A brief guide to enjoying your break in Cromer

Some useful information from our Reception team! Facts About Cromer

As a fashionable Victorian seaside resort, Cromer was the first to allow mixed bathing on its beaches! It only took 3 hours to get here direct by train from London, quicker than it takes today!

The parish church has, at 160 ft 4 in (48.87 m), the highest church tower in the county and is open to the public who can enjoy spectacular views out to sea and far around the surrounding area.

Henry Blogg of the Cromer RNLI is referred to as "the greatest of the lifeboat men". Following several daring rescues he was awarded the gold medal of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution three times, the silver medal four times, the George Cross, the British Empire Medal and a series of other awards. Many of his descendants still live in Cromer.

www.virginiacourt.co.uk 2 Things to do in Cromer

A stroll to the Lighthouse & lookout If you’re feeling fit, take a walk up to Cromer lighthouse! You can take a leisurely stroll east along the beach until you find the stairs that have been cut into the cliff, and then it’s all up hill! Or walk along the cliff top path, it starts of as a small gradient and then it’s all up hill! But the view is definitely worth it when you get there. Explore historic Cromer Learn about Cromer’s hero Henry Blogg at the RNLI Lifeboat museum at the bottom of the Gang way. Afterwards why not visit the current Lifeboat station at the end of the Cromer Pier? In addition to the recreation of historic Fishermen cottages from the 18th century Cromer museum has some fascinating exhibits including a collection of fossilised bones of a Woolly mammoth found in the cliffs at West Runton. Victorian villas fit for a king, to be found on our very own Cliff Avenue adjacent to the Virginia Court Hotel!

Enjoy a traditional end of Pier variety show. Take in a show at the Pavilion Theatre on the end of Cromer Pier. In addition to a wide variety of touring shows throughout the Spring and Autumn including comedy, bands and tribute acts we have our very own famous Seaside Special show. The Seaside Special show which runs from June to September is a proper variety show of song, dance, comedy and everything else in between, there is also a Christmas Seaside Special show. www.virginiacourt.co.uk 3 Facts about Cromer Crab

Cromer crabs are smaller and sweeter than other crabs in the UK partly due to the chalky undersea cliffs. Mostly eaten as a whole dressed crab but also used in many other dishes (look at our menu to see some options).

Traditionally the same crabbing families have passed the trade on to successive generations with the crab fishing season running from April to September. Often the fishermen’s wife’s will do the hard work of boiling and dressing the catch!

We love Cromer Crabs so much we have an annual weekend festival every May to celebrate our local catch!

www.virginiacourt.co.uk 4 Stately Homes of North that will make you wonder “who lives in a house like this?”

National Trust

Our local properties are Estate (8 miles away) and Felbrigg Hall (1 mile). Both houses are open to the public and are set in stunning gardens especially during spring and summer. As history goes on the anniversary of her execution 's headless ghost arrives at Blickling Hall in a carriage driven by an equally headless coachman. At Felbrigg the specter of William Windham can occasionally be encountered in the dark and shadowy Gothic Library.

www.virginiacourt.co.uk 5 Stately Homes of North Norfolk that will make you wonder “who lives in a house like this?”

Royal Sandringham

Sandringham –

The Queens private Norfolk

retreat has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 8,000-hectare Sandringham Estate. Sandringham's gardens were opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908, and the Museum by King George V in 1930; was opened to the public at Her Majesty The Queen's wish in her Silver Jubilee year of 1977. Sandringham House, a beautiful country home with stunning gardens, a Royal car museum and exhibition centre is open to the public from Easter to November, and is about a 45 minute drive from Cromer.

www.virginiacourt.co.uk 6 Stately Homes of North Norfolk that will make you wonder “who lives in a house like this?”

Holkham House

Holkham House (15 miles away ) is a huge historic house with vast gardens and

parkland including a private lake and wild deer. It is home to Viscount Coke and his family. The house is open to the public from Spring to Autumn, including the gardens which have a distinct tranquil feel. In the herbaceous perennial meadows visitors are greeted with a variety of blooms and range of colour, with the added opportunity to buy from a selection of propagated plants. Designated walks allow visitors to explore the 3,000-acres grounds. The National Cycle Network route 1 (Wells and Holkham circuit) passes through the park from the north to south gates. This ride is a 10 mile circular route for cyclists and walkers.

www.virginiacourt.co.uk 7 Facts about Virginia Court Hotel

Designed in 1899 by architect George Sherrin who also designed the Brompton Oratory dome and South Kensington tube station!

Built as a gentleman’s club with a Card, Billiard and Ladies room amongst others, early members included local worthies and visiting gentry. King Edward VII is known to have visited here whilst the Prince of Wales.

Its current name comes from the Virginia Creeper which once adorned it. The building has been extended over the years and now offers 25 bedrooms, The Dining Room restaurant, The Club Room bar/lounge area alongside a sun trap garden! www.virginiacourt.co.uk 8 Things where you’ll find yourself saying, “Where did the day go?”

Discover the North Norfolk coast either by car or the Coast Hopper bus. Stunning scenery, endless sandy beaches and many quirky little villages along the way. Go bird watching at Cley, seal spotting at Blakeney or Marsh hopping at Morston. There’s plenty to find and do.

Norwich is “A Fine City” is 22 miles away and can be reached by train, bus or car! It’s Cathedral and castle, both built between 1095 & 1145, stand prominent in this bustling city full of great things to do. You can find many museums, art galleries and shopping! With a large market in the city centre and 2 indoor shopping centres along with the Norwich lanes you are bound to find that perfect momento.

Around 18 miles from Cromer is Wroxham and the famous Norfolk Broads offering a network of waterways to navigate by hire boat or take a tour on a big paddle steamer. Beautiful landscapes, fauna & flora. Nearby is Wroxham Barns. Lots to see and do for all ages from exploring arts and crafts galleries to the junior petting farm and funfair. www.virginiacourt.co.uk 9 We hope you have found this booklet interesting, if you want any more information about a short break in Cromer please give us a call on 01263 512398 or check out our website: www.virginiacourt.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

www.virginiacourt.co.uk 10