Cley-next-the-Sea is a place of two worlds, a village on the edge, where the land becomes a sea of dancing reeds. Very much part of this landscape, it’s built from cobbles, sourced from the earth on which it stands, shaped by local crafts and long tradition. Cley is a beacon for artists, nature lovers and photographers with some of the best coastal walks in the UK. And it’s a hotspot for migratory birds from across the globe.
Scenic walkways wind among towering pale gold reeds, ripened by summer sun. Russet seed heads nod in unison, fantastically photogenic against a bright blue winter sky. This is when the reed cutters come to harvest. Reed-cutting is an ancient rural industry, still supporting local livelihoods and sustainable stewardship of the land, cared for here by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Cley windmill rises majestically from the panoramic coast path. Five storeys tall, built in the 19th century, the mill is a symbol of change and resilience. A working mill until 1921, it’s now one of the most unique places to stay in Norfolk, with stunning views across the reedbeds from the coast road to the banks of the River Glaven and beyond to the seawalls and marshes.
East of the village is Cley Marshes, a wildlife reserve and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its distinctive visitor centre (NR25 7SA), half camouflaged on the ridge above the coastal plateau. A great place for tea and cake with a view!
