FREE Subscriber Break Winner Annette W talks about her weekend in Wells

26/11/2021 • Carl Marsh •

Although Annette W. won her FREE SUBSCRIBER BREAK back in January 2020 a small thing called COVID put the brakes on being able to enjoy her break! Despite a couple of further displaced dates Annette has finally managed to enjoy a weekend at the Mousetrap. Fresh from her trip to Wells we caught up with her and this is what she had to say:

Mousetrap…Hi Annette, hope you had a good weekend. Are you normally a ‘lucky’ person? What other things have you won besides the FREE SUBSCRIBER BREAK at the Mousetrap? What did you think when we contacted you to say you had won?
Annette: We had a fabulous weekend; thank you very much. It was a complete surprise to hear I’d won the weekend – I’m not usually that lucky! Despite having to rearrange the stay a couple of times, it turned out to be fortuitous as we celebrated a couple of birthdays and a family catch-up. Everyone loved the weekend and the beautiful cottage.

Mousetrap…Having now stayed at the Mousetrap, what makes it a good base for a break or longer holiday in Wells next the Sea and what’s on your ‘to do list’ next time you visit Wells?
Annette: The weather held out for the weekend. Nice dry autumn days allowed us a morning on the beach at Wells, with the dog. It was great being able to clear our heads. We ate at the Golden Fleece and spent the evening playing board games. Then on Sunday, we visited Sandringham for the Craft Fair. We hadn’t planned anything in particular before arriving. We wanted to chill and walk the dog, and catch up. And that’s exactly what we did. There’s so much to do locally, when we return we’d like to visit Holkham and Houghton Halls.

Mousetrap…Who did you share your winnings with? Did you bring anyone else with you to stay at the Mousetrap? What did they think?
Annette: We took the opportunity of inviting family to meet up at Mousetrap. We were amazed at the size of the cottage and the amount of accommodation and facilities.

Mousetrap…The dates you originally chose were unavailable due to COVID lockdowns and had to be re-scheduled – was the wait worth it?
Annette: I’ll forward a photo of us on the beach!

…All Mousetrap subscribers are automatically eligible to receive this prize. We draw a name at random from our subscriber base just after New Year for a free Winter/Spring break.

Previous winner Stacey Pallister said “Myself and my family enjoy spending times in Wells because it has something for everyone, young and old. People are friendly. Shops and restaurants are fantastic and the beach is wonderful. The Mousetrap is a perfect location to visit Wells next the Sea because it is central. No need to worry about parking or driving around”.

Mousetrap subscribers benefit from:

– Chance to win a FREE WEEKEND
– Being first to receive reduced price stays at the MOUSETRAP due to cancellations
– Receiving news of special events worth visiting North Norfolk for…
– We promise to send no more than 12 emails per year, but it’s often less and you can unsubscribe at any time

So, if you are not subscribed yet – do it now – just click this link or scroll to the bottom of the page at our website: www.mousetrapwells.co.uk

You only have to enter your name and email…and next year it could be you?!

Mousetrap is a spacious family friendly holiday home with 3 bedrooms, sleeping 6, free car parking and free wi-fi.
Check out our: Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube pages
Email: enquiry@mousetrapwells.co.uk
Mobile: 07966 191 737

Seal Watching Trips from MOUSETRAP

11/11/2020 • Carl Marsh •

Less than 8 Km from the MOUSETRAP is Morston Quay, the gateway to Blakeney Point, home to England’s largest colony of Grey Seals.

Various boats will take you out to Blakeney Harbour, with a fully qualified crew on board able to share their local knowledge with you. The seals, both Common and Grey will normally be hunting, playing and resting on the end of Blakeney Point.

In the summer months there will be mostly common seals, who have arrived at Blakeney Point in order to have their pups. The pups start arriving about June and will continue through until the end of August. The Grey seals have their pups in the months of November and December, so Christmas is a good time for viewing – if you wrap up warm!

They are very inquisitive animals, so will often swim around the boat. This is a perfect time for photographs, so don’t forget your camera! The views are stunning, and what better chance to breathe in the fresh air of the North Norfolk coast. The trip is a unique experience for all ages – a rare opportunity to visit wildlife in its natural surroundings.

It’s a captivating and engaging experience not to be missed BOOK NOW

Have you been to see the Seals? We would be pleased to hear your stories and receive any photos.

Mousetrap, Book Direct - Best Price - book now via Mousetrap's online reservation system

Summer 2020 How Has Coronovirus Changed Your Seaside Holiday?

