to stopping to take images and look at things I was passing on the way, I never quite made it due to losing light. I hadn’t come dressed for night-time exploring as the trip out was really just a quick exploration to get my bearings of the area and grab a much-needed meal.
The seaside architecture was fascinating, with many buildings featuring rounded fronts and massive windows clearly designed to make the most of the sea view. Some of Cromer’s earliest seafront buildings date back to the early 1800s, when the town was starting to emerge as a fashionable resort for the wealthy. Elegant villas and boarding houses sprung up to accommodate the influx of well-heeled visitors seeking fresh sea air and sea bathing.
However, the town hasn’t always had it easy. Several historic structures were lost over the years due to coastal erosion and wartime damage. The Hotel de Paris, still standing proudly above the promenade today, is one of the survivors, having watched over the seafront since 1830. Other buildings weren’t so lucky — World War II brought damage to parts of the town, and the relentless North Sea has claimed more than a few structures built too close to the edge.
Even today, some of Cromer’s clifftop properties show the battle scars of sea spray and salt winds, adding a layer of grit and charm to the town’s elegant front. It’s that blend of resilience and old-world beauty that really gives Cromer its unique character.
There are many things I hope and intend to do over the next five days of being in the area, including seeing the local Banksy, the beach huts, the windmill and a few other attractions in the surrounding area.
If you’re planning your own visit, here are my top 10 recommendations of things to see or do in Cromer town:
- Cromer Pier ✅ – A walk down the iconic Victorian pier is a must, whether for photos, theatre shows, or just the sea breeze.
- RNLI Henry Blogg Museum – A tribute to one of the most decorated lifeboatmen in history, this small museum packs a punch with local heroism.
- Cromer Parish Church (St Peter and St Paul) ✅ – With its impressive tower, it offers lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Cromer Museum – Step back in time with exhibits about local geology, fossils, and life in Victorian Cromer.
- The Promenade & Clifftop Walks – For stunning coastal views, there’s nothing quite like strolling the cliffs at sunrise or sunset.
- Mary Jane’s Fish & Chips ✅ – Eat in or take away and find a spot with a sea view – a must for the full Cromer experience.
- Cromer Lighthouse – Perched on the cliffs, it’s not open to the public, but still a striking landmark to photograph.
- Crabbing off the Pier – A time-honoured local tradition, great for kids and big kids alike.
- Pavilion Theatre – Catch a show if you can – it’s one of the last true end-of-pier theatres in the UK.
- Beachcombing at Low Tide – Cromer’s beach is great for finding shells, sea glass, and the occasional fossil if you’re lucky.
On the way back to base, I encountered an issue with my gear shift. It was not returning to the neutral position after changing down. It was sticking in the down position, which meant having to manually raise it with my foot before then changing down, then lifting up again. If you’ve ridden a motorcycle with gears before, you’ll understand what a lovely experience that is.
So that’s a job for tomorrow — before I can go anywhere!
More images of Cromer from today
Day two in Cromer
Day 2 started with me taking the gear shifter off the bike, cleaning all pieces, greasing and putting it back on. Happy to say that the gear shifter issue is resolved and it returns to the neutral position!
I got into Cromer at 12:30pm with the intention of finding a place to get breakfast. Once again I was armed with a few recommendations, but sadly of the two I tried, neither had indoor seating (or outdoor) available so I was unable to get brekky!
I then remembered someone had commented on my post seeking recommendations about an establishment that does ‘Yorkshire pudding wraps’. This is not something I have personally heard of and certainly not indulged in. So true to my philosophy that I will always try something once, I decided to head to The Baguette Shop to try one of said wraps.
The Baguette Shop, Cromer
Upon arrival I mentioned someone had suggested the Yorkshire Wrap on my post in the community group and we got chatting, as they had seen my posts and one of the ladies on duty was actually the one who had commented.
We chatted about my project, Cromer, and business during peak times whilst I awaited my food.
The two ladies were truly lovely and welcoming and explained how they were expecting their first delivery of Cromer Crab tomorrow and that I should definitely try it as Cromer Crab is very well regarded in these parts.
So I’ll have to see whether my budget allows for a second visit.
Upon receiving my food I said my goodbyes and headed off toward the coastline to find a seat where I could consume my meal whilst enjoying a sea view.
As it was rather windy today, I didn’t head down to beach level, instead choosing to sit on a bench on the cliffs with the pier directly in front of me.
I started tucking into my Yorkshire wrap which was pork (they also do chicken), stuffing, apple sauce, carrots, and broccoli. I have a big appetite (I typically only have one main meal a day where I eat like an old school Viking). When I first received my order I was concerned whether it was going to fill me up.
