Cley Windmill is located in Cley in North Norfolk, you immediately arrive to a beautiful coastline view that instantly feels peaceful. With just 8 rooms, it feels really cosy where you can make yourself at home. We were staying for a special visit as it was a weekend away to celebrate my mother in laws retirement so there were 10 of us travelling together. The main unique feature is that you are staying in the Windmill itself so is really something different to your average boutique hotel. With both indoor and outdoor seating it is great all year round to explore the local area or just enjoy the views and unwind! You can stop for a drink even if you aren't staying over! If you are looking for somewhere to explore Norfolk without wanting to use your car once you get there then this is a great spot!
Location 9/10: The location is perfect for walking along the coast to the beach or exploring the little village of Cley. I much preferred this location to The Harper as you don't need a car if you don’t want to! We did a beautiful walk along the coastline to famous Blakeney where we wandered around the boutique craft shops and had a drink and a cake at the little café! Cley itself also has lovely shops to explore and a pub and a deli also. You can still very easily explore other parts of Norfolk here really easily as well so is a really good location!
Room 7/10: We were staying in the 'River Room' which was located on the ground floor and you immediately walk in and open up to gorgeous views of the coast, with patio doors going out on to the front. The beds were comfy and the toiletries were all The White Company which was a lovely touch. Only a few things that could be improved would be a coffee machine instead of instant and the bathrooms are all quite outdated in comparison to the room itself. Some of the other rooms we had as part of our party were a little more awkward to get to with very steep stairs so just be mindful of which room you are booking and also were more outdated than the River Room (check their website as you can see each room there!).
Dining 9/10: Their breakfast was really delicious with a varied cooked to order menu; you could even pre-order local fish the night before if you fancied! We ate dinner at the pub just down the round called The George and Dragon which I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Cley but would definitely need to book as it is small and they were really busy! They also had a really delicious deli in Cley where we got a variety of lunch bits and were lucky enough to enjoy outside due to the unexpected sunny weather!
Value for money 8/10: The River Room was £245 per night including breakfast, but the other rooms do vary in price. Given you are paying for the experience of being in the Windmill and surrounded by that beautiful view I do think it is good value for money. Only reason for not giving a higher score would be the outdated bathroom and room amenities.
Extras: They do have the option to book out their self-catering lodge options which are located just behind the windmill. I think this would be a great idea if you were staying longer as a family holiday!
The Getaway Guide feeling 7/10: Overall, I had a really lovely stay celebrating with family. The views and peacefulness combined with having everything at doorstep to explore made it a really special getaway! Would recommend to anyone looking to explore Norfolk in a more unique setting of staying inside a windmill!