Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is a coastal town in North Norfolk, England, where a working harbor filled with small fishing boats connects via a long walking path to a sandy beach lined with colored huts. The settlement sits between these two water-focused spaces that define its character.

The town appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Guella, a name derived from the fresh water springs that flowed through glacial chalk beneath the settlement. These natural sources shaped both its early identity and its modern name.

A steel sculpture made from whisky barrels depicts the Lifeboat Horse in the harbor, honoring the animals that once hauled rescue boats to sea. It reflects how deeply these working creatures were woven into the town's connection to the water.

A narrow-gauge railway runs between the town center and the beach area during summer months, offering an optional way to travel between these spaces. Walking is easy here due to the flat terrain and straightforward layout of the settlement.

The Buttlands green space features Georgian-era buildings and lime trees arranged around a traditional community gathering point. This 18th-century plaza remains a place where locals and visitors naturally pause and gather.