Holiday rentals in Wells-next-the-Sea

The seaside resort of Wells-next-the-Sea has an enviable location on the north Norfolk coast in the east of England. Here you can look out across the sandbanks to the North Sea. The local harbour is guarded by a 10-foot sculpture called the Lifeboat Horse, made from whisky barrels and steel bars, while the striking gantry jutting out from the former granary building serves as a reminder of the commercial power this port once enjoyed in the grain and malting industry. Wells Beach is a one-mile stretch of shoreline that takes you past fishing boats integral to the livelihood of the local community. The beach forms part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is flanked by a forest of pine trees and colourful beach huts.

You can ride on a miniature railway train that runs from the beach into town, hopping off to stroll around Staithe Street with its independent retailers and cafes or meander the streets of The Buttlands, a green oasis surrounded by lime trees and houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, along with a former coaching inn where you can stop for a refreshing drink.

The best time to come for your holidays in Wells-next-the-Sea is during the high season, from April until September, when days are longer and temperatures are warmer, with many people heading to the beach. The summer is when most attractions are up and running, including the miniature railway to Wells Beach and the boat tours out to sea.

The busiest time in Wells-next-the-Sea is undoubtedly at the end of July and the beginning of August when the town plays host to the 10-day Wells Carnival, which has been running for almost 100 years. The streets are filled with people making the most of the festival atmosphere, with sandcastle competitions on the beach, stalls selling a variety of delicacies, and a float parade through the streets.

From October to March, visitors take advantage of the quieter atmosphere in the town for bracing walks along the beach, taking in the sea air, and finding tranquillity in the nature reserve. At the beginning of December, Father Christmas arrives by boat as part of the Christmas Tide Festival, where there are holiday treats, lights, and elf costumes galore to celebrate the jolly time. The air remains cold, with a touch of wind all season long.

Holkham National Nature Reserve

Set back from the mighty Wells Beach, Holkham National Nature Reserve boasts more than 3,700 hectares, stretching from Burnham Norton in the west to Blakeney in the east. The pinewoods, sand dunes, and Abraham’s Bosom Lake offer a rich habitat for wildlife, allowing you to discover pink-footed geese, natterjacks, Corsican pine trees, and honeysuckle as you walk through the reserve.

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

Travel along one of the longest narrow gauge steam railways in the world through the verdant North Norfolk Countryside. The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway provides a 30-minute journey in carriages pulled by steam locomotives that take you from the seaside resort of Wells-next-the-Sea, passing a hill fort, to the village of Walsingham, which features the ruins of its former abbey. Stops at Wighton and Warham give you an opportunity to discover more of the surrounding countryside.

Holkham Hall & Estate

Around three miles west of Wells-next-the-Sea is the splendour of Holkham Hall. Dating back to the 18th century, the sandy-coloured stately home features awe-inspiring state rooms, exquisite interiors, and paintings from the Great Masters. It is set in 25,000-acre grounds, with a walled garden, an adventure playground for children with rope ladders and walkways, and boats for hire on the lake.