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Cley Windmill
Holt, Norfolk
'One of the quirkiest, most characterful B&Bs', this five-storey, 19th-century tower mill is set 'in an idyllic spot', amid reed beds on the former quayside of the River Glaven.
Good Hotel Guide Review
The hotel experts at the Good Hotel Guide
'One of Britain's quirkiest, most characterful B&Bs', this five-storey, 19th-century tower mill is set 'in an idyllic spot', amid reed beds on the former quayside of the River Glaven. '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'. The 'pleasant but not perfect' room had 'lovely views beyond the windmill sails of the river, village and marshland', which were also on show from the mill's wraparound balcony. Amid the room's slightly tired cottage-style decor was a small four-poster, a wood-effect fire, a mini bar with fresh milk and cookies, and an extra loo behind a screen – 'which lowered the tone a bit' but 'was practical'. There is less hazardous, more modern accommodation in the old storehouses and boathouses, which 'have a bit more New England chic about them'. Breakfast is served in the 'cute, curved dining room' and included salmon from Cley's famous smokehouse. Birdwatchers flock here as well as walkers and summer tourists exploring the Norfolk coast.
Hotel Details
Address
The Quay, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7RP, England
Telephone
Bedroom
10. 1 in Boat House, 1 in Long House, 1 in Cart Shed.
Openings
all year, dinner Thurs, Fri, Sat, usually self-catering only over Christmas.
Background Music
in dining room, soft classical and jazz.
Children
all ages welcomed, extra bed £35.
Dogs
allowed in 1 room (Boat House) and Dovecote (B&B or self-catering cottage).
Prices
B&B doubles from £215. Set-price 3-course dinner Thurs/Fri £45, à la carte Sat £19/£27/£34 (1/2/3 courses) Min 2-night stay at weekends.
Facilities
bar/lounge, dining room, in-room TV, civil wedding licence, ¼-acre garden, ground-floor rooms 'suitable for more able wheelchair users'.
Location
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