Crabbing Spots in Norfolk

We’ve crabbed at all three Norfolk spots on this site, and they couldn’t be more different. Blakeney is my favourite crabbing spot anywhere in the UK, Wells-next-the-Sea is the classic busy harbour, and Cromer Pier didn’t live up to its reputation for us. Here’s what each one is actually like.

Which Norfolk spot suits you?

  • The biggest haul: Blakeney Quay. We’ve had over 100 crabs in one afternoon once we found the right spots.
  • Very young children: Wells-next-the-Sea. Metal railings run along most of the harbour wall. Blakeney has no side rail.
  • A traditional pier day: Cromer Pier. It’s fenced all round, but there’s a long drop to the water and it’s packed in the summer holidays.

The spots

Blakeney Quay

Calm, slow-moving estuary water off an old, ramshackle quay. You’ll mostly catch shore crabs, with the odd bigger one, and often pipefish in the net. Look for a gap between the boats where the water is slightly deeper. It’s best from an hour before to an hour after high tide; after that the water drops away. There’s no side rail, just mooring posts, so keep little ones within reach. The harbour wall to the right of the slipway is the level side for pushchairs. Park at the National Trust car park (free for members) or the village hall, where you’ll pass the butcher’s that sells crab bait. Two Magpies café by the quay is a must.

Wells-next-the-Sea Quay

Classic north Norfolk harbour crabbing. Most of the harbour wall has metal railings, which makes this one of the easier spots for little ones. Look for the deeper gaps between boats rather than the shallow edges. It gets very busy in the summer holidays, so arrive about an hour and a half before high tide to get a spot. Don’t try to drive to the harbour front. Park outside the main town and walk in. The harbour shops sell all the gear. Pair it with Holkham Hall or Holkham Beach, and don’t leave without a pastry from 2 Magpies Bakery.

Cromer Pier

Lively and traditional, and the UK crabbing championships are sometimes held here, but on our visit it didn’t live up to the hype. In the summer holidays the railings are packed, and it’s a long lift up from the water. Use a drop net rather than a bait bag the crabs cling to. You’ll also need to walk down to the shore for bucket water and to release your crabs gently near the water. Go on a rising or slack tide. Runton Road car park is cheaper and a five-minute walk along the front. Cromer is best for a seaside day of arcades, mini golf and the pier, with crabbing as one part of it.

Planning a Norfolk crabbing trip

  • Make a day of it: Crab at Blakeney first, then head to Cromer for everything else. Or combine Wells with Holkham.
  • Tides: All three spots are about timing. Arrive before high tide at Blakeney and Wells, and aim for a rising or slack tide at Cromer. Our crabbing safety guide explains why.
  • Be kind to the catch: Keep the bucket shaded and not overcrowded, check your net for pipefish before you leave, and release crabs close to the water rather than dropping them from height.
  • Local lingo: In Norfolk you may hear crabbing called “gillying”.
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