The salt marshes at Wells-next-the-sea are a wonderful place for seaside walks From Jolly Sailor cottage you can explore the north  Norfolk coast After a long day exploring return to your sellf-catering holiday home or try one of the pubs in Wells0next-the-Sea

In Jolly Sailor Cottage we've left a a wide range of local booklets and information you may enjoy or find useful - you can also check out Wells-next-the-Sea on the Wellsguide website. The North Norfolk coast can easily be explored from Wells using the North Norfolk Coastal Path, or by buses along the North Norfolk Coast.

Please also see our Events Calendar below to find out what is on in the area during your stay (dates are updated as soon as they are published).

 

Due to the changes that businessses have made during Coronavirus, please contact venues directly before arranging visits.  You can also visit the Tourist Office to check if events are taking place.

 

Things to do in Wells Next the Sea Food Shopping and Restaurants Heading to the Beach

Wells Next the Sea, Local Information & Things To Do

Food and Drink

Swimming and Water Activities

Seal Trips Stately Homes Bird Watching and Nature

Seal Trips

Gardens, Galleries and Stately Homes

Bird and Nature Reserves

 

Local Events Throughout the Year

 

Wells Lifeboat Station Shop and Visitor Centre

The new Shannon lifeboat has arrived and is fully operational.  Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, the shop and visitor centre is open from Friday to Monday from 10am to 4pm.  The side of the Shannon lifeboat can be viewed from the gallery during these times.  It is also possible to book group tours, but these have proved very popular and are dependant on volunteers being available to show you around.

www.wellslifeboat.org/visit.htm

 

Holkham Cricket Club, weekend matches May - September

Cricket has been played in the park since the early 1840s, and Holkham currently boasts three sides that are quite independent of one another. The lion's share of the matches are played by Holkham Cricket Club. This is not to be confused with the Holkham estate team, made up entirely of staff from the estate, which plays a handful of matches, some against other estates. Finally there are the Nubian Ostriches, an invitation side skippered by Tom Coke himself, playing just the occasional match. 

Holkham Cricket Fixture List is published in late Spring.  For more information go to Holkham Hall

 

Holkham Parkrun, Saturday mornings

Join in this 5km run and join hundreds of Parkrunners across the country.  This is a free, weekly timed run at 9am each Saturday morning.  This is a non-competitive event so can run, jog, walk with your dog or child in a buggy, there is no age limit for the young or old.  Car parking at the hall is free for participants.

www.parkrun.org.uk/holkham

 

Holkham Beach Cleans

Regular dates

Holkham Reserve hold regular beach cleans with corporate groups; staff litter pick Wells beach daily; and many visitors pick up litter as they walk through the reserve. The most frequently found items are small pieces of plastic (under 2.5cm), string and cord from the fishing industry, and plastic bottles.

This is a volunteer Beach Clean morning, where you can help remove the plastic which is becoming more of a hazard to wildlife.  Meet the warden at the top of Lady Anne's Drive at 10am, finish at noon. Tel: 01328 713111. Visit

Norfolk Coast Partnership as well as https://www.facebook.com/NorfolkBeachCleans

 

Wells Lifeboat Station: 200 years of the RNLI

1st-3rd March 2024

All 238 RNLI lifeboat stations are holding events to celebrate the founding of the RNLI. Wells events are still in the planning stage , but will include a family welly walk; quiz; shanties, and an exhibition in the Handa Gallery, The Maltings with memorabilia and photos over the years of the Wells RNLI.

www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm

 

The North Norfolk Dance Festival

3rd-6th April 2023

Formerly the Cromer & North Norfolk Festival of Music, Dance & Speech, this is an annual show where dancersshowcase their talent under concert conditions in a friendly environment.  Held in North Walsham, with the expert guidance from professional adjudicators, it is intended that all performers find the event welcoming and instructive.  

www.northnorfolkdance.org

 

Sonrise Service, Easter Day Wells Beach

9th April 2023

Join the Sonrise Service at 6.30am on the beach by the Lifeboat House.  Hot chocolate and hot cross buns after the service.

