Welcome to NCI Wells-next-the-Sea lookout station
The watch-tower is ideally positioned overlooking the tidal Outer Harbour Channel used by all vessels entering the picturesque North Norfolk port of Wells-next-the-Sea. As well as watching over our local leisure sailors, a busy sailing school, windsurfers and water skiers and twelve inshore fishing boats we have an increasingly busy Outer Harbour used by the windfarm support vessels serving the Sheringham Shoal Windfarm. We also have extensive views over the beach and the tidal area of Bob Halls Sand and a distant view of the the Rotterdam to Hull east coast shipping lane.
Visitor Policy
Visitors are most welcome at the lookout although only two 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 5 wooden 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
From the beach car park it is a short walk to the lookout.
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 CGOC Humber
Current weather and sea conditions are available by telephone during watch hours
Defibrillator Available:
No
Station Telephone:
01328 710587
Fax:
none
Visual Watch:
Yes
Radar Watch:
Yes
NAVTEX:
No
AIS Watch:
Yes
CCTV Watch:
none
DSC Watch:
Yes
Radio: Listening watch on channels:
10
12
16
62
63
64
86
Radio: Channels in use (call direct not via ch 16):
65
Radio: Channel 00:
Listening watch only
Station Call Sign:
Wells NCI
Visual Horizon:
Approximately 8.5 nautical miles
Radar Horizon:
32 miles
Station Info
Station Address
The Lookout, Pinewoods Holiday Park
Beach Road
Wells-next-the-Sea
Norfolk
NR23 1DR
Station telephone number
01328 710587 Station email address
Station contact
Del Loydall
Station contact role
Station Manager
07483 862963
Summer opening
Open from:
09:00
Open until:
18:00
Days:
Every Day
From:
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Until:
Friday, September 28, 2018
Notes:
Between Monday 23 July and Sunday 3 September 2018 (depending on any change in the Norfolk school holiday dates) watchkeeping is extended to 08:45-20:00hrs. Summer watches start at the beginning of BST
Winter opening
Open from:
09:00
Open until:
16:00
Days:
Every Day
From:
Friday, September 28, 2018
Until:
Sunday, March 31, 2019
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:
hogs.sinkhole.market
Visual features of station
The lookout is an ex-coastguard lookout and has a flagstaff.