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Fern Cottage - Wells-next-the-Sea

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Cute, cosy seaside B&B

Fern Cottage is as cute as it sounds. A pretty Georgian cottage tucked away in a secluded spot, right in the heart of the picturesque seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea, it’s the perfect base for a romantic break by the sea.

Two cosy bedrooms offer classic iron bedsteads, with crisp linen and lots of squishy cushions. The original fireplaces make the rooms even more of an old-fashioned treat, while big sash windows show off lovely views of Fern Cottage’s gardens. One bedroom has its own en-suite bathroom, while the other has its own private bathroom close by.

The B&B is spectacularly located, with a little path running through its cottage garden straight down to the quay, the beach and the coastal path. And while the bustle of Wells is within a few seconds’ walk, Fern Cottage stays hidden away in a secret corner of the town. The owners even have their own brightly-coloured beach hut, which is available to rent for guests.

Where is it?

Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the most picturesque little towns on the Norfolk Coastline. From its long sweeping beach bordered by pine woodland, along the little harbour with small fishing boats and children fishing for crabs, past the higgledy-piggledy shops on Staithe Street, to the tree-lined park with its fine Georgian houses, quiet pubs and restaurants, Wells has managed to remain an unspoilt seaside resort – quite an achievement.

Activities in Wells itself revolve mainly around pottering, whether it be through the narrow lanes, alleys and yards, in and out of the little shops and galleries on Staithe Street or along the harbour wall. It all gets very bustle-y during summer days, but by the evening, or in the months out of season, Wells might as well have invented the word ‘sleepy’.

For lovers of the open sea, miniature steam trains will take you the mile or so out to the edge of open water during the summer, or you could make the trip to nearby Blakeney and catch a boat out to see the famous seals on Blakeney Point (www.beansboattrips.co.uk Tel: 01263 740505). Otherwise, the whole of North Norfolk is on your doorstep. The beach at Holkham, part of the gorgeous estate at the magnificent Holkham Hall (www.holkham.co.uk Tel: 01328 710227) is ten minutes’ drive from Wells, and is only one example of white sands worthy of the Caribbean. In fact, that particular stretch was used in the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love as the tropical island where Viola washes up.

Click on to The Weekenders Guide to North Norfolk for a full run-down of what to see and where to eat in the area.

Where can I eat?

Wells is the place to be for fish and chip fans, as Platten’s (Tel: 01328 711249), arguably Norfolk’s finest chippie is right on the doorstep.

If you’re after something a little more refined (and requiring less newspaper), then there’s only one place to go. The Victoria at Holkham (www.holkham.co.uk/victoria Tel: 01328 711008), 2 miles from Wells, is a gorgeous restaurant attached to the famously luxurious Victoria Hotel. One of the best places to sample Norfolk produce at its best, such as Cromer crabs, Blakeney mussels and venison reared on the Holkham estate, this special restaurant is worthy of the praise heaped upon it.

For more fab places to eat in the area, check out The Weekenders Guide to North Norfolk for a full run-down of what to see and where to eat in the area.

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Fern Cottage is as cute as it sounds. A pretty Georgian cottage tucked away in a secluded spot, right in the heart of the picturesque seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea.