Lucy Lavers is a Liverpool-class former RNLI Lifeboat and Dunkirk Little Ship.
Built for Aldburgh lifeboat station in 1939, she served as the RNLI’s Lifeboat No.2 for 19 years. In May 1940 she was used for the Dunkirk evacuations of Operation Dynamo during World War II, one of 19 RNLI lifeboats involved in the operation.
Lucy Lavers later served as a relief lifeboat at Wells-next-the-Sea.
In 2010 she was donated to Rescue Wooden Boats who restored her to her former glory. She returned to Dunkirk by sea in 2015 for the 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, joining a flotilla of other Dunkirk Little Ships.
She now lives and works in Wells-next-the-Sea. You can book a heritage tour or private charter here.
Make the most of a beautiful summer’s day and explore Holkham Lake by rowing boat. The mile-long lake is a haven for wildlife and a great way to see Holkham Hall from a new perspective.
Hire a boat from the jetty, put on a life jacket and off you go. The boat is big enough to seat up to five people, and dogs are welcome on board.
Relax and unwind as you gently drift along the water, admiring the views, with just a couple of islands to navigate, keeping you on your toes.
Open in high summer, weather permitting. Pre-booking is not available, so get there early to avoid disappointment. Payment is by card only.
More details are available from Holkham.
Wells Harbour Tours offer sightseeing boat tours that explore the harbour, beach and saltmarshes of Wells.
Most trips last an hour, including a sunset tour, although they do offer a 30 minute mini trip. You can also privately charter the “Wells Ferry” for special occasions.
Enjoy the town from the water, listen to the skippers tell their stories, and watch the world go by.
Tours operate every day from the end of March to the end of October, weather permitting. Trip times are displayed on boards at Wells Quayside and online.
Adults and children (and dogs) are welcome, and you can bring your own food and drink.
Read more about Wells Harbour Tours.
The Coastal Exploration Company create fun, relaxing, sometimes challenging adventures on traditional wooden fishing boats along the North Norfolk coast.
Join them in sailing to hidden creeks, islands and salt marsh in a beautiful coastal wilderness. You’ll be surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and nature, providing a chance to relax, disconnect from modern life and completely recharge.
Take the opportunity to learn new skills – sailing, navigating, understanding tides, foraging & smuggling. The skippers and crew have a vast array of experience and special skills, and will serve you Norfolk’s finest food & drink, all produced within 30 miles.
Boats are normally chartered by groups of friends or family, but combined sails for individuals are available.
Explorations depart from Tug Boat Yard in Wells.
More about the Coastal Exploration Company.
North Norfolk Coastal Discovery are passionate about showing you the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. Their fully qualified and experienced crew will take care of you on a truly memorable sightseeing boat tour.
Each excursion takes you to places that are mostly accessible by boat, and allows you to enjoy the clear waters and long stretches of sandy beaches, which are almost always empty. There are 6 tour options:
The tours are for a maximum of 6 people except the Seafood Meal trip which is for a maximum of 4 people.
Exclusive private charter hire is also available. The fully crewed boat is available for full or half day hire, and you can create your very own itinerary.
All trips depart and return to Wells Harbour.
Read more about North Norfolk Coastal Discovery.
Experience the thrill of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) at Burnham Overy Staithe on the Norfolk coast.
Experienced instructors will guide you through the intricacies of paddleboarding in this stunning natural landscape. With a team of qualified professionals, top-notch equipment, and a commitment to excellence, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
2 hour sessions for beginners. Learning to stand up paddleboard offers a fun way to get on the water and learn new skills, while exploring the creeks and salt marsh and getting close to nature.
3 hour sessions for the more experienced. A guided tour through the creeks and salt marsh of Burnham Overy Staithe harbour and the nature reserve of Scolt Head Island.
2 hour sessions to expand your confidence and knowledge and progress beyond the beginner level into becoming an accomplished and capable paddler.
Sessions for large groups, hen & stag parties and team building are also available.
When it’s too windy for paddleboarding on the coast, or when the tide is out, SUP lessons can take place on a nearby lake, around 25 minutes drive from Burnham Overy Staithe. The lake is ideal for family groups as children aged 8 and above can take part.
Discover more about North Norfolk Paddleboards.
A family friendly club with a lively social calendar and an extensive sailing programme of racing events and activities from April to October. Club members include canoeists, leisure sailors and cruiser sailors as well as safety boat handlers and social members.
The club’s vision is to actively promote sailing and ‘on the water’ pursuits for the community.
The welcoming club is always pleased to hear from prospective members, especially from active sailors who can join the weekend racing and contribute to the development of the club. Younger members are encouraged to get involved with junior membership.
The clubhouse and facilities are situated at the East End of Wells Harbour, with panoramic views over the salt marshes and creeks of North Norfolk. The bar is open on Sunday lunchtimes all year round!
Read more about the Wells Sailing Club.
The Wells & District Water Ski Club is a family-friendly club that offers recreational water skiing in Wells.
The like-minded club members are passionate about water sports and boating and have a clubhouse located on Wells Beach.
If you have a ski boat and wish to ski at Wells then why not become part of this safe and fun club.
Read about the Wells Water Ski Club.
WKLCRC is a community coastal rowing club, building and rowing St Ayles and Wemyss skiffs in the Great Ouse at Kings Lynn and around Norfolk’s inshore coastal waters.
WKLCRC continue rowing on the coast all through the winter when the weather, tides and daylight allow.
If you’d like to join or book a trial row send them an email. No experience necessary.
For more information visit Facebook.
There are public slipways where you can launch and land boats at the following locations:
