Pretty seaside village with 'unworldly' vibes and iconic windmill ideal for autumn escape

A charming coastal village nestled on the vast north Norfolk coast has scooped attention as one of the UK's must-visit places this autumn, beating competition in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. The North Norfolk Coast is perhaps one of the UK's most underrated coastlines; a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty brimming with wildlife and huge skies. With a brisk wind in the air and some golden leaves by the shore, it can be the perfect place for your next getaway.

Perhaps one of the area's best-kept gems is the picture postcard village of Cley next the Sea, known for its distinctive windmill and wide-open salt marshes. Cley (pronounced like it rhymes with sky) offers a peaceful escape without having to wade through hordes of summer tourists. The historic Cley Windmill, overlooking many of the village's traditional flint-covered houses and with stunning views out to the North Sea, has become the village's landmark. If you want the full experience, you can even stay inside the 19th-century structure, as it's now been turned into a luxury B&B.

The narrow streets are lined with flint cottages, small galleries, and independent shops selling local produce, crafts, and artwork inspired by the surrounding countryside and coast.

A trip to Cley isn't complete without sampling some seafood either. While nearby Cromer may be famous for its crab, the village's fish smokehouse has gathered up a reputation of its own, making it the ideal place to stock up on kippers or smoked salmon for your breakfast the next morning.

Its location also makes it a prime spot for twitchers and nature watching. The nearby Cley Marshes Nature Reserve, managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, is one of the oldest nature reserves in the country and attracts visitors from across the UK. During autumn, migrating birds arrive in large numbers, making it one of the best times of year for spotting rare species along the coastal paths and hides.

Its autumnal charm even gained attention from England's Coast, who named it as one of the best places to visit in the season, calling the village "extremely easy on the eye" and a "good base for exploration".

"Dusk can be an unworldly time to explore the watery edges of this part of Norfolk. All may be quiet and then a hen harrier, a magnificent bird of prey that migrates south in autumn to overwinter here, may swoop low across the reeds in search of an evening snack," it added.

The area's walking routes are another highlight. The Norfolk Coast Path runs directly through the village, offering long stretches of unspoilt coastline and views across salt flats and dunes. The path links Cley with other popular destinations including Blakeney, Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham, all known for their beaches, wildlife and distinctive coastal charm.

Nearby, visitors can explore the neighbouring village of Blakeney, famous for its seal colonies and harbour. Late October is the best time for seal spotters, with the National Trust's Blakeney Point home to the country's largest grey seal colony - just make sure you keep your distance to leave them to enjoy the coastline too.

Inland is the pretty Georgian town of Holt, known for its antique shops and galleries and for being a favourite of the Prince and Princess of Wales.