Wells-next-the-Sea – our guide to the best place in North Norfolk!

October 14, 2025 | Holiday tips | 12 minute read

Wells-next-the-Sea is a fantastic place for a holiday, and we’re not just saying that as a holiday park here! It’s one of North Norfolk’s most loved seaside towns. With its sweeping sandy beach, candy-coloured beach huts, bustling quay and friendly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why visitors return year after year. Whether you’re planning a big summer holiday or a relaxed autumn escape, Wells has something for everyone: families, dog owners, food lovers and those who simply want to relax by the sea.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, perhaps one of our luxury lodges, contemporary caravan holiday homes or a pitch on our touring park might suit you?

Top things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea

Head to Wells Beach

Stretching for miles, Wells Beach is famous for its golden sand and iconic row of beach huts. Whether you’re sunbathing, paddling and swimming weather, or wrap-up-warm weather, no trip to Wells is complete without time on the beach. Stroll west towards Holkham Beach too — the pair are considered two of the UK’s favourite beaches!

Enjoy Wells harbour

Watch the fishing boats come and go, enjoy fish and chips on the wall, or take a stroll along the quay. Children love crabbing here — a timeless holiday activity which we’ve written more about here.

Tip: The western end of the quay is most popular, but head east for more peace and quiet. You’ll eventually find yourself on the North Norfolk coast path leading to Stiffkey.

Independent shops and galleries

Make sure to wander up Staithe Street, which is full of lovely independent shops and art galleries. Whether browsing for a new outfit, some home decor, or picking up some holiday souvenirs, there’s ample here to tempt you! You’ll also find Wells Maltings on Staithe Street, a community hub with talks, cinema screenings, a café, an exhibition space and even theatre on occasion.

Seal trips

From nearby Morston, hop on a boat to Blakeney Point to see England’s largest grey seal colony basking on sandbanks. Trips run most of the year and are especially popular in autumn and winter during seal pupping season.

Find out more about seeing seals here.

Visit Holkham Hall, Walled Garden and Parkland

Okay, so it’s not actually in Wells but rather in nearby Holkham. History and heritage lovers will enjoy this Palladian house, which is a much-loved attraction here in North Norfolk. With its state rooms open to explore on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays, its six-acre Walled Garden full of blooms and an array of Victorian and Georgian glasshouses, and its exciting programme of events throughout the year. There are also opportunities for hiring bikes and taking to the trees on the ropes course. Whatever your age, there’ll be something worth seeing or doing at Holkham!

Learn more about Holkham and what’s on here.

Eating and drinking in Wells-next-the-Sea

Fish and chips

No visit to the seaside is complete without fish and chips! Here in Wells, you’ll find French’s and Platten’s fish and chip shops on the quayside. Both serve up a great range (including options for vegan and gluten-free diets). Why not try both and see which you prefer?

Pubs and wine bars

If you enjoy a tipple or two on holiday, you’ll be pleased to know there are a number of fantastic pubs and bars in Wells to try! Enjoy a glass of wine and tapas at North Norfolk Cellars or choose from a range of pubs to suit your taste.

Cafés and brunch spots

From freshly baked pastries and a hot coffee to hearty brunches, Wells and nearby villages have plenty of cafés worth lingering in. For pastries, Two Magpies is a great option, but if you want something bigger, try Wells Deli or Bang in Wells in the town, or head to The Parlour at Binham for delicious pancakes.

Wells Beach Café, between us at Pinewoods and the beach, is a great spot, with a range of hot and cold food including pizza and pastries!

Restaurants

There are plenty of restaurants here too, so if you don’t want to cook whilst on holiday, you don’t have to! The Victoria at Holkham (pictured) is an AA Rosette-awarded restaurant serving up fabulous seasonal dishes, and Wells Crab House is a favourite among seafood fans.

If you’d like more in-depth recommendations, take a look at these journal posts:

• The best places to eat in Wells-next-the-Sea and North Norfolk
• 9 dog friendly cafés, restaurants and pubs to try in North Norfolk

Walks and nature in and around Wells

Holkham National Nature Reserve

Enjoy walking from Wells to Holkham through pine woods and sand dunes. The nature reserve also features grazing marsh, saltmarsh and scrub, and these ranging habitats allow for a diverse medley of animals and birdlife.

