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In Jolly Sailor Cottage we've left a a wide range of local booklets and information you may enjoy or find useful - you can also check out Wells-next-the-Sea on the Wellsguide website. The North Norfolk coast can easily be explored from Wells using the North Norfolk Coastal Path, or by buses along the North Norfolk Coast. Please also see our Events Calendar below to find out what is on in the area during your stay (dates are updated as soon as they are published).
Due to the changes that businessses have made during Coronavirus, please contact venues directly before arranging visits. You can also visit the Tourist Office to check if events are taking place.
Local Events Throughout the YearWells Lifeboat Station Shop and Visitor CentreThe new Shannon lifeboat has arrived and is fully operational. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, the shop and visitor centre is open from Friday to Monday from 10am to 4pm in peak season (check the website for opening hours at other times). The side of the Shannon lifeboat can be viewed from the gallery during these times. It is also possible to book group tours, but these have proved very popular and are dependant on volunteers being available to show you around. www.wellslifeboat.org/visit.htm
Holkham Cricket Club, weekend matches May - SeptemberCricket has been played in the park since the early 1840s, and Holkham currently boasts three sides that are quite independent of one another. The lion's share of the matches are played by Holkham Cricket Club. This is not to be confused with the Holkham estate team, made up entirely of staff from the estate, which plays a handful of matches, some against other estates. Finally there are the Nubian Ostriches, an invitation side skippered by Tom Coke himself, playing just the occasional match. Holkham Cricket Fixture List is published in late Spring. For more information go to Holkham Hall
Holkham Parkrun, Saturday morningsJoin in this 5km run and join hundreds of Parkrunners across the country. This is a free, weekly timed run at 9am each Saturday morning. This is a non-competitive event so can run, jog, walk with your dog or child in a buggy, there is no age limit for the young or old. Car parking at the hall is free for participants.
Holkham Beach CleansRegular datesHolkham Reserve hold regular beach cleans with corporate groups; staff litter pick Wells beach daily; and many visitors pick up litter as they walk through the reserve. The most frequently found items are small pieces of plastic (under 2.5cm), string and cord from the fishing industry, and plastic bottles. This is a volunteer Beach Clean morning, where you can help remove the plastic which is becoming more of a hazard to wildlife. Meet the warden at the top of Lady Anne's Drive at 10am, finish at noon. Tel: 01328 713111. Visit https://www.facebook.com/NorfolkBeachCleans
The North Norfolk Dance Festival14th-17th April 2025Formerly the Cromer & North Norfolk Festival of Music, Dance & Speech, this is an annual event and is part of the North Norfolk Festival of Performing Arts. This local charity has a long history of providing opportunities and accessibility to performers of all abilities where dancers showcase their talent under concert conditions in a friendly environment. Held in North Walsham, with the expert guidance from professional adjudicators, it is intended that all performers find the event welcoming and instructive.
Sonrise Service, Easter Day Wells Beach20th April 2025Join the Sonrise Service at 7am on the beach by the Lifeboat House. Hot chocolate and hot cross buns after the service.
Wighton Scarecrow Festival3rd-5th May 2025The Festival is held annually over the May bank holiday weekend. The festival includes scarecrow building, scarecrow displays and refreshments. The vintage tractor show and Coronation Crank-Up 'road-run' will take place on 12th May. The road run will start at 10am from the playing field, returning at 1.30pm. There will be a pulling competition, stationary engines, raffle and burger van on the field until 2.30pm
Wells Lifeboat Guild Fair5th May 2025Attractions at the annual May Fayre include plant stall, cake stall, tombola, raffle, RNLI souvenirs and of course tea, coffee and refreshments. From 10am-1pm at the Congregational Hall, Clubbs Lane. www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm
80th anniverary of VE Day8th May 2025To remember the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, a beacon will be lit in the Quay.
Cromer Crab and Lobster Festival16th-18th May 2025The Crab & Lobster Festival is a weekend celebration of the coastal towns of Sheringham and Cromer - the unrivalled combination of North Norfolk's premier seaside towns. A feast of fun, food, art, music and entertainment https://cromercrabandlobsterfestival.co.uk/
Sharpie Racing17th-18th May 2025Lester Southerland Tiller. Sharpie crews will be racing from Brancaster Sailing Club.
Sharpie Open Meeting24th-25th May 2025Sharpie crews will be racing from Burnham Overy Staithe.
