Start your morning at Bang at the top of Staithe Street (www.banginwells.co.uk), a bright and welcoming space. The menu is designed to set you up for the day, from full English breakfasts with locally sourced sausages and bacon, to chorizo Benedict, fluffy pancakes, or kiln roast salmon with scrambled eggs. Vegetarians and vegans will find thoughtful options, and drinks range from locally roasted coffee to rich hot chocolate. It’s the kind of place where you can linger and watch the town wake up. Book ahead as it’s popular with locals and visitors alike.

Wander down the bustling main high street, where you’ll find an array of independent shops perfect for winter browsing. Glitter & Mud (www.glitterandmud.co.uk) is full of quirky treasures, while Nomad & the bowerbird (www.nomadandthebowerbird.co.uk) brings stylish clothing, jewellery, and accessories. Home care and wellbeing brand Norfolk Natural Living (www.norfolknaturalliving.com) offers botanically inspired soaps and candles; Ocotillo adds a splash of colour with eclectic home gifts, and Bringing the outside in (www.nomadandthebowerbird.co.uk) is a haven for contemporary interiors. For Christmas provisions, Howells Butchers, Bakery and Deli are the perfect shop trio to order your festive meat, stock up on local cheese and pick up fresh bread and pies. Find them on Facebook.

Discover Wells Maltings (www.wellsmaltings.org.uk), one of the town’s cultural treasures. Originally built in the 1830s as a malt house for storing barley, the Grade II-listed building became a community and theatre space which was later restored and transformed, reopening in 2018. Its historic brickwork and cast-iron pillars were carefully preserved, while new performance and exhibition spaces were added. Today, the Heritage Centre tells the story of the town, from its medieval fishing and trading roots to its 20th century reinvention as a holiday resort. Photographs, maps, interactive displays and personal stories bring the past to life. In the evenings, the building becomes a hub, hosting films, theatre and concerts that keep the town buzzing all year round.  

Collect a Wells Town Trail sheet from the Maltings Visitor Centre and uncover the town’s history as you explore. The self-guided walk winds through narrow streets and along the quay, highlighting historic cottages, sculptures, plaques and the distinctive granary with its overhanging gantry. Allow 90 minutes for the full route, or 45 for the shorter loop. The trail is easy and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Treat yourself at lunchtime as the irresistible smell of frying fish leads you to French’s (www.frenchs.co.uk), the family-run fish and chip shop that’s been a Wells institution since the 1920s. There’s something uniquely satisfying about sitting on the quay wall with your parcel warming your hands, watching fishing boats bob on the tide and gulls circling overhead. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available, making it a tradition everyone can enjoy.

Step inside the Wells Lifeboat Station (www.wellslifeboat.org), home to the all-weather Shannon class Duke of Edinburgh and inshore lifeboat. The RNLI has served the town since the 19th century, with stories of heroism and loss shaping its history. The new boathouse, completed in 2022, is built for the future with a modern slipway for rapid launch. Explore the viewing gallery, browse the shop, and discover how today’s volunteer crew respond to call outs around the clock. Normally open to visitors Friday to Monday, 10am to 4pm.

Wrap up for a bracing walk along the sweeping sandy beach, often quieter in winter but no less beautiful. Wide sands, big skies and colourful beach huts create a striking scene, and some huts can still be hired in the colder months, giving you a cosy base to shelter from the wind, warm up with a hot drink and enjoy the views. Note, always be aware of an incoming tide and local hazards – seek reliable local knowledge if you are at all unsure. 

Pause for an afternoon pick-me-up at Wells Deli (www.wellsdeli.co.uk), a welcoming spot on the quay. Choose from sourdough topped with salmon or avocado, homemade soups, toasties and vegan rolls. Sweet tooth? Tuck into pancakes, waffles and cakes. With gluten-free and vegan options, plus smoothies, milkshakes, wines and craft beers, it’s a go-to cafe for recharging before you head back out to explore.  

Visit St Nicholas Church (www.stnicholaswells.co.uk), its lantern tower once a guide for sailors and a defining feature of the town’s skyline. The medieval church was almost entirely destroyed by fire after a lightning strike in 1879 but was rebuilt on the same site. A recent six-year, £560,000 restoration project, partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, included the repair of the tower roof, buttresses and south porch, securing the building’s future for generations to come. Step inside to admire the soaring arches, stained glass, and quiet chapels, telling a story of resilience and community. Pick up a Detective Trail sheet and hunt for unique artefacts and details around the church and grounds. Look out for the fire symbol on the leaflet to discover what survived the blaze, including a magnificent brass eagle lectern dating back to the 1500s.

End your day at North Norfolk Cellars (www.nnc.wine), with views of the harbour, where you can enjoy a glass of wine from sommelier Bert Blaize’s carefully curated offering, alongside artisan cheese and charcuterie boards. The relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind, raise a toast to the town and reflect on a day well spent.  

Stay at The Globe Inn (www.theglobeatwells.co.uk), a stylish hotel and pub blending historic character with modern comfort, overlooking The Buttlands. This tree-lined green, once home to a bandstand, is framed by elegant Georgian houses and remains one of Wells’ most distinctive squares. With cosy rooms and seasonal dishes, The Globe makes an inviting central base for exploring Wells in winter.