Cley-next-the-Sea beach isn’t a place for spades or picnics however if you want to see crashing waves, great sunsets and fabulous views it’s certainly worth a visit.
Cley’s beach is located between Blakeney and Salthouse and consists of a long stretch of smooth pebble stones and shingle with a steep drop-off making it popular with local fisherman, backed by a marshland that’s rich in birdlife.
The village is dominated by the restored windmill which presides over the marshes and village with a magnificent medieval church on the village green. Bird watchers flock to the area as Cley Marshes is the oldest wildlife reserve in Norfolk and home to many migrating birds as well as waders, Bitterns, Marsh Harriers and Bearded Tits. The quiet village boasts a smoke house, tea rooms, delicatessen and a traditional pub, perfect after a busy day twitching.
How to get to Cley-next-the-Sea beach
Located on the main A149 coastal road, which ever direction you approach keep a look out for the distinctive Windmill which you are certain to see long before you enter the village, look out for Beach Road which is clearly indicated, this in a more open area where you’ll see marshland and footpaths. Enter this postcode into your sat nav NR25 7RY for the car park.
Is there car parking at Cley-next-the-Sea beach?
There is car parking at Cley-next-the-Sea beach, this owned and operated by Norfolk Wildlife Trust and free to its members. For non-members the is a small charge, this averages about £3.00 for half a day.
Facilities at Cley-next-the-Sea
There are no facilities at Cley-next-the-Sea beach, and no public toilets within the village. It is worth mentioning, you can find a pub with beer garden, a couple of cafes and shops in the village.
Is Cley-next-the-Sea beach dog friendly?
Dogs are very much welcome on Cley-next-the-Sea beach however there are dog restrictions during the summer. The beach is surrounded by nature reserves to the East and West of the car park, between April and August you may well find areas cordoned off due to ground-nesting birds, this mainly to the immediate left of the car park. Many of the terns and oyster catchers lay their eggs on the shingle and it’s really difficult to see them as they are so camouflaged. Essentially, while this is a great place to walk you pooch and we have done so for many years, keep your dog under control and you’ll have no issues.
Is Cley beach safe for families?
We love Cley beach for its crashing waves ‘real sea’, it is often quiet all year round however due to its pebble beach, steep drop off and lack of facilities it’s more suited for a walk and a bit of an adventure with your brood. There are areas of sand at low tide however this never a certainly.
Check the tide times
To help plan your visit, take a look at the tide times at Cley-next-the-Sea beach on the Tideschart website >
How do I stay safe on the beach?
Check the tide times before your visit, follow the safety signs on the beach. Don’t use inflatables at sea. In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