 

Wighton Scarecrow Festival

29th April-1st May 2023

The Festival is held annually over the May bank holiday weekend. The festival includes scarecrow building, scarecrow displays and refreshments.  The vintage tractor show and Coronation Crank-Up 'road-run' will take place on 7th May.  The road run will start at 10am from the playing field, returning at 1.30pm.  There will be a pulling competition, stationary engines, raffle and burger van on the field until 2.30pm

 

Wells Lifeboat Guild Fair

1st May 2023

Attractions at the annual May Fayre include plant stall, cake stall, tombola, raffle, RNLI souvenirs and of course tea, coffee and refreshments. From 10am-1pm at the Congregational Hall, Clubbs Lane.

www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm

 

 

Wells Street Party: The King's Coronation

7th May 2023

There will be a Street Party on The Buttlands from 12pm on Sunday 7th May.  Seating and tables will be provided for 200 people, or you can bring your own.  Bring your own picnic, although there will be food and drink for sale as well as beer and wine. There will be a funfair and stalls as well as music throughout the afternoon. 

 

Christmas Tide Fundraising Stall

7th May 2023

The organisers of the Wells Christmas Tide Festival are holding a stall on the Buttlands as part of the Coronation celebrations. 

www.wellschristmastide.org.uk

 

Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival

19th-21st May 2023

The Crab & Lobster Festival is a weekend celebration of the coastal towns of Sheringham and Cromer - the unrivalled combination of North Norfolk's premier seaside towns. A feast of fun, food, art, music and entertainment

www.crabandlobsterfestival.co.uk

 

Sharpie Open Meeting

20th-21st May 2023

Sharpie crews will be racing from Burnham Overy Staithe. 

www.overystaithesc.org.uk

 

North Norfolk Studios 2023 (previously Open Studios)

27th May-4th June 2023

Meet the artists on this colourful coast art trail, featuring the first Wells art trail.  Studios are open daily from 10am-5pm, including one which is just around the corner from the cottage.  There are 14 artists exhibiting, 7 in their own studios, and 7 in the Handa Gallery at the Maltings - these artists are part of the NR23 group of artists. See the website for details of artists and locations.

www.northnorfolkstudios.co.uk/wells-next-the-sea

 

Fairyland Trust's Fairy Fair

28th-29th May 2023

Discover the magic of nature at this lovely family event in Bradmoor Woods, West Acre.  There will be fairy fun, live music and entertainment.  Explore the woods, visit the model fairy garden, enjoy shows and storytelling, and take part in creative workshops.

www.fairylandtrust.org

 

Lifeboat: naming ceremony and dedication of the new boathouse

3rd June 2023

Following the completion of the new boathouse and arrival of the Shannon lifeboat last year, this ceremony takes place in two parts.  The first part is in the boathouse, and is by invitation only.  The second part of the ceremony will take place on the Quay from 4pm where everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.  The Blakeney Old Wild Rovers will be playing and singing sea shanties until the lifeboat arrives following it's launch at 4.30pm.  The ceremony will draw to a close around 6pm.

www.wellslifeboat.org/events

 

Cley Calling

8th-11th June 2023

Cley Calling is a festival run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.  The theme this summer is Coastal Currents and we celebrate and consider the sea from global to local.  Experience our local cetaceans and coastal birdlife, or enjoy art and literature events celebrating the marine environment. Take part in family events from the Plankton Party to the Beach Clean to help us protect our shore.

www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/cley-calling/coastal-currents

 

Norfolk Superhero Challenge

10th June 2023

The Norfolk Superhero Challenge is a unique quadrathlon event held annually at Burnham Overy Staithe.  The event is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, from more experienced athletes who want to push themselves to the limit to individuals who may be first time quadrathletes and wish to set themselves a new challenge and improve their fitness.

www.norfolksuperhero.co.uk

 

Sharpie National Championship

9th-11th June 2023

Sharpie crews will be racing from Brancaster Sailing Club. 

https://members.bssc.net/

 

Lifeboat viewing day

18th June 2023

The new Shannon Class lifeboat will be on display in front of the boathouse from 10am-4pm.  There will be public access to walk around the boat and view the 'Launch a Memory' names on the bow.  The shop and Visitor Centre will be open, and volunteers will be on hand to chat about the new lifeboat and answer questions.

www.wellslifeboat.org/events

 

NGS: Open Gardens

18th June 2023

A group of five gardens will be open for the National Garden Scheme from 11am-5pm.  The gardens are in a line running from Market Lane, along Burnt Street through to Church Street. Refreshments will be available at The Old Rectory, Church Street. Admission to all five gardens is £6 payable at any of the gardens.

ngs.org.uk

 

Sea Fever (inspired by Poetry Next The Sea)

