The East Anglia region

Wells-Next-The-Sea is a charming English coastal town on the beautiful North Norfolk Coast. It offers all that is traditional: ice-cream, fish 'n' chips, cockles, hungry seagulls, sun, sea and sand but it is so much more; a most interesting and fascinating place. It is charming and picturesque, having lost none of its historical character.

The town is a delightful network of narrow streets, old alleys and yards, and boasts some

impressive and interesting architecture. Many of the buildings are hundreds of years old, listed,

and include former coaching inns and public houses.

Wander along the sweeping beach bordered by pine woodland, or the gentle harbour with small

fishing boats and children playing. Spend an hour exploring the eclectic mix of unique shops on

Staithe Street, with not a chain store in sight, and discover the tree-lined park with its fine

Georgian houses, quiet pubs and restaurants - Wells is indeed a beautiful and historic seaside resort.

Quayside Court is located in the very heart of Wells, on the quay itself, less than a minute's walk from the newly renovated "Golden Fleece", Staithe Street and The Granary Theatre.

The Dutch sailing barge, The Albatross, is one of the oldest sailing ships still afloat and is now permanently moored in Wells Harbour. It is a bar, restaurant and pancake house with live music on Saturday evenings.

Fishing has been a mainstay of Wells for centuries and it is still the home of several fishing boats. Watching them come and go and unload at the quay is still a great attraction and can be enjoyed from your balcony with a glass of fine wine!

Wells is a thriving resort and certainly comes alive in the summer. Staithe street bustles with shoppers and browsers who are well served by a diverse selection of small and friendly shops selling everything from buckets and spades, books and paintings, to high end clothes and designer gifts.

Wells-next-the-Sea

At the top of Staithe Street lies the Buttlands, a quiet green lined with lime trees and elegant Georgian and Victorian houses. The name originates from the days it was used for archery practice. It is now home to The Crown Hotel, a former coaching inn from the 16th century, and the recently renovated Globe Inn.

A miniature steam train runs from the end of the quay the mile or so to the beautiful sandy beach,

which stretches for miles towards Holkham and was featured in the film "Shakespeare in Love". The

wide sandy beach is ideal for collecting a wide variety of shells and marvelling at the bird life. Oyster

catchers, ringed plovers, common and littler terns are all regular visitors. With its pinewoods, salt

marshes and sand dunes, Wells attracts a rich variety of bird and animal life throughout the year.

Wild flowers, rare birds and squirrels can often be seen.

Tucked behind the dunes is Abraham's Bosom, an outdoor leisure area by the side of a natural 5-acre

boating lake, where canoes and rowing boats can be hired.

The lifeboat house on the beach is often open to visitors and houses a fascinating collection of items illustrating the history of the Wells lifeboat.

Wells is the perfect base from which to explore the many delights in the area. Holkham Hall, one of Britain's most majestic stately homes, is a 5 minute drive along the coast road or a lengthier walk along the coastal path.

Royal Sandringham is just over 20 miles away.

Drive to Blakeney, only 15 minutes away, and take a boat trip to Blakeney Point, famous for the colony of common and grey seals you can see basking on the sandbanks.

Cley Marshes Nature Reserve, one of the finest bird-watching sites in Britain, is just 10 miles away.

Little Walsingham, a place of pilgrimage since medieval times, is only 5 miles away, linked to Wells by a miniature railway similar to that which links the town and beach.