Wells-next-the-Sea was one of England's great ports and today its harbour is the only commercially viable port in north Norfolk. The name 'Wells' derives from the old word 'welles' which means a clear spring of which Wells used to have many. The addition of 'next-the-Sea' was to distinguish the town from villages in Norfolk with the same name. In the mid 19th century, the Holkham Estate reclaimed the salt-marsh north-west of Wells and built a mile-long sea wall which caused rapid silting. The beach is now reached by road and by a narrow gauge railway and is backed by dense pine woods, a nature reserve and a land-locked pool which is used for pleasure boating.
One of the finest residential areas in Wells-next-the-Sea is The Buttlands, a large, rectangular green, ringed by lime trees and elegant Georgian houses, together with the Crown Hotel, Globe Inn and Wells Catholic Church. Houses for sale in Wells-next-the-Sea are a mixture of styles and periods and include two-bedroom bungalows and terraced cottages; Victorian and Edwardian terraced cottages offering three bedrooms; and larger properties such as converted commercial premises, linked and detached 18th century houses, architect-designed new-build detached houses, and the occasional Grade II listed building.
For details of flats for sale in Wells-next-the-Sea and for all cottages and houses, please contact Wells-next-the-Sea estate agents.
Amenities for property in Wells-next-the-Sea
Local services include a cottage hospital, health centre, Barclays Bank, post office and library. There are half a dozen pubs in the village, several restaurants and tea rooms, and great fish 'n' chips. For school-age children there is Wells-next-the-Sea Primary and Nursery School, and Alderman Peel High School.
Transport in Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea is off the A149 coastal road midway between Hunstanton and Sheringham. The railway station in Sheringham is 18 miles to the east and offers an hourly service to Norwich via Cromer, with a journey time of 54mins. Local buses provide services to Fakenham, King's Lynn and Sheringham.
Surrounding areas
While searching for property to buy or property to rent in Wells-next-the-Sea, which is covered by postcode NR23, you may also wish to consider Hunstanton, King's Lynn, Downham Market, Fakenham, Holt, Sheringham, and Cromer.
house, 4 bedrooms
A spacious high specification individual detached house occupying a corner plot with outstanding panoramic rural and sea views. The property is currently successfully holiday let and is offered...
house, 2 bedrooms
Terraced 2 bedroom cottage with 2 parking spaces and courtyard garden within walking distance of town centre.
house, 2 bedrooms
An attractive Norfolk cottage offering not only a first floor bathroom but, also an en-suite, two reception rooms, off road parking and a courtyard garden all within moments of the Quay.
house, 4 bedrooms
A prestigious, stunning, four bedroom family house which has been tastefully designed and has a high quality internal specification. There are delightful rural views from the front aspect first...
house, 3 bedrooms
Located just off East Quay, is this period, link-detached, three storey house with well presented accommodation including a kitchen, open-plan sitting and garden room, three bedrooms and two...
house, 2 bedrooms
An attractive, three storey, end of terrace house, with well presented accommodation comprising entrance hall, shower room, cloakroom, open-plan sitting/dining room, kitchenette and two bedrooms,...
house, 3 bedrooms
A cottage style brick and flint house offering three bedroom accommodation upon the edge of Wells. The property benefits from two reception rooms, garage, parking and south facing gardens.
house, 4 bedrooms
A spacious high specification detached house occupying a corner plot with outstanding panoramic rural and sea views. The property is currently successfully holiday let and is offered fully...
flat, 2 bedrooms
Situated on the first floor, this apartment has spacious accommodation and fine uninterrupted views over the Quay and marshes, towards the sea. The accommodation includes an open-plan...
house, 5 bedrooms
Tucked away just off Church Street is this traditional period terraced house, which has been tastefully modernised and offers spacious accommodation over three floors. Large sitting room,...