Background

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Explore one of Europe’s oldest wetlands, rich in wildlife, heritage, and natural beauty at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve.

4.6

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, managed by the National Trust, is one of the oldest and most important wetlands in Europe. Spanning around 2,000 acres in Cambridgeshire, it offers a rare glimpse into the ancient fenland landscape of East Anglia. The reserve features diverse habitats including reedbeds, sedge fen, wet meadows, and open water, supporting over 9,000 species of wildlife. Visitors can explore via boardwalks and trails, see grazing Konik ponies and Highland cattle, and visit the iconic working windpump and Fen Cottage.

A brief summary to National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

  • 34 Lode Ln, Ely, Wicken, CB7 5XP, GB
  • +441353720274
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the best wildlife sightings, especially birds like bitterns and hen harriers.
  • Wear waterproof footwear as some trails can be muddy after rain despite boardwalks.
  • Check seasonal opening times for boat trips on Wicken Lode, available mid-March to October.
  • Use the Visitor Centre to get updates on where the Konik ponies and Highland cattle have been spotted.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching and visit the Tower Hide for panoramic views.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Cambridge to Wicken Fen takes approximately 30-40 minutes via local roads. Parking is available at the reserve for £3.20 per day (free for National Trust members and Blue Badge holders). Payment can be made by cash or via the JustPark app.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Ely to Wicken village, with a journey time of around 25-35 minutes. From Wicken village, the reserve is accessible by a 15-minute walk along Lode Lane. Bus frequency varies, so check current timetables.

  • Cycle

    Cycling is a popular way to reach Wicken Fen, especially via the Lodes Way cycle route from Bottisham or Anglesey Abbey. The terrain is flat and suitable for most cyclists. Bike hire is available seasonally at the reserve.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying nearby, walking to the reserve is possible via well-marked footpaths. The terrain is mostly flat with some boardwalk sections, but some paths may be muddy after rain. Allow 20-40 minutes depending on starting point.

National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

A Living Window into Ancient Fenland

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is a unique remnant of the vast, undrained fenlands that once covered East Anglia. Established as the National Trust’s first nature reserve over 125 years ago, it preserves a rare and fragile ecosystem of sedge fen, reedbeds, wet grasslands, and open water channels known locally as Lodes. This landscape-scale conservation area offers visitors a chance to witness a lost wilderness alive with wildlife and traditional fenland management practices.

Rich Biodiversity and Iconic Wildlife

Home to more than 9,000 recorded species, Wicken Fen supports a spectacular variety of flora and fauna. Rare birds such as bitterns and hen harriers, elusive water voles, and a dazzling array of dragonflies thrive here. Grazing herds of hardy Konik ponies and Highland cattle roam the reserve year-round, their grazing patterns helping to maintain diverse habitats and encourage wildflowers and insects. Seasonal changes bring different wildlife spectacles, from booming bitterns in spring to winter owls and migratory waders.

Historic Fenland Heritage and Structures

The reserve’s cultural heritage is embodied in its iconic wooden windpump, restored to working order, which symbolizes the fenland’s historic peat-digging and drainage industry. Nearby, Fen Cottage and the Fenman’s workshop offer insights into the lives of fenland workers in the 1930s, showcasing traditional crafts like sedge cutting, peat digging, and eel catching. These structures connect visitors to the human history intertwined with the fen’s natural environment.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Visitors can explore Wicken Fen via a network of raised boardwalks and lush grass droves that provide easy access to the heart of the fen. The Tower Hide offers panoramic views across the landscape, ideal for birdwatching. The Visitor Centre includes informative displays, a shop with local crafts and wildlife books, and the Docky Hut Café serving refreshments. Family-friendly trails and seasonal events enrich the experience, while cycle routes like the Lodes Way connect Wicken Fen to nearby attractions.

Wicken Fen Vision: A Century of Conservation

The ambitious Wicken Fen Vision project aims to expand the reserve to over 53 square kilometers, creating a mosaic of wetland habitats stretching towards Cambridge. This long-term effort enhances biodiversity and landscape resilience through habitat restoration and sustainable grazing. The project also protects archaeological sites and listed buildings, preserving both natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Accessibility and Seasonal Highlights

Wicken Fen is open year-round with facilities operating daily from 10am to 5pm. The reserve offers accessible paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, with accessible toilets and hearing induction loops available. Seasonal highlights include boat trips in spring and summer, spectacular wildflower displays, and winter birdwatching. The peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it a tranquil escape in all seasons.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Popular Hotels near National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve

Select Currency