Wells Next the Sea

[Bunbaker]

Does anyone have any recommendations for places to eat and places to visit in or near Wells Next the Sea?

And places to avoid as well. I don't like Blackpool style resorts. DD is 13 so we aren't interested in places that appeal to small children.

Thanks in advance

[dottygamekeeper]

We have been going to Wells every year since DD (now 16) was born, DS now 17 and they both still love it, although the things we do have changed over the years. Holkham Hall is great - interesting house - still lived in by the family, also museum of bygones (including the old estate cars, fire engines etc), great deer park to walk or cycle in (cycles for hire), or go on the lake. Great circular walk along the beach (love looking at all the different beach huts) from Wells to Holkham (or through the pinewoods if too hot or windy on beach) and back through the park to Wells.

Canoeing on the lake by Wells beach car park. Boat trip to see the seals from Blakeney harbour or Morston Quay. Cycle (or steam train) out to Walsingham. Cycle to Warham Camp (iron age fort). Crabbing off Wells Quay. Pitch & putt along the beach road at Wells, or crazy golf by the beach car park.

Eating - the Globe in Wells, The Victoria at Holkham, The Duck at Stanhope (I think), White Horse in Brancaster, fish and chips on the harbour at Wells (French's is the better fish and chip shop imo), pancakes on the Albatross at Wells Quay (big old sailing ship), the Bell at Wiveton. (depending on when you are going, places get very busy so may need to book).

Shopping - Normal for Norfolk full of quirky dresses and accessories in Wells, lots of little shops on the high street (which is called Staithe Street).

[Bunbaker]

They sound fabulous. Thank you. Can I hire a bike? We don't have a bike rack and I would rather leave my bike at home.

[dottygamekeeper]

You can hire bikes in the Stable yard at Holkham Hall, or you can hire them at Walsinghams (the hardware shop near the bottom of Staithe Street). Walsinghams had really nice bikes that were new last year - just make sure you have some form of ID with your address on it (I think) eg driving licence.

Wells is great - a mix of everything from harbour with working fishing boats, crabbing, sailing etc, sandy beach (tide comes right in to form a sort of lagoon, and then goes miles out, leaving big sandy pools) - but watch out for the channel, which is very fast flowing, though can be waded across at low tide (if you do that, come back when the hooter sounds or you will be stranded). The walk out to the beach is really interesting past all the boats etc. Pinewoods at the back of the beacch are beautiful to walk through. The only slightly Blackpool bit is near the harbour - some amusement arcades, bingo, candyfloss & rock shops etc, but you can easily avoid that. The Buttlands, in the centre of town (up the top end of Staithe Street, and across the road, is a lovely green square surrounded by Georgian & Victorian houses, the Globe pub and the Crown Hotel.

Another nice place to eat, day time, is the Stables cafe at Holkham Hall. You can drive nearly up to the Hall (but now have to pay to park) and it is a really interesting place to spend a half day/day but do check opening hours for the house itself. It is huge, a bit like Buckingham Palace in the country. The Victoria (mentioned in my previous post) is at the entrance, and there are nice shops/galleries there too.

Other places worth a visit nearby are Cley - full of galleries, bookshops and a great delicatessen for picnic food (delis in Wells also good, as is the butcher and the baker), Burnham Market (posh shops and pubs, difficult to park but nice to explore), Holt (nice shops, lovely cafes etc)

Can you tell we love that part of North Norfolk....

When are you going - Wells has a fantastic carnival week (end of July/early August) with live bands on the Buttlands and the beach, outdoor films, Spot the Stranger competition in all the shop windows (great as an evening activity), arts & crafts activities etc

[Bunbaker]

Thank you for all the useful information dottygamekeeper I can't wait to go. We are travelling there next Friday.

[SquidgyMaltLoaf]

I second the Globe for eating. There's also a lovely seafood restaurant - can't remember the name but it's opposite a pub, on the main road that bends to the left as you look at the path to the beach!

[Bunbaker]

Thank you for your suggestions. I shall print this page off and take it with me.

[Bunbaker]

Reporting back.

We had a fabulous holiday - excellent meals at The Globe and The Crown. We did the rail trip to Walsingham, went to Holkham Hall, and then Holkham beach on another day, took a boat trip to see the seals on Blakeny Point and then spent the last glorious day on the beach at Wells.

I have never seen so much sand or even been on a beach where you need to walk another mile just to get to the sea.

Wells was a winner for us, and thank you for all your recommendations.