Nestled along the stunning North Norfolk coastline, Wells-next-the-Sea is a quintessential seaside town renowned for its unspoiled beaches, charming harbour, and vibrant natural surroundings. This travel guide will help you plan your perfect getaway to this enchanting destination.
Getting to Wells-next-the-Sea
By Car: The town is accessible via the A149 coastal road, offering picturesque views en route. Ample parking is available near the beach and harbour.
By Train: The nearest train station is at King’s Lynn, about 30 miles away. From there, buses or taxis can take you directly to Wells.
By Bus: The Coasthopper bus service connects Wells with other North Norfolk towns, providing a scenic and convenient travel option.
Where to Stay
Wells-next-the-Sea boasts a range of accommodation options to suit every budget:
- Hotels and Inns: The Crown Hotel and The Globe Inn offer boutique stays with excellent dining options.
- Holiday Cottages: Quaint cottages provide cozy, self-catering experiences.
- Campsites: For outdoor enthusiasts, Pinewoods Holiday Park offers camping and caravan spots near the beach.
Things to Do
1. Explore the Beach
Wells Beach is a sprawling sandy haven backed by pine woods and iconic beach huts. Ideal for sunbathing, picnics, and long walks, it’s also dog-friendly in designated areas.
2. Visit the Harbour
The bustling harbour is the heart of Wells, where you can watch fishing boats, try crabbing, or enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries.
3. Take a Seal Watching Trip
Hop on a boat from nearby Blakeney to visit the famous seal colonies. These excursions are a hit with families and nature lovers alike.
4. Explore Holkham Estate
Just a short distance away, Holkham Hall and its expansive grounds offer a mix of history, nature, and adventure. Don’t miss Holkham Beach, often considered one of the UK’s most beautiful.
5. Wander Staithe Street
This charming high street is lined with independent shops, cafes, and galleries. It’s perfect for picking up local crafts and souvenirs.
6. Discover Local Wildlife
The surrounding salt marshes and nature reserves are teeming with birdlife. The Wells-next-the-Sea Nature Reserve is a must-visit for birdwatchers and walkers.
Where to Eat and Drink
- The Crab House: Famous for its fresh seafood, especially crab and lobster dishes.
- Bang in Wells: A quirky cafe offering delicious brunch options and homemade cakes.
- Season: A fine dining restaurant known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu.
- French’s Fish & Chips: A beloved local institution perfect for a traditional seaside meal.
Events and Festivals
- Wells Carnival (August): A week-long event featuring parades, live music, and family-friendly activities.
- Christmas Tide Festival (December): Celebrate the festive season with lights, markets, and a magical harbour parade.
Tips for Visiting
- Pack for All Weather: Coastal weather can change quickly, so bring layers and waterproofs.
- Check the Tide Times: The expansive beach changes dramatically with the tides, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Book Ahead: Accommodations and popular restaurants can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Bring Binoculars: For birdwatching and seal spotting, binoculars are a great asset.
Why Visit Wells-next-the-Sea?
Wells-next-the-Sea captures the essence of a classic British seaside holiday, with its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and warm local charm. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or family fun, Wells offers something special for everyone.
Plan your trip today and discover why Wells-next-the-Sea is one of Norfolk’s most beloved destinations!
Popular Self Catering Holiday Cottages
Villa Bastilicata Grande
- Guests: 6
- Size: 300m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination: Hunstanton
Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma
- Guests: 6
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Destination: Hunstanton
Popular Hotels, Holiday Parks, B+B’s and Campsites
Villa Bastilicata Grande
- Guests: 6
- Size: 300m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 2
- Destination: Hunstanton
Seaside Villa Tuscany Maremma
- Guests: 6
- Size: 250m²
- View: Ocean
- Bed Type: 2 Full beds, 2 Queen beds, 2 Tween beds
- Categories: Holiday Parks
- Amenities: Hot tub, Wood-burner
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 3
- Destination: Hunstanton
Popular Attractions
Private Boat Tour
Price: £85 / Once / Per Guest
North Norfolk Champagne Sunset trips .In the warmth of the summer months, these trips are something special. As we head out west while the sun sets, we will find an idyllic spot to anchor the boat and serve a chilled glass of champagne as you sit and watch the sun slowly set over the sea. […]
Seal Watching
Price: £59 / Once / Per Guest
Join a family-run seal trip to Scroby Sands, the UK’s largest grey seal colony. Observe grey seals and common harbour seals in their natural environment. Enjoy a thrilling adventure and support a local business dedicated to showcasing the east coast’s marine life. Depart from Great Yarmouth and head to Scroby Sands. Witness hundreds of seals […]
SEA LIFE Hunstanton
Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest
Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary is Norfolk’s only seal sanctuary open to visitors and is home to over 2,000 creatures, from tiny shrimps to Amazonian Piranhas! Boasting a state of the art marine aquarium taking visitors on a memorable undersea odyssey filled with amazing close encounters with sea creatures of astonishing variety in spectacular ‘high-tech’ displays. […]
True’s Yard Museum
Price: £5 / Per Day / Per Guest
The Museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich maritime heritage of King’s Lynn’s North End, showcasing both its past and present through preserved historic assets. At the heart of the Museum are two late 18th-century cottages, which are Grade II listed buildings, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of […]
Swaffham Museum
Price: £4 / Per Day / Per Guest
The Museum is located in a superb Georgian house built in 1776, following the Great Fire of Swaffham, offering five galleries that tell the stories of the people who lived in Swaffham through the centuries Being an old building, the galleries are arranged on three floors which are accessible by stairs – there is a […]
Kayak Hire
Price: £29.99 / Once / Per Guest
Lifejackets and dry bags are provided as part of this package as well as a basic demo and safety tuition by our qualified paddlesport instructors prior to your launch. Importantly there are no boats to avoid on this section of the beautiful Wensum and you will find yourself amongst Kingfishers, Heron, Swans and dragonflies as […]
Paddleboard Hire
Price: £20 / Once / Per Guest
This paddleboard rental allows you to explore and unwind down the Norfolk broads for 2.5 hours. With two routes available, either head north into the tranquillity of the broads and witness wildlife and beautiful scenery or head south with options of Riverside bars to stop off at and enjoy. With our location on the banks […]
Canadian Canoe Hire
Price: £34.99 / Once / Per Guest
Come explore the Norfolk Broads national park on our 3 person Canadian canoes! Each hire comes with a safety demo and basic tuition taught by our qualified instructors and includes lifejackets and dry bags to ensure your safety whilst on the water. Amongst the tranquillity of the River Wensum is a variety of wildlife such […]
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
Price: £20 / Per Day / Per Guest
Explore an incredible underwater world at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth and get closer than ever before to the creatures and features of the world’s oceans Come face to fin with our rapidly growing juvenile blacktip reef sharks in the 250,000 litre Tropical Ocean Display/tunnel where you can also see an awesome array of creatures and […]
Gravity Norwich (Trampolining)
Price: £13.95 / Once / Per Guest
Let loose as you jump, bounce, hop and dance through the air on our extreme trampolines. During Open Jump, you can use all of the general park activity areas for an intense 60-minute session. From striking a pose in mid-air to defying gravity with huge jumps, there is no better feeling – whatever your moves […]