Stiffkey Artist's Guide to Cley-Next-the-Sea: Wildlife, Light, and Local Flavours

Sophia Williams
Apr 17
4 min read

Updated: May 20

Sophia Williams April 17, 2025

Continuing my exploration of North Norfolk's special places, this week I'm sharing my favourite spots in Cley-Next-the-Sea. With its distinctive windmill, vast reed beds, and shingle beach, Cley offers a different character from neighbouring Blakeney while sharing that magical Norfolk light.

Here are the places that have inspired my paintings and continue to draw me back throughout the changing seasons.

East Bank path - Marsh Harrier territory

The inspiration for my "Watching the Marsh Harrier" painting came from countless walks along the East Bank path. Access it from the car park near the Norfolk Wildlife Trust visitor centre and walk north towards the sea.

About halfway along, where the path rises slightly, pause and scan the reed beds to your left. This is prime Marsh Harrier territory, especially in early morning or the hour before sunset when they hunt low over the reeds. Bring binoculars if you have them, but the harriers' distinctive V-shaped flight profile is visible even to the naked eye.

The changing light on the water and reeds creates an ever-shifting palette that challenges and inspires my painting process.

Beach Road viewpoint

Where Beach Road crests before descending to the shingle, stop and turn back for one of the most spectacular views in Norfolk. The village nestles below with its windmill, while the marshes and reed beds stretch towards Blakeney Point.

This elevated position reveals the relationship between land, marsh and sea that makes this coastline so distinctive. Visit at sunset when the entire landscape is bathed in golden light and the windmill becomes a dramatic silhouette.

The 'secret' boardwalk

Many visitors miss the small boardwalk path that runs east from the main East Bank. About a third of the way along the East Bank, look for a narrow wooden walkway extending into the reeds on your right. This intimate path brings you closer to the reed bed ecosystem and offers a different perspective from the raised bank.

In spring and summer, look for reed warblers and listen for the distinctive 'ping' of bearded tits. This sheltered spot has a microclimate all its own, and the light filtering through the reeds creates patterns that have found their way into the textures of my paintings.

The old shingle bank

For a different perspective of Cley, walk east along the beach from the Beach Road car park. After about twenty minutes, you'll reach an old, partially vegetated shingle bank that offers views back towards the windmill and village.

This spot beautifully captures the meeting of land and sea that defines this coastline. The textures of the shingle, with its weathered stones and salt-tolerant plants, create a foreground that contrasts with the softer reed beds behind.

Eye field marsh view

Access this lesser-known viewpoint by taking the footpath west from the church towards Wiveton. Where the path crosses the marshy area known locally as Eye Field, there's a section with a slightly elevated wooden walkway. Stop here for a view across to Cley Windmill from an unusual angle.

This spot is particularly atmospheric in early morning mist or when storm clouds gather over the marsh. The dramatic skies and reflections in the water channels have directly influenced the mood of several of my Norfolk paintings.

Local flavours

Picnic Fayre Delicatessen

No visit to Cley is complete without stopping at the exceptional Picnic Fayre delicatessen on the high street. This treasure trove of local produce, artisan breads and Norfolk cheeses has fuelled many of my painting expeditions.

Their homemade sausage rolls and Norfolk fruit cakes are perfect for packing in your bag before heading out to explore the marshes. The building itself, with its vaulted ceiling, is worth experiencing.

The George

This 18th-century coaching inn on the high street offers hearty meals in a traditional setting. After a morning of walking the marshes, their local seafood dishes or Norfolk lamb are the perfect reward. The garden seating area at the back catches the afternoon sun and provides a sheltered spot to rest and refuel.

Artemis Café at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust

The visitor centre café offers spectacular views across the reserve while you enjoy locally sourced food and excellent coffee. Their seasonal soup with homemade bread makes a perfect lunch stop during winter walks, while the cake selection is always tempting after a summer expedition.

Sitting here watching the light change across the reed beds has directly informed the atmospheric qualities in my marsh paintings.

Cley Open Gardens - a special event

Keep an eye on social media for updates about Cley Open Gardens, a wonderful charity event usually held in June. This special day offers a rare opportunity to explore the private gardens of this historic village, many of which are normally hidden behind flint walls and hedges.

The gardens reveal how local residents work with the coastal conditions to create beautiful spaces that complement the surrounding landscape. As an artist, I find endless inspiration in how these gardeners respond to the unique Norfolk light, salty air, and distinctive sense of place.

Follow local Cley community groups on social media or check the village notice board near the church for confirmed dates.

When to Visit

Each season offers a different experience of Cley:

Spring brings migrating birds and the first marsh flowers
Summer evenings are perfect for watching wildlife when day visitors have left
Autumn creates dramatic skies and changing reed colours
Winter offers stark beauty and the spectacle of thousands of geese against the sunset

For the quietest experience, visit midweek outside school holidays. Early morning (before 9am) or evening (after 5pm) rewards you with the best light and wildlife activity.

To see how these Cley moments have influenced my paintings, including "Watching the Marsh Harrier," visit my Stiffkey studio by appointment. Email thesophiawilliams@gmail.com or call 07800590262 to arrange a visit.