About
Cley next the Sea
Spectacular landscape for those wanting to explore this beautiful part of North Norfolk
In the middle ages, Cley-next-the-Sea was an important trading port, but these days it is a gentle and serene village with a spectacular landscape for those wanting to explore this beautiful part of North Norfolk.
Between the village and the sea, you will find Cley Marshes, a nature reserve owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area is a haven for birdwatchers with the beach, saline lagoons, grazing marshes and reedbeds attracting wintering and migrating wildfowl and waders. Cley Marshes contains a brand new environmentally friendly visitor centre incorporating an observation point, shop, café and education centre. The view from the first floor across the marsh to the sea is breath-taking. The shingle beach can be accessed through the marshes and is a great place for sea fishing.
Cley Marshes
Windmill
Made In Cley
Norfolk Coastal Path
The Three Swallows
Standing on the edge of the village and the marshes are Cley’s other well-known landmark, an 18th-century windmill. It fell into disrepair in the early 20th Century but today it is open to the public with an excellent restaurant and shop.
Just a short distance from the centre of the village is The Simon Aspinall Wildlife Education Centre providing popular events, workshops, performances, guided walks and seasonal festivals.
Next to the village green stands the imposing 13th century St. Margaret’s church, which is almost too grand to be a village church. Along the narrow village streets are some interesting shops including a smokehouse, bookshop, deli, tea shop and a country pub. You will also find a hand-thrown stoneware pottery shop called Made In Cley, where local potters make their wares on site.
Cley is on the Norfolk Coastal Path, upon which a short walk will take you to the beautiful village of Blakeney from where you can take a boat to see the seal colonies at Blakeney Point.
Well Cottage is tucked away at the quiet, southern end of the village. The holiday cottage is Grade ll listed and has a spectacular garden and separate orchard. The nearby pub, The Three Swallows, serves traditional pub food, and there is an excellent deli in the centre of the village. Well Cottage is situated in a perfect position in which to enjoy this beautiful part of the North Norfolk Coast.
Visit North Norfolk in Style
Luxury self-catering holiday cottages
Norfolk has a way of making you feel as though time has slowed down, and you will find it easy to leave the pressures of everyday life behind you.