Wells next the Sea Hotels

The beach

A vast sandy beach with colourful beach huts dotted along the shore, Wells-next-the-Sea's beach is a postcard-perfect example of the British seaside. Whether you plan on spending the day making sandcastles with the kids, flying kites, swimming in the water or lounging on land with a good book, the beach is an ideal spot for summer holidays and a romantic backdrop for long strolls during the autumn and winter months. A number of birds nest in the area, so if you bring along a pair of binoculars you might spot oystercatchers and ringed plovers. After swimming in the sea, dry off and put on your sandals, because behind the multi-coloured beach huts is a pine forest with a number of walking routes to enjoy.

The Quay

Also on the waterfront is the bustling Quay area, home to a number of converted granary buildings and a variety of amusement arcades and stalls selling fresh seafood. A great place to unwind with some food and drink after a day on the beach, the Quay has plenty of entertainment on offer for both kids and adults. One of the best ways to travel between the harbour and the beach is by hopping on the Wells Harbour Railway, a miniature railway that runs every fifteen minutes between the town, the harbour and the beach.

The Buttlands

If you happen to be visiting at the right time during the summer, you might be in town for the Wells Carnival. This popular annual event features everything from live music performances to outdoor BBQs and a procession of floats that travel through the city towards the Buttlands. Even if you're not in town for the carnival, the Buttlands is one of the most pleasant areas of Well-next-the-Sea. Originally the site of archery practice, the area has a number of elegant Georgian buildings as well as the 16th-century Crown Inn – formerly a coaching inn and now home to one of the town's more prestigious restaurants.

Coastline

A number of spectacular locations along the North Norfolk coast are within easy reach of Wells-next-the-Sea. To the east are Holkham National Nature Reserve and Blakeney National Nature Reserve and to the west are Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve and Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve. In addition to walking and cycling routes, all of these areas are teeming with various birdlife and are excellent locations for birdwatching.