An atmospheric village where the walking is shaped by sea, sky, and saltmarsh.
Cley-next-the-Sea is one of the most iconic bases on the North Norfolk Coast for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Set just east of Blakeney, it’s known for its 18th-century windmill, historic quay, and vast reed beds stretching to the sea. This is a place of subtle drama — full of open space, shifting skies, and the calls of migrating birds.
Directly on the Norfolk Coast Path, Cley is a perfect stop or base for coastal walking. The trail heads west to Blakeney, Morston, and Wells-next-the-Sea, and east to Salthouse and Sheringham, with uninterrupted views across saltmarshes and shingle ridges.
To the north lies Cley Marshes Nature Reserve, one of the UK’s oldest and most celebrated bird sanctuaries, with boardwalks, hides, and marsh trails. Inland, quiet lanes and footpaths wind through farmland and link to nearby villages, offering gentle circular walks with sweeping views.
Norfolk Coast Path (Cley-next-the-Sea Section) – Runs west to Blakeney and Morston with sweeping marshland views, and east to Salthouse and Sheringham along shingle ridges and open coast. Cley Marsh Circular – Short loop walks through reed beds, boardwalks, and bird hides. Inland Farm Walks – Quiet routes connecting Cley to Wiveton and Blakeney with panoramic coastal views.