Parking in picturesque Wells-next-the-Sea
Established in a time of horse-drawn transport, Wells has evolved and adapted over the years to accommodate an increasing influx of vehicular traffic, particularly in the busy summer season. There are currently five car parks providing convenient parking for several hundred cars with additional spaces for visiting coaches.
Wells-next-the-Sea is located on the main A149 coast road between Holkham and Stiffkey.
There are three primary approaches to Wells – from the south, drive to Fakenham and then head north on the B1105; from the west via King’s Lynn and then following the main coast road; or from the east, again along the coast road, via Cromer, Sheringham, and the picturesque villages on the North Norfolk coast.
The coast road hasn’t changed significantly in decades – it is winding, narrow, sometimes single-file only – and in summer and public holidays it gets very busy. As a result don’t expect to travel anywhere quickly! And don’t forget to allow plenty of leeway if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.
So remember to relax, slow down and enjoy the drive. Take the time to appreciate the unique scenery, the charming sandstone and flint architectural vernacular, the enlivening sea air – and the Norfolk pace of life. It will all be worth it when you get there!
There are three main car parks in Wells, one operated by North Norfolk District Council and two by the Holkham Estate. In addition there are two smaller, privately run car parks.
All car parks charge for parking. The only exception being coach parking in the Wells Town Car Park on Freeman Street, which is free of charge.
During bank holiday weekends and the peak summer season Wells Beach Car Park often fills to capacity before midday.
In order to prevent cars from driving through town to the car park entrance and being turned away, electric signs have been stationed beside the road in various places indicating if the Wells Beach Car Park is full, or if it still has spaces available.
If you’re heading to the beach and the beach car park is full, you can park at the new Wells Town Car Park on Freeman Street and walk along the Beach Mile bank down to the beach.
A short footpath runs from the eastern end of the car park to Harbour Station, the quay, and the start of Beach Mile.
There is a large car park at the entrance to Wells Beach, run by Holkham Estate. It is located approximately 1 mile from the town centre.
For Sat Nav directions use postcode NR23 1DR.
Opening hours are 6am – 9pm.
Parking costs:
Up to 2 hours: £3.50
Up to 4 hours: £6.50
Over 4 hours and all day: £10.00
The all day parking ticket allows free parking on the same day in Holkham Park during the visitor season.
Coaches, caravans and trailers are prohibited and the car park is locked at night with no overnight parking permitted.
For more information visit the Holkham website.
There is now a Wells Town Car Park on Freeman Street, run by Holkham Estate.
For Sat Nav directions use postcode NR23 1BF.
Opening hours are 8am – 7pm.
Parking costs:
Up to 2 hours: £3.50
Up to 4 hours: £5.00
Over 4 hours and all day: £7.00
Coach parking is FREE.
Caravans and trailers are prohibited and the car park is locked at night with no overnight parking permitted.
For more information visit the Holkham website.
There is a public car park on Stearmans Yard operated by North Norfolk District Council. It provides parking for 160 cars and there are public toilets.
For Sat Nav directions use postcode NR23 1BA.
NNDC publishes a handy printable leaflet with detailed car parking information for their area, covering Cromer, East Runton, Fakenham, Happisburgh, Holt, Mundesley, North Walsham, Overstrand, Sea Palling, Sheringham, Stalham, Wells and Weybourne.
The current rate for parking on Stearmans Yard is £1.80 per hour, however 24 hour tickets can be purchased from any ticket machine and are transferable to other NNDC car parks for the duration of the ticket.
Parking charges apply from 8:00am – 6.00pm.
If you’re staying longer, weekly tickets can be purchased for £28.00 from the Pay and Display ticket machines. Further information can be found on the NNDC website or by calling 01263 513811 during office hours.
No charge is made for motorbike parking.
More information, including coach and motorhome parking, can be found on the NNDC Car Parks page.
There is a car park on Wells Quay, owned by the Port of Wells.
Wells Harbour Commissioners are changing the way the car park located on the quayside will be operated.
A new ticketless car park barrier system has been installed. The existing tariffs will not change – £5 all day or £1 after 6pm until midnight.
For Sat Nav directions use postcode NR23 1AH.
Parking costs:
Daily rate: £5.00
Evening rate: £1.00 (6pm – midnight)
Camper vans, motorcycles and coaches are prohibited. No parking after midnight.
For more information visit the Port of Wells website.
There is a car park on Freeman Street on the site of the old Ark Royal public house, operated by a private contractor, with spaces for 80 cars.
For Sat Nav directions use postcode NR23 1AS.
Open 24 hours
Pay and Display or Pay Online / Mobile.
Parking costs (cars / vans / motorcycles):
£1.20 per hour
£6.00 all day
Camper vans and coaches are prohibited.
For more information visit the RCP website.
Disabled bays are provided in the Stearmans Yard car park and can be used by those registered and displaying the national blue badge.
Disabled parking is not provided free of charge and users must pay the usual car parking fee, however disabled drivers displaying a blue badge will be permitted 30 minutes additional time over the expiry time of the ticket purchased.
