Your essential guide to visiting Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk Coast
Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the loveliest towns on the North Norfolk Coast
From the sweeping sandy beach bordered by pinewoods and colourful beach huts; around the bustling harbour where you’ll find children crabbing on the quay opposite the finest fish & chips on the coast; to the pretty leafy green known as ‘The Buttlands’ with its warm & welcoming taverns – Wells is the perfect, family friendly seaside destination.
Fishing port, seaside attractions, fabulous sandy beach and a haven for wildlife. Discover more about this charming North Norfolk coastal town.
If you’re planning a stay in Wells, there’s a wide range of accommodation choices, from luxury hotels and holiday cottages, to caravans and camping.
Plan great family days out & fun-filled activities, browse forthcoming local events & see what’s on at all the region’s top attractions.
Essential travel and transport information for visitors to Wells, including driving directions, route maps, train timetables and car parking.
There’s so much to see and do in Wells, it’s hard to pick a Top 10, but we did it – check out our must-do activities and make sure you don’t miss out!
Everything you need to know to enjoy a day on Wells’ famous beach – including parking, beach safety, and where you can walk your dog.
Wells-next-the-Sea is situated in the heart of the North Norfolk coast – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 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 quay is a favourite spot for crabbing – or gillying as it’s known locally – with families lined up along the harbour wall from dawn until dusk. Hungry visitors are well served with two fabulous fish ‘n’ chips shops right on the quay.
Wells is famous for its stunning beach – complete with scores of colourful beach huts – that is without doubt one of the best in the country.
Miles of soft, golden sand stretch into the distance. Shorebirds nest in the dunes and feed in the shallow pools. Seals bask in the sunshine at the water’s edge.
Between the quay and the beach there’s a scenic walk with stunning views of the salt marshes. The walk back to town after a long day building sandcastles, playing games and splashing about in the crystal clear water affords wonderful views of the historic Granary and harbour.
Behind the beach you’ll find the scented Corsican pine woods – established 150 years ago to protect the land from storms and tides, they’re a delight to explore, while offering a cool and shady respite from the sun.
Immediately to the west of Wells is the Holkham Estate, with it’s own famous beach, palladian hall, family adventure activities and extensive nature reserve.
To the east are the seal colonies and bird sanctuary at Blakeney Point, accessible via regular daily boat trips.
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.
A pretty brick & flint end-terrace cottage superbly located in the heart of Wells, just a short walk to the quay, shops & restaurants. Fully renovated in 2020, the 2 bedroom cottage boasts a cosy stylish interior.
Bosuns Retreat is a well appointed ground floor apartment set within a private square close to the quay, shops and restaurants in Wells. It sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom, has private parking and Wi-Fi.
A 2 bedroom holiday cottage full of character, with old oak beams and original features. It has delightful views across the marshes and is close to the quay, shops & restaurants. Private parking and Wi-Fi are available.
