A voluntary organisation keeping a visual watch along UK shores

Wells-next-the-Sea

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

The station is currently open and mainly single crewing due to COVID-19 restictions.

Visitors are not permitted at this time - we hope to be able to welcome visitors soon.

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. 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.

The lookout is staffed 365 days a year by a team of 40+ volunteers from all walks of like; some local, some who travel quite a distance to carry out their duty. 

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

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

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 at the top of the slope on the left. There are five wooden steps and a long sloping ramp. 

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 on the road, it is dangerous. Use the raised footpath on the bank.

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 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: 
No
NAVTEX: 
No
AIS Watch: 
No
CCTV Watch: 
Installed
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 and ready to transmit as authorised by Coastguard
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

Contact Station by Email

Station contact
Tony Goddard
Station contact role
Acting Station Manager
07870 685687
Summer opening
Open from: 
08:30
Open until: 
18:00
Days: 
Every Day
From: 
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Until: 
Sunday, October 31, 2021
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
From: 
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Until: 
Sunday, March 27, 2022
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.

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About

Currently 57 NCI stations are operational and manned by over 2600 volunteers keeping watch around the British Isles from Fleetwood in the North West, through Wales, to the South and East of England to Hornsea in the East Riding of Yorkshire. 

NCI watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. They are trained to deal with emergencies offering a variety of skills and experience, and full training by the NCI ensures that high standards are met.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The words National Coastwatch Institution and Eyes Along the Coast and the NCI logos are Registered Trademarks of NCI.

Contact Details

GENERAL ENQUIRIES
0300 111 1202
[email protected]

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
0845 460 1202
[email protected]


17 Dean Street, Liskeard,
Cornwall, PL14 4AB