Cley Windmill

Cley-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk

‘In an idyllic spot’, amid 'reed beds on the former quayside on the River Glaven’, this five-storey, 19th-century tower mill is home to an unusual B&B. More

Good Hotel Guide Review

‘In an idyllic spot’, amid ‘reed beds on the former quayside on the River Glaven’, this five-storey, 19th-century tower mill is home to an unusual B&B. ‘There is a certain romance to staying in a windmill,’ say our inspectors, who signed a waiver to sleep in the Wheel Room, reached ‘via a steep, carpeted ladder’, with ‘another steep ladder to a shower room, where you can see the old mill machinery in the ceiling’. It was ‘characterful, with a small four-poster beneath a timber ceiling’ and slightly tired cottage-style decor. ‘A wood-effect fire makes it even cosier in winter and there is a mini-honesty bar with fresh milk and cookies’, though an extra loo behind a screen, while practical, ‘detracts from the romance a bit’. There is less hazardous, more modern accommodation in the old storehouses and boathouses. The restaurant wasn’t operating (this may change), but a hamper with wine in the ‘cute, curved dining room’ brought ‘a superb feast, beautifully presented’, including ‘warmed bread’ and salmon from Cley’s famous smokehouse. ‘Sitting by the window of the windmill as sun set over the marshes was pretty special.’

Hotel details

Address

The Quay
Cley-next-the-Sea
Norfolk
NR25 7RP
England

Telephone

01263 740209

Bedrooms

10. 1 in Boat House, 1 in Long House, 1 in Cart Shed.

Open

all year, usually self-catering only over Christmas.

Facilities

bar/lounge, dining room, in-room TV (Freeview), civil wedding licence, ¼-acre garden, ground-floor rooms suitable for more able wheelchair-users.

Background music

in dining room, soft classical and jazz.

Children

all ages welcomed, extra bed £30.

Dogs

allowed in 1 room (Boat House) and Dovecote (B&B or self-catering cottage).

Credit cards

MC, Visa.

Prices

B&B doubles from £179. Hamper for two £65. Min. 2-night stay at weekends.