Wells-next-the-Sea

After a 04:30 start from Lowestoft, the rain cleared up and the wind direction changed. Jen had a lie-in until 06:55, ready to take over the helm at 07:00. Pete's military planning (he was in the Swedish marines) got us to the West Cardinal outer mark at the entrance to Wells at 15:32, two minutes later than planned. After an eleven-hour sail, I was mightily impressed.

The harbour master guided Rimau through the 17 channel markers over the radio, and we were greeted by two friendly faces on the pontoon. Ross and Ruth filmed a video of us coming into Wells - this can be accessed here. They then assisted us as we researched the local pubs and fish and chip shops. This place is absolutely awesome! We leave at 4:30 am tomorrow for Grimsby.

🐾 Dog-Friendliness of Wells Harbour

• Harbour/Mooring Policy: Dogs are welcome aboard and on the pontoon; leads are required at all times when ashore.

• Pontoon Facilities: No specific dog facilities (e.g. no dedicated bins on pontoon), but it's a short walk to green areas and the town.

• Access: The quay and town centre are within a few minutes' walk, offering good walking and dog-friendly businesses.

• Local Attitude: Very dog-friendly town — most shops and cafés allow dogs or have outdoor seating with water bowls.

🌳 Best Dog Walks in and Around Wells-next-the-Sea

1. Wells Beach via Beach Road or Pinewoods

• Distance: ~1.3 miles from harbour (25 min walk or ride on the little dog-friendly beach train)

• Details: One of the best dog-walking beaches in the UK. Long, sandy stretches backed by pinewoods and dunes. Svea couldn't help herself but jump into the sea and show us how shallow the water got at low water (see pic).

• Dog Notes:

  • Large year-round off-lead zone to the west (clearly marked).

  • Small restricted zone (for dogs on leads) directly in front of beach huts.

  • Dog bins available at multiple points.

2. Holkham Bay & Holkham Hall Estate

• Distance: ~2.5 miles west (walkable along the beach or 10 min drive)

• Details: Vast open sands at low tide, pine forests, and the majestic grounds of Holkham Hall. Stunning views again and plenty of shelter in the forest if it rains.

• Dog Notes:

  • Holkham Beach is dog-friendly year-round, but seasonal signs request dogs to be on leads during ground-nesting bird season (April–Aug).

  • Holkham Park welcomes dogs on leads — beautiful lake and woodland trails.

3. East Quay to Warham Salt Marshes

• Distance: ~2–3 miles round trip

• Details: Scenic saltmarsh trail east of the harbour along the Norfolk Coast Path. Tranquil and less frequented.

• Dog Notes:

  • Best kept on lead due to wildlife and grazing livestock.

  • Bin near start of path, but not along trail.

4. Pinewoods Woodland Walks

• Distance: Adjacent to Wells Beach

• Details: Network of trails among Corsican and Scots pine trees, ideal for shade and a quieter route to the beach.

• Dog Notes: Excellent off-lead area if under control. Popular with dog walkers.

  
  

🐕‍🦺 Dog-Friendly Cafés & Pubs in Wells

• The Wells Beach Café (near car park at the beach) Exceptionally dog-friendly, with free water bowls, dog treats, and even doggy ice cream.

• Harbour View Extremely dog friendly with dog bowls, treats and even blankets for the dogs (Sorry Ross). A short 2 min walk from the marina.

• The Globe Inn (on The Buttlands) Inside and outside dog-friendly. Very popular with visiting sailors and walkers.

• Wells Deli (Staithe Street) Welcomes dogs inside, lovely for coffee and light bites.

✅ Summary

Feature	Assessment
Harbour Policy	Dogs welcome on leads
Walks Nearby	Exceptional coastal and woodland walks
Beach Access	Extensive off-lead zones, minimal restrictions
Pubs & Cafés	Very dog-welcoming town
Off-lead Spaces	Yes – Pinewoods, Wells Beach, Holkham Bay

🧭 Top tips

• The walk to Wells Beach is a must-do — especially early morning before it gets busy.

• Tide & mooring tip: The outer harbour dries, so plan walks based on pontoon access times. Town Quay pontoon is ideal for larger yachts and perfect for watching the tide ebb and flow against the infamous Lifeboat horse. The Quay itself is, however, full of children crabbing in the summer so can get quite noisy.

• There’s a dog-friendly Coastliner bus that can take you west to Holkham, Burnham Market, and Brancaster if you want a day trip inland.