Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

The port and town of Wells-next-the-Sea stands on the edge of the salt marshes and the North Sea and the twice daily high tides and low tides regulate life and activity.

High tide

Please do check tide times before planning walks on the beach or the marshes – ask us! Rescuing people and dogs “cut off by the tide” is, by far, the most frequent cause of lifeboat “shouts” in Wells.

The salt marshes which form the banks of the many winding salt water creeks provide a unique habitat for flora and fauna. For a few hours most months even these are submerged by the high tides.

Wells Town

Wells has been a port since medieval times and despite the pressures of more recent development there is much of old Wells still in evidence.

Cottages nestle together with narrow yards and alleys running between them and connecting them; Staithe Street, in which the shops used to serve the needs of the ships in the harbour, narrowly descends to the quay with a perfectly framed view of the main channel and the beach beyond.

The Beach Bank which tries to keep the North Sea in the right place, forms an easy footpath and cycle track to the beach 1 mile away. You can also get there by road and car park or the beach bus.

Things to do in and around Wells-next-the-Sea

There is much to do in and around Wells and here are a few ideas. Details of venues are changing frequently and these changes may not be reflected on this page, so we advise visitors to check directly with the provider for up to date information.

Eating Out

Recommendations for eating out are always a bit difficult as it depends so much on what kind of cuisine and/or atmosphere and/or price you are looking for. Our first choice would be to eat in Wells because there really is a very good choice and this avoids the need to drive/taxi. Our selection assumes you are looking for a good quality restaurant or pub/restaurant, open in the evening and reasonably priced.

Other Useful Links and Information

If walking on the beach between Holkham and Wells, at the waters edge, please return to the strandline, above High Water mark, 4 hours BEFORE high water