Coast: Norfolk beaches

Wells-next-the-Sea gets its name from the springs which rise through the ground.

The sandy beach, backed by dunes and pine trees, stretches for miles to the west. Eastwards, the beach continues but can be cut off by the tide.

The beach is part of the Holkham Estate and the vast un-spoilt beach and woodland provide ample opportunities to enjoy peace and solitude.

Further along are salt marshes. The area is part of a nature reserve and is good for bird-watching.

The beach is often deserted

Beach huts

There is a café near the beach and an ice cream van in the car park. The caravan park has trampolines, a boating lake, crazy golf and a fish and chip shop. Five beach huts are available for day hire from the caravan park.

A siren is sounded when the tide is coming in - there is a danger of being trapped on the wrong side of the channel so always be cautious. A lifeboat is based at Wells and first aid is available.

During mid-March to the end of October there is a lifeguard on duty at weekends, from Wells Lifeguard Club.

The 300-space car park is very close to the beach and is a pay-and-display. There are also toilets and a public shower in the car park.

Disabled access

There are some disabled spaces in the car park but normal charges are levied. In the car park there is one toilet for the disabled.

As the ramp to the beach is steep, help is advisable. There is no access to the beach huts for wheelchair users.

In Wells town, there is the harbour, amusement arcades and shops. No trip to the town would be complete without sampling the local fish 'n' chips.