A featured spot in our latest Route To Ride, the Norfolk town of Cromer is a seaside town with much to contribute to its county’s economy and cultural value. Take a ride through and you just might notice one of our things you didn’t know about Cromer:
It’s the Gem of the Norfolk Coast
At least according to the signs you’ll see as you pass through, but Cromer does have a charm about the place which you’d be hard-pressed to find in many other seaside towns these days. Although it didn’t feature in the Domesday Book compiled by William the Conqueror, it emerged as the seaside destination of choice for many well-to-do families as far back as the 19th century.
Edward VII enjoyed a round of golf there
As a member of one of the afore-mentioned families, the then-future King of England is said to have spent time playing golf in Cromer during summer visits to the resort. Queen Victoria’s son is said to have been the one who first made public appearances as we know them today; opening royal events and attending others just to show his face in a time when a widowed Victoria had completely withdrawn due to the loss of her husband.
It inspired a great detective mystery
The Literary Norfolk website provides a great deal of insight into the connections between the county and a myriad of influential authors throughout the years. Cromer itself features in books such as Emma by Jane Austen and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. But the great inspiration comes from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the historic Sherlock Holmes series. It’s said that while staying in Cromer Hall – during a golf holiday! – Doyle was told of the legend of local myth the Black Shuck, a ghostly dog-like creature. As he assumedly laid in bed unable to relax enough from sheer terror, it’s thought that here Doyle came up with The Hound of the Baskervilles!
It’s a heck of a ride!
If you’re interested in finding some similarly spooky sites, then take a ride through Cromer as part of the North Norfolk Circuit on our Routes to Ride!
