Weekend In…Wells-Next-The-Sea

North Norfolk is home to a string of picturesque cottage-filled towns set back from the sea, and Wells-next-the-Sea is perfectly placed to explore more than one of them.

The big draw of Wells-next the-Sea is, of course, its brightly coloured beach huts. They hug the tree-line on the town’s expansive sandy beach and are nothing short of iconic. But there’s so much more to this North Norfolk settlement and its surrounding communities than what first meets a beach-lover’s eye.

Nestled behind one-mile-wide salt marshes, a maze of higgledy piggledy streets is home to a host of independent shops, cafés, fishmongers, grocers and delis. From west of Wells an A road leads to Hunstanton, passing through Burnham Deepdale, Brancaster and Titchwell, all of which are rich with stone-built cottages, foodie hotspots and a close-knit community atmosphere. The area is also famed for its abundant bird-life and seasonal seal pups, so if you’re in search of nature’s creatures then ensure you visit at the right time of year.

FRIDAY PM

2 PM FIRST THINGS FIRST

On more than one occasion I have been known to follow my stomach, and this is no exception. On arriving in Wells my hungry tum leads me to French’s, which I’ve been told serves the best fish and chips in town. The chippie’s plaice is melt-in-the mouth and views of the bustling quay outside make the meal even more enjoyable (01328 710396, frenchs.co.uk). Just around the corner is my cottage for the weekend, Sea Pink, so I settle in and nibble on the homemade cookies that owner Zoe has freshly made for my stay.

7 PM KINGLY COURSES