Guidebook for Wells-next-the-Sea

Fiona
Guidebook for Wells-next-the-Sea

Food Scene

Just around the corner, great local food, excellent service and always a warm welcome. Very good children’s menu (proper food, not just nuggets and chips).
30 locals recommend
The Globe Inn Wells-next-the-Sea
The Buttlands
30 locals recommend
Just around the corner, great local food, excellent service and always a warm welcome. Very good children’s menu (proper food, not just nuggets and chips).
Funky decor, fabulous breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinner.
21 locals recommend
Bang in Wells
2 Staithe St
21 locals recommend
Funky decor, fabulous breakfasts, brunches, lunches and dinner.
Another excellent choice, just around the corner in the historic Buttlands. Wonderful food in a wonderful setting!
25 locals recommend
The Crown Hotel
The Buttlands
25 locals recommend
Another excellent choice, just around the corner in the historic Buttlands. Wonderful food in a wonderful setting!
A deservedly very popular local restaurant with superb seafood.
27 locals recommend
Wells Crab House Seafood Restaurant
38-40 Freeman St
27 locals recommend
A deservedly very popular local restaurant with superb seafood.
Great setting, with fantastic views, on the quay. Wonderful, locally sourced food. Open for lunch and evening meals and throughout the day for coffee and cake.
13 locals recommend
Golden Fleece Wells
18 The Quay
13 locals recommend
Great setting, with fantastic views, on the quay. Wonderful, locally sourced food. Open for lunch and evening meals and throughout the day for coffee and cake.
No visit to Wells would be complete without fish and chips from French's, area winner of the 2016 National Fish and Chip Awards
28 locals recommend
French's Fish Shop Ltd
10 The Quay
28 locals recommend
No visit to Wells would be complete without fish and chips from French's, area winner of the 2016 National Fish and Chip Awards
The Howell empire includes a butchers fishmongers, deli and bakery, all on Staithe Street, and all have the hallmark Howells mark of high quality produce. Very highly recommended. The bakery is a particular favourite! From the high quality bacon rolls to the scrumptious tiffin, everything is done to perfection. Huge selection, great value.
Arthur Howell Butchers
53 Staithe St
The Howell empire includes a butchers fishmongers, deli and bakery, all on Staithe Street, and all have the hallmark Howells mark of high quality produce. Very highly recommended. The bakery is a particular favourite! From the high quality bacon rolls to the scrumptious tiffin, everything is done to perfection. Huge selection, great value.
“Children, muddy boots and dogs welcome” Great home-cooked pub food, very family friendly. Large beer garden and adventure playground.
41 locals recommend
The Jolly Sailors Brancaster Staithe
Main Road
41 locals recommend
“Children, muddy boots and dogs welcome” Great home-cooked pub food, very family friendly. Large beer garden and adventure playground.
Good food, good beer, great atmosphere... If you don't fancy driving, the Coasthopper bus stop is just outside (and you can catch the bus from Wells: the bus stop is on Station Road, just round the corner from Elgin Cottage). Also perfectly situated for boat trips to see the seals trips, which operate from the quay in Morston. Temple’s Seal Trip tickets can be purchased from the bar of The Anchor. Beer and boats - the perfect North Norfolk day out!
30 locals recommend
Anchor Inn Morston
The Street
30 locals recommend
Good food, good beer, great atmosphere... If you don't fancy driving, the Coasthopper bus stop is just outside (and you can catch the bus from Wells: the bus stop is on Station Road, just round the corner from Elgin Cottage). Also perfectly situated for boat trips to see the seals trips, which operate from the quay in Morston. Temple’s Seal Trip tickets can be purchased from the bar of The Anchor. Beer and boats - the perfect North Norfolk day out!
High quality local produce, lovely setting, Wiveton Hall is apparently Delia Smith's favourite restaurant! 'Normal for Norfolk' has made it famous so booking is now essential. Closed during the winter, and reopens in March.
69 locals recommend
Wiveton Hall Café
69 locals recommend
High quality local produce, lovely setting, Wiveton Hall is apparently Delia Smith's favourite restaurant! 'Normal for Norfolk' has made it famous so booking is now essential. Closed during the winter, and reopens in March.
Great selection of snacks, sausage rolls, cakes etc. Perfect for a pre or post beach walk.
17 locals recommend
Wells-next-the-Sea Beach Cafe
17 locals recommend
Great selection of snacks, sausage rolls, cakes etc. Perfect for a pre or post beach walk.

