Attractions
Well known for its Windmill and its magnificent church, Cley is also home to the NWT Cley Marshes Nature Reserve - internationally reputed as a premier bird watching site, it is extremely popular with birds and visitors all year round!
Cley is also popular with walkers and is on the Norfolk Coastal Path - ideal for those who like something more challenging!
Cley was originally a lot more 'next the sea' than it is now - in the Middle Ages it was a thriving trading port with the harbour in front of St Margaret's Church - hard to imagine when you visit the area today. Sadly the village was struck by the plague and a misguided landowner unlawfully attempted land reclamation which caused the river to gradually silt up, both of which contributed to a decline in the population and wealth of the village. Some lovely pictures of old Cley can be seen at St Margaret's Church.
The village now thrives from tourism primarily brought in by the fantastic views, walks and wildlife, it also has two excellent pubs serving evening meals.
The shingle beach at Cley can be accessed via Beach Road by car or on foot along one of the footpaths through the marshes. The beach is suitable for sea fishing and there is parking at the beach Car Park. Parking is also available free at the Village Hall.
Along with its Art & Crafts galleries, book shop, specialist food shops and welcoming hostelries, Cley has a more than a lot to offer.
The village, local pubs, beach and nature reserve are all within walking distance of Cookes.