I shouldn’t have worried. The meal was very filling indeed.
It was very tasty also and for £8 not bad value at all. And this comment is only personal preference, but I think some gravy would really have put the icing on the cake for my palate (which is very uneducated in all honesty — fine dining isn’t something I’ve really had the budget to indulge in).
Their prices are very fair from my experience around the UK and especially in seaside towns. Their baguettes look well-stuffed unlike some establishments which are very stingy with the ingredients of the baguette.
Unfortunately, it seems that my activities fixing the motorcycle in the morning had aggravated an ongoing sciatica issue I’ve had for a week now.
As I was walking around Cromer Parish Church (St Peter and St Paul) I felt the pain returning in a big way. As those who follow my project will know, I love old architecture and visit any churches I may pass if stopping is an option.
Cromer Parish Church, officially named St Peter and St Paul, is the tallest church in Norfolk and its tower dominates the skyline of the town. The church as it stands today was mostly built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, replacing an earlier building destroyed by fire. The architecture is largely Perpendicular Gothic, which was popular in England at the time. During the Victorian era, the church underwent significant restoration work under the direction of architect Arthur Blomfield.
Inside, it boasts beautiful stained glass windows, intricate wooden roof carvings, and a spacious nave with a serene, peaceful atmosphere. The tower can be climbed during certain times of the year, offering panoramic views over Cromer and the coast — though not one for those with a fear of heights!
It was my intention to have a long walk along the promenade to the beach huts and get a picture of the local Banksy artwork, The piece, part of the artist’s “Great British Spraycation” series from 2021, depicts a group of hermit crabs — one carrying a sign reading “Luxury Rentals Only” — making a subtle and witty commentary on housing issues and gentrification. It’s located on the sea wall and has become quite the talking point for both locals and visitors alike. But sadly the sciatica was progressively getting worse. So I had to call it a day. I popped to LIDL to get some supplies and returned to Star (my motorhome).
I’ve been horizontal all evening taking pressure off the lower back and it’s feeling a lot better, so I’m hopeful I can get a full day out tomorrow and then prepare for my iris photography pop-up being held in the town on Sunday.
Come back tomorrow for the day 3 update.
Day 3 in Cromer
Day 3 was a bit of a wash out. Whilst there was absolutely no mention of rain when I checked two different weather apps the day before — and even in the morning — it started raining at around lunchtime and persisted all day!
It had been my intention to pop into Cromer town to go and see the dog show that was being held on the pier and do some more exploration, but sadly with the weather and the fact that I travel by motorcycle and am just not a fan of being rained on unless absolutely necessary, I spent the afternoon doing some admin and business-related tasks instead.
I think many people have a skewed view of vanlife. Many social media accounts would have you believe that it’s a non-stop adventure of simply being out exploring and essentially being on ‘holiday’ every day. The reality isn’t like that at all — unless, of course, you have a load of savings. For most folks living the lifestyle, generating an income is still required. Whether that’s a more conventional job or being self-employed and earning whilst travelling.
So my afternoon was spent ‘working’, which consisted of researching possible venues to hold future iris photography pop-up events, creating content for social media, writing content (including blog posts), editing images that I’ve not had a chance to edit, and preparing for my Cromer iris photography pop-up occurring tomorrow.
Gutted to not have been able to get out, but I had a lot to occupy myself with in the van for the afternoon and evening.
Come back tomorrow for the day 4 update.
Day 4 in Cromer
Today I’ll be hosting my 6th iris photography pop-up event. It is what has brought me to Cromer and I’m trying to arrange pop-up events in towns and places that I’ve not yet visited to get an opportunity to explore a little.
I have 21 people booked in for the event today which is just one short of my current record of 22 people, which attended both my Haverhill and Thetford events! So I’m really chuffed with that.
My first client of the day was quite unique and certainly the first client I’ve had so far that has paid for both their eyes to be captured. The reason being is that the client has two different colour eyes! Pretty cool!
I then had a client that decided they were not going to attend (a solo person) as they were not happy that I may share their image on social media. Despite my explaining that the images from my iris photography sessions were shared in line with GDPR guidelines and that no identifying information was posted with the images, they were simply not having it.
The fact is, if you have blue eyes and had your iris photographed by me, and I then included this in a post that included a couple other blue eyes, you’d probably have trouble identifying which was your own! Pretty much every person who has attended my sessions is surprised when they see the detail of their eyes, because you simply don’t see or notice it in your day-to-day life. So it’s unlikely, if I posted say five pics of blue eyes, that you’d be able to identify your own — unless you had something unique like a freckle or colour marking etc. which you’d know about, but anyone seeing it on social media is not going to know who that eye belongs to.
