A landmark above the Cley marshes
Cley Windmill stands on the edge of Cley-next-the-Sea, overlooking the marshes and waterways of the Norfolk Coast. Dating from the early 18th century, the windmill has become one of the most recognisable landmarks along this part of the north Norfolk coastline.
Its position between the historic village and the open coastal landscape gives the windmill much of its character. From around Cley, the landscape opens towards reedbeds, grazing marshes, shingle and the sea, with the windmill remaining a prominent feature above the low-lying countryside.
The Norfolk Coast Path passes through Cley-next-the-Sea as it follows the coast between Blakeney and Salthouse. Nearby, Cley Marshes Nature Reserve protects an extensive area of wetland habitat between the village and the coast, making the windmill a natural landmark when exploring this section of the trail on foot.
Cley also provides a useful base for exploring the wider Norfolk Coast National Landscape, with Blakeney, Cley Marshes and the coastal landscapes towards Salthouse all within the surrounding area. Together, the village, windmill and marshes form one of the most distinctive combinations of historic settlement and coastal landscape on the Norfolk coast.