23rd-24th June 2023

Sea Fever 7 will be held in the Wells Maltings.  There will be a major programme of poetry and prose during this literary festival with the theme The Call of the Sea.

www.seafeverliteraryfestival.com

 

Wheels Next The Sea

25th June 2023

The annual Wells motorcycle show returns to Wells for it's 13th show. The show, organised by Wells Town Football Club, includes Best Bike presentations, refreshments, trade and dealer stands...as well as being a good day out for all. 

www.wells-wheels.co.uk

 

Potty Morris & Folk Festival

1st-2nd July 2023

Join the Sheringham 'Lobster Potties' morris dancers for the annual 'Potty' festival featuring morris sides from all over the U.K. and Europe to take part. This years festival features some twenty teams of varying styles will be in the town delighting hundreds of visitors and residents alike

www.pottyfestival.com

 

North North Exhibition Project - Wighton23 (Formerly Cley22)

6th July-6th August 2023

For the past ten years, a month-long contemporary art exhibition showcasing artists with a Norfolk connection has taken place in Cley Church.  Last year, there will be a one-day event in All Saints Church, Wighton when artists will be leading short workshops and demonstrating their skills. This year, the full exhibition will be held in it's new home of Wighton Church with it's theme of Cycle.

https://nnepcontemporaryart.com/

 

St Nicholas Church Open Gardens

tbc July 2023

An afternoon of around 12 Open Gardens with refreshments and a plant sale, John Tuck will also be opening his art studio. The gardens are open from 11am-5pm, pick up a leaflet, including a map, at the Tourist Information Centre. For more information, please contact Steve Barber on steve.barber5@btinternet.com.

 

Norfolk Paint Out Competition

13th-20th July 2023

Paint Out™ is an art event aiming to redefine 21st century art practice. It’s an opportunity to brush up alongside new and familiar faces of the plein air art community. Challenge your creativity. Develop your skills. Come and capture the height of summer in county, city, coast, and countryside locations including Norwich, Norfolk seaside, inland Broads, seaport and market towns, historic houses and gardens, and over-the-border forays to Suffolk. There will be guest artists, painting demos, talks, socials, and art world judges.

www.paintout.org

 

Holt Festival

15th-29th July 2023

During festival week, briefly and dazzlingly, Holt is home to street performers, musicians, poets, actors, dancers, artists and comedians.  There are venues all over town, in pubs and hotels, in tents and school halls. There are performances at the church, the theatre, in the bookshop, and on the streets.

www.holtfestival.org

 

Wells Carnival

2nd-11th August 2024

For 2024, the carnival will be back to include Carnival day procession, Quay market, parade, sandcastle competition, crabbing competition, live music, beach party and more! The Carnival also includes a Historic Lifeboat Festival, and ends with the annual Lifeboat Service on the Quay.  Carnival Day is 10th August.  Please come and support the Carnival which raises funds for local charities.

www.wellscarnival.co.uk

 

Maritime Heritage Festival

3rd-4th August 2024

Local historic wooden working boats, including crab boats, whelkers and lifeboats, will gather for a display in Tugboat Yard.  There will be a stall showcasing Rescue Wooden Boats' charity work, as well as food and drink. A flotilla of wooden boats will steam out of the harbour and back.

www.rescuewoodenboats.com

 

North West Norfolk Sailing Week

29th July-5h August 2023

The North West Norfolk Sailing Association will be holding their annual regatta for National 12, Laser, Supernova and fast & slow handicap fleets, to include Sailing Clubs along the coast.

www.norfolkweek.co.uk

 

Worstead Festival

29th-30th July 2023

Well-loved attractions such as the local weavers’ group, the heavy horses and traditional farming machinery will be featured alongside new ventures including a food theatre to give local chefs the chance to demonstrate their talents. Music has always been an important part of the weekend’s celebrations and the main stage to showcase bands will remain, alongside other performance areas and a chance for you, the public, to have a go at some proper rural competitions - you know, chucking wellies and hay bales about and the like.

www.worsteadfestival.org

 

Lifeboat Carnival Special Open Day

2nd August 2023

There will be public access to walk around the boat from 10am-8pm and view the 'Launch a Memory' names on the bow.  The shop and Visitor Centre will be open, and volunteers will be on hand to chat about the new lifeboat and answer questions.

www.wellslifeboat.org/events

 

