East Runton's name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English for Runa's or Runi's settlement.

[2] East Runton Windmill was first recorded in 1826 and was in operation until the machinery was removed in 1949, with the mill later being converted into a private residence.

[5] There is also a social club in the village which is known as ‘Bernies’ Corner House in Beach Road which in years prior was an amusement arcade but this changed to current usage in around 1987.

[citation needed] James Leak was a resident of East Runton around the early part of the 19th century.

He went to his forge in East Runton, rested his foot on his anvil and with one mighty blow removed the infected toe with a hammer and chisel.

He made a full recovery and his home surgery seems to have had little effect on the man as he continued his prize-fighting and lived to the age of 82.

At the base of the memorial a plaque commemorating the lives of four young surfers is inscribed with the words Waves come & go my friends but your lights shine on .

The village's national constituency is North Norfolk, which has been represented by the Liberal Democrat Steff Aquarone MP since 2024.