Wells Beach

Sandy beach, dunes and pine woodland

Wells Beach lies north of Wells-next-the-Sea on the Norfolk Coast, where a broad expanse of sand stretches towards the tidal waters of The Wash. Backed by dunes and pine woodland, the beach forms part of the Norfolk Coast National Landscape and the wider coastal habitats of Holkham National Nature Reserve.

The beach is known for its colourful wooden beach huts, which stand along the edge of the pine woodland overlooking the sand. At low tide, extensive areas of beach are exposed, while tidal channels and sandbanks shape the coastline. The beach's open setting provides views across the surrounding coastal landscape, with the shoreline continuing west towards Holkham Beach.

Access from Wells-next-the-Sea follows Beach Road towards the beach car park and woodland. The town's harbour, quayside and historic streets lie farther inland, connected to the coast by a route beside the tidal channel.

The Norfolk Coast Path passes through the surrounding landscape, linking Wells-next-the-Sea with Holkham to the west and Stiffkey to the east. Walkers can combine the beach with woodland paths, dunes and longer stretches of coastal walking, with routes extending through the Holkham estate and along the north Norfolk coast.

The beach and its surrounding woodland provide opportunities for shorter walks from Wells-next-the-Sea or longer days exploring the coastline. Visitors should be aware of the strong tidal influence on the beach and the channels separating the shoreline from offshore sandbanks.

For visitors exploring Wells Beach and the surrounding Norfolk Coast National Landscape, The Globe Inn provides accommodation overlooking The Buttlands in Wells-next-the-Sea. From here, the harbour, beach and Norfolk Coast Path can be explored on foot, with Holkham Beach and the surrounding coastal landscapes also within easy reach.