09/07/2020 • Carl Marsh •

A weekend away in Wells next the Sea, on the Norfolk coast, has given me a glimpse of how Coronovirus will change this year’s Summer holiday…

Accommodation
Staying at the Mousetrap is ideal whether you are still nervous about Coronovirus, or more relaxed since lock down has been eased. As a holiday cottage, Mousetrap is self-contained, so you can reduce contact with other people. Having a whole house to yourselves and only being in contact with members of your own family is the ideal social distancing situation.
Unlike a guest house, lodge, dorm, hostel and even some hotels, you only have to share bathrooms with your own family. Even better, the Mousetrap has 2 x separate toilets, a large family bathroom and en-suite facilities in one of the bedrooms. Ideal if you are in a mixed family group – for example, visiting with Grandparents.
The Mousetrap also has two car parking spaces right outside the door. So, you can pull up and offload with little or no contact with anyone. You can bring your own groceries, if you are apprehensive about using local shops and cook for yourself all week, again reducing contact with others.

However, if this all seems a bit too severe….

Bars, Restaurants & Cafes
I visited a number of local hostelries to check out their new COVID-19 procedures…

Golden Fleece
One of my faves – I love their burgers. This pub restaurant (more restaurant, than pub) is usually bursting at the seams, so I was surprised at being able to book a table. But then again it is only early July – probably need much more notice come mid-July and August.

Entrance and exit are more strictly controlled, and you have to wait to be shown to your table. You cannot just waltz in through the front or rear doors, as you used to be able to do. Sanitizer is offered and expected to be used, upon entrance.

They have spaced out their tables both downstairs and upstairs and introduced disposable menus, upon which you write your selections. This reduces waitress contact time. Although they still make a separate contact asking if you want drinks while waiting for your food and then again at the end of the meal to process your card payment at your table.
Large tables are no longer catered for – I think the last time there were 12 of us and we pushed several tables together. Not allowed now – tables are not to be moved, to retain social distancing.
All in all though, the experience was not dissimilar to the last time I visited pre-COVID

Globe
Another favourite because it is wonderfully located on the Buttlands. Again, controlled entrance and sanitizer. If you have not booked a table you will not be able to sit inside, only outside in the courtyard. We had not booked, but it suited us because it was a nice evening and we only intended having a quick drink before heading back to the cottage. They had fired up the courtyard pizza oven, so we shared a freshly cooked pizza with our pints.

Don’t expect to simply walk in as you might have done in the past. Book ahead, whether you just want a table in the Courtyard for a drink or want to sit inside and have a full meal.

As I was only in Wells for the weekend, I didn’t have time to check out my other favourites: Wells Crab House, Bowling Green and the Albatros. However, I spoke with Wells Crab House, because they were showing as closed on their website. Kelly the owner, was just preparing for opening and was already, almost fully booked for the whole of July!

Cafes
I visited several cafes and here the experience is a bit more frustrating! By their nature Cafes are not ‘bookable’ and are ‘drop in’ operations. This is where we as a family hit the buffers! Most cafes have tables for two and four, so when we rock up and there are five of us it causes them problems as they have spaced out the tables to provide social distancing. We tried several and eventually gave up because we would have to wait for quite a long time (usually outside on the street). So, if you are a family of five or more you might need a Plan B!

Fish & Chips (& Takeaways)
…and this might be your Plan B? Wells’s two chippies were doing a good trade (as usual), with many people sitting on the quayside wall. Very nice in early July – but it might be a bit too crowded for comfort come mid-July and August, So maybe get your takeaway and take it back to your Holiday Cottage. No problem if staying at the Mousetrap as its less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Quayside.

Beaches
The jewel in North Norfolk’s crown didn’t disappoint – the beaches were wonderful! For a change I decided to take the family over to Burnham Overy Staithe. The walk from the Quayside along the sea defences to the beach takes 20+ minutes. After which, you arrive at the dunes and then the beach opens up in front of you – WOW! No problems with social distancing here. There’s space in abundance. As is the case on Wells beach and all the way around to Holkham.

Summary
Your Summer holiday will be a bit different this year. But not so much it will be spoiled. North Norfolk and Wells next the Sea is an ideal choice, especially if staying in a holiday cottage. You can control your contact with others, dependent on your comfort level. But the constant is the wonderful wide open space of the sea and beaches.

We would be pleased to hear of your experience visiting Wells, or other location on the North Norfolk coast – simply contact us by email or any of our social media – see the links below.

Mousetrap is a spacious, family friendly holiday home with 3 bedrooms, sleeping 6, free car parking and free wi-fi. Check out our: Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and YouTube pages Email: enquiry@mousetrapwells.co.uk Mobile: 07966 191 737

Mousetrap – a great base for Sea Fishing in Wells

25/02/2018 • Carl Marsh •

The Mousetrap is a great base for Sea Fishing trips from Wells next the Sea.

Several operators offer short trips, ideal for Mums and Dads to bring the children and introduce them to the joys of sea fishing.

All Sea Fishing operators are fully insured and usually go no further than a few miles offshore.
Target species are Bass, Tope and Cod with Mackerel being plentiful in the summer months.
In addition to the challenge and joy of fishing, it’s also a great way to see the area from a different perspective and gain an appreciation for the beauty of the area.

