Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Explore one of Europe’s oldest wetlands, a rich fenland sanctuary teeming with rare wildlife, historic charm, and timeless natural beauty.
Wicken Fen is one of the oldest and most important wetland nature reserves in Europe, preserving a rare fragment of the ancient fenland landscape of East Anglia. Spanning around 2,000 acres, it offers diverse habitats including sedge fen, reedbeds, wet grasslands, and open water. Visitors can explore extensive boardwalks and trails to observe over 9,000 species of plants, birds, and insects, alongside grazing herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. The reserve also features a historic windpump and Fen Cottage, providing insight into fenland heritage.
A brief summary to Wicken Fen Visitor Centre
- 34 Lode Ln, Ely, Wicken, CB7 5XP, GB
- +441353720274
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-8 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day for the best wildlife sightings, especially birds and dragonflies.
- Wear waterproof footwear and dress for changing weather, as trails can be wet or muddy.
- Use the boardwalks and hides for close but respectful wildlife observation.
- Explore the Fenman’s workshop and Fen Cottage to learn about traditional fenland life.
- Consider hiring a bike during warmer months to enjoy the wider reserve and Lodes Way cycle path.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Ely to Wicken Fen takes approximately 20-30 minutes via local roads. Free parking is available at the Visitor Centre, but spaces can fill during peak times. A small parking fee applies for non-National Trust members, typically around £3.00.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Ely to nearby villages; however, direct public transport to Wicken Fen is limited. Visitors can take a bus to Wicken village (approximately 45 minutes from Ely) and then walk about 2 km on flat terrain to the reserve entrance.
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Cycling
Cycling from Ely to Wicken Fen is a scenic option, covering roughly 10 km via quiet country lanes and the Lodes Way cycle path. The route is mostly flat and suitable for intermediate cyclists. Bike hire is available on-site during warmer months.
Wicken Fen Visitor Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Wicken Fen Visitor Centre
A Living Remnant of East Anglia's Fenland Wilderness
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is a unique and internationally significant wetland, representing one of the last fragments of the vast undrained fenlands that once covered East Anglia. Established over 125 years ago as the National Trust’s first nature reserve, it spans approximately 2,000 acres of diverse habitats including sedge fen, reedbeds, wet grasslands, open water, and wet woodland. This mosaic of environments supports a remarkable biodiversity with over 9,000 recorded species, making it a vital sanctuary for rare plants, birds such as hen harriers and bitterns, dragonflies, and mammals like water voles.Exploring the Fen: Trails, Wildlife, and Conservation
Visitors can traverse the fen via a network of raised boardwalks and lush grass droves that allow close encounters with the fen’s unique flora and fauna without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. The Sedge Fen area features an all-weather boardwalk and bird hides, including a tower hide offering panoramic views of the landscape. The wider reserve, managed under the ambitious Wicken Fen Vision, is expanding to create a 53-square-kilometer wetland habitat corridor reaching towards Cambridge. Grazing by hardy Highland cattle and Konik ponies plays a key role in habitat management, promoting a rich variety of plant and animal life.Heritage and Fenland Culture at the Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre serves as the gateway to Wicken Fen, offering informative displays about the fen’s natural and cultural history. Nearby, Fen Cottage, furnished in 1930s style, and the Fenman’s workshop showcase traditional fenland livelihoods such as sedge harvesting, peat digging, and eel catching. The iconic wooden windpump, restored and occasionally operational, stands as a reminder of the historic fen drainage methods that shaped the landscape. The centre also includes a café, gift shop, and facilities designed for accessibility, making it welcoming for families and visitors with mobility needs.Seasonal Highlights and Activities for All Ages
Wicken Fen offers year-round wildlife experiences: spring brings booming bitterns and cuckoos, summer showcases rare orchids and abundant dragonflies, while winter attracts hen harriers and short-eared owls. Family-friendly trails and discovery areas encourage exploration, and seasonal boat trips on the fen’s waterways provide a different perspective on this wetland wilderness. Cycle hire is available from Easter to October, allowing visitors to explore the 9-mile Lodes Way connecting Wicken to nearby Anglesey Abbey.Conservation Legacy and Future Vision
The Wicken Fen Vision is a century-long project aiming to restore and extend fen habitats through landscape-scale conservation. This includes creating new reedbeds, marshes, wet grasslands, and woodlands, enhancing biodiversity and resilience. The introduction of grazing herds has transformed the fen’s vegetation structure, creating diverse niches for wildlife. Archaeological sites and listed buildings within the reserve