Parks & Nature

Beautiful beach with classic beach huts. Take the coast hopper to Holkham and walk back to Wells. Finish up at the Wells Beach Cafe!
56 locals recommend
Wells Next The Sea Beach
56 locals recommend
Beautiful beach with classic beach huts. Take the coast hopper to Holkham and walk back to Wells. Finish up at the Wells Beach Cafe!
A boat trip to see the seals is a must on a visit to North Norfolk.
46 locals recommend
Beans Seal Trips
46 locals recommend
A boat trip to see the seals is a must on a visit to North Norfolk.
“Four miles of white-gold sand, with shells to collect and pine woods to explore.” The Times Holkham is a stunningly beautiful beach and even on the busiest bank holiday it never gets crowded. It's a short drive from Wells and here is a large car park at the entrance to the beach (don't forget change for parking), take the Coasthopper (stop is on Station Road, just around the corner from the cottage), or take a stroll from Wells beach.
40 locals recommend
Holkham National Nature Reserve
Lady Anne's Drive
40 locals recommend
“Four miles of white-gold sand, with shells to collect and pine woods to explore.” The Times Holkham is a stunningly beautiful beach and even on the busiest bank holiday it never gets crowded. It's a short drive from Wells and here is a large car park at the entrance to the beach (don't forget change for parking), take the Coasthopper (stop is on Station Road, just around the corner from the cottage), or take a stroll from Wells beach.
Home to BBC's Springwatch, Pensthorpe is an award-winning mix of meandering nature trails and beguiling woodland walks, and a showcase for British wildlife and nature conservation. As one of the leading Norfolk attractions, it's a brilliant place to visit, with beautiful gardens and spectacular wildlife and has been voted Norfolk's Best Visitor Attraction. Although it seems a bit pricey, it makes for a full day out and is a wonderful place for children to explore.
128 locals recommend
Pensthorpe Natural Park
Pensthorpe Road
128 locals recommend
Home to BBC's Springwatch, Pensthorpe is an award-winning mix of meandering nature trails and beguiling woodland walks, and a showcase for British wildlife and nature conservation. As one of the leading Norfolk attractions, it's a brilliant place to visit, with beautiful gardens and spectacular wildlife and has been voted Norfolk's Best Visitor Attraction. Although it seems a bit pricey, it makes for a full day out and is a wonderful place for children to explore.
Located 10 miles along the coast from Wells, Titchwell is the most popular reserve on the North Norfolk coast and a must for amateur and seasoned birdwatchers. Board walks and paths lead towards the coast past fresh water, brackish water and tidal lagoons, filled with birds, eventually reaching an enormous sandy beach. Enjoy lunch at the 'Feeding Station' cafe.
60 locals recommend
RSPB Titchwell Marsh
Main Rd
60 locals recommend
Located 10 miles along the coast from Wells, Titchwell is the most popular reserve on the North Norfolk coast and a must for amateur and seasoned birdwatchers. Board walks and paths lead towards the coast past fresh water, brackish water and tidal lagoons, filled with birds, eventually reaching an enormous sandy beach. Enjoy lunch at the 'Feeding Station' cafe.
The peaceful, pretty village of Cley-on-Sea is home to Cley Marshes - Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s oldest and best known nature reserve and internationally reputed as a premier birdwatching site. The village also has much to offer with arts and craft galleries, pubs and cafes.
62 locals recommend
Cley next the Sea
62 locals recommend
The peaceful, pretty village of Cley-on-Sea is home to Cley Marshes - Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s oldest and best known nature reserve and internationally reputed as a premier birdwatching site. The village also has much to offer with arts and craft galleries, pubs and cafes.
Blakeney village is set on a small hill leading down to the harbour and is home to many pubs, restaurants and an ice cream shop. Wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the natural and dynamic coastline make this a lovely place to visit. Blakeney Point, within Blakeney National Nature Reserve (National Trust), is a four-mile-long sand and shingle spit. Great for walks and seal spotting trips.
90 locals recommend
Blakeney
90 locals recommend
Blakeney village is set on a small hill leading down to the harbour and is home to many pubs, restaurants and an ice cream shop. Wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the natural and dynamic coastline make this a lovely place to visit. Blakeney Point, within Blakeney National Nature Reserve (National Trust), is a four-mile-long sand and shingle spit. Great for walks and seal spotting trips.
The 42 mile long Norfolk Coastal Path runs from Hunstanton to Cromer, passing through Holkham, Wells, Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Walking the path is a wonderful way of enjoying this stunning stretch of coast. The coasthopper bus service shadows the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail all the way along from Hunstanton to Cromer, so it’s really easy to take the bus, get off for a good walk, and rejoin the bus a bit further along the route.
Norfolk Coast Path
Broadwater Road
The 42 mile long Norfolk Coastal Path runs from Hunstanton to Cromer, passing through Holkham, Wells, Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Walking the path is a wonderful way of enjoying this stunning stretch of coast. The coasthopper bus service shadows the Norfolk Coast Path National Trail all the way along from Hunstanton to Cromer, so it’s really easy to take the bus, get off for a good walk, and rejoin the bus a bit further along the route.
Another stunning Norfolk beach with miles and miles of unspoilt golden sand, as far as the eye can see, and with the added bonus of housing the remains of an old shipwreck, seen when the tide is out. A lovely beach for children to play as the acres of space make it perfect for sandcastles, games of cricket, kite flying... but be very careful of the tides. Do not let your children wade out too far into the sea as the tides on this beach hide hidden sand banks which can be very treacherous.
91 locals recommend
Brancaster Beach
91 locals recommend
Another stunning Norfolk beach with miles and miles of unspoilt golden sand, as far as the eye can see, and with the added bonus of housing the remains of an old shipwreck, seen when the tide is out. A lovely beach for children to play as the acres of space make it perfect for sandcastles, games of cricket, kite flying... but be very careful of the tides. Do not let your children wade out too far into the sea as the tides on this beach hide hidden sand banks which can be very treacherous.

