Out & About

Wells-next-the-Sea, north Norfolk

Most people who stay at The Waterfront return to Wells-next-the-Sea year after year.

And it’s not really surprising: very few small seaside towns have preserved their traditional character quite so sympathetically.

It means Wells’ picturesque quay – with its fishing boats and children busily crabing – and the old town’s sandy, pine-fringed beach, remain as appealing now as they ever were.

Without exception, visitors find there are endless things to see and do year-round. Walkers enjoy a wide choice of coastal and cross-country paths – including Peddars Way and Norfolk Coastal Path which, most conveniently, runs alongside The Waterfront.

Ornithologists look on Wells as a bird-watcher’s paradise (nothing quite beats the sight of low-flying Brent or pink-foot geese as they land on the marshes in dawn’s early light).

And visitors enjoy nothing more than immersing themselves in the ancient port’s architecture and maritime past.

Some of the popular things to do locally…

• Watch the birds – at Wells, Cley Marshes Nature Reserve, Blakeney National Nature Reserve and Titchwell Marsh RSPB Reserve
• See the seals – boats go out from Blakeney
• Take a sightseeing boat trip – Wells Harbour Tours
• Enjoy the view – simply stop and stare every now and then; the area’s countryside and seascapes are unbelievable

• Get walking – the Norfolk Coastal Path runs right outside The Waterfront
• See a show – at Wells Maltings
• Go sea fishing – from the beach or by boat from Wells Quay
• Try sailing – learn to sail at Wells and Blakeney Point Sailing School
• Ride the rails from Wells to Walsingham
• Buy fresh seafood – available at Wells and all along the north Norfolk coast
• Visit Wells Carnival– last week of July, first week of August
• Hire a Wells beach hut – available by the day or longer

• Drink Nelson’s Blood at his local inn – The Lord Nelson, Burnham Thorpe
• Enjoy great art galleries, antiques, delis, fine food and wines – head to Burnham Market, Holt and Norwich
• Visit stately homes – Sandringham, Holkham, Houghton, Blickling, Felbrigg, Wolterton and Mannington
  (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)

• Enjoy a flutter – spend a day at Fakenham Races
• Play golf – get into the swing of things at Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, Brancaster
• Step back in time – at Castle Rising Castle and Walsingham Catholic and Anglican Shrines
• Meet some wildlife – drive to Pensthorpe Wildlife and Gardens, Fakenham
• Langham Dome – Experience what life was like at RAF Langham

Eating out

When it comes to eating out, guests will find they’re almost spoilt for choice. Within easy walking distance are cosy traditional pubs with open fires and contemporary restaurants offering locally caught seafood and Norfolk sourced venison, beef, lamb, partridge and pheasant.

We recommend suggest booking in advance where possible.

In Wells and easily walkable…

Further away…