Your essential guide to visiting Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the finest places in Norfolk. This charming seaside town is nestled on the North Norfolk Coast and offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, history and vibrant local culture loved by locals and visitors alike. The town has a large sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts; it is often named one of the best beaches in Norfolk. Its bustling harbour is perfect for crabbing, and its quaint streets are lined with independent, traditional pubs, fish and chip shops, cafes and restaurants.

There are many things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea such as exploring the harbour, visiting the iconic Holkham Hall, riding the world's smallest public railway and bird watching at Holkham National Nature Reserve. Whether you're seeking a relaxing break by the sea, a fun-filled holiday with the kids or a romantic weekend in North Norfolk, and whatever your hobbies are, there is something for everyone in this lovely seaside town.

We have compiled some of our favourite reasons to visit Wells-next-the-Sea and the best things to do and see while visiting. Norfolk Cottages has many beautiful holiday homes in Wells-next-the-Sea, ranging from large properties perfect for the whole family to small coastal boltholes where your pooch is welcome to holiday with you. Whatever the occasion, we have you covered.

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• Wells-next-the-Sea history
• Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
• Things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea
• Places to eat in Wells-next-the-Sea
• Wells-next-the-Sea walks
• Wells-next-the-Sea map

Wells-next-the-Sea history

Wells-next-the-Sea has an interesting history that stretches back over a thousand years. Its story is deeply tied to the sea, evolving from a small fishing and trading port to a beloved seaside destination for many. The name Wells is derived from the many natural springs that were once found in the area, which used to rise from the chalk beneath the town and would have been visible in the cliff face at Hunstanton.

During the medieval period, Wells-next-the-Sea was a major centre for salt production; the surrounding salt marshes provided the raw material which helped the town grow wealthy and significant. It was one of Norfolk’s most important ports in the 16th and 17th centuries and was a key trading hub. Goods such as corn, malt and wool were exported to the Netherlands and Scandinavia, while timber and other products were imported in return. 

Like most coastal towns in Norfolk, Wells-next-the-Sea was once associated with smuggling due to its hidden coves, creeks and winding marshes making it an ideal place for smugglers to evade customs officials. Today, there are plenty of fun things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea for all ages.

Wells-next-the-Sea Beach

Wells-next-the-Sea Beach is one of the most stunning and unique beaches in Norfolk due to its unspoiled beauty, diverse landscapes and iconic features. Situated just a mile from the main town, the beach is renowned for its large stretches of golden sand, pinewoods and colourful beach huts. It is also part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve which is perfect for walking, birdwatching and family outings. At low tide, there’s an expansive stretch of golden sand perfect for walking, beachcombing and building sandcastles, whereas when the tide comes in, the beach transforms into a haven for paddling and splashing in the shallow waters.

One of the most iconic features of the beach is the beach huts which are over 100 years old. Many of them have been modernized but still retain their traditional seaside charm, originally evolving from 19th-century bathing machines that allowed Victorian women to change modestly before wading into the sea. These huts are painted in cheerful pastel shades and bright colours which provide quintessential British seaside charm. Some of these beach huts are privately owned whereas others are available to rent for the day, starting at £65.

Things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea

Go crabbing on the quay

One of the best things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea is to go crabbing. Catching crabs off the quay has been a seaside tradition in the town for many years and is great for all the family. The practice of catching crabs by the line is called Gillie-crabbing; all you need is a piece of string, a weight and bait, and the goal is to get the heaviest specimen, not the most. Participants should look after the crabs in a sea water-filled bucket until the game is over and the crabs can then be returned unharmed to their natural habitat. 

The peak crabbing season is from March to July and The Gilly Hut on the quay provides nets, lines and bait. It’s important not to keep too many crabs in your bucket at once; return crabs to the water gently at the water’s edge and avoid using drop nets as they can trap marine life.

Spot The Lifeboat Horse

The Lifeboat Horse is one of the most iconic sculptures in Norfolk, situated in the harbour in Wells-next-the-Sea. The sculpture is made from steel bars and whiskey barrels, and was created by artist Rachael Long as a tribute to the horses that once pulled the town’s lifeboat more than 2 miles from the quay to Holkham Gap. The sculpture is one of a series of 17 made especially for the Wells Heritage Art Trail in 2018, which celebrated the town’s rich and varied history. 

The sculpture is fully visible at low tide and partly submerged at high tide, making the sculpture look as if it was swimming through waves. People travel from all over the country to see the sculpture, with many people donating money (even the local children donating their pocket money!) to save it. 