Essentials

There is a co-op in Wells but if you need a bigger supermarket, the nearest is Tesco in Fakenham, c20 minutes drive.
26 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
Oak Street
26 locals recommend
There is a co-op in Wells but if you need a bigger supermarket, the nearest is Tesco in Fakenham, c20 minutes drive.
Medium sized supermarket with all the essentials. It stocks Cook freezer meals if you don’t fancy cooking but want a meal in.
16 locals recommend
The Co-operative Food - Wells-next-the-Sea
Polka Road
16 locals recommend
Medium sized supermarket with all the essentials. It stocks Cook freezer meals if you don’t fancy cooking but want a meal in.

Arts & Culture

Holkham is a magnificent 18th century hall with six acres of walled garden, part of an exciting restoration project. The Field to Fork Experience tells the story of farming for families. The grounds are beautiful. Bikes are available for hire - very family friendly trails and a great way to explore the grounds. Canoes and rowing boats are also available for hire on the lake. Bring a picnic and make a day of it, or visit the Courtyard Cafe.
261 locals recommend
Holkham Hall
Holkham Road
261 locals recommend
Holkham is a magnificent 18th century hall with six acres of walled garden, part of an exciting restoration project. The Field to Fork Experience tells the story of farming for families. The grounds are beautiful. Bikes are available for hire - very family friendly trails and a great way to explore the grounds. Canoes and rowing boats are also available for hire on the lake. Bring a picnic and make a day of it, or visit the Courtyard Cafe.
Small but perfectly formed fascinating museum, packed with exhibits, including hands-on activities for children. Come and learn the story of a local hero - Henry Blogg, the longest serving RNLI man who served for more than 50 years, including two world wars. He launched an incredible 387 times, rescuing 873 people! The lifeboat station (on Cromer pier) is also well worth a visit.
19 locals recommend
RNLI Henry Blogg Museum
The Gangway
19 locals recommend
Small but perfectly formed fascinating museum, packed with exhibits, including hands-on activities for children. Come and learn the story of a local hero - Henry Blogg, the longest serving RNLI man who served for more than 50 years, including two world wars. He launched an incredible 387 times, rescuing 873 people! The lifeboat station (on Cromer pier) is also well worth a visit.
Probably the most famous stately home in Norfolk, Sandringham is the Queen's much-loved country retreat. The house is set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens and the Country Park is open to the public free of charge.
210 locals recommend
Sandringham Estate
210 locals recommend
Probably the most famous stately home in Norfolk, Sandringham is the Queen's much-loved country retreat. The house is set in 24 hectares of stunning gardens and the Country Park is open to the public free of charge.
Lovely art gallery featuring local artists inspired by Norfolk.
Gallery Plus
Warham Road
Lovely art gallery featuring local artists inspired by Norfolk.
Wells Maltings is a great venue on Staithe Street. It hosts live events, talks, films etc
The Maltings
Wells Maltings is a great venue on Staithe Street. It hosts live events, talks, films etc
About a half hour drive, Houghton House is an 18th Century Palladian House with lovely parkland and a sculpture garden. It often has temporary exhibitions.
105 locals recommend
Houghton Hall & Gardens
Bircham Road
105 locals recommend
About a half hour drive, Houghton House is an 18th Century Palladian House with lovely parkland and a sculpture garden. It often has temporary exhibitions.

Entertainment & Activities

Woodland adventure packed with zip wires, tree houses swings and lots of other things to keep the children entertained. Best for families with children up to around 10/11.
168 locals recommend
BeWILDerwood
168 locals recommend
Woodland adventure packed with zip wires, tree houses swings and lots of other things to keep the children entertained. Best for families with children up to around 10/11.

Everything Else

The experience of taking a friendly alpaca for a stroll around Wells is not to be missed. The guides are very knowledgeable and care greatly for these lovely creatures. The alpacas are very gentle so this is a good activity for children.
6 locals recommend
Alpaca Trekking
6 locals recommend
The experience of taking a friendly alpaca for a stroll around Wells is not to be missed. The guides are very knowledgeable and care greatly for these lovely creatures. The alpacas are very gentle so this is a good activity for children.

Shopping

Lovely little shop selling fine art, photography, fabric makes, greeting cards etc - take a little piece of Wells home with you.
Saltmarsh Samphire
Station Road
Lovely little shop selling fine art, photography, fabric makes, greeting cards etc - take a little piece of Wells home with you.
A unique off-licence offering a wonderful collection of over 50 naturally bottle conditioned ales from over 15 Norfolk Brewers. The shop is located in the beautiful rural setting of a classic North Norfolk malting barley farm.
The Real Ale Shop
A unique off-licence offering a wonderful collection of over 50 naturally bottle conditioned ales from over 15 Norfolk Brewers. The shop is located in the beautiful rural setting of a classic North Norfolk malting barley farm.