North Norfolk Studios 2025 (previously Open Studios)24th May-8th June 2025Meet the artists on this colourful coast art trail, featuring the first Wells art trail. Studios are open daily from 10am-4.30pm, including one which is just around the corner from the cottage. There are 14 artists exhibiting, 7 in their own studios, and 7 in the Handa Gallery at the Maltings - these artists are part of the NR23 group of artists. See the website for details of artists and locations. www.northnorfolkstudios.co.uk/trails/wells-next-the-sea
Fairyland Trust's Fairy Fairtbc 25th-26th May 2025Discover the magic of nature at this lovely family event in Bradmoor Woods, West Acre. There will be fairy fun, live music and entertainment. Explore the woods, visit the model fairy garden, enjoy shows and storytelling, and take part in creative workshops.
Christmastide Spring Fair26th May 2025The organisers of the Wells Christmas Tide Festival are holding a stall on the Buttlands as part of the Spring Fair. The fair runs from 10am-5pm
Cley Callingtbc Throughout June 2025Cley Calling is a festival run by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. The theme this summer is 30 Days Wild and we ask the nation to do one 'wild' thing a day every day throughout June. Daily wild activities can be anything you like - you might be pond dipping on Tuesday, sketching birds on Thursday or having a mindful nature walk on Friday! Alongside benefiting your local wildlife, taking part in 30 Days Wild is scientifically proven to make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to nature!
This June at Cley, we are focusing on 30 Days Wild for our Cley Calling Festival – 30 Days Cley. Join us for a whole range of activities throughout June, and a jam-packed festival weekend of nature activities from Wednesday 5 - Sunday 9 June. From Friday 14 - Sunday 16 June, we will host a Big Wild Weekend, with free entry to a number of our reserves. https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/whats/cley-calling
Norfolk Superhero Challenge14th June 2025The Norfolk Superhero Challenge is a unique quadrathlon event held annually at Burnham Overy Staithe. The event is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, from more experienced athletes who want to push themselves to the limit to individuals who may be first time quadrathletes and wish to set themselves a new challenge and improve their fitness.
NGS: Open Gardenstbc June 2025A group of five gardens will be open for the National Garden Scheme from 11am-5pm. The gardens are in a line running from Market Lane, along Burnt Street through to Church Street. Refreshments will be available at The Old Rectory, Church Street. Admission to all five gardens is £6 payable at any of the gardens.
Wheels Next The Seatbc June 2025The annual Wells motorcycle show returns to Wells for it's 14th show. The show, organised by Wells Town Football Club, includes Best Bike presentations, refreshments, trade and dealer stands...as well as being a good day out for all.
St Nicholas Church Open Gardenstbc June 2025Tour participating gardens in this annual event. Take a stroll behind garden walls using the map from the Tourist Information Centre. Tickets are £5 and refreshments will be available. For more information contact Steve & Jane Barber steve.barber5@btinternet.com
North Norfolk Exhibition Project - Wighton253rd July-3rd August 2025In the absence of a public gallery, the North Norfolk Exhibition Project was established in 2000 by a group of Norfolk artists for the benefit of the general public and has since then staged an annual exhibition supported by workshops and events. The project became a registered charity in 2014 and is currently run by twelve trustees, both artists and non artists supported by enthusiastic volunteers. The full exhibition will be held in it's home of Wighton Church. https://nnepcontemporaryart.com/
Potty Morris & Folk Festival5th-6th July 2025Join the Sheringham 'Lobster Potties' morris dancers for the annual 'Potty' festival featuring morris sides from all over the U.K. and Europe to take part. This years festival features some twenty teams of varying styles will be in the town delighting hundreds of visitors and residents alike
Norfolk Paint Out Competitiontbc July 2025In 2024, Paint Out has moved to Suffolk. Hopefully back to Norfolk in 2025.
Five Churches Festival9th-13th July 2025The quintet of churches in the Glaven Valley play host to a five-day programme of music. The schedule includes events at the churches in Blakeney, Wiveton, Cley, Letheringsett and Glandford.
Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios12th-27th July 2025Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is delivered by Norfolk & Norwich Festival in partnership with Norfolk artists for the benefit of Norfolk artists. 2025 is their 30th anniversary. Artists at all stages of their careers take part, from school and college students through to emerging artists and established and professional artists. Each year artists welcome visitors into their working space – this might be in their own home, studio, garage/shed or garden – to share their work and skills and sell their art. Studios are free to visit and visitors don’t need to book in advance, unless they are a large group. https://norfolkstudios.org.uk/
Holt Festivaltbc July 2026The festival has been cancelled this year, and hopes to return in 2026.
Pedal Norfolk Festival20th July 2025The Pedal Norfolk Festival at Holkham Hall is designed to celebrate all the things we love about our cycling lifestyle. Our two day festival gives you the opportunity to ride upto 250 miles with road, gravel and ultra-sportive events plus on-site street food, live & set music and Adnams bar on Saturday evening. thepedalrevolution.co.uk/pedalnorfolkfestival
North West Norfolk Sailing Weektbc July 2025The North West Norfolk Sailing Association will be holding their annual regatta for National 12, Laser, Supernova and fast & slow handicap fleets, to include Sailing Clubs along the coast.