There simply is nothing to worry about with regards to privacy or security risks when it comes to sharing of iris photographs.
As it turned out, I had a window of no clients from 12:20 pm – 2:00 pm. It was my intention to try and grab a Sunday roast at one of the places recommended by the lovely folk of Cromer. But sadly, neither of the top two had a table available.
The Jetty Cafe, Cromer
So I thought I’d try The Jetty Cafe, as I had tried them a couple days ago but they were full, and have a full English instead.
Fortunately, on this occasion there was only one occupied table.
I entered and chose a window seat. Wherever possible, I get a window seat as I enjoy observing people and daily life occurring.
I had a choice to make — The Jetty Belly Buster Breakfast or The Jetty Breakfast. But logic, rather than an empty stomach prevailed. I had a table booked at 4:45pm for a roast dinner. So I opted for the smaller of the two options.
The food arrived in quick time. Not fast food quick time. And the first thing that I noticed were the sausages. Actual sausages, the likes of which you would find in a good local butcher or in the ‘speciality’ range of supermarkets. Many establishments I’ve visited for a full English will provide those sausages you find in bags of 20 in the freezer section and contain about 20% meat.
The food was great. Really nothing to complain about with regards to what was on my plate. Well, maybe one thing. The menu states ‘side of toast’. This typically means the toast comes on a separate, smaller plate with option of butter. That is what I was expecting based on the menu. But as you can see in the pictures, the toast was on the plate covered with other foods. It’s not a deal breaker for me by any means, but I prefer to eat my toast separate to what’s on the meal, often enquiring whether the cafe/restaurant has any jam containers that they sold or provided. It’s a small thing.
The food itself was well cooked. Sausages were as they looked — good quality. As was the bacon. The beans tasted like a more premium brand than the basics range used in many cheaper establishments. Mushrooms again were well cooked and not overcooked or dry.
For £9.95 I really have nothing to complain about. It was a really enjoyable English brekky and hit the spot beautifully. I’ve paid more for less quality, and paid less for the same lesser quality. I’m certainly a fan and will happily return to take on the Belly Buster on my next visit to Cromer!
The cafe is small. It only has around 7–8 tables from memory and is clearly very popular based on my earlier experience of trying to book a table. I’m guessing that they do not have a licensing option for putting tables and chairs out in the alley they are situated on because they would certainly fill them at peak brekky time.
The Jetty Cafe does have customer toilets according to several online reviews on Google and TripAdvisor, which noted them as clean and accessible. The staff were friendly and efficient.
The Jetty Cafe in Cromer is highly rated on Google, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Customers often praise the quality of the food, the friendly service, and the cosy atmosphere. It’s particularly popular for breakfast and brunch, with many reviewers noting the generous portion sizes and good value for money. On TripAdvisor, The Jetty Cafe is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 400 reviews. Many visitors praise the friendly service, hearty breakfasts, and good value, making it a local and tourist favourite alike.
All in all, I would highly recommend trying The Jetty Cafe when you visit this wonderful seaside town!
You can see my Google review here.
A new iris photography pop-up record
I returned to the venue at 1 pm despite not having a client until 2 pm. I thought I’d use the time and get a start on editing the images already captured that morning.
But then, a family of three walked in, who I assumed were there for another reason. But as it turns out, they had seen I had a gap in my bookings and decided to come down! Very lucky that I decided to return to the venue rather than use the time to walk around and explore.
Their turning up — minus the person who didn’t turn up — meant that a new attendance record was set! 23 people attended my Cromer iris-photography pop-up event! Thank you so much ❤️
After my last client at 4 pm, I quickly packed my equipment up as I had a reservation at The Red Lion, Cromer for 4:45 pm.
The Red Lion, Cromer
The Red Lion in Cromer is a historic seafront inn that dates back to the 18th century, though some form of hospitality on the site may have existed even earlier. Over the centuries, it has served fishermen, travellers, and holidaymakers alike, offering food, drink, and lodging. The building itself retains much of its period charm, with original architectural features and a cosy, traditional pub atmosphere. In recent years, the Red Lion has established itself as one of the top dining destinations in Cromer, known for its use of local ingredients, hearty seasonal menus, and impressive selection of real ales and ciders. It’s also a dog-friendly pub, with sea views from many of the rooms and restaurant tables, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a classic seaside experience.
Again, this was a place recommended to me by folks in a local community group. Again, I find it sad that so many community groups won’t let you join if you’re not from the area. I get the fact there are scammers about, but if you accept someone from out of the area, simply put them on post approval. Community groups are invaluable to folks like me that are regularly visiting new areas. Yes, there is TripAdvisor, Google and the Internet etc., but nothing beats local knowledge and experience.
