With its windswept coastline, colourful beach huts and independent cafés and restaurants, the town of Wells-next-the-Sea certainly has a lot to offer.

The north Norfolk spot was recently named among the top 50 trendiest locations in the country, joining the likes of Southwold and Polperro in Cornwall in the list.

But what makes it one of the coolest places to live in the UK?

In recent years it has become a celebrity hotspot, drawing the likes of Line of Duty star Daniel Mays and model and actress Kelly Brook. Even Ross Kemp has been spotted in the area.

Its beach has become famous globally after it was used as a location for the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love, in which A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow padded along its stretches of sand.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells Crab House has won a number of awardsWells Crab House has won a number of awards (Image: Archant 2022)

There are a number of award-winning restaurants and trendy cafés and pubs to visit in the town, such as Wells Crab House. Or for a spot of fish and chips by the seaside, there is the likes of Plattens which draws crowds in the summer.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells is known for its colourful beach hutsWells is known for its colourful beach huts (Image: Newsquest)

Its colourful beach huts add to its picturesque charm, with some selling for staggering sums - with one going for £80,000 in March last year.

Last summer, it upped its environmental credentials when it swapped its long-running miniature beach train for an electric bus.

Its quay becomes a hive of activity in the summer, where you can jump aboard one of the many harbour tour boats to go in search of seals and rare birds.

Eastern Daily Press: Holkham Estate's food festivals draw big crowds in the summerHolkham Estate's food festivals draw big crowds in the summer (Image: PETER NAYLOR 2018)

And let's not forget its close proximity to Holkham Hall and its adjoining nature reserve, which is a favourite spot for wildlife lovers. The country estate has also become a destination for foodies in recent years through its popular summertime street food events.

Eastern Daily Press: Wells' harbour and quay is busy with visitors every summerWells' harbour and quay is busy with visitors every summer (Image: Newsquest)

For all these reasons, there is little wonder people think it is a groovy place to be.