Worstead Festival26th-27th July 2025Well-loved attractions such as the local weavers’ group, the heavy horses and traditional farming machinery will be featured alongside new ventures including a food theatre to give local chefs the chance to demonstrate their talents. Music has always been an important part of the weekend’s celebrations and the main stage to showcase bands will remain, alongside other performance areas and a chance for you, the public, to have a go at some proper rural competitions - you know, chucking wellies and hay bales about and the like.
Wells Carnival1st-10th August 2025For 2025, the carnival will be back to include Carnival day procession, Quay market, parade, sandcastle competition, crabbing competition, live music, beach party and more! The Carnival also includes a Historic Lifeboat Festival, and ends with the annual Lifeboat Service on the Quay. Carnival Day is 9th August. Please come and support the Carnival which raises funds for local charities.
Maritime Heritage Festival2nd-3rd August 2025Local historic wooden working boats, including crab boats, whelkers and lifeboats, will gather for a display in Tugboat Yard. In 2024 there was a record turnout of 25 boats. There will be a stall showcasing Rescue Wooden Boats' charity work, as well as food and drink. A flotilla of wooden boats will steam out of the harbour and back at 5pm on the Saturday.
Wells Lifeboat Open Daytbc August 2025There will be public access to walk around the boat from 10am-4pm and view the 'Launch a Memory' names on the bow. The shop and Visitor Centre will be open, and volunteers will be on hand to chat about the new lifeboat and answer questions. This will be followed by the annual Lifeboat Service
Houghton Festival7th-10th August 2025An art and music festival established in 2017. Set amongst the sycamore trees, a lake, deer and one of the world’s great sculpture parks, Houghton Festival is a hedonistic playground, celebrating live and electronic music across four days on the charming and beautiful grounds of Houghton Hall. Founded, directed and curated by artist, DJ and Central St Martins alumni Craig Richards, the festival reflects his vision of how a festival should be, with attention to detail and high standards throughout.
Gone Wild Festival7th-10th August 2025Join Bear Grylls at Holkham Hall for 4 action-packed days of camping, activities and live performances. Bring the family for an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors.
North Norfolk Music Festival8th-16th August 2025The festival welcomes both international and local musicians to South Creake during the 12 day festival. Concerts may be preceded by talks or a pre-concert supper. www.northnorfolkmusicfestival.com
Reepham Festival9th-10th August 2025The Reepham Summer Music Festival offers something for everyone with bands, steam train rides, craft stalls and food stalls.
Sharpie European Championships10th-15th August 2025Sharpie crews will be racing from Brancaster Sailing Club.
Active Fakenham Week & Ride North Norfolk Fakenham 25/50/100tbc August 2025August in Fakenham is a great chance to try new things or just join in with some community activities. Get Active in Fakenham Week starts with a Launch Event in the market place with inflatables, a bungee run, tea and cakes in the square, activities and stalls aimed at showing what is to come in the following eight days. The week is organised and hosted by local people and organisations to showcase what the town has to offer. Ride North Norfolk is a selection of sociable, leisure cycle rides starting from the picturesque North Norfolk market town of Fakenham through some of the best gentle cycling routes in the country. It is a local ride that will end an exciting week of activities in and around the town. It is a registered British Cycling Sportive and takes place on 25th August
Wells Annual Lifeboat Servicetbc August 2025Join crew, launchers and volunteers along with local residents and supporters on the Quay for the 64th Annual Lifeboat Service at 6pm. Both lifeboats will be present along with a flotilla of local boats for a short service with hymns and readings, accompanied by Fakenham Town Band. Small boats are welcome to take part as a waterborne congregation, ideally anchored to the east of the pontoons leaving space for the all-weather lifeboat to manoeuvre. Printed service sheets will be provided, and a collection will be taken for the RNLI. www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm
Wells Regatta24th-26th August 2025The annual regatta is organised by Wells Sailing Club and attracts visiting crews from all over the country.
Christmas Tide Summer Fair25th August 2025The organisers of the Wells Christmas Tide Festival are holding a summer fair from 10am to raise funds towards the cost of hosting the event. Join them on the Buttlands for food, craft stalls and entertainment.
Open Churches Weektbc August 2025Historic churches abound in Norfolk, with features including round towers and medieval glass. There are special events and activities throughout the week including flower festivals; children's activities and author talks.
Wighton Grand Duck Race25th August 2025The annual Grand Duck Race will take place at 3pm by the bridge. Ducks can be bought for £1 from the Carpenters Arms.
