Norfolk’s best beach day out: Wells-next-the-Sea
Located on the North Norfolk coast, Wells-next-the-Sea is the perfect blend of natural beauty and seaside charm, making it an ideal spot for a memorable beach day out. This charming seaside town features vast golden sands with iconic beach huts, scenic walks, picturesque harbour and ample local amenities – all without it feeling touristy!
Why we love it
Vast sandy beaches
Stunning local walks
Beach hut rental available
Easy parking
Family friendly
Dog friendly
Amenities not too far away
Here’s everything you need to know…
01. Parking
The main car park on Beach road is spacious and just a short walk from the beach making it the most convenient option. Parking charges are £3.60 up to 2 hours, £7 up to 4 hours and all day is £13.50 (it closes at 9pm). There is a cafe, ice cream van and toilets on site. For those who prefer to start their day in town, there are several parking options available, including long-stay car parks near the harbour. With clear signage and ample spots, finding a place to park is stress-free – even with a big van! It’s about a 25 minute walk between the town and beach.
02. The beach
The beach at Wells is a stunning mass of golden sand that seems to go on forever and because of this, it never feels crowded! At low tide, pools and small channels appear, making it great for children to explore the water – it’s lifeguarded by RNLI from June to September between the flags. The beach is also very dog-friendly, so your pets can join in the fun too.
03. The beach huts
The iconic beach huts of Wells add a splash of colour and charm to the shoreline. Some of them are available for rent and provide a cozy base for your beach day. We had Beach Hut No. 65 by Norfolk Coastal Retreats for the day, which was equipped with picnicware, seating, a small table, kitchenette and beach games. It was great to have a comfortable spot to relax and set up for a birthday celebration as well as having shade and shelter when needed. These huts are popular, so it's advisable to book in advance to secure your spot.
04. The walks
Wells is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an excellent location for walking. The path along the beach leads to the beautiful pinewoods of Wells Beach Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy a stroll among the trees - we visited in early June and the foxgloves were on show. Another popular route is the coastal path to Holkham with views of the coastline and salt marshes. For a shorter walk, the there is a raised bank that goes between the beach and town that offers beautiful views over the harbour and quay where you can watch the boats come and go. The walk is approximately 1 mile and takes around 25 minutes.
05. The town & harbour
After a day at the beach, stroll up to the town centre where you'll find a mix of quaint shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs. The town also has ice cream parlours, sweet shops, and chippies that are sure to be a hit with the whole family. We grabbed a takeaway from Plattens Fish & Chips and enjoyed it on the quayside. They had a great selection, including plenty of half portions for kids—the perfect end to our beach day out.
About Beach Hut No. 65
Beach Hut 65 is the perfect space to relax, unwind and explore the beautiful beach of Wells-next-the-Sea. You will find yourself surrounded by colourful beach huts, golden sand and shady pinewoods, with stunning sea views from your elevated view. The hut is very comfortable and well equipped, guaranteed to make your visit truly relaxing and stress free!
