Cley Windmill
Cley next the Sea, North Norfolk · B&B
View on Google MapsPhoto: Cley Windmill
Converted eighteenth-century tower windmill on the marshes at Cley next the Sea, with around ten bed and breakfast rooms and communal dinners.
What's nearby
- The Harnser next door
- Crabpot Books next door
- Made In Cley 250m away
- The Cley Smokehouse 250m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
About Cley Windmill
Cley Windmill is a converted eighteenth-century tower mill standing on the edge of the marshes at Cley next the Sea, with views over the reed beds towards Blakeney Point. The mill stopped working in the early twentieth century and has been run as accommodation for decades; the sails, gallery and much of the internal timber remain. It is one of the more distinctive places to stay on the Norfolk coast, and the position on the Cley and Blakeney reserves makes it a favourite with birdwatchers.
There are around ten bedrooms in total. Six are in the tower itself, reached by narrow stairs and named for the building's working past, including the Wheat Chamber, Barley Bin and Miller's Room; the remaining rooms are in the adjoining Boathouse, Long House and stable buildings and are easier to reach. Interiors are period country in style, with four-posters in some rooms, wet rooms or traditional bathrooms, and wifi throughout. The circular sitting room and the gallery walkway around the tower are open to guests.
Breakfast is included and served in the beamed dining room, and dinner is offered on most nights as a set menu eaten together, which gives the place a house-party feel. Local seafood, Norfolk meat and seasonal vegetables dominate. The mill is also let out whole for weddings and family gatherings, so it is worth checking availability if you are planning around a specific date.
It suits couples, birdwatchers and anyone who wants somewhere with genuine character rather than hotel facilities. The Cley Marshes visitor centre is a short walk, the coast path passes the mill, and Blakeney, Salthouse and Holt are close by. There is no lift, the tower stairs are steep and narrow, and it is not set up for young children, so the ground-floor and outbuilding rooms are the better choice for anyone with limited mobility.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We have just returned from our wedding at Cley Windmill & it was simply fantastic. Karla was a dream to deal with, sorted everything from the start of the process to our checkout this morning. The venue and location is stunning. Would definitely recommend the river room for the outdoor seating area. Our guests loved the day & all staff were very nice and helpful. We were sad to leave and cannot wait to visit again!
3 weeks ago · via Google
The Windmill occupies a premier location on the coast over looking the Salt Marshes. Very popular with Guests both staying and for Wedding Services & Receptions. The hotel is run and managed by an all female team who are very welcoming and professional and smart in their Cley Windmill Uniforms. Superb Choice of Breakfasts. Our Server was Elle who was very helpful. This area is very rural with very small villages and no industry. Truly it is like stepping back in time. Bird Watching and Walking are popular activities. Good for mind and the soul. Pleased to recommend Cley Windmill as a 5 Star Location and have sent photographs to friends in America.
3 weeks ago · via Google
Lovely old windmill. We stayed in the Wheat Chamber room - amazing ambiance and character with views across the marches. Excellent breakfast and service. Dinner in the evening is only available as a full four course and only if sufficient people sign up. This is a shame as I am sure if light meals were available then residents could enjoy the windmill even more. Lovely outside spaces if the weather is good.
2 months ago · via Google
Had lunch here for the first time and we all thought it nice and worth the money. Only a small and simple menu but portions and quality were very good. Very friendly service even though the landlady was balancing several jobs at once, you still felt tended to. Lovely old fashioned dining room in the windmill - all very good, and will come again.
2 months ago · via Google
People say this hotel offers lovely rooms with unique character and serves delicious, plentiful breakfasts with vegetarian options. They also highlight the stunning venue and location, which is perfect for intimate weddings and provides a relaxed atmosphere. Guests mention the staff are friendly, attentive, and helpful, ensuring a flawless experience.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Quay, Cley next the Sea, Holt, NR25 7RP Get directions
- Property type
- B&B
- Location
- Cley next the Sea, North Norfolk
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 9.2 / 10 (700 reviews)
- Prices from
- £195 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Norfolk