As you enter, what I think was the main entrance, you enter a hallway and restaurant reception area. The restaurant is to the left with a large bar area to the right. First thing I noticed was how busy and ‘loud’ the bar area was. By loud I mean it was packed and when you have loads of conversations going on, at various levels of consumption, there’s a loudness that occurs.
The restaurant was fairly empty when I was seated. Which is understandable really as 4:45 pm is an ‘odd’ time for either lunch or dinner.
As a result, I got seated at a table with a large window overlooking the sea. Pretty cool. I wasn’t sat at the window however which was a shame, but there wasn’t an available window table when I was seated.
I ordered the ‘All 3 meats’ Sunday lunch. It was meant to consist of all the meat options they provide — pork, lamb and beef. However, they had run out of pork but said I’d get extra of beef and lamb as compensation. Fine with me.
I also ordered a strawberry cider that once again was recommended by someone on my request for local knowledge post.
The cider, to use the commentator’s word, was ‘lush’. It was a flat cider (not sure of the technical term for non-carbonated cider?)
The food soon followed my drink delivery and my initial thought was ‘good God’.
What I was presented with can only be described as ‘a mountain of food’.
On top, was a large Yorkshire pudding underneath which was the meat and assorted vegetables.
The food was once again very enjoyable. The meats were both well cooked. I was offered rare or well-done as options. Well done is not an option for me! The only complaint I have is actually the cutlery supplied. One of the beef cuts had a rather frustrating sinew running through it which the supplied knife really struggled with. I felt like I was cracking the plate trying to get through it. It posed no issues to eating the meat, only to be civilised and cut the meat into edible chunks.
The cauliflower cheese was absolutely gorgeous and it’s not very common to get this with a Sunday lunch, but I wish more establishments would add it to the plate!
I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and have no complaints at all about the quality or taste of the food. There was sufficient gravy (although you can never have too much gravy) which was also very tasty. Everything on the plate worked.
The only thing for me personally, and my budget (please remember everything you read in my blog posts are based on my experience, my preferences, my budget etc.) was the price. At £21 it’s certainly the most expensive Sunday lunch I have paid for in the 26 years of being in the UK. I’m not saying it’s the most expensive, I’m saying it’s the most I have personally paid for one. But because it got several recommendations, I had to try it. It’s certainly a venue I’d consider having a Sunday roast at again, but for my budget it isn’t within the ‘regular’ places I’d visit list. But for those with a bigger budget, or who are visiting the town and are looking for a good portion of good quality food, then it’s absolutely worth a visit.
The cider pints were all in the region of £5.20 a pint. I didn’t look at the other options.
You can view The Red Lion’s food and drink menu on their official website: https://www.redlion-cromer.co.uk/menus/
After thoroughly enjoying my meal, I made my way back to base.
Day 5 in Cromer
Nothing exciting to report today I’m afraid. Today was editing day. The day after an iris photography pop-up always entails editing all the images taken the previous day. It is a highly time consuming activity as I edit each iris individually by hand rather than using any automation tools like many other studios. Once I’ve edited each individual iris I then start work on the ‘commission edits’. These are edits where the client has requested an effect, for example a clash or infinity edit. Again, I edit each of these effect edits by hand ensuring no two effects are the same, resulting in a truly unique piece of art for each of my clients.
It is extremely time consuming with a clash effect edit taken between 1 – 2 hours to complete.
Day 6 in Cromer – the last day
It was originally my intention to move on today (Tuesday 25th March ’25) but given a rained out day and losing yesterday to editing some 23 irises, and there being a few things I wanted to see before I moved on, I decided to stay on for an extra night!
So today I popped through to Sheringham to go and see the ruins of Beeston Regis Priory.
Beeston Regis Priory was founded around 1216 by Margery de Cressy and dedicated to St Mary. It was originally an Augustinian priory and housed a small community of canons who lived a monastic life serving the nearby village and coastline. Despite its relatively modest size, the priory played a role in local religious life for over 300 years before being dissolved in 1538 during the reign of Henry VIII as part of the wider Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, all that remains are evocative ruins surrounded by peaceful countryside — a real treat for lovers of history and photography alike.
As those who follow my journey know, I love historic architecture, whether in ruins or still functional today. So I couldn’t leave the area knowing there was a ruined priory just up the road!
I then headed back to Cromer and to the Cliftonville Hotel to meet with a member of staff who has very kindly offered me a room to use for my next pop-up in Cromer!
