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.)

The naturalist W.H. Hudson (1841-1922) visited Wells in 1912 to gather material for his book Adventures Among Birds and had this to say about the area:
 

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.

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.

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

Links:

Wells-next-the-Sea Poetry Festival

Wells-next-the Sea

Wells Harbour