Holkham Park

The parkland surrounding Holkham Hall is well worth a walk too. With waymarked trails to walk, run or cycle along, a beautiful lake, woodland areas and stunning views, you can enjoy many hours of exploration. Look out for the resident herd of fallow deer — they’re always lovely to see!

Norfolk Coast Path

This long-distance trail passes right through Wells, giving walkers the chance to explore the coast in both directions. Head east towards Stiffkey and Blakeney or west to Holkham then Burnham Overy Staithe. Whichever direction you go, you’ll enjoy fantastic views and find yourself in beautiful Norfolk villages. You can take the bus back to Wells from these spots if you don’t fancy the return walk.

Have a read of our journal post about different countryside and coastal walks in North Norfolk here.

Seasonal highlights

Summer

Perfect for bucket-and-spade holidays, beach days and ice creams on the quay. Consider hiring a beach hut from us to make those long days on the sand stress-free.

Wells Carnival is a ten-day event in late July and early August, with entertainment, stalls, a parade and plenty of fun for children and adults alike.

Here are some ideas of days out and things to do for family holidays during the summer months.

Autumn

Quieter beaches, stunning sunsets and migrating birds make this a wonderful time to visit, especially for wildlife lovers.

Get inspired with our guide to Autumn in North Norfolk: the 10 best things to do or plan family activities for October half term and Halloween.

Winter

Seal trips during the pupping season, festive lights in town, and bracing coastal walks create a different but equally magical seaside experience to those you’re used to in the height of summer! The wonderful Wells Christmas Tide event sees Father Christmas visit by boat as well as fantastic fireworks over the marshes.

Feeling festive? Click here to read about Christmas in North Norfolk, including festive fun and Christmas events, or take a look at our suggestions for where to see Christmas lights in the area.

If you’re not too Christmassy, there’s still plenty to do during the winter! Here are 10 things to do this season.

Spring

Wildflowers starting to bloom, warming weather and returning wildlife mark the start of a lively new season. Large attractions including Holkham Hall and Walled Garden reopen after a winter break, and Pinewoods Holiday Park reopens too (in mid March)!

Take a look at these things to do in North Norfolk in Spring.

Practical information

Parking in Wells-next-the-Sea

There’s a large car park by the beach – Beach Road car park. On high days and holidays, it can get very busy! There are multiple car parks in the town too. If you’re staying with us at Pinewoods, you’ll have parking by your caravan or lodge, so there’s no need to worry about finding a space!

Food shopping

If you’re looking to purchase groceries during your holiday, you can visit our on-ste Pinewoods Store (even if you’re not staying with us) for all the essentials! There’s also a Co-Op in the town as well as Leftley’s (Nisa) and the Kinsley Store (Premier). Local greengrocers, butchers, bakeries and a deli can also be found along Staithe Street or by the quay.

A dog friendly town

Dogs are welcome in the majority of cafés and pubs in Wells, as well as in most shops. There are several of coastal and countryside walks to explore nearby, so your pup will have plenty of new paths to tread and smells to sniff!

Wells Beach has a dog friendly area and a dog free area. Nearby Holkham Beach is open year-round for dog walkers — at times, you’ll be asked to keep your dog on a lead to help protect ground-nesting birds during breeding season.

The best time to visit

Wells is a true year-round destination, in our opinion! Summer is the busiest, with glorious days spent on the beach, but spring, autumn and winter are all wonderful too, offering you a quieter seaside break.

Book your stay at Pinewoods here.

Wells-next-the-Sea FAQs

Is Wells-next-the-Sea good for families?
Absolutely! Wells Beach is a wonderful spot for families, with tidal shallows that are perfect for a paddle. Families can enjoy crabbing at the quay, visiting Wells Maltings, exploring the local nature reserves or

Is Wells-next-the-Sea dog friendly?
Very. From dog-friendly pubs to long coastal walks, it’s perfect for four-legged visitors. Most shops and cafés will welcome dogs too.

What is Wells-next-the-Sea best known for?
Its huge sandy beach (often considered one of the best in the country!), the row of colourful beach huts backed by pine trees, its working harbour, and its welcoming atmosphere. Seasonal events including Wells Carnival in August and Wells Christmas Tide in December are calendar highlights too.

Ready to explore Wells-next-the-Sea for yourself? Stay just moments from the beach at Pinewoods Holiday Park, where our dog-friendly caravans and lodges make the perfect base. With space for families and groups, and easy access to both the coast and town, your Wells adventure starts here.

Check availability today and plan your ultimate seaside escape.