North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival30th-31st August 2025A weekend of celebration of food and drink in the grounds of Holkham Hall. During the festival, up to 60 of North Norfolk's finest food producers will be offering tastings and goods for sale. An added attraction is a rolling programme of cookery demonstrations, talks and demonstrations from local producers. www.northnorfolkfoodfestival.co.uk
NR23 artist exhibition4th-14th September 2025The NR23 group of artists are exhibiting again in The Maltings this year. The group is made up of artists who live or work in the NR23 postcode area. www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/nr23-art-group/
Newfoundland Dog Displaytbc September 2025See these remarkable dogs from East Anglian Working Newfoundlands back in action in Wells Quay in the afternoon. A collection for the RNLI will be taken and the inshore lifeboat will be present if available. *Please note that the start time can vary a bit on the day depending on both the dogs and the tide so it's best to arrive a bit early and find somewhere with a good view.
Round Norfolk Relay13th-14th September 2025Join in or just spectate as this 197 mile continuous relay race, with 17 stages, passes along the North Norfolk Coast, with off road sections along the coastal footpath in Wells and surrounding villages.
Great British Beach Clean19th-28th September 2025Beachwatch is a national beach cleaning and litter surveying programme organised by the Marine Conservation Society - helping people all around the UK to care for their coastline. Some of our best-loved marine wildlife is under threat from the waste and litter in our seas, with hundreds of species accidentally eating or becoming entangled in litter. It's also dangerous for people and damaging to our tourism and fishing industries. We all have a part to play in turning the tide on litter. Join an event and be part of the most influential fight against marine litter in the UK!
Dark Skies FestivalOctober 2024-April 2025A series of events to discover the wonders of our environment after dark and learn how we can do our bit to preserve the night skies. There will be a variety of activities run by a range of partner organisations (RSBP, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and more) including bat evenings; star gazing and a guided night walk
North Norfolk Festival of Literature and Landscape3rd-5th October 2025A festival based in Wells Maltings celebrating the arts and the unique natural heritage of North Norfolk. Readings and discussions; exhibition; creative workshops and guided walks www.literatureandlandscape.org
Wells WI Apple Day Country Marketdate tbc October 2025Enjoy preserves and produce from the Women's Institute. Accompanied by tea & cake and chat, and a book sale.
Fairyland Trust's Real Halloweendate tbc October 2025Discover the magic of nature at this lovely family event in Bradmoor Woods, West Acre. The Fairyland Trust exists to enable young children to get to know nature: giving them the ability to identify plants and flowers around them, and see the difference between one bird or animal, and another. Research shows that when people really learn about nature when they are very young, they grow up better able and more motivated to protect it as adults. So this is our vital mission.
100th anniverary of the formation of the Royal Observer Corps29th October 2025The Royal Observer Corps (formally the Observer Corp) was founded in 1925 following the end of World War I, before the development of radar. The Corps was under the control of the Air Ministry and by 1939 Great Britain was covered with outlook posts and groups. The post in Wells was on the lane near the cemetery. When World War II broke out, the Corps manned their posts 24 hours a day to forewarn the RAF of German raids. In the 1950s, as the Cold War developed, the Corps used underground posts to monitor and report on any nuclear fall-out. To remember this anniversary, a beacon will be lit in the Quay.
Wells Lifeboat Guild Christmas Fairdate tbc November 2025Attractions include RNLI Christmas Cards, cake stall, tombola, raffle, souvenirs and of course tea, coffee and refreshments. From 10am-1pm at the Congregational Hall, Clubbs Lane. www.wellslifeboat.org/events.htm
Wells Christmastide Festival21st-22nd November 2025This event will include a Christmas Craft fair; Christmas Tree festival, living nativity, Christmas Carols on The Buttlands, and fireworks announcing the arrival of Father Christmas by sea for the switching on of the Christmas lights.
Fakenham Christmas Tree Festival27th November-4th December 2025From 10am – 8pm each day the Church is lit up by 90 Christmas Trees, each decorated for one of the 78 charities taking part. Entrance is free but please bring a bag of coins so that you can donate money at your favourite charity tree(s). Charities range from national charities such as the British Heart Foundation to local schools and nurseries. Throughout the Festival refreshments are available, including reasonably priced lunches and teas using local produce and home made cakes and scones. There is also a walk-through Festival Market selling many items for Christmas including Christmas cakes and cards.
Carols from the Boathousetbc 21st December 2025Join Wells RNLI for a Sunday Christmas Carol Service with the Fakenham Town Band. The service will take place at the boathouse at 3.30pm. Please be aware that parking charges will apply in the Beach Road car park. Refreshments will be available afterwards, including tea, coffee and mince pies.
Holkham Hall Carol Servicetbc 21st December 2025The small church of St Withburga, opens it's doors to the public once a year for the annual carol service which starts at 11am. Enjoy the service and the refreshments afterwards. |
