Crabbing in Norfolk: A guide to ‘gillying’ in Wells-next-the-Sea
No holiday in Wells-next-the-Sea or along the North Norfolk coast is complete without a spot of crabbing, or gillying as we call it locally! Wells quayside is one of the best places to go crabbing in Norfolk, and come summertime, you’ll often see adults and children reaching over the railings and delighting when they catch a crab! It’s a simple but super seaside pastime, but if you’ve never been crabbing before, you might not know where to start…
Here’s our handy guide to crabbing in Norfolk: what you’ll need, how to do it, and the answers to some common questions we’re asked.
So, ‘crab’ your bucket and let’s dive in!
- 7 minute read
How to go crabbing in Norfolk
What you’ll need for crabbing
Here is the equipment you’ll need for crabbing:
- A bucket
- String or line
- A weight
- Bait, such as bacon rind or fish heads
A note on nets: It’s best not to use nets, as these can get caught on something underwater, break, and leave netting in the water that crabs and other creatures can get stuck in. We wouldn’t want that!
How to go crabbing/gillying
- Crabbing with others? First of all, why not make it a competition and decide — are you aiming for the largest crab, or the highest number?
- Fill your bucket with seawater. Don’t use tap or bottled water, as this can kill the crabs.
- Tie your bait to the end of your string along with the weight.
- Lower it down the wall and wait. It probably won’t be long before you feel a tug!
- When you do, slowly pull your line up. If you pull too fast, the crab will most likely drop off. Give them as smooth a ride as possible!
- Pop the crab into your seawater bucket, handling it from the back. Or watch it step sideways along the harbour wall.
- While you might want to keep count of how many you’ve caught, don’t have too many crabs in your bucket at once, as they can get stressed or angry! Keep an eye on your catch and, if they’re fighting, try to separate them and/or tip them back into the water.
- Return your crabs to the water as soon as you’re finished. Try not to keep crabs out of their natural habitat for long.
Crabbing in Norfolk FAQs
We’re often asked about crabbing by our guests, as it’s a popular holiday activity, especially if you’re visiting Wells-next-the-Sea with little ones!
Here are a few common questions and our answers.
What is gillying?
What is gillying?
Gillying is simply what we in North Norfolk call crabbing, as we call crabs ‘gillies’! Sometimes, the activity might be referred to as ‘gilly crabbing’.
Where else can I go crabbing in Norfolk?
Where else can I go crabbing in Norfolk?
There are a number of spots suitable for crabbing in North Norfolk as well as Wells-next-the-Sea quay. You could try Blakeney quayside, Cromer pier, the shallow inlets at Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Overy Staithe. You can also search for crabs in the rockpools on Hunstanton’s North Beach.
Why is Norfolk a good spot for crabbing?
Why is Norfolk a good spot for crabbing?
Norfolk is a great place to go crabbing thanks to the inlets and estuaries across the North Norfolk coast. These shallow waters are a favourite hangout for crabs.
What type of crabs might I catch in Wells-next-the-Sea?
What type of crabs might I catch in Wells-next-the-Sea?
Predominantly, you’ll catch Common Shore Crabs (Carcinus maenas), which are relatively small — up to 9cm shell width. You may also catch Cromer Crabs, also known as Brown Crabs. These are bigger, with shell widths ranging between 15 and 22cm.
Not all crabs caught in Cromer are Cromer crabs!
Can I eat the crabs I catch?
Can I eat the crabs I catch?
They’re probably too small, so it’s best to release the crabs back into the water after you’ve enjoyed your gillying experience! If you do want to eat crab, there are plenty of great spots locally, where you know you’ll be tucking into the ‘right’ kind of crab and you know it’s been prepared properly.
We particularly recommend Wells Crab House, just a few metres from the quayside, though you’ll find Cromer Crab on menus all along the coast — it’s a much-loved Norfolk delicacy!
Here are some of our team’s other foodie favourites in Wells-next-the-Sea and nearby.
What is the best bait for crabbing?
What is the best bait for crabbing?
Crabs aren’t too picky! Choose oily, strong-smelling bait such as raw bacon, fish scraps or fish heads.
Is tap or bottled water safe for crabs?
Is tap or bottled water safe for crabs?
No. It’s important not to fill your bucket with tap or bottled water. Instead, fill your bucket with seawater from the harbour or the place you’re crabbing, so that the environment is similar to what the crab is used to.
What else is there for families to do in Wells-next-the-Sea?
What else is there for families to do in Wells-next-the-Sea?
There’s so much to enjoy in and near our lovely seaside town!
Expect beach days, woodland wanders, alpaca trekking, cycle routes and so much more. We’ve created a bumper list of things to do with your children in Wells-next-the-Sea here.
Where should I stay in Wells-next-the-Sea?
Where should I stay in Wells-next-the-Sea?
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Wells-next-the-Sea, take a look at our modern caravan holiday homes, luxury holiday lodges, and touring park pitches.
Pinewoods Holiday Park is right by Wells Beach (as close as you can stay, in fact!) and just a short walk or ride into Wells town.