It’s Official – Beach of the Year – Wells next the Sea

10/07/2016 • Carl Marsh •

It’s official! The ‘Beach of the Year’ is Wells next the Sea

The Sunday Times (10.07.16 edition) stated:

“If you haven’t yet been to the runaway winner of the first Sunday Times Beach of the Year award, you should clear your diary. North Norfolk’s prettiest little town is having a moment. What you’ll find is an immensity of flat sands stretching away towards an often distant sea, backed by a fragrant forest of Scots pines and fringed with the cutest beach huts in Britain.”

This comes after a number of awards and nominations over the past few years for Wells and Holkham, such as: Kennel Club Be Dog Friendly Awards Beach of the Year, Best Seaside Resort in Britain Holiday Which magazine, amongst others.

This is not new news to anyone living or working in Wells. But for those that have yet to experience the delights of Wells and the wider North Norfolk coast…come and visit and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Sea, Sand and … Tarzan Swings?

08/06/2016 • Carl Marsh •

There are some things kids just love on holiday..! The beach, the sea and … Tarzan swings?

Yes, those home made swings, where some brave soul shins up a tree, ties off a rope, then hangs a chunk of wood on it, to sit, or stand on. But where do you get them all in one place?

Magical Wells, of course!

https://youtu.be/egQnDq2VK7Y

I can’t think of any other place where kids can play on the beach, splash about in the sea and have a great time swinging in the trees. The Pine forests which fringe the beach at Wells next the Sea are a natural playground. Most days whether rain or shine, there are kids and their parents playing games in the forest. Hide and seek? Back to base? What about making dens? whether you can remember how to play them or not – ten minutes on the Tarzan swing will be the highlight.

It says a lot about the spirit of the place, that such simple pleasures can consume whole families – usually battling over whose turn it is to go on the iPad. It’s probably why Wells is a firm favourite holiday destination with families.

Try it! You’ll love it!

How do you get a 200 tonne Albatros out of the water?

13/05/2016 • Carl Marsh •

How do you get a 200 tonne Albatros out of the water?

It’s not a joke, and we’re not talking about a bird either…The beloved Albatros, a former Dutch cargo ship built in 1899 as a North Sea clipper needed a hull scrub and re-paint. One of the oldest sailing ships still afloat, the Albatros no longer sails the high seas, instead she is now permanently moored alongside the Quay of Wells-next-the-sea and used as a bar, restaurant, music venue and B&B. She’s become a major tourist attraction and known to many tourists as the ‘Pancake Boat’.

Like all sea going vessels it has to be taken out of the water every few years for vital maintenance. So how do you lift a 200 tonne Albatros out of the water to have its ‘bum’ scrubbed? Watch this and find out: https://youtu.be/MBQc7qLsiHo

A Healthy Harbour Starts Here

09/05/2016 • Carl Marsh •

Ask anyone who has visited Wells, what their favourite activity was and there’s a good chance they’ll say ‘catching crabs’. Kids love it and it’s long been one of the cheapest, simplest forms of entertainment and enjoyment that Wells offers. The popularity has now caused its own problems though.

The Port and the Wells Harbour Maritime Trust estimates that 30,000 plastic buckets and reels are sold in Wells during the summer season, with many ending up in the harbour. Polluting the sea where the plastic degrades due to solar radiation and oxidation into smaller and smaller pieces. Marine life mistakes it for food and strangle on the ingested plastic. Marine animals also get entangled in the Plastic nylon line.

A novel solution has been funded by local authorities and community groups – a quayside ‘Gilly Hut’.

The hut will feature information on the environment and rent metal buckets, lines just long enough to reach from the quayside to the estuary bed and bait. It’s hoped that education and rental will provide choice to visitors, who will respond positively, to help improve the environment and reduce harm to marine life. The Harbour authority is not banning plastic buckets or longer lines, but hopes this initiative will vastly reduce the number of plastic buckets finding their way into the sea.

We hope guests of the Mousetrap and other holiday cottages will support this initiative and we’ve included details of the Gilly Hut in our house information file. Want to know more? Contact us: enquiry@mousetrapwells.co.uk Or call: 07966 191 737 Alternatively contact The Port and the Wells Harbour Maritime Trust: harbouroffice@wellsharbour.co.uk

Beach Huts

26/03/2016 • Carl Marsh •

Wells next the Sea is famous for its brightly coloured beach huts. They give the area it’s unique character and personality. But they come at a price! Because no more can be erected, prices match the low supply and high demand. Few come on the market because they are so highly prized by the families that own them, when they do, they often fetch in excess of £50,000.

Renting one for a week is a much more modest outlay! If you are staying at the Mousetrap www.mousetrapwells.co.uk or any other local hotel or guest house we can help you book one.