A pretty little seaside town renowned for its picturesque harbour and expansive sandy beaches has been named one of the best in the UK “to find joy”. Located in Norfolk lies the charming town of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Rough Guides recently highlighted two UK destinations among its list of 25 top places worldwide to “find joy” in 2025. One of these is Wells-next-the-Sea—a beloved spot for travellers looking to unwind or embrace a little adventure. In particular, the guide celebrates the “joy of being kind to strangers” in Wells-next-the-Sea, inspired by a reader’s heartwarming experience: after lending a hand to an elderly gentleman during their visit, they received a generous thank-you in the form of local tips from his daughter, enriching their stay in the area.
They said: “We followed her advice to the letter and our holiday was much richer for it! I learned even when you’re holidaying in your own country, there are treasures to uncover when you take time to connect with local people.”
So, what’s make this town so special?
Wells Beach is celebrated for its expansive golden sands and charming, vibrant beach huts, offering the perfect setting for leisurely walks, birdwatching, or simply taking in the peaceful coastal scenery.
Nestled within the Holkham National Nature Reserve – an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the beach is rich in wildlife and natural splendor. Nearby, the lively harbour continues to operate as a working fishing port, where visitors can watch boats drift in and out. It’s also a hotspot for crabbing, a beloved pastime among families.
Apart from this, the tiny town is also home to a mix of independent shops, cosy cafes, and traditional pubs. It offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of local charm. The town is steeped in history, with landmarks like St. Nicholas’ Church and the Old Granary.
The TripAdvisor forum has also been bustling with positive reviews from visitors who have been to the pretty town.
One of the users wrote: “Always a pleasure walking along this beach with the dogs. It’s always very clean and (off season) is always quiet. You do need to be careful not to get cut off by a rising tide if walking out to the sea near the inlet, but a check of tide times will avoid that.”
A second person commented: “Absolutely beautiful place. The sun was shining. I would highly recommend Wells next. The sea is fantastic for crabbing. Beautiful walk to the sea with a 1851 bus journey back. Beautiful views.”
A third user chimed in: “Pretty town with a great selection of places to eat and drink. The high street and town in general is populated by a variety of independent shops. If you are looking for a Greggs or a Wetherspoons and endless amusement arcades, then this isn’t the place for you. Try Skegness!
“The beach itself is a 10-15 minute stroll along a path that runs alongside the estuary. It’s all on the flat and a pleasant walk. When you arrive at the beach, there are seperate areas where dogs are and aren’t allowed. The beach huts add charm to what is a lovely sandy beach with a cafe area behind it serving some good food.
“From here you can pick up the coastal path which takes you through the marshes and woods to Holkham. It’s about three miles but not especially challenging given that it’s all on the flat. Overall it’s a charming little seaside town with plenty to offer that has maintained its character.”