Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells lies in the North Norfolk coast between Holkham and Stiffkey. Wells has been a working harbour since at least the 13th Century and contains a wealth of ancient buildings, narrow streets and stunning Norfolk views.

If you've watched Stephen Fry's Kingdom - you'll be familiar with the quayside as it was used as a location for the fictional town of Market Shipborough. (The other main location being Swaffham.)

Crab fishing at Wells quay

Beach huts at Wells

The poet Edwin Brock spent a lot of time on the North Norfolk coast while recuperating from a stroke and in his poem Postcard from Wells-next-the Sea he sums up the beauty of the location:
 

This stretch of the North Norfolk coast is particularly popular with holidaymakers and, as a result, is less 'wild' than it used to be, but the area is still beautiful and relatively unspoilt. The beach at Wells - which forms part of Holkham Bay - is particularly spectacular.

Sky, sand and sea at Wells

Wells also hosts an annual poetry festival which was founded by Kevin Crossley-Holland (see Burnham Overy Staithe). Speakers and contributors have included: Ronald Blythe, Richard Mabey and Kit Wright.

Wells also has a number of other literary connections: Chris Sugden (alias Sid Kipper) lived in Wells for a number of years when his was a child; in his book The Story of a Norfolk Farm (1941) Henry Williamson (who lived at nearby Stiffkey) transformed Wells into Whelk-next-the-Sea and the poet and journalist Bernard Phillips used to run The Moorings restaurant in the town.
 

Links:

Wells-next-the-Sea Poetry Festival

Wells-next-the Sea

Wells Harbour