Because it is a natural safe haven from the unpredictable North Sea weather the Port of Wells was one of England's major harbours in Tudor times and a thriving, centre for shipping and maritime industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The stone quay side was constructed in 1845 following an Act of Parliament the previous year.

The coming of the railway in 1857 marked the beginning of decline though there was a resurgence from 1960 to 1989 when coasters bringing fertilizer and animal feed came in some numbers.

The gantry allowed grain to be transferred between the building and ships without disrupting road traffic.

[5] Approaches to Wells can be made from Blakeney Overfalls, South Race, The Woolpack or Burnham Flats.

A course should be made for Wells Leading Buoy, keeping to the port side of the marker for the deepest water over the sand bar.

It is advisable to make good a course between these buoys until the smaller buoys of the channel become visible, after which it is better to favour the starboard side because there is a considerable east going tidal stream across the harbour entrance from approximately two hours before every high water.

From the starboard buoy No.9 known as the 'Knock', the channel bends away towards the South East into considerably quieter waters.

The wide sweep to the eastward just past the lifeboat house must be made with the red beacons close to port as the channel is quite narrow at this point.

The commissioners operate the harbour under the trading name Port of Wells, and they employ a Harbourmaster, three Deputy Harbourmasters, and a number of other staff including administrators, ships' crew, and both land-based and sea-based patrols.

The site is covered by security lighting and there are electricity and water hook up points.