Visit Holkham Hall

A visit to Holkham Hall is one of the best things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea. It is an impressive 18^th-century Palladian mansion set within a sprawling 25,000-acre estate. Inside, you’ll find opulent state rooms, stunning art collections and information about a fascinating history linked to the Earls of Leicester. Outside, there is vast parkland perfect for taking a relaxing stroll, cycling, spotting deer roaming freely and having a picnic. The estate also has a beautiful walled garden, a lake ideal for rowing and a family-friendly playground for the whole family.

There is also a café and gift shop on site which are ideal for purchasing beautiful souvenirs to give to your loved ones. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply wanting a picturesque day out, Holkham Hall provides a perfect blend of culture, nature and heritage. Make sure to see the grand Marble Hall which has an impressive 50-foot-high ceiling.

Wells Carnival

Wells Carnival is a traditional seaside carnival set in the heart of North Norfolk and is one of the most fun things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea, open to both residents and visitors. It is a week of family fun and events including a Carnival Day procession around the town, which has floats, pull-and-push along vehicles, fancy-dress and much more. There are many traditional seaside activities including a sandcastle making competition, town crier competition, gillying on the quay and the crowning of the Carnival Royals. There are many food and craft stalls to browse where visitors can buy hand-made products and try local dishes.

The event has been taking place annually at the beginning of August for well over 100 years and was originally known as the Wells Regatta which was just a one-day event. Over the years, Wells Carnival has grown massively and gained in popularity, making it one of the most exciting events in Norfolk. There is plenty of entertainment for all ages such as a teddy bears picnic for small children, raft race, fun runs and painting for art lovers. There are also history walks and various other workshops, plus live music over six nights. 

Wells Harbour boat tour

One of the most unique things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea is to step aboard the Wells Ferry which takes you on a trip around Wells Harbour, the beach and the salt marsh. These trips are popular among history and nature lovers as the boat trip takes you past historical buildings, the flora and fauna of the salt marsh creeks and even out to sea to watch spectacular sunsets and admire beautiful coastal views. 

The skippers are happy to answer any questions that you may have, provide full commentary during the trip or simply chat with you about Wells and the places that you pass. The tour boat, Wells Ferry, was built in a boatyard in Stiffkey, just along the coast from Wells and was designed to be as safe, quiet and comfortable as possible for passengers. Guests can choose between an hour-long beach trip, marsh trip, harbour trip, sunset tour, a shorter 30 minute trip or a private charter.

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway

One of the most unique and interesting things to do in Wells next the Sea is to ride the famous Wells and Walsingham Light Railway which runs between Wells town and Walsingham. This railway is iconic to North Norfolk as it is the smallest public narrow-gauge railway in the world. Guests can climb aboard, sit back and enjoy a half-hour trip through the beautiful countryside whilst you take in the stunning countryside views, sounds and smells of vintage steam travel. 

The railway is open between March and November and welcomes people of all ages. Both stations are on the edge of Wells and Walsingham, which gives guests a chance to explore these beautiful parts of Norfolk and see everything they have to offer. There is a range of different types of carriages for guests to choose from, such as open carriages, covered carriages and enclosed carriages. The railway is run by dedicated volunteers who will pass on any information you want to know, which adds to the magic of the ride.

Wells Maltings

Wells Maltings is a landmark cultural center in the heart of Wells which offers the very best in arts, heritage and community. Originally used to malt barley for export and one of nine former malt houses in the town, it has recently been transformed into a thriving community hub. The building itself is a striking brick and flint building which was originally build in the mid-19^th century and now has many internal spaces, a state-of-the-art art/theatre/cinema, visitor information centre, café and bar, a number of galleries, community spaces and even a small retail area. 

There is always something going on at Wells Maltings, including film, drama, music, art, comedy, poetry, dance, heritage, talks and family activities. Explore upcoming events here.

Places to eat in Wells-next-the-Sea

The Globe Inn

The Globe Inn overlooks a pretty Georgian square in the bustling seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea, making it perfectly placed for exploring the beautiful North Norfolk coast. The interiors inside The Globe Inn are inspired by the town’s maritime charm, with the pub and dining room being beautifully updated. The Globe Inn is perfectly situated with many attractions, quirky shops and beautiful beaches nearby; it’s the ideal spot after you’ve had a fun day of exploring fun things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea.

The restaurant has a brand-new menu full of delicious, locally sourced meals that embrace the region’s nautical heritage. It includes British meals from the land and sea with a global touch, offering diners a simple yet tasty dining experience with many popular classic dishes.