Reepham Festival

12th-13th August 2023

The Reepham Summer Music Festival offers something for everyone with bands, steam train rides, craft stalls and food stalls.

www.reephamfestival.co.uk

 

Houghton Festival

10th-13th August 2023

An art and music festival established in 2017

www.houghtonfestival.co.uk

 

Holkham Festival of Sport

11th-14th August 2023

Centred around a programme of core sports, Festival of Sport at Holkham Park provides an amazing opportunity for kids to try new sports for the first time whilst also receiving expert coaching and learning new skills in the sports they love.  Sports include rugby, hockey, cricket, football, gymnastics, netball, tennis, rowing, athletics, trampolining, boxing, archery, MMA, dodgeball and many more. Come and set up camp on Holkham Estate, and enjoy the attractions of the estate as well as the sporting fun.

festivalofsportuk.com

 

North Norfolk Music Festival

11th-18th August 2023

The festival is in it's eighteenth year, and welcome both international and local musicians to South Creake during the 12 day festival.  Concerts may be preceded by talks or a pre-concert supper.

www.northnorfolkmusicfestival.com

 

Wells Lifeboat Open Day

13th August 2023

There will be public access to walk around the boat from 10am-4pm and view the 'Launch a Memory' names on the bow.  The shop and Visitor Centre will be open, and volunteers will be on hand to chat about the new lifeboat and answer questions. This will be followed by the annual Lifeboat Service

www.wellslifeboat.org/events

 

Wells Annual Lifeboat Service

13th August 2023

Join crew, launchers and volunteers along with local residents and supporters on the Quay for the 62nd Annual Lifeboat Service at 5pm. Both lifeboats will be present along with a flotilla of local boats for a short service with hymns and readings, accompanied by Fakenham Town Band. Small boats are welcome to take part as a waterborne congregation, ideally anchored to the east of the pontoons leaving space for the all-weather lifeboat to manoeuvre. Printed service sheets will be provided, and a collection will be taken for the RNLI.

www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm

 

Wells Regatta

27th-28th August 2023

The annual regatta is organised by Wells Sailing Club and attracts visiting crews from all over the country.

www.wellssailingclub.co.uk

 

Christmas Tide Summer Fair

28th August 2023

The organisers of the Wells Christmas Tide Festival are holding a summer fair from 10am to raise funds towards the cost of hosting the event.  Join them on the Buttlands for food, craft stalls and entertainment. 

www.wellschristmastide.org.uk

 

Open Churches Week

tbc August 2023

Historic churches abound in Norfolk, with features including round towers and medieval glass.  There are special events and activities throughout the week including flower festivals; children's activities and author talks.

www.norfolkopenchurches.com

 

Active Fakenham Week & Ride North Norfolk Fakenham 25/50/100

20th-28th August 2023

August in Fakenham is a great chance to try new things or just join in with some community activities.  Get Active in Fakenham Week starts with a Launch Event in the market place with inflatables, a bungee run, tea and cakes in the square, activities and stalls aimed at showing what is to come in the following eight days.   The week is organised and hosted by local people and organisations to showcase what the town has to offer.

The Fakenham 25/50/100 is a selection of sociable, leisure cycle rides starting from the picturesque North Norfolk market town of Fakenham through some of the best gentle cycling routes in the country. It is a local ride that will end an exciting week of activities in and around the town. It is a registered British Cycling Sportive and takes place on 27th August

www.activefakenham.org.uk

 

Wighton Grand Duck Race

27th August 2023

The annual Grand Duck Race will take place at 3pm.  Ducks can be bought for £1 from the Carpenters Arms.  The start point is in the grounds of Water Hall, racing to the finish point by the road bridge.   

 

North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival

2nd-3rd September 2023

A weekend of celebration of food and drink in the grounds of Holkham Hall. During the festival, up to 60 of North Norfolk's finest food producers will be offering tastings and goods for sale. An added attraction is a rolling programme of cookery demonstrations, talks and demonstrations from local producers. 

www.northnorfolkfoodfestival.co.uk

 

NR23 artist exhibition

From 8th September 2023

Following their first exhibition last year, the NR23 group of artists are exhibiting again in The Maltings this year.  The group is made up of artists who live or work in the NR23 postcode area.

www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/nr23-art-group/

 

Newfoundland Dog Display

9th September 2023

After a two year break, see these remarkable dogs from East Anglian Working Newfoundlands back in action in Wells Quay in the afternoon. A collection for the RNLI will be taken and the inshore lifeboat will be present if available.

