A beautiful coastal town in the UK famous for its picturesque harbour and expansive sandy beaches has been named one of the country’s best “to find joy”. Wells-next-the-Sea is a charming coastal town located in Norfolk, England.
Rough Guides have recently named two places in the UK among 25 of the very best spots in the world where to “find joy” in 2025. Among the two mentioned is Wells-next-the-Sea, which is a popular destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The guide recommends the “joy of being kind to strangers” in Wells-next-the-Sea, following a story from a reader who had helped an elderly man while on holiday there and, to say thank you, his daughter had given them loads of local recommendations while they were staying 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.”
And the town ticks all the boxes.
Wells Beach is renowned for its golden sands and colorful beach huts. It’s ideal for walking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the serene coastal views.
The beach is part of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, which is a haven for wildlife and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The bustling harbour remains an active fishing port and is a great spot to watch boats coming and going. You can also enjoy crabbing, a favourite activity for families.
Not only that, but Wells-next-the-Sea also has 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 amazing reviews from the travellers who have been to the pretty town.
One person wrote: “We went to wells next to sea yesterday was absolutely beautiful! Defiantly reminded me of my childhood again. Beautiful beach very clean and so are the pine forests! The smell is amazing! We stayed at Manor Park in Hunstanton the beach is around 30/40 minuet drive. Ample parking around the centre harbour and down near the beach.”
A second user commented: “An Autumnal walk along this beach is pure joy. Very quiet in November, acres of golden sand to enjoy. It’s an easy walk (about 1 mile) from the town center which takes you over the marshes on a (buggy friendly) tarmac path. Look out for the Lifeboat Horse, made from steel bars and whisky barrels, which was created as a tribute to the horses that once pulled the town’s lifeboat more than two miles from the quay to Holkham Gap.”
The other British town mentioned by Rough Guide as perfect to find joy at next year is Pembrokeshire, in Wales.