Cley Beach

This two mile stretch of shingle beach is found about 4 miles north of Holt and 1 mile from Blakeney Point. The beach can be reached by car or via a footpath which passes over the salt marshes.

The beach has exceptional views on either side and is a popular starting point for a walk to Blakeney Point.  The walk is best done at low tide.  Tidal tables can be purchased cheaply from most of the local shops.

The surrounding land is owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and at busy times there is a charge to park cars. The Cley Marshes Nature Reserve is very popular with birdwatchers, and has a very good visitor centre.

Visitors who are not members of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust can buy tickets to visit the nature reserve from the visitor centre. It’s well worth a trip to the eco-friendly visitor centre, which has a café, gift shop and excellent views over the marshes.
Toilets in the centre, flush using water collected from mosses on the roof and the building generates its own electricity from solar panels as well as a small wind turbine.

Dog walking is not allowed in the reserve, although they are allowed on the shingle beach or on trails to the north of the beach.

Nearby is the beautifully preserved medieval village of Cley-next-to-the-Sea, which –it has to be pointed out- is no longer next to the sea at all. The village has an 18th century windmill, popular with local artists, and one of the loveliest churches in Norfolk - St Margaret’s.