The crowning glory of Wells-next-the-Sea is the beach – vast, unspoilt and beautiful. Famous for its colourful beach huts, loved for its pinewoods and sand dunes. Walk for a couple of miles or so along the golden sands and you’ll end up in Holkham.
Whether you decide to swim & sunbathe, walk the dog or build a sandcastle, Wells beach has something for everyone. Wading birds can be seen along the shoreline, and if you’re lucky you might spot common and grey seals basking in the sun.
Wells-next-the-Sea was the winner of the first Sunday Times Beach of the Year award.
Wells Quay is always buzzing with life. Children fishing for crabs, shoppers buying fresh shellfish, day-trippers eating fish ‘n’ chips as the fishing boats come and go. All the while seagulls are circling looking for a cheeky meal.
Malting was big business in the 18th century and one of the surviving granaries is the main feature of the harbour. Built in 1903, the large granary building, with its distinctive overhanging gantry, has been turned into luxury flats with magnificent views.
Another prominent feature is The Albatros, a former Dutch cargo ship built in 1899 and one of the oldest sailing ships still afloat. She is now permanently moored at Wells and has recently been converted into a B&B.
Wells-next-the-Sea enjoys a summer Carnival for residents and visitors every year. Over a week of family fun and events including a Carnival Day procession around the town featuring floats, fancy-dress, pull-and push-along vehicles and much more.
The event has been taking place annually at the beginning of August for over 100 years. Originally known as the Wells Regatta, it began as just a one day event but has now grown to more than 100 events over the 10 days of Carnival.
The Beach Bus service, replacing the miniature railway, has not one but two buses. A fully electric bus that operates daily between Easter and October, and a 1951 Leyland Tiger open-top vintage bus that runs in high summer and on holiday weekends.
The buses take passengers from the football club car park in the town to the roundabout down by the beach car park. The service has a flexible timetable to accommodate demand and weather conditions, and only accepts payment by card.
Dogs are welcome on board but must be kept on a lead and off the seats.
Wells has a fantastic Children’s Playground complete with pirate ship and sit-on tractor. It has everything a playground should have including swings, a slide, roundabout, seesaw and climbing frame. Benches are provided for mums and dads.
Located on Beach Road, it’s right next to the Beach Bus stop & public toilets, and within easy reach of the quay. Wheelchair, pram and buggy access is just around the corner on Freeman Street. Older offspring can enjoy the nearby skate park.
Dogs are not allowed. Cycling and alcohol are also prohibited.
Made from steel bars and whisky barrels, The Lifeboat Horse was created by artist Rachael Long as a tribute to the horses that once pulled the town’s lifeboat more than two miles from the quay to Holkham Gap.
Located on the harbour sand in full view of the quay, the 3-metre high sculpture is fully visible at low tide, and partially submerged at high tide, appearing to swim through the water.
Originally commissioned as part of the Wells Heritage Art Trail in 2018, the sculpture has been purchased by the people of Wells and now stands as a permanent fixture in the harbour.
The Beach Bank Walk connects the town to the beach, almost a mile apart. There are two parallel paths – one on top of a raised bank made of crushed stone, and a smooth, wheel-friendly path lower down with ramps at both ends.
The walk has wonderful views across the channel and over the marshes, back to the town and harbour. Stroll along the raised bank and wave at the Beach Bus passengers whizzing by on Beach Road.
It’s an easy walk, with a day at the beach at one end, and fish ‘n’ chips at the other!
Wells Maltings re-opened in 2018 after major restoration of the original Maltings building and has been transformed into an exciting venue featuring a state-of-the-art theatre/cinema, Heritage Centre, Visitor Information Centre, Café Bar, a modern art gallery and a series of community spaces available to hire.
It has a busy year-round programme ranging from film and onscreen theatre, to live music, drama, dance, poetry and informative talks.
The Maltings is a vibrant cultural & community hub in the heart of Wells!
If you like to lie on the grass and soak up the sun, head for The Buttlands, a pretty, leafy green square lined with lime trees. Elegant Georgian houses overlook The Buttlands, as do two of the most popular eateries in Wells, The Crown Hotel and The Globe Inn.
The name originates from the days it was used for archery practice. Many events during Carnival Week take place on The Buttlands including a food & craft fair, a fête, live music and Screen on the Green.
It’s the perfect place to enjoy good food, good fun and good weather in summer!
The A & M Frary Shellfish Stall was established in 1957 and has been a feature of Wells Quay ever since. You can’t miss their blue & white stall on the quayside car park.
Famous for their little pots of ready-to-eat cockles, whelks, mussels, prawns, shrimp, rollmops, crayfish and crab sticks, they also sell freshly dressed crabs, lobster, wet fish, samphire and crab sandwiches.
The stall sells freshly caught shellfish direct from their own crab & lobster fishing boat.
Open from March to November. Accepts cash payment only.