Looking west from the top of Happy Valley – Image by George Baker 1960 © Norfolk Museum Service. The image is not of the best quality but it shows Cromer’s Happy Valley as it was in the 1960s. Notice how open it is with the shelter at the bottom – now demolished.
Growing up in Cromer long before computer games and smartphones became the primary source of entertainment for young people, I spent most of my free time outside in the fresh air, playing with friends. We spent many hours on the beach in the summer, and the Warren Woods and Happy Valley were a playground for us all year round.
Happy Valley was also a popular venue for winter sports when dozens of children and parents would enjoy the sledge runs down the valley, and the brave would career down the steeper slopes in front of the lighthouse; however, if it does ever snow again, that is no longer possible as the valley has become very overgrown.
In early summer, drifts of bluebells would appear on the bank to the front of the lighthouse. That area is now completely overgrown.
Cromer residents and visitors have enjoyed Happy Valley for decades for recreational purposes. Sadly, in recent years, the Royal Cromer Golf Club, the owner of the valley, has not put its management high on its list of priorities, and the valley floor has become overgrown with bracken, scrub, and small trees. Access has been reduced to just a few uneven paths that are difficult to negotiate. If something is not done, the views from the top of the valley towards Cromer will gradually be obstructed more than they are already. Anyone using the benches at the top will only be able to see the gorse and bracken obstructing their view of Cromer town.
It must be remembered that Cromer is a tourist destination, and we must make the best use of our natural resources to attract and retain visitors in the future. The population is also set to grow with the housing development that is planned so recreational areas will be even more essential.
I fear that if nothing is done Happy Valley is going to be allowed to revert to woodland with access limited to just a few rough paths. That would be a great shame. The argument that it would be better for wildlife is unsustainable because the nearby undercliff is already performing that function.
How Happy Valley used to look
The photograph below was taken in the 1890s and shows the Golf Club’s original clubhouse. It was eventually demolished, and a new clubhouse was opened on Overstrand Road. The photograph is interesting because it shows that Happy Valley was grassland. Presumably, the valley formed part of the golf course, so it was probably cleared of vegetation to make it fit for purpose.
Happy Valley with original clubhouse of the Royal Cromer Golf Club © Norfolk Museums Service
The photographs I took recently show how the landscape has changed
Because of my concerns, I contacted a local organisation called Cromer Green Spaces. Its objective is to:
- promote public interest in and enjoyment of green spaces within the Cromer area
- identify, protect, manage and maintain green spaces for the benefit of wildlife
Its representative kindly directed me to contact the Royal Cromer Golf Club. I did so, and the response is below:
“Thank you for your email.
I have passed this on to our General Manager Matthew Bacon (in copy) who together with our Course Manager will discuss the points you have raised at the next meeting with Cromer Green Spaces.
Yours sincerely
James Milligan
Chairman RCGC”
I try my best not to be cynical but I understand that maintaining a golf course of the standard of the Royal Cromer is an expensive business. The Club will, of course, have its financial priorities and I fear that the expenditure required to restore the valley to its original state will not be met with great enthusiasm.
I will monitor the situation and report any changes.
If you have memories of Happy Valley please add a comment.
From Ward Lock & Co’s Illustrated Guide Book to Sheringham, The Runtons, Cromer and North Norfolk –edition published 1947.
“The Lighthouse Cliff is the culminating point of attraction in the immediate neighbourhood of Cromer. The air upon this breezy height is strong and sweet; the Downs rise and fall in picturesque waves to Overstrand and beyond; the views landward and seaward, are delightful from these pleasant uplands.
The charm of Cromer may be said to consist in its grassy cliffs. There are few places in England where such keen and bracing air is combined so gloriously with the springy turf, ferns and heather of Devon as on the Cromer cliffs generally and, above all, at the Lighthouse Hill.
The Cliff provides one of the best views of Cromer, and particularly of the many-roofed old town clustered around the splendid tower of the parish church.”
