Cromer v Southwold – Which is Best?

Cromer v Southwold this Year? Can’t Decide?

Our stay in North Cottage and Cromer surpassed all our high expectations. We are a family group of 7 and have holidayed in Southwold for the past 5+ years. We decided we wanted a change and landed on Cromer.”

Dora, London July 2024

Meeting Dora and her family when they stayed at North Cottage Cromer, got us thinking. As Dora wrote in her review, her 3 generational family has been holidaying in Southwold for more than 5 consecutive summers. But this year they chose Cromer instead. Why?

They decided they’d seen and done everything the famous Suffolk seaside town had to offer and they all fancied a change. They also noticed the rental price for larger houses had increased a lot over the last few years and they wondered if Cromer would offer better value than Southwold?

Most of our summer guests at North Cottage Cromer are families spanning 3 generations. When they book their special week together they’re looking for something to entertain everyone. So let the challenge begin – which is best Cromer or Southwold? (we may be a bit biased…)

Cromer v Southwold – Pros and Cons

What do the seaside towns of Cromer and Southwold have in common?

They both have beaches, a pier, a lighthouse, lifeboat, promenade and coloured beach huts.

But Cromer’s pier also has a famous theatre and Cromer beach boasts a Blue Flag award for excellence and cleanliness.

Cromer and Southwold both offer lots of pubs and restaurants and of course traditional fish and chips. But Cromer’s No.1 fish and chips has won many national awards and is operated by Michelin starred chef Galton Blackiston. Most significantly it has large dine-in restaurants both downstairs and Upstairs at No.1.

Historic and Scenic

Southwold and Cromer both have rinky dink streets with many independent shops. But Cromer also has some bigger shops and also some of the larger supermarkets like Morrisons, Lidl, Iceland and Co-Op. Meanwhile in Southwold there are only a very small Tesco and a Co-Op but they both charge premium prices and have limited ranges.

Cromer is much more of a year round destination than its Suffolk rival. Although the winter weekends do see an influx of visitors in Southwold, during midweek the resort resembles a ghost town. Life in Cromer carries on regardless whether there are tourists visiting or not. It’s very much a ‘proper town’.

Cromer has 2 museums; Cromer Museum has been created from former fisherman’s cottages and is found right beside the church. It houses a wonderful collection of history and memorabilia recording Cromer’s transition from fishing port to tradition seaside hot spot. The second museum is the RNLI Henry Blogg museum on the promenade at the Rocket House. There’s a full size historic lifeboat and many exhibits telling the story of many heroic rescues over the decades (during early 2025 the museum is closed for renovation).

Cromer Wins for Train Travel

Cromer has another advantage over Southwold – it still has an alive and well railway station. You can travel to Cromer by train from all over the UK – connecting via Norwich. You can also take the train to Sheringham, or walk to Sheringham along Cromer beach and take the train back. Southwold’s station closed forever in 1929.

If you fancy a day out Cromer is also close to many other famous towns and villages – Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney, Holt and Fakenham. There are many and varied days out to choose from – a ride on a steam train, a boat trip to the seal colony, the races at Fakenham.

Is Cromer Better Value than Southwold?

So finally the real test. Does Cromer offer better value holiday homes for rent than Southwold? Well, there are more holiday rental properties to choose from so perhaps the extra competition keeps rates on more of an even keel? Cromer is also slightly further from London – although the travel times are similar, which perhaps makes holidaying in Cromer more affordable.

Perfect for the Traditional Seaside Holiday

Cromer and Southwold both offer a traditional seaside holiday. If you’ve tried Southwold we suggest Cromer may surprise you.

Cromer’s profile is growing fast. If you’re thinking of taking your holiday here maybe you should book quick before all the best places are snapped up – especially if you need a larger property because there are fewer big houses for rent in Cromer than there are in Southwold.

To book North Cottage Cromer take a look at our availability here