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Happy 125th Birthday!

This year, we’re celebrating an important milestone for one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks. Stretching 140 metres into the North Sea, Cromer Pier has been a focal point for the town and wider North Norfolk area for 125 years. It was opened on 8 June 1901 and cost £17,000 to build.

Cromer Pier deck Pavillion Theatre

Celebrating 125 years

Pavillion Theatre

The Pier’s renowned Pavilion Theatre opened in 1905 and has hosted variety shows and seaside entertainers ever since. It is now home to the world’s only full-season end of the pier show. The theatre stages over 230 performances each year, attracting an annual audience of around 75,000 people.

Celebrating 125 years

Lifeboat Station

There’s been a lifeboat station on the Pier since 1923. During the Second World War part of the pier structure was removed for defence purposes, the gap bridged by planks to allow continued lifeboat launches.

Cromer Lifeboat launch

Cromer Pier November 1993

Celebrating 125 years

History of Cromer Pier

The Pier has borne the brunt of some serious storms in 1949, 1953, 1976 and 1978. On 14 November 1993 a 100-ton barge crashed into it cutting off both the Pavilion Theatre and the lifeboat station.

Cromer Pier is an iconic symbol of Norfolk which belongs to us all, and North Norfolk District Council is proud to have been the custodian of this wonderful Pier for over 50 of its 125 years.

We have reached this significant anniversary due to the commitment over generations by Cromer Pier’s theatre operators, local authorities past and present, but most of all, our local community and our many visitors from near and far.

During that time, we have overcome many great challenges including tidal surges, and even a shipping accident that resulted in the Pier being sliced in two. Securing the Pier’s future continues today with ongoing investment into the structure and the Theatre.

For over 45 years, the Pavilion Theatre has proudly been home to the Summer Show, the only remaining full season end of pier variety show in the world, now operated by our partners at Openwide Coastal Ltd.

Please join us this year in celebrating Cromer Pier’s 125th Birthday.

NNDC Leader, Cllr Tim Adams

Celebrating 125 years

Pier Past

For more than 600 years, Cromer has been home to a stunning pier (or jetty) that boasts a rich and captivating history. Whether you’re admiring the breathtaking views or taking a stroll, this historic landmark is a treasure that has withstood the test of time.

Celebrating 125 years

Pier Present

Cromer Pier today is a significant focus for culture, tourism and heritage in North Norfolk, acting as driver to the local economy with its fame and reputation reaching far beyond the county of Norfolk.

Celebrating 125 years

Pier Future

North Norfolk District Council has owned the pier since its formation in 1974, and manages a programme of maintenance and repairs to ensure the pier has a secure future, despite the challenging environment it sits in.

The pier is owned and managed by North Norfolk District Council, and as proud guardians of this historic landmark NNDC is working with partners across Norfolk to celebrate the Pier’s extraordinary story throughout 2026.