Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is situated in the heart of the North Norfolk Coast – a designated National Landscape (formerly AONB) with over 40 miles of glorious beaches, unspoiled landscapes and protected wildlife habitats.

Once an important commercial seaport and manufacturing town, now a popular seaside destination, Wells is still a working fishing port where you can watch the boats unload their catch.

The town is very family friendly, with a beautiful sandy Beach, a large children’s playground with pirate ship and sit-on tractor, amusement arcades, old-fashioned sweet shops and ice cream parlours.

Wells holds a summer Carnival every year featuring floats, fancy-dress, competitions and entertainment for all ages. The event has been taking place for over 100 years.

The area attracts wildlife enthusiasts due to the number of nature reserves and birdwatching sites close by, including RSPB Titchwell, Cley and Salthouse Marshes and the Holkham National Nature Reserve.

A boat trip to Blakeney Point to see the seals and breeding birds is a highlight for many visitors. Seal Trips depart from Morston Quay just down the road.

The North Norfolk Coast is wild, breathtaking and beautiful, and Wells-next-the-Sea is the perfect location from which to explore the region’s unique and spectacular landscape.

The Quay is the beating heart of Wells, where fishing boats come and go, sightseeing boats head off on their adventures, and the shops, eateries and arcades enjoy the hustle and bustle of holidaymakers.

It’s a favourite spot for Crabbing, or gillying as it’s known locally, with families lined up along the harbour wall from dawn until dusk, filling their buckets with shore crabs.

The Granary, with its distinctive overhanging gantry, dominates the harbour, a reminder of the town’s once important role as a producer of malt. It has since been converted into luxury flats.

The Lifeboat Horse, a 3-metre high sculpture and local landmark, stands in the harbour during the summer months, wholly or partially visible depending on the tide.

Nearby you’ll find The Albatros, built in 1899 and one of the oldest sailing ships still afloat. She is permanently moored at Wells and has recently re-opened as a B&B.

Hungry visitors are well served with two fabulous fish ‘n’ chips shops right on the Quay, French’s and Platten’s.

The Frary Shellfish Stall has been a feature of Wells Quay since 1957, selling dressed crabs and irresistible little pots of ready-to-eat cockles, whelks, mussels, prawns, crayfish and crab sticks (cash only).

Keep an eye out for seagulls looking for a sneaky snack!

Wells is famous for its stunning Beach, without doubt one of the best in the country, with miles of soft, golden sand stretching into the distance. Scores of iconic colourful beach huts stand watch over the rising and ebbing tides.

Shorebirds nest in the dunes and feed in the shallow pools, and lucky beachgoers might spot seals basking in the sunshine at the water’s edge.

Walk for a couple of miles or so along the sand and you’ll end up in Holkham.

Behind the beach you’ll find the pinewoods, planted over 150 years ago, a welcome respite from the sun. You can access the pinewoods from the beach via wooden steps.

The beach is located almost a mile from the town. A Beach Bus service runs between the two (fares apply, card only). A vintage open-top bus runs in the busy summer months, and dogs are welcome on board.

You can also walk there along a raised bank with lovely views across the channel and salt marshes. After a long day at the beach, the walk back to town affords wonderful views of the historic Granary and harbour.

Next to the beach entrance you’ll find the Wells Beach Café serving sweet & savoury snacks, plus pizza and ice cream from the new Beach Hut Hatch. Dogs are welcome inside and out, and can enjoy puppuccinos and pupsicle iced treats.

Pinewoods Holiday Park down by the beach has been welcoming holidaymakers for over 60 years. They offer a range of caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges for hire, as well as the Spoonbill Drift Touring Park for caravans & motorhomes.

Nearby is the new RNLI Lifeboat Station complete with shop, visitor information centre and public viewing gallery.

Immediately to the west of Wells is the Holkham Estate, with it’s own famous beach, Palladian Hall, 25,000 acres of rolling parkland, family adventure activities and extensive nature reserve.

There are cycling routes & walking trails around the park, boat hire on the lake, a woodland play area for kids, a ropes course, gift shop, café and much more.

Holkham also hosts seasonal events, walking tours, workshops, fairs, food festivals, live music, outdoor cinema and sporting activities.

If you’re staying in Wells, a visit to Holkham with all its attractions is a must.