Wells Next The Sea Beach

The beach at Wells-next-the-Sea is one of those proper Norfolk stretches where you actually feel like you've stepped back in time. Long shingle, the kind that crunches satisfyingly underfoot, runs for miles in both directions. Behind it sits the old wooden pier - not the grandest thing you'll see, but it's got character, and it's genuinely worth a wander to the end if the weather's being kind.

What strikes you most is the light. It's bright and clean in a way that makes you understand why painters have come here for centuries. The beach is backed by soft sand dunes and marram grass rather than tacky amusement arcades, which is a relief. You can walk for ages without hitting crowds, even in summer.

The tide matters here - it goes out a long way, revealing vast stretches of wet sand and mudflats. Low tide is best if you want to explore. At high water it's more compact, but still perfectly decent for a swim if you're brave enough. Water's cold though, even July.

Families will find it works well for building things, paddling, and letting kids run about. It's not the most dramatic coastline going, but that's partly the appeal - relaxed rather than show-offy. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're just here for the beach itself, though you could easily tack on a proper walk along the coast or into Wells town for lunch.

Both Pinewoods Holiday Park and The Norfolk Brickyard are genuinely close by, making this an obvious day-out base if you're staying on the park holidays in the area.