Cley Windmill dates from the early 18th century and is a well-known landmark on the North Norfolk Coast. What visitors to the area may not have realised is that, these days, the windmill offers boutique-style bed and breakfast accommodation, enabling guests to stay in a truly unique and memorable setting with breathtaking views of the sea, the surrounding salt marshes and across to Blakeney Point.
Cley Windmill stands on the north side of the village and is within walking distance of the many independently-owned shops, pubs and eateries in the village, including the famous Cley Smokehouse. It has uninterrupted views of the sea and of Cley Bird Sanctuary. Cley-next-the-Sea is a great base from which to explore the many picturesque towns and villages of the North Norfolk Coastline, including Blakeney, Morston, Wells-next-the-Sea and Holt, as well as the surrounding countryside.
The windmill featured in MGM’s 1949 film Conspirator, starring Elizabeth Taylor, and was also the scene of various intrigues in the television series Ruth Rendell Mysteries. In Medieval times, Cley was one of the principal ports of East Anglia, exporting large quantities of wool and grain. Cley Windmill dates from the 1700s, although the tower was not completed until later. The windmill was first offered for sale in the Norfolk Chronicle on 26th June 1819 and passed through several hands during the next 100 years. Natalie and Varian Bush took over ownership of Cley Windmill in 2021.
Located close to the old quay and quaint, flint-walled cottages of the popular coastal village of Cley-next-the-Sea, Cley Windmill has been converted into a guesthouse of immense character, charm and comfort. The old stables and boathouses are now stylish bedrooms, whilst the Dovecote provides a self-catering retreat for independent holidaymakers. The large, tranquil walled garden overlooks the river Glaven and the surrounding reed-beds. The windmill makes a magical setting for private house parties and weddings. A stay at Cley Windmill is a truly memorable experience; the ground floor features a magnificent circular sitting room furnished with antiques and inviting sofas, set around a roaring open fire. The beamed dining room, part of the original warehouse built in 1713, has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The upstairs rooms and galleries have stunning views out over the marshes and the sea.
Each of the nine en suite bedrooms is furnished in a cosy, period country style, in keeping with the windmill’s history and character. Among the facilities on offer in the rooms are comfortable beds, televisions and tea and coffee making facilities.
Prices for the guest rooms range from (£215.00 per room per night) depending on the time of year. Prices are based on double occupancy. A supplement is charged for single occupancy.
A two-night minimum stay applies for Friday bookings. The Dovecote is a self-catering unit and prices range from £150.00 per night as above.
Breakfast options include a full English breakfast, kippers, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, fresh fruit, cereal, toast, fruit juice and plenty of tea and coffee.
Cley Windmill is a totally unique setting for your wedding or civil ceremony, which take place in the beautiful round Sitting Room. Some people prefer a small and informal affair, others like something slightly larger and more formal. Cley Windmill’s licence only allows it to host 26 people indoors and up to 50 in our Marquee, including the bride and groom in the ceremony room.
If you would just like to enjoy the unique experience of having your ceremony in a Windmill, but are planning a larger reception elsewhere, the team can accommodate this, allowing you time after the ceremony to enjoy a glass of champagne and canapés, which will be served in the Windmill Dining Room, and to take photographs. They can also provide tea or even a Norfolk Cream Tea, as well as a Wedding Breakfast, depending on the time of year and diary commitments.
Wedding parties can opt to take over the Windmill and by booking all of the B&B rooms and the self-catering cottage, which, in all, accommodate 18-20 guests.
Contact the team to discuss your requirements.
You have found a wonderful place to stay and Boutique and Breakfast is committed to giving you a personalised service so that you can find the right room at the right price. Simply fill in our enquiry form and within 24 hours you will receive a response from Cley Windmill tailored to your needs. This will be in the form of either a telephone call or an email.
