Destination: Wells-next-the-sea
An unspoilt Norfolk seaside town, perfect for your next biking break
Which Wells are we talking about? This is Wells-next-the-sea in Norfolk, on the east coast, not Wells the compact cathedral city in Somerset.
Near the Queen’s place? It’s not far from Sandringham, but you’re unlikely to bump into any royals. Wells nestles on the North Norfolk coast, between Hunstanton and Cromer. It was a port town trading in grain, malt and coal, but the harbour silted up leaving a river flowing through the town and the sea a mile away, beyond the marshes.
Good place for a daytrip? It’s an ideal stop on a ride, but there’s plenty to do if you stay here – walk to the beach or around the town, grabbing a coffee and cake or first-rate fish and chips. And pack your crab wire to catch some nippers in the old harbour. Wells feels nicely old fashioned, with no silly prices or no kiss-me-quick tackiness.
What else is there to see? There’s a narrow-gauge train that runs from the town to the beach. The floating Albatross restaurant is moored in the harbour and often has entertainment. Or take one of the boat trips to see more of marshes and the bird life – this is a popular place with twitchers.
Bird-watching. Hmmm… Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it – and Cleyspy at nearby Cley is a designed to help people discover bird-watching. But there’s lots to do in North Norfolk. The Holkham Estate is a mile away, with an historic hall, wonderful grounds and a stunning beach (www.holkham.co.uk).
The Wells-walsingham narrow gauge railway runs along the track bed of one of Dr Beechings’ victims from, Wells to the pilgrimage town of Walsingham (www.wellswalsingham.co.uk). There’s another steam railway further along the coast, between Sheringham and Holt (www.nnrailway.co.uk).
What about the royals? Sandringham does welcome visitors – to certain parts of the estate (www. sandringhamestate.co.uk). But you’re more likely to spot acting royalty if you head along the coast to the popular city-folks’ retreat, Burnham Market.
What are the roads like? The main A149 along the coast is scenic but has plenty of limits and does get busy, especially in summer. Better stick to the minor roads inland, though they are often narrow and bumpy.