Two Magpies Bakery

Two Magpies Bakery is an iconic chain of cafes across Norfolk and Suffolk, and in 2023 they opened their ninth café in Wells-next-the-Sea. They serve delicious fresh pastries, sweet treats, coffee, filled bagels, croissants and more. Situated on The Quay, this amazing bakery is loved by locals and visitors alike for their great customer service and delicious food.

The bakery was founded by Rebecca Bishop from Southwold in 2013 with Steve Magnall joining the business in 2018. The branch now employs over 170 people and has a thriving baking school in Darsham which offers workshops such as pizza masterclasses and donut making.

Bang in Wells

Bang in Wells is a café/restaurant/bar on Staithe Street in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea. It is an award-winning family-run bistro that serves superbly cooked food served all day and some evenings in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a drink besides a wood-burning stove on cold winter days or in their south-facing courtyard all year round. The bistro is located in one of the town’s oldest and most historic Grade II-listed buildings which has been lovingly refurbished and is in a great location when exploring all of the fun things to do in Wells-next-the-sea.

They serve breakfast, light bites, lunches, loose leaf teas, ciders, fresh juices, carefully selected wines, delicious coffee and local ales with many options to choose from. Their focused on providing a friendly service and serving great seasonal food using fresh local produce whenever possible.  

The Lookout

Situated on the edge of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, The Lookout is a unique café that offers spectacular views and a range of food and drinks to enjoy inside, outside or to take away. The venue blends in perfectly with Holkham’s stunning backdrop, it provides the perfect viewpoint to see wildlife and even has binoculars and bird guides available to make the most of the outside panoramas. 

Their sample menus change frequently, but they serve a range of delicious sandwiches, savories, pastries, hot baps, sweet treats, pots and fruit. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the environment around you with your loved ones.

Wells-next-the-Sea walks

Wells Beach and Holkham Park Circular

Wells Beach and Holkham Park Circular is a very popular route for birding, hiking and running and is considered an easy trail. It is open all-year round and is beautiful to visit anytime, with breathtaking scenery through a variety of landscapes such as harbours, beaches, dunes, parkland, woodland and farmland. The pathways of the walk are well-maintained and easy to follow, and be sure to keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife you may spot on this route.

The trail begins in Wells-next-the-Sea in between Holkham Beach and the rare bird refuge at Blakeney Point. Be sure to explore Wells-next-the-Sea before you begin your walk as it is a picturesque town with a lot to offer, such as a Georgian Square, beautiful quay and a mix of historic and modern shops and cafes. 

Wells-next-the-Sea to Stiffkey

Another stunning walking route is along an out-and-back trail from Wells-next-the-Sea to Stiffkey, a beautiful village known for being home to one of England’s richest salt marshes for wildlife. This trail is popular for birding, camping and hiking so expect to see an abundance of rare and interesting wildlife. 

The trail starts at the Wells Harbour car park and follows along the salt marshes, passing plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants at the start of the route. There are benches along the way to take a break and take in the stunning views across the water, and finally finish in Stiffkey where you can end the walk with a refreshing pint at the village pub, The Stiffkey Red Lion.

Wells-next-the-Sea to Deepdale

A great walking route is Wells-next-the-Sea to Burnham Deepdale, a beautiful village in Norfolk which is part of the famous Burnhams, a group of pretty, unspoilt villages steeped in history with access to stunning coastline. During this walk, you will see a mix of sights and terrains including woodlands, marshland and beaches. This walking route is considered to be of moderate difficulty due to the route being challenging at times. It is ideal for birding, hiking and running and it is unlikely you will encounter many other people while exploring.

There are a wide variety of bird species that live along this route making it an ideal fit for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Along the way, you will pass Wells Wood, Holkham Meals and Overy Marsh, it is important to take note of tide times to ensure safety and access along the beach.

Wells-next-the-Sea map

Use this handy map to find the best things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea.

Places to stay in Wells-next-the-Sea

With its beautiful beach, quaint town and charming harbour, Wells-next-the-Sea is the perfect holiday destination beside the sea. Whether you’re drawn to its vast sandy beaches, quaint streets lined with independent shops or the scenic salt marshes full of wildlife, there is no better way to experience Wells-next-the-Sea than staying in a cosy holiday cottage. At Norfolk Cottages, we offer a carefully curated selection of cottages to suit every type of traveller, from cosy hideaways for couples to spacious homes perfect for family getaways. 

Do you own a property in this beautiful corner of North Norfolk? Let us help you share it with others. At Norfolk Cottages, we take pride in being a trusted holiday letting agency with a diverse portfolio of properties. Whether you own a luxurious countryside retreat or a small and cosy cottage, our amazing team will ensure a seamless letting experience for both property owners and guests.