Features
If crabbing’s on your Norfolk to-do list, Cromer Pier is a popular place. It’s a classic—open-air fun, with the sea all around and crabs scuttling in plain view. I have been here once to do some crabbing, and it did not live up to its reputation. I was surprised to learn that the UK crabbing championships sometimes take place on the pier!
If you are staying in the area, a lot of restaurants serve Cromer crab on the menu.
The crabbing at Cromer Pier
You’ll often see families lining the railings, crabbing lines dangling into the water below. The best time? Especially during a rising or slack tide—it’s the perfect moment for crabs to take the bait. Expect shore crabs—that’s mostly what you’ll catch—, but there’s a chance to snag a bigger Cromer crab if you wait patiently. It can be hard to get a spot as the pier was packed out when we went during the school summer holidays.
Note: Use a NET and not a bag the crabs hang on to; you will never get those up to the side of the pier, and it is a long fall back to the water if they are close.
The challenge is that it gets very busy with people packed in like sardines. Then there’s the massive drop from the pier to the seabed to get the crabs in. Even a slight breeze can make it tricky to get in your spot without tangling with those around you. You also need to go down to the shore to get some water for your bucket.
Gear & tips
There’s a gift shop right at the pier entrance that’s a lifesaver if you’ve forgotten your gear. You can pick up crab lines, drop nets, buckets, and bait—bacon works well, or ask for fish offcuts if they’re available. One tip I always tell families: keep your bucket shaded, move crabs gently, and when you’re done, release them close to the water—dropping lurks risks damaging them. You’ll need to go down to the shore to release them. We took our own gear and bought bait from a kiosk on the left just as you were going in.
Parking & location
Parking is easy in the town — just follow the signs to the coastal parking, then walk through the seafront to the pier. Its vibrant setting makes it a seamless part of a full day out. You can go along from the pier and find some cheaper car parks a 5-minute walk away. We parked in the Runton Road car park, and it’s a short walk along the front to the pier. We also played some mini golf, which is right by the car park.
Facilities & fun
The pier has cafés, ice cream stalls, arcades, and toilets nearby—a whole handful of attractions beyond just crabbing. And if your kids get tired of “gillying,” the Pavilion Theatre offers an excellent backdrop for a stroll or quick show. This isn’t the biggest pier, and there are lots more attractions and things to do in the town of Cromer. It is a classic seaside town with lots of fun fairs.
Final thoughts
Crabbing at Cromer Pier is classic seaside—combining nostalgia, accessible gear, and that energetic atmosphere only a busy pier can offer. For me, there are better crabbing spots in Norfolk –
- Blakeney Quay crabbing. (My favourite)
- Wells Next the seas crabbing
If you’re near Wells, a trip to Holkham Hall complements the day out well.