A North Norfolk gem where pinewoods, saltmarshes, and sweeping sands meet tidal harbours and timeless maritime charm.
Wells-next-the-Sea is one of England’s most inviting coastal bases for walking holidays, combining classic seaside character with wide-open landscapes and nature-rich outdoor adventures. Perched on a tidal inlet along the Norfolk Coast Path, the town blends the working bustle of fishing boats and crab pots with expansive beaches, shady pinewoods, and saltmarshes alive with birdlife.
It’s a place where you can start the day with a harbour stroll, follow the coast through shifting dunes and pinewood tracks, and end with fresh seafood as the tide rolls in. Walk west to Holkham’s endless sands, east to the creeks and wildlife of Stiffkey, or head inland on peaceful country loops through fields and flint-built villages. For longer journeys, the Norfolk Coast Path links Wells to Burnham Overy Staithe and Blakeney, both within a comfortable day’s walk.
With a wide choice of places to stay, from guesthouses near the quay to coastal retreats close to the dunes, Wells works well for short breaks and longer self-guided trips. The surrounding lanes and coastal roads also make it a natural base for relaxed cycling holidays, with quiet routes linking nearby villages and open stretches of the North Norfolk coast.
