Norfolk is blessed with some of England's finest coastal towns. Great Yarmouth, Cromer and Hunstanton are the three most popular, and each offers a distinctly different seaside experience. Here's how they compare.

Great Yarmouth: The Entertainment Capital

Best for: Families with children, couples seeking entertainment, budget holidays

Great Yarmouth is Norfolk's largest seaside resort and offers the most in terms of attractions and entertainment. The Golden Mile of amusements, two piers, Pleasure Beach, SEA LIFE Centre, the Hippodrome Circus and excellent museums mean there's always something to do, rain or shine.

The long sandy beach is one of the finest on the Norfolk coast, and the town's location at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads adds a whole extra dimension to a holiday here. With the best value accommodation in Norfolk, including rooms at St George Hotel at great rates with free parking, Great Yarmouth offers the most holiday for your money.

Cromer: The Traditional Resort

Best for: Couples, traditional seaside lovers, crab enthusiasts

Cromer is a charming Victorian resort on the North Norfolk coast, famous for its pier, church tower and world-renowned Cromer crab. It's smaller and quieter than Great Yarmouth, with a genteel atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a more traditional seaside experience. The pier show at the Pavilion Theatre is an institution.

However, Cromer is more expensive than Great Yarmouth, has fewer attractions for children, and limited parking can be frustrating during peak season. The beach, while beautiful, is smaller and backed by cliffs rather than the wide promenade you'll find in Great Yarmouth.

Hunstanton: The Sunset Coast

Best for: Nature lovers, geology enthusiasts, families with young children

Hunstanton is unique among East Anglian resorts in that it faces west, meaning stunning sunsets over the sea. The distinctive striped cliffs of red and white chalk are a geological wonder. The town has a pleasant seafront with basic amusements, and the Sea Life Sanctuary is popular with families.

Hunstanton is the smallest of the three towns and has fewer entertainment options. It's further from Norwich and the Norfolk Broads, and accommodation options are more limited. However, its proximity to the beautiful North Norfolk coast and Sandringham makes it a good base for exploring West Norfolk.

Beach Comparison

Great Yarmouth has the longest sandy beach, perfect for families. Cromer's beach is beautiful but smaller with limited access points. Hunstanton's beach is unique with its striped cliffs but can be very muddy at low tide. For pure beach holiday appeal, Great Yarmouth wins.

Value for Money

Great Yarmouth is significantly more affordable than both Cromer and Hunstanton. Accommodation, dining and attractions all tend to be cheaper, without sacrificing quality. The free parking at St George Hotel alone saves visitors significant money compared to the expensive car parks in Cromer and Hunstanton.

Getting There

Great Yarmouth has the best transport links, with regular trains from Norwich and direct road access via the A47. Cromer has a train service but it's slower. Hunstanton has no railway station, making it car-dependent. For visitors without a car, Great Yarmouth is the most accessible.

Our Verdict

For the best all-round seaside holiday with the most to see and do at the best value, Great Yarmouth is hard to beat. Book your Great Yarmouth stay at St George Hotel at great rates with free parking and free WiFi.