Wells next the Sea

Despite its name, Wells next the sea is situated a good mile or so from open water. Like many places along this stretch of the North Norfolk Coast, silting has resulted in limited access to the sea, but back in Tudor times, Wells was one of the great ports of eastern England. It’s still one of the most attractive towns on the North Norfolk coast, and the only one to remain a commercially viable port. It features many narrow lanes nicely sheltered from the offshore winds and makes a very good base for exploring the surrounding coastline. Apparently, the name of Wells comes from from the old word 'welles' meaning a clear spring of water, which Wells used to have many.

The town is divided into three distinct areas, starting with Buttlands, a broad rectangular green, lined with lime trees and some very fine Georgian and Victorian houses. Next are the narrow lanes of the town centre with Staithe Street having some interesting shops for browsing. At the bottom end of Staithe Street stands the quay and harbour, with many traditional seaside attractions. The harbour itself is lined with boats with the landmark Granary marking the mid-point. Wells next the Sea has many attractions and facilities including a steam railway, hotels, pubs, tea rooms and countless shops.

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We start our tour of Wells next the Sea at the beach. A large car-park is situated here and many people park and walk the mile into the town. There are other car-parks in the town itself, but most are small and the streets are narrow. The car park by the beach has loads of space and plenty of facilities. The adjacent sandy beach is exceptional and is backed by woods with a row of colourful beach huts. Walkers can enjoy the trek along the beach to nearby Holkham Bay.

The walk into Wells next the Sea town centre, from the beach car-park, is about a mile. The route is along a raised pathway, giving fine views over the channel into Wells harbour and the marshes beyond. The view is continually changing depending on the state of the tide. Sadly the Wells Harbour Railway (WHR) is no longer offering steam and diesel train rides to the town centre and has been replaced by an electric bus (seasonal times vary).

The channel provides access to Wells harbour and quay. Moored in the harbour is the Albatros, one of the oldest sailing ships still afloat (currently being restored in Maldon). This beautiful ship was built in Rotterdam in 1899 and used as a cargo ship, exporting grain from Denmark to Sweden and even assisted Jewish refugees with their escape from Nazi Germany during WW2. In 1983 Tonn Brouwer purchased the ship and she was used to carry Soya beans from Belgium to Wells for a Norfolk agricultural merchant. The Albatros then served Greenpeace as an environmental study centre for school children, before becoming a tourist attraction. The quay also serves as a starting point for several boat trips, one of the harbour and the other offering sea fishing trips.

Pontoons for the mooring of visiting boats at Wells

At the mid-point of the quay, is the famous landmark of Wells next the sea, a large Granary building with a green loading gantry sticking out from the building. The Granary was built around 1905 and used to store grain and other cereals, from ships from all over the world. The last ship to unload was the MV Palbro Pride in 1990 which had 250 tones of soya from Rotterdam. The granary was then converted into luxury apartments. The harbour is still used by fishing boats that unload their catch into the Fishing Shed, situated on the east quay. Whelks were once popular, but these days shellfish unloaded in Wells include crabs, shrimps, lobsters and mussels.

Most of the shops along the quay are traditional seaside fare, such as amusement arcades and chip shops, however there are exceptions, such as the People Tree, selling musical instruments, soft furnishings, furniture and other items from around the world. Most of the shops in Wells are located in Staithe Street, which runs up from the quay towards the centre of the town. This street has shops, selling all kinds of goods, its a great place to just wander and browse, but it does get busy during peak season.

At the top of Staithe Street is the grassy rectangle known as Buttlands. The name comes from a time when the locals used the green to practice their archery! Around the edge of the square you will find some lovely Victorian and Georgian property. In two corners of the green you will find two classy inns, offering drinks, bar food and a room for the night - The Globe - and The Crown (a former coaching inn). Various events are also held in the square during the year.

The parish church of St. Nicholas is located on the outskirts of Wells. This large church is almost entirely Victorian, its medieval predecessor was destroyed in a fire in 1879. Also on the outskirts of Wells, you will find the painted town sign, which depicts a typical local scene consisting of a fishing boat and a coastline backed by pine trees.

Hidden in a car park in Freeman Street in the west end of Wells town centre, you will find a little one up and one down cottage. Ostler Cottage is a wonderful reminder of the town's past, having been built around 1750 and once used by stableman, who looked after the horses which pulled the coaches. During this era, Wells next the Sea had a regular coach service, connecting it with other settlements on the North Norfolk Coast, plus the port of King's Lynn and the city of Norwich. The cottage had a water pump and toilet in the rear yard. The cottage was last used as a dwelling in 1935. You can take a peek inside the cottage for £1 (payable at the house next door).

Finally, on the outskirts of Wells is the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, which takes visitors on a 4 mile train ride from Wells next the Sea to Walsingham. The railway was one man's passionate dream, hard work and sheer determination - Lt. Cmdr. Roy Francis. In 1979 he started to construct the WWLR on the 4 miles of old Great Eastern track bed from Wells to Walsingham. Work was completed in 1982 and on 6th April services began on schedule making it the longest 10¼" narrow gauge steam railway in the world. In 1987 a new unique 2-6-0 + 0-6-2 Garratt locomotive "Norfolk Hero" came into service and has a seating capacity of 76.

10 Things to SEE & DO in Wells next the Sea

Walsingham Railway

Norfolk Coast

Blakeney

Burnhams

Cley next the sea

Holkham

Fakenham

Walsingham