Forget the car and feel the benefits of fresh air and exercise with a brisk (or leisurely) walk!
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 scenic 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!
National Trails are long distance walking, cycling and horse riding routes through the best landscapes in England and Wales. There are sixteen National Trails and walkers can enjoy all of them.
The Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path is one of those trails, a combination of two long distance walking trails totalling a 130 mile National Trail.
Peddars Way starts in Suffolk at Knettishall Heath Country Park and follows the route of a Roman road for 46 miles to Holme-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk Coast. Here, it meets the Norfolk Coast Path.
The Norfolk Coast Path provides 84 miles of walking from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea through stunning scenery. The majority of the trail runs through the Norfolk Coast National Landscape (formerly AONB).
The path skirts the pinewoods between Holkham Beach and Wells, heads south along Beach Road to the Quay, then continues east alongside the salt marshes towards Stiffkey.
View the trail on an Interactive Map on the National Trails website along with detailed Trail Information.
You can find out more about walking and cycling routes on the Norfolk Coast website.
There are 7 waymarked Walking & Cycling Routes to explore at Holkham Park, including a Nature Trail for young ones around the lake with information stops.
You can download a Route Map (pdf file).
The routes vary from just over 2 miles up to 6 miles, and cover a mix of terrain, from woodland & grassland to gravel tracks & tarmac.
Orange Route 2¼ miles
Mainly grassland – suitable for walking only
This route takes you around the lake with wildlife information panels dotted along the route.
Brown Route 2¼ miles
A mix of tarmac, grass and wooded track
A shorter route for younger visitors, following mainly traffic-free paths through woodland & open spaces.
Yellow Route 2½ miles
Mainly rough grass
Offers lovely views across the lake, and get up close to the Coke Monument and St Withburga’s Church.
Pink Route 2¾ miles
Mix of rough grassland, tarmac and wooded track
Enjoy lake views, visit St Withburga’s Church, stop off at the thatched Ice House and look out for wildlife.
Green Route 4 miles
Mix of gravel farm tracks and tarmac
See the stunning Palladian exterior of Holkham Hall, venture up to the Obelisk and discover the Great Barn.
Blue Route 4¼ miles
Mix of tarmac and gravel farm track
Enjoy the woodland and nature on this route, visit the Great Barn and stop for great views from the Obelisk.
Red Route 6 miles
Mix of woodland track, gravel and tarmac
Discover more about Holkham farming, take in the Coke Monument and see the Fallow Deer herd.
For opening times & car parking charges see Holkham.
Wells has a beautiful beach that attracts a lot of visitors, but it’s important to be aware of water safety.
In recent years, 1 out of every 2 people rescued by the Wells Lifeboat were beach visitors cut off by the tide.
How to avoid getting cut off by the tide
At low tide, the sea is a very long way out. If you’re walking on the beach when the tide is out, you could end up a long way from the shore, unaware of the water in the channel creeping in beside you.
If it’s still possible, the safest route is to retrace your steps along the DRY sandbank, to rejoin the main part of the beach.
As high tide approaches, the area of sand is rapidly engulfed by the sea. If the area is completely surrounded by water call the Coastguard IMMEDIATELY on 999.
Stay calm and DRY and wait for help.
Do not try to wade through the channel, which will be deep and potentially fast-flowing by this point.
Easy safety tips
To stay safe, make sure you return to dry beach sand or dry land 4 hours before high tide. During summer, a siren will sound to warn you that there’s 4 hours until high tide.
Before you head out, check the weather and tide times, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
Remember to always carry a means of calling for help. A mobile phone in a waterproof pouch is ideal.
RNLI Guide
View the RNLI Guide to Water Safety (pdf file) for more information on staying safe by the water in Wells.