Telephone for general enquiries 0300 111 1202
For press and media enquiries   0845 460 1202
Postal Address: 17 Dean Street, Liskeard,
Cornwall, PL14 4AB

Wells-next-the-Sea

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.

Access : 

From the beach car park it is a short walk to the lookout.

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.
Summer Opening
Open from: 
09:00
Open until: 
18:00
Notes: 
Between Saturday 21 July and Sunday 2 September (depending on 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
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 Post Code: 
NR23 1DR
Station Elevation: 
54 feet (16.45 metres)
Visual features of station: 
The lookout is an ex-coastguard lookout and has a flagstaff.
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: 
12
16
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 Address
Primary Contact: 
Del Loydall
Primary Contact role: 
Station Manager
Primary Contact Telephone: 
07483 862963
The Lookout, Pinewoods Holiday Park
Beach Road
Wells-next-the-Sea
Norfolk
NR23 1DR

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