The Cliftonville Hotel is one of Cromer’s grandest historic buildings, built in 1894 and designed by renowned local architect George Skipper, who also designed the Royal Arcade in Norwich. The hotel was constructed in a grand Edwardian style and sits proudly on the seafront with uninterrupted views across the North Sea. Over the years, it has welcomed guests seeking traditional seaside luxury and remains a popular destination for weddings, holidays, and now, my upcoming iris photography pop-up!
The lady I met at the hotel informed me of an exhibition happening at the Artspace along the promenade. A timelapse 3D scan presentation of various locations around the UK, four of which were in Norfolk.
So I left my motorcycle at the hotel and took a walk down to the Artspace to enjoy the exhibition.
It really is an eye opener and visually a treat (assuming you don’t suffer any conditions set off by flashing lights). It’s free to view and I’d highly recommend it to the folks of Cromer who are into art and how our planet is impacted by ‘man’ and nature. From coastal erosion footage which I’m sure will surprise you, to dairy factories, to new high rises being built in London.
I met one of the photographers involved in creating the images and had a good chat with him about the project.
The videos are on a loop of approximately 20 minutes. There are 8 or 9 large screens each showing a different angle or loop of a particular scene/setting. It’s 20 minutes well worth spending at the exhibition.
After viewing the exhibition I set off to the other end of the promenade to go and photograph the Banksy painting. Taking a few snaps of the beach houses along the way.
It is very corroded and dull now, seemingly someone has deliberately tried to scratch as much of it off as they could. So I doubt there will be anything to photograph in a year or two.
The Banksy artwork along the Cromer beach was created in August 2021 as part of the artist’s “Great British Spraycation” series — a project in which Banksy toured seaside towns around the UK leaving his mark in the form of satirical street art. The Cromer piece, located on the sea wall near the east end of the promenade, features a group of hermit crabs — with one crab carrying a placard that reads “Luxury Rentals Only.” Though it was never officially titled by Banksy, the piece has been informally referred to by some fans as “Hermit Crabs” or “Luxury Rentals.” The message behind it is a clear commentary on gentrification, housing shortages, and the impact of tourism on coastal communities. Unfortunately, the artwork has been significantly weathered and vandalised since its creation, making it increasingly hard to distinguish — a real shame given its cultural significance.
On my walk back to the Cliftonville Hotel I decided that I would like to try a crab sandwich. I’ve been hearing often over the few days of being here about the infamous ‘Cromer Crab’. Sadly, many of the eateries were closed already (it was just after 2pm) and those that were open either didn’t have crab yet, and one had literally just run out.
So I called it a day.
Tomorrow I’ll be packing up, hitching the trailer, loading the motorcycle and heading off back to Swaffham for a few days before heading to Bury St Edmunds for my pop-up on Saturday.
Cromer, thank you 🙏
You are very lucky to live in a town like this. A town where the community really do seem to be proud of their town. A town that in my experience has very clean roads and pavements, friendly people, great food and gorgeous views to look at every day.
It’s another town that I could easily see myself living in when it comes time to call it quits with the photography project.
I’m already looking forward to my return and trying a crab sandwich and perhaps a few establishments I wasn’t able to visit this time round.
Thank you so much to all the locals who provided recommendations of eateries and activities. To those who attended my iris photography pop-up, Merchants Place Community Resource & Learning Centre for providing the space to rent, and all those who allowed me to take up some of their time for a chat.
The Touring Eye’s Verdict of Cromer, Norfolk, UK
If you’re looking for a quintessential English seaside town, with a lot of history still in use today, a vast selection of eateries, with those I attended serving delicious food. I hope to try and time my next visit with a show in the Pier Theatre. As its currently off season, its fairly quiet in the week. Which is my preference. It also means that several of the stores run limited days and hours during the ‘off season’.
Using Cromer as your base, there are several things to see and do in the area within a 20-30 minute drive. Blakeney Bay if you want to see grey seals. Grey seals and their pups are also regulars to Horsey Gap between November – Jan/Feb. Please remember to keep your distance from any seal pups you may encounter because if you taint them with your scent it is highly likely they mother will abandon them. Their life is really not worth your Instagram shot!
Business owner?
Are you a business owner that would like to be featured in my blog posts? To date, I have been promoting businesses I visit without any benefit to me for doing so. But as the cost of living crises takes hold, I need to start working on a bartering system. Whereby you invite me to your establishment to experience what you provide, whether its a campsite, eatery, pub, tourist attraction etc, and in return you get exposure on my various social media platforms which I will be turning more time to now that I’ve figured out a way to fund the project and move a little more regularly.
If you’d like to invite me to experience your venue, please do get in touch via the contact form below.
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