Cottages in Cley next the Sea

Situated on the doorstep of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the village of Cley next the Sea is an ideal holiday destination for those looking for a rural weekend break on the Norfolk coast. With beautiful cottages surrounded by lush countryside, you can relax in this vibrant green haven surrounded by wildlife and coastal scenery. Cley is a peaceful place and its narrow streets give way to small shops, a church, and a pub.

The cottages in Cley and the surrounding villages provide charming accommodation with splendid amenities. Despite having a traditional stone façade, the properties feature internally renovated spaces with well-equipped modern kitchens; cosy bedrooms with king-size beds and TVs; stylish bathrooms; and living rooms with comfortable sofas, TV with DVD and Wi-Fi. While outside, you can marvel at ocean views and well-maintained gardens.

Between the village and the sea, you will find Cley Marshes, a nature reserve with marshes, lagoons and reed beds that attract hundreds of wild and migratory birds. This area is a unique environment for birds and plants that attracts wildlife watchers every year. Cley was named England's first nature reserve, so it's the first place to head if you're a nature lover. And just a few minutes from Cley you'll find another nature reserve with stunning scenery of dunes, mudflats and cuddly seals. Blakeney Nature Reserve is internationally recognized as an important bird breeding area and is home to the largest colony of grey seals in England, which can be seen on a boat trip.

Enjoying the fresh air and relaxation of walking the circular walk through the Cley Marshes is the top thing you must do. At less than 5 km in length, this almost two-hour walk will give you a better view of the bird-watching hides. On the other hand, the Blakeney circular walk will give you a 12 km walk to explore the coast and countryside around the village of Blakeney. The trail passes along Morston Marshes to the village of Morston. From there it heads southeast towards Wiveton Bridge to continue north to Cley next the Sea. Although, if you want a family walk, the Blakeney National Nature Reserve walk to Friary Hills is leisurely and short. And the Blakeney Gramborough Hill Walk is also quiet and goes along the beach. However, it takes two hours.

Used as the backdrop for the 1949 film Conspirator starring Elizabeth Taylor, the picturesque Cley Windmill is a must-see landmark on your visit to the town. Although the mill is now a bed and breakfast the owners often allow tourists to go up to the top to see the breathtaking views. Don't miss climbing the 5 floors and look out over the scenery of the marshes towards the sea. Seeing the views from this much-loved Norfolk landmark is memorable.

Take a trip to the village of Sheringham, 16 minutes from Cley next the Sea, and climb aboard the North Norfolk Railway. Travel 5 miles through the most beautiful parts of the region and enjoy views of Norfolk's most stunning coastal scenery. You can also enjoy special events throughout the year such as the spooky ghost train where you'll hear tales of local apparitions; the Norfolk Lights Express, a winter light show; and the Santa Special Steam Train, a magical seasonal journey with Father Christmas.

9 miles away, in the village of Thursford, witness the best Christmas show in the whole area. Feel like a kid again and ride the fairground carousels, admire the world's largest collection of steam engines and organs, and enjoy carols and seasonal songs at Europe's biggest Christmas show! Christmas Spectacular is an extravagant celebration of song, music and dance with a cast of 130 making it the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe and an impossible celebration not to book this Christmas.

Enjoy a day exploring the magnificent gardens of Felbrigg Hall and discover why Felbrigg Gardens are a joy to behold. With hundreds of exotic plants, explore the walled garden with beautiful old figs dating back over 100 years and see unusual plants such as Umbellularia Californica, also known as the 'headache tree'. Wander through the estate's 520 acres of woodland, forest and waymarked trails; and enter Felbrigg Hall, and discover the rich interior with a multitude of artefacts that form part of one of the Trust's largest collections.

Just 20 minutes away, head to Amazona Zoo. The place boasts more than 200 exotic animals and offers a unique excursion for families to discover the native creatures of South America in an entertaining way. Take a day trip to the Amazona Zoo in Cromer and explore the different habitats that house animals such as jaguars, pumas, capybaras, monkeys, flamingos, parrots, caimans, snakes and much, much more. The zoo also has a soft play area called Jungle Tumbles perfect for the little ones.

Four miles from Cley next the Sea, explore the 100 acres of woodland at Holt Country Park. With pine trees, oak trees, nature trails, a playground and picnic areas, this Green Flag award-winning park is a perfect attraction for a family day out. Let the kids play hide and seek in the lush pines, have refreshments at Hetty's House Tea Room, climb the observation tower and take in the fabulous views. It's worth seeing the beauty of Holt Country Park for yourself.

Who doesn't like to spend a day at the beach? During your holiday, enjoy the sound of the ocean at Cley beach. Dip your feet in the water and sand and take in the exceptional views. The natural beauty of this small, desolate two-mile beach will provide you with a haven of relaxation. Don't forget to bring your swimming costume for a dip and food for a sunset picnic. Cley Beach is also ideal for shore fishing, so if you bring your fishing rod you're likely to catch plenty of fish.