Crabbing, affectionately known as "gillying" by the locals, stands out as Wells-next-the-Sea’s ultimate summer ritual. This beloved pastime is accessible to all ages and requires little more than a simple line, a bucket, and a bit of bait—making it both affordable and easy to join in. The process itself is delightfully messy and a little splashy, as participants dangle their lines from the quay, eagerly waiting for a crab to latch on. The excitement builds with every gentle tug, and the thrill of pulling up a wriggling crab never fails to bring smiles and laughter.

Families and friends gather along the harbor, creating a lively, communal atmosphere filled with friendly competition and shared joy. The activity is as much about the experience as it is about the catch, with everyone comparing their hauls and swapping tips on the best bait or technique. Once caught, the crabs are admired for a moment before being gently returned to the water, ensuring the tradition remains sustainable and respectful to local wildlife.

In essence, gillying is more than just a way to pass the time—it’s a cherished Wells tradition that brings people together, celebrates the town’s coastal heritage, and creates lasting summer memories for locals and visitors alike.

To take part in the tradition of crabbing at Wells, head to Wells Harbour Quay on the North Norfolk Coast.

What You’ll Need:

• A bucket (to safely hold your crabs before releasing them)
• A baited line (these are often sold at local shops along the quay)
• Some bait (raw bacon is a local favorite, but any smelly meat or fish will do)
• Optional: A net for extra help, and a towel for messy hands

Getting Started:

1. Pick Up Supplies: Stop by one of the nearby shops or kiosks along the quay to grab your crabbing essentials. Most sell ready-to-go crabbing kits, and you can usually pick up a slice of bacon if you didn’t bring your own bait.
2. Find Your Spot: Stroll along Wells Harbour Quay and choose a spot along the edge. The best spots are often where you see other families and groups gathered—crabs tend to congregate in these areas.
3. Prepare Your Line: Attach your bait securely to the end of your line. Lower it gently into the water, letting it rest on the harbour floor.
4. Wait and Watch: Be patient! Crabbing is a waiting game. Watch for gentle tugs on your line, which signal a crab is nibbling at your bait.
5. Haul Up Your Catch: Slowly and steadily pull up your line. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a crab clinging to the bait. Use your net if needed to help lift the crab into your bucket.
6. Observe and Release: Take a moment to admire your catch, but remember to handle the crabs gently. Once you’ve had your fun, return them carefully to the water so others can enjoy the tradition too.

Tips for a Great Crabbing Experience:

• Crabs prefer shade and cooler water, so try different spots if you’re not having luck.
• Keep your bucket in the shade and add some seawater to keep the crabs comfortable.
• Never overcrowd your bucket—release crabs regularly to avoid stressing them.
• Always return the crabs to the water at the end of your session.

Why It’s Special:

Crabbing at Wells Harbour Quay isn’t just about the catch—it’s about the laughter, the friendly competition, and the memories made with friends and family. The quay comes alive with excitement as people compare their hauls and swap tips, all while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.

So, grab your bucket and line, pick your perfect spot, and join in this timeless Wells tradition. Happy gillying!

This isn’t just an activity — it’s a memory in the making.

Crabbing at Wells is about more than just the catch. It’s about the friendly competition, the shared joy, and the memories created with loved ones against the backdrop of the picturesque Norfolk coast. The tradition is as much about the experience as it is about the crabs themselves. After admiring your catch, remember to gently return the crabs to the water, ensuring this beloved pastime remains sustainable and respectful to local wildlife.

After a day spent enjoying the simple pleasures of the coast, there’s no better way to unwind than at one of our cosy cottages—just a few miles from the Quay. Here, you can relax and relive the day’s adventures, surrounded by comfort and the soothing sounds of the sea.

So grab your bucket and line, pick your perfect spot along the quay, and join in this timeless Wells tradition. Whether you catch one crab or twenty, you’ll leave with a smile—and a memory that will last long after the tide has gone out.

The DogFriendly Awards are now open, offering guests the chance to vote for their favourite dog friendly venues! These awards recognise businesses that put pooches first, and our sites at Hunstanton Camping & Glamping, Norfolk Accommodation, and North Norfolk Camping & Glamping have been nominated for awards! We always make sure to go the extra mile so that your furry friend enjoys their holiday as much as you do, if not even more so!

Vote now for the chance to win £1000 towards a DogFriendly holiday. And don't forget to sign up to DogFriendly, as members also get 10% off when they stay with us! You can vote for a number of our sites:

The Norfolk Coast is an ideal place to take your dog on holiday, and it's not just us who thinks that! Many of the guests who stay with us bring their dogs along for the journey, and we always welcome them with open arms! Whether camping out on the fields, cosying up in our glamping options, staying in one of our bed and breakfast rooms, or stretching out in our cottages, we are more than happy for guests to bring their dogs along for the holiday. After all, a mini break away isn't the same if the whole family isn't there!

Our dog friendly accommodation makes things that little bit easier for guests. We understand that while a lot of the Norfolk Coast caters for dogs, not so many accommodations allow them, which is why we strive to offer the best dog friendly experience for all our guests. We offer a variety of facilities for pets on-site, including a dog shower and dog towels for you to clean your pooch off after a walk on the Norfolk coast. We also offer a nice, comfy bed for them, as well as bowls for their food and water, and treats on arrival, so they feel thoroughly pampered on their holiday!

On top of all that, we're also in a prime spot as we're only a few minutes walk (or walkies!) away from the dog friendly Heacham South Beach! This beach welcomes dogs all year-round - unlike a few other beaches in the area which are restricted for the summer - and provides a convenient and expansive area for your pup to run miles!

The beach is an ideal location for dogs to run on, as the soft sand is easier on their paws. Not only that, but the beach will transform for them depending on where the tide is. When it's out, your furry friend will have miles of flat, open sand to sprint across. When it's in, your dog can do a lovely bit of swimming, which is an excellent way to cool them off on a hot day... just don't forget to towel them off before they come back in!

So, if you and your pup have come along for this wonderful adventure on the Norfolk Coast and loved every minute of it as much as we loved having you, we would really appreciate if you could take a moment of your time to vote for us at the DogFriendly awards!

And whether you vote or not, we look forward to seeing you and your dog again soon!

Christmas is just around the corner here on the Norfolk Coast, as we pull away from summer into the Autumn season and towards the end of 2023! And as you'll be putting up your Christmas trees and decorations so, too, will many towns and attractions around this wonderful county! Whether you're looking for the chance to meet Father Christmas, be wowed by a yuletide performance, get some shopping in at a Christmas market, or simply enjoy one of many festive attractions and entertainments, Norfolk has plenty of things to do at Christmas.

All this activity isn't just for locals, either! Thanks to holiday homes that stay open during the festive period, anyone can come enjoy the Christmas season in the East of England. Whether you and your family want to stay cosy in a cottage or save some money by camping, you'll find a great base to explore the area and enjoy the festivities from.

So, lets take a look at the magical Christmas events happening in Norfolk this year!

Returning after their biggest year to date in 2022, the Thursford Spectacular is a magical variety performance, showcasing the talent of over 120 professional singers, dancers, and musicians. Running since 1977, this performance has exploded in popularity to become one of the most hotly anticipated shows in Norfolk, as the 2022 run of Thursford's Christmas Spectacular has attracted record crowds. In fact, it's recognised as the largest Christmas show of its kind in the country and one of the biggest Christmas productions in Europe, so book your place quickly if you want to go! 

A 3-hour non-stop extavaganza, this Christmas variety show will warm your heart and wow your senses with songs, dances, comedy, and more! This is the type of show that features famous, popular songs as well as traditional carols, promising an "eclectic mix of both seasonal and year-round favourites". Mix that with elaborate sets, expertly choreographed performances, staggering effects, and smatterings of humour along the way, and you have a unique, all-singing all-dancing show that you won't soon forget, no matter your age!

Tickets start at £43 for weekday evenings and are selling out fast, with some dates already sold out and others with only a few seats left, so if you want a good selection of dates to visit, book now!

And that's not all, as ticket holders of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular get a discount for Santa's Magical Journey and the Enchanted Journey of Light! Bring your kids to come see Father Christmas in a fantasy journey that takes you through the North Pole, past penguins and polar bears and right to Santa himself! You will also venture through the Lantern Light Extravaganza, filled with beautiful light-up sculptures of creatures, spanning from a fantastical underwater theme to creatures you can find in the North Pole!

Guests that don't want to visit Santa have to book for the Enchanted Journey of Light, and those that do have to book Santa's Magical Journey, making this attraction suitable for all ages!

Meanwhile, some other lights are going on over at the royal estate of Sandringham, lighting up the parkland in spectacular fashion. Come and enjoy the spectacular Christmas light trail through woodland, with a Christmas Tree Maze built with lights and over 200 Norway Spruce Christmas trees that covers almost 200 square metres!

On top of that, Luminate are also working with a "renowned lighting artist" on a laser light display, titled "Sky frost", and are transforming a mile-long stretch of Royal Parkland into a "striking light feature", so look out for those when you come along for a visit!

Once you've finished your stroll through lights and illuminations, you can warm up and cook marshmallows by fire pits on-site, or enjoy a selection of festive food and drinks from Sandringham Courtyard.

Sandringham is also hosting a Christmas fair, offering craft, fine food, and clothing stalls, as well as a variety of live entertainments, including a great range of musical acts! Have a browse of the craft stalls, that offer everything from jewellery and candles to recycled decorations and amber glassware. Then, pop over to the fine food hall for sweets, cheese, spirits, and more!

Families can enjoy heartwarming festive entertainment, including Chris Nicholas, one of the world's best professional Santa Clauses, whose wonderful voice and warming personality make him an exceptional performer, in a way that only Santa himself could be! There's also a tribute to "Frozen", the 2013 film that captured a generation of kids. West End talents will perform songs from the films, and also "offer songs from alternate Disney films, Classical pieces, Musical Theatre, and Christmas music". What's more, there will also be traditional puppet shows (be ready to shout!), walkabout entertainment, and things for kids to take part in!

Norwich's annual Winter Wonderland returns to provide thrills, drinks, and a real ice rink all at the Norfolk Showground! Guests can enjoy market stalls, drinks from licensed bars, all kinds of rides, and an under cover ice rink to really help you feel the festive season.

The ice rink is huge and made using real ice, really adding to the Christmas atmosphere as you glide under a giant transparent cover, dotted with fairy lights, allowing you to skate in any weather! You can bring your own skates so long as they're suitable (speed skates aren't allowed), however skates are included in the ticket price. Wheelchairs are also allowed onto the ice. So, wrap up warm, and get skating!

The wonderland also features a number of fairground attractions for both kids and adults. Take the kids onto gentle rides like Santa's Sleigh Ride and the Race-o-rama, take a spin on classic rides like Dodgems or the Waltzer, or take the plunge on high-intensity thrill rides like No Limit, Airmaxx, and Sky Swing.

And there's even more, with Santa's wonderland and grotto, Christmas Market stalls, and plenty of festive food and drink stalls!

The North Norfolk Coast Poppy Line will light up this Christmas with a breathtaking light show at one of the most amazing Christmas events in Norfolk. With the steam train adorned in Christmas lights, switched on after dark, travel from the Georgian town of Holt to the seaside resort of Sheringham and watch the sides of the track light up in a kaleidoscope of Christmas colour.

Along the way, you'll also see 10 glowing dioramas by the trackside, scattered amongst the woods which is paired with on-board narration and music to create a dramatic story for your journey. The Norfolk Lights Express is a truly unique yuletide activity and one of the best things to do in Norfolk at Christmas!

Closer to Christmas, kids can be taken on a special train journey from Sheringham to Holt and back again, stopping on the return journey to make their way through an enchanted Christmas Tree Kingdom and visit Father Christmas for a special, wrapped present!

On the journey, you will get into the Christmas spirit with complimentary onboard refreshments brought to you! Adults get mince pies and mulled cider, while kids get gingerbread and hot chocolate. Get in the mood for the Christmas season with a whole adventure and get a gift from Father Christmas and hot chocolate!

Cromer's End of Pier Christmas Show is a fanstastic event for Norfolk in December as West End production values and special effects spread some Christmas sparkle. Utilising both an 8-meter video wall to create staggering visual effects alongside traditional stage sets and bespoke, expertly crafted costumes, the Cromer Pier Christmas Show promises laughs, specialty acts, singing, and dancing in their "special trademark way". The event is fit for all ages, so book tickets and bring the kids along to this Winter Spectacular!

Of course, Christmas in Norfolk wouldn't be complete without a bit of Christmas shopping! Luckily, there are plenty of Christmas markets in Norfolk, some of which have already been mentioned in this article. So, pay a visit to one of these markets to get some Christmas gifts for your loved ones... or yourself!

Held on the Green of this quaint countryside town, you'll find plenty of art, craft, and food stalls packed with Christmas gifts for you to make this festive season that little bit more special. There will also be street food stalls to sate your appetite from midday onwards, and the day will also include Burnham Market's Christmas light switch on!

Over at Fakenham Racecourse, a variety of Artisan stalls are offering quality food, drinks, and gifts to spread some Christmas cheer in early November. Enjoy festive treats like mince pies and mulled wine as you explore a variety of stalls showcasing and selling finely-crafted artisan goods. The event promises "over 100 local food, drink and craft stands", some of which can be found in the artisan food, drink, & crafts directory.

Outside of towns and built up areas, Pensthorpe provides a unique Christmas Market in a relaxing rural environment. With live music and unique Norfolk gifts made by "the region's best food and drink suppliers, artists and craft makers", you can enjoy the Christmas atomsphere surrounded by trees, flowers, and a wonderful festive buzz!

As you can see from just these few examples, there really is something for everyone to enjoy on the Norfolk coast. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic time at Christmas Markets and unique attractions, a big Christmas fan always looking for Christmas events near Norfolk, or a family looking for places to see Father Christmas, a Norfolk Christmas is perfect for everyone! And the only thing that could make it better is having a warm, cosy room on the coast to return to. So, once you've decided which Norfolk Christmas events to attend, get yourself booked into a Norfolk Accommodation for a short winter break away, and get into the Christmas spirit in style!