Welcome to NCI Wells-next-the-Sea lookout station.

Visitors are permitted, but will be asked to leave should we have an incident.

The lookout is ideally positioned overlooking the tidal Outer Harbour Channel used by all vessels entering the picturesque North Norfolk port of Wells-next-the-Sea. We watch over our local leisure sailors, a busy sailing school, windsurfers and water skiers and MANY inshore fishing boats also a large number of visitors throughout the year.

We also have extensive views over the beach and the tidal area of Bob Halls Sand and a distant view of the Rotterdam to Hull east coast shipping lane.

The lookout is staffed 365 days a year by a team of 36+ volunteers from all walks of life; some local, some who travel quite a distance to carry out their duties.

Visit our Facebook page to find out more about NCI Wells-next-the-Sea.

Summer opening hours ....09.00...closing at 18.00

Winter opening hours.......09.00....closing at 16.00

Visitor Policy

Visitors are most welcome at the lookout although only four at a time please as there is not much room. In the event of an incident the duty Watchkeeper may ask visitors to leave. The approach to the lookout is via metal steps to a metal walkway so disabled access is difficult. All Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult and no dogs allowed except for guide dogs.

Access

By car : From The Quay / Freeman Street, turn into Beach Road and follow it for one mile to Pinewoods Car Park (pay and display).

From there walk past the Beach Cafe and up the slope towards the beach. The entrance to the lookout is near the top of the slope on the left through a
wooden gate and up 5 metal steps to a metal walkway.

By foot : From The Quay walk past the Harbour Office and follow the footpath for one mile to where it slopes up to the beach. The lookout is on the left.

NOTE:- Do not walk in the road – it is dangerous

Google map NCI Wells

Local Hazards

Wells beach is bordered by a fast flowing and busy Outer Harbour Channel where swimming can be dangerous at all states of the tide. Bathers should stay within the swimming area which is marked by a line of yellow buoys. It is possible to be cut off by the incoming tide both on Bob Halls Sand and on the spit that runs out to Wells Bar. Those who cross the channel should pay attention to the state of the tide and listen for the beach siren that is sounded in summer months warning of the incoming tide and time to return to the beach. If in any doubt please ask for advice at the Coastwatch Lookout.

Operational capability

This station has Declared Facility Status

This station reports to MRCC Humber

Current weather and sea conditions are available by telephone during watch hours

Defibrillator Available:

Station Telephone:

01328 710587

Fax:

None

Visual Watch:

Yes

Radar Watch:

Yes

NAVTEX:

AIS Watch:

Yes

CCTV Watch:

Installed

DSC Watch:

Yes

Radio: Listening watch on channels:

Radio: Channels in use (call direct not via ch 16):

Radio: Channel 00:

Listening watch and ready to transmit as authorised by Coastguard

Station Call Sign:

NCI Wells

Visual Horizon:

Approximately 8.5 nautical miles

Radar Horizon:

32 miles

Station Address

The Lookout, Pinewoods Holiday Park

Beach Road

Wells-next-the-Sea

Norfolk

NR23 1DR

Station telephone number

01328 710587

Station email address

Contact Station by Email

Station contact

Clive Mattson

Station contact role

Acting Station Manager

07802 773475

Station website

NCI Wells-next-the-Sea Living History

Summer opening

Open from:

09:00

Open until:

18:00

Days:

Every Day

Notes:

Summer hours are extended to 08:45-20:00hrs during the school summer holidays. Summer watches start at the beginning of BST

Winter opening

Open from:

09:00

Open until:

16:00

Notes:

Winter watches begin at the end of BST.

Location

Latitude:

52°58.37'N

Longitude:

000°51.10'E

OS Reference:

TF 915 456

Station Elevation:

54 feet (16.45 metres)

what3words:

decently.filed.chilling

Visual features of station

The lookout is an ex-coastguard lookout and has a flagstaff and a windsock

Wells-next-the-Sea

Station Info

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