*Please note that the start time can vary a bit on the day depending on both the dogs and the tide so it's best to arrive a bit early and find somewhere with a good view.

www.eawn.uk 

 

Great British Beach Clean

15th-24th September 2023

Beachwatch is a national beach cleaning and litter surveying programme organised by the Marine Conservation Society - helping people all around the UK to care for their coastline.  Some of our best-loved marine wildlife is under threat from the waste and litter in our seas, with hundreds of species accidentally eating or becoming entangled in litter.  It's also dangerous for people and damaging to our tourism and fishing industries.  We all have a part to play in turning the tide on litter.  Join an event and be part of the most influential fight against marine litter in the UK! 

www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch

 

North Norfolk Triathlon

17th September 2023

An Olympic distance open water triathlon with the start and finish taking place at Wells Quay and staged by the Wells Harbour Maritime Trust.  The swim takes place in Wells Harbour with the support of the RNLI, the circular bike ride takes in local villages and the run follows the North Norfolk Coast Path and the beach.

North Norfolk Triathlon

 

Round Norfolk Relay

16th-17th September 2023

Join in or just spectate as this 197 mile continuous relay race, with 17 stages, passes along the North Norfolk Coast, with off road sections along the coastal footpath in Wells and surrounding villages.

www.roundnorfolkrelay.com

 

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios

23rd September-8th October 2023

Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is delivered by Norfolk & Norwich Festival in partnership with Norfolk artists for the benefit of Norfolk artists. Each year for the last 17 years, hundreds of artists scattered across the county have opened up their studios, homes, garden sheds and outhouses to the public to create a unique and personal visual arts event.

https://norfolkstudios.org.uk/

 

Dark Skies Festival

tbc September-October 2023

This is the third year of this festival hosted by the Norfolk Coast Partnership.  The festival is an opportunity to discover the wonders of our environment after dark and learn how we can do our bit to preserve the night skies.  There will be a variety of activities run by a range of partner organisations (RSBP, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and more) including bat evenings; star gazing and a guided night walk

www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk

 

WI Apple Day Country Market

19th October 2024

Enjoy preserves and produce from the Women's Institute. Accompanied by tea & cake and chat, and a book sale.

 

Fairyland Trust's Real Halloween

28th-29th October 2023

Discover the magic of nature at this lovely family event in Bradmoor Woods, West Acre. The Fairyland Trust exists to enable young children to get to know nature: giving them the ability to identify plants and flowers around them, and see the difference between one bird or animal, and another.  Research shows that when people really learn about nature when they are very young, they grow up better able and more motivated to protect it as adults.  So this is our vital mission.

www.fairylandtrust.org

 

Wells Lifeboat Guild Christmas Fair

4th November 2023

Attractions include Christmas Cards, cake stall, crafts, tombola, raffle, souvenirs and of course tea, coffee and refreshments. From 10am-1pm at the Congregational Hall, Clubbs Lane.

www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm

 

Wells Christmastide Festival

24th-26th November 2023

This event will include a Christmas Craft fair; Christmas Tree festival, living nativity, Christmas Carols on The Buttlands, and fireworks announcing the arrival of Father Christmas by sea.

www.wellschristmastide.org.uk

 

Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival

30th November-7th December 2023

From 10am – 8pm each day the Church is lit up by 90 Christmas Trees, each decorated for one of the 78 charities taking part.  Entrance is free but please bring a bag of coins so that you can donate money at your favourite charity tree(s). Charities range from national charities such as the British Heart Foundation to local schools and nurseries.

Throughout the Festival refreshments are available, including reasonably priced lunches and teas using local produce and home made cakes and scones. There is also a walk-through Festival Market selling many items for Christmas including Christmas cakes and cards.

christmastreefestival.co.uk

 

Carols from the Boathouse

17th December 2023

Join Wells RNLI for a Sunday Christmas Carol Service with the Fakenham Town Band. The service will take place at the boathouse at 6.30pm.  Refreshments will be available afterwards, including tea, coffee and mince pies.
http://www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm

 

Holkham Hall Carol Service

tbc 17th December 2023

The small church of St Withburga, opens it's doors to the public once a year for the annual carol service which starts at 11am.  Enjoy the service and the refreshments afterwards.

https://www.holkham.co.uk/events/details/st-withburgas-christmas-carol-service