Wells Harbour Norfolk
A picturesque working harbour in North Norfolk, famous for crabbing, scenic walks, and boat trips to see seals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & enjoy sunshine
Wells Harbour Norfolk
Best Time
Beat the crowds & enjoy sunshine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque working harbour in North Norfolk, famous for crabbing, scenic walks, and boat trips to see seals.
"Feels like you’ve gone back in time visiting this harbour, it’s well maintained and each time we visit seems to have new improvements."
🎯 Crabbing Fun for All
Bring your own crabbing lines or buy them locally. It's a popular activity for families!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging when busy. Arrive early or consider parking slightly further out.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crabbing on the Quay
Wells Harbour Quay
Join the lively tradition of crabbing off the harbour edge. It's a classic seaside activity for all ages!
Scenic Harbour Views
Wells Harbour
Enjoy picturesque views of colourful boats, working quayside, and the North Norfolk coastline. Perfect for photography.
Walk to Wells Beach
From Harbour to Beach
A delightful walk from the bustling harbour through pine woods to the expansive sandy beach.
Seal Watching Cruises
Wells Harbour Tours
Take a boat trip for a chance to spot seals in their natural habitat. A memorable wildlife encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Crabbing Fun for All
Bring your own crabbing lines or buy them locally. It's a popular activity for families!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging when busy. Arrive early or consider parking slightly further out.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the harbour and to the beach.
📸 Capture the Sunrise
Early mornings offer stunning light for photography, especially over the harbour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Crabbing Fun for All
Bring your own crabbing lines or buy them locally. It's a popular activity for families!
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be challenging when busy. Arrive early or consider parking slightly further out.
👟 Comfortable Footwear Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the harbour and to the beach.
📸 Capture the Sunrise
Early mornings offer stunning light for photography, especially over the harbour.
🚢 Harbour Tours
Book boat trips in advance, especially for seal watching or sunset cruises. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wells Harbour for its timeless charm and well-maintained facilities, evoking fond memories for many. The lively atmosphere, especially with people crabbing, and the scenic beauty are frequently highlighted. While parking can be a challenge during busy periods, the overall experience is described as beautiful and worth returning for.
"Feels like you’ve gone back in time visiting this harbour, it’s well maintained and each time we visit seems to have new improvements. Love seeing everyone crabbing of the harbour edge, we’ve been visiting for years and it holds such special memories. It gets super busy and bustling, the walk from the harbour to the beach is lovely"
Claire Beeson
"The most beautiful area of Lowestoft. Worth paying a visit. Ample parking."
Anura Gamage
"No matter if it's raining, foggy, or clear blue sky, it's always beautiful to me."
Alison Daniels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wells Harbour is located in Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk. You can reach it by car via the A148 and then following signs for Wells-Next-The-Sea. There is also a disused railway line that offers a scenic walk from the old station down to the harbour.
Yes, there is ample parking available near Wells Harbour, though it can get very busy during peak times. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
While a car offers flexibility, you can reach Wells-Next-The-Sea by public transport. Buses operate to the town, and from there, it's a walk to the harbour.
Walking is the best way to explore the harbour, the quay, and the path leading to the beach. Comfortable shoes are a must!
The drive through the North Norfolk countryside is beautiful. For a unique approach, consider walking along the old Wells & Fakenham Railway line, which leads directly to the harbour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Wells Harbour itself is generally free. However, there are charges for parking and for specific activities like boat tours.
Wells Harbour is accessible at all times, though facilities like cafes and tour operators will have their own operating hours. The harbour is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
For popular activities like seal watching cruises or sunset tours, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during busy periods.
The beach at Wells-Next-The-Sea is free to access. There are charges for parking in the beach car parks.
Dogs are generally welcome in Wells Harbour and on the beach, but there may be seasonal restrictions on certain areas of the beach. Always check local signage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy crabbing on the quay, watch the boats, take scenic walks, go on seal watching cruises, and explore the charming town.
Absolutely! Crabbing is a huge hit with kids, and the walk to the beach offers plenty of space to run around. The harbour itself is a fascinating place for children to explore.
The colourful beach huts, the working boats, the sunrise/sunset over the water, and the view from the harbour wall are all fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, crabbing is a very popular activity at Wells Harbour. You can buy or rent crabbing lines and bait from local shops.
You can often see seagulls and other seabirds around the harbour. Boat trips offer the chance to see seals in the nearby waters.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes and eateries right on the harbour and in the town, offering everything from seafood to traditional seaside fare.
You'll find a good selection of pubs, cafes, fish and chip shops, and restaurants serving local produce and classic British dishes.
Being a working harbour, you can often find fresh seafood. Look out for local fish and chip shops or restaurants that highlight local catches.
Yes, the walk towards the beach offers lovely spots for a picnic, and there are benches around the harbour area.
While specific recommendations vary, the Wells Beach Cafe is a popular spot right by the beach, and many pubs in town offer hearty meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light. Early mornings are also great for capturing the harbour before it gets too busy.
Colourful beach huts, working fishing boats, the harbour itself, seals, and the expansive beach are all popular subjects.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local bylaws and ensure you fly responsibly and safely.
The harbour wall offers a good vantage point. For wider shots, consider the walk towards the beach or a boat tour for unique perspectives.
It's ideal for landscape, seascape, wildlife, and lifestyle photography, capturing the essence of a traditional British seaside town.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as exploring the harbour and beach can take a good part of the day. Consider bringing buckets and spades for beach fun. The town itself has charming shops and cafes, providing breaks and treats. Remember comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Boat tours provide unique aerial perspectives and chances to capture wildlife like seals. +2Experiment with different angles – from the quay, the beach, or even from a boat. The changing tides also offer dynamic scenes. Don't forget to capture the human element, whether it's people crabbing or enjoying the seaside atmosphere. The old railway line also presents interesting historical photography opportunities.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Lovers
Boat trips offer a different kind of exploration, allowing you to see the coastline from the sea and potentially spot seals and seabirds. +1Wear sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers, as the coastal weather can be unpredictable. The North Norfolk Coast Path is accessible from Wells, offering further walking opportunities. Enjoy the fresh sea air and the diverse natural landscapes this area has to offer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Crabbing
It's a fantastic way to keep children entertained and create lasting memories of your visit. Remember to handle the crabs gently and return them to the sea after observing them.Many visitors rave about the communal atmosphere of crabbing. It's common to see people of all ages gathered along the harbour wall, sharing tips and cheering each other on. This shared activity fosters a sense of community and adds to the lively ambiance of Wells Harbour. Even if you don't catch anything, the experience of participating in this beloved tradition is rewarding.
Exploring Wells-Next-The-Sea by Boat
+1The sunset cruises are particularly popular, offering breathtaking views as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the sea and coastline. These tours often highlight the dramatic coastal landscapes and the working harbour from a different angle. It's an opportunity to appreciate the maritime heritage of Wells and enjoy the tranquility of the sea.
+1 Booking these tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot on these memorable voyages. A Walk Through History: The Old Railway Line
This former railway line provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's industrial heritage. As you stroll along, you can imagine the trains that once transported goods and passengers to the bustling harbour. It's a less crowded option than the main paths, offering a more contemplative way to approach the seaside. The path is generally well-maintained, making it accessible for a leisurely walk.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit