Wells is a traditional fishing port and seaside town on the North Norfolk Coast. Nearby villages include Blakeney, Burnham Market, Burnham Thorpe, Walsingham and Holkham.

 

The town’s name derives from spring wells of which Wells (later Wells-next-the-Sea) used to have several, rising through the chalk of the area. The garden of the former Custom House (now a 4-star B&B) boasts one of the only remaining original spring wells that gave Wells its name.

 

It was from the same Custom House, built in 1560 and located on the East Quay, that the authorities attempted to rein in the activities of smugglers and pirates (most of whom were busy frequenting The Royal Standard Inn, which is now a Chandlery and just next door).

 

The Chandlery building itself is worth a visit purely on its historical merit. In the 18^th Century it housed The Royal Standard Inn, a lively haunt frequented by a young Horatio Nelson that doubled as the first rural Post Office in Norfolk.

 

Once connected to the national rail network and served by its own station, there is now a light railway between Wells-next-the-Sea and Walsingham (the WWLR), which is a novel family activity. The railway has been here for 30-odd years and is the longest 10 ¼” narrow gauge steam railway in the World.

 

Wells is renowned for its samphire, shellfish (especially cockles and whelks) and fish and chips. Eating chips on Wells Quay is a recommended and essential part of any North Norfolk holiday.

 

Wells is fantastic as a holiday location or to visit for the day. An expansive sandy beach, backed by dunes, beach huts and pine trees and a handful of good shops, pubs and eateries make it a great destination for families. One point to note: watch the tides – they come in quickly and have been known to catch out the odd unsuspecting visitor who has then had to be rescued by the coastguard.

 

Wells Beach Information.

 

Dogs are banned from a 200-yard stretch of the beach between the beginning of May and the end of September.

 

There are no lifeguards, but a beach warden is on duty from the beginning of May until the end of September. A siren is sounded when the tide is coming in as there is a danger of being trapped on the wrong side of the channel. A lifeboat is based at Wells. First aid is available.

 

Our featured businesses in Wells-next-the-Sea:

Standard House Chandlery. Wells-next-the-Sea.	The Old Custom House. Wells-next-the-Sea.	Simply Coastal. Wells next the Sea.