About Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast has been a port and a large natural safe-haven for ships and boats for at least 600 years. Protected by rare salt marshes, behind a sand bar, the Port of Wells was one of England’s major harbours in Tudor times and a thriving, busy centre for shipping and maritime industry in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when its stone quay was constructed, along with many of the large buildings and tiny yards and houses that still dominate the look and feel of the town.
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Wells plays host to thousands of holiday-makers and visitors almost all year round, making for a unique mix of people and activities. The long tradition of gillying (fishing for shore crabs) from the quayside is as popular as ever and Wells’ expansive beach with its oft-illustrated colourful beach-huts means that there are always people on, in or near the water. It may not be the noisy maelstrom of 100 or 150 years ago but the quayside remains a busy, active place where it’s fun to get involved or just to sit and watch all that’s going on.
There are fine restaurants and cosy traditional pubs. Throughout the year you’ll find fairs and fetes, exhibitions, galleries, shows and other events to keep you entertained. An event not to missed is Wells Carnival Week.
Top 10 thing to do in Wells-next-the-Sea
- Wells-next the Sea & Holkham Bay Beach
At low tide this stunning beach, lined with colourful beach huts, provides miles and miles of sandy open views. It is great for sunbathers, swimmers, people watchers and walkers. Whether it’s a long solitary stroll you are after, or a day relaxing and playing by the sea, this beach is perfect for it.
At high tide, as the channel fills up, Wells end of the beach transforms into a harbour busy with visiting boats.
There is an impressive walkway along the sea wall, which heads into the quaint little town of Wells-next-the-Sea.
If you need refreshments during your day at the beach, we’d highly recommend a visit to the popular Beach Café equipped with public toilets.
- Holkham Hall & Estate
Holkham Hall is a beautiful, historic stately home, surrounded by acres of parkland. It is a National Nature Reserve comprising of walled gardens, beaches, marshlands and open parkland home to herds of grazing fallow deer.
You can visit the Holkham Stories Experience to learn about its rich history, explore the Woodland Adventure Play Area & Rope course, enjoy sipping afternoon tea or for something more physical you can hire a bike or a boat to help you explore.
Holkham hosts various events throughout the year. Visit the website for more information to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Wells & Walsingham Light Railway
A lovely attraction enjoyed by young and old alike. If you’re feeling a bit weary after a long day at the beach, you can save your legs and “let the train take the strain!” You can take the 1 mile trip from Pinewoods to town.
If you’d like a longer trip, you can slow the pace right down and take the scenic, miniature train through grasslands, fields and tunnels. Great fun for all!
- See the Seals at Blakeney Point
If you love wildlife this is a must! No trip to Wells-next-the-Sea would be complete without a boat trip to visit the seals at Blakeney Point. Various companies run daily boat trips to see the local birds and seals. It’s just a case of who can fit you in!
Temple Seal Trips – 01263 740791
Beans Seal Trips – 01263 740505 / 740038
Ptarmigan Boat Trips – 01263 740792 or 07563 332088
- Alpaca Trekking
During this fun 1hr walking tour, you’ll get to meet and walk the friendly, well behaved Alpacas.
A fabulous, fun and informative activity. A quirky way to spend an hour. Great fun for all the family. Don’t forget to take some sliced apples……it’s their favourite!!!
- Norfolk Sea Fishing
For an exciting day out, start by powering across the water, viewing the wildlife, on the way to your fishing destination. Norfolk has a great variety of fish to catch whether you’re a novice or experienced fisherman/woman.
Norfolk Fishing Trips – 07852 959528
3 ½ hr trip @ £35pp ideal for novices and families. 8 ½ hr trip @ £70pp
BJR Marine Sea Fishing – 07990 518337
3hr trip @ £35pp ideal for novices and families.
10hr trip £250 for full boat hire up to 6 people.
- On Yer Bike Cycle Hire
Whether it’s a mountain bike, children’s bike or a more unique tandem experience you fancy, you can hire anything you require here! You can even add a child or dog trailer! Routes and maps are provided, catering for all abilities. They can even deliver to your door!
- Rescue Wooden Boats Maritime Heritage Centre.
“A hidden gem for wooden boat lovers”. At this small museum you can see ad experience wooden fishing boats being restored. This museum isn’t open all the time, so check before you go.
- Barefoot Stand Up Paddle Board lessons
Whether you are just beginning and fancy having a go, or an experienced paddle boarder looking for an adventure, Sam your trained instructor can cater for all abilities. It looks like great fun….go on give it a go!
Contact Sam on 07951 010120
- Last but not least
Don’t forget to explore the many art galleries, restaurants, bars, ice-cream shops, arcades and small fairground in Wells-next-the-Sea. There really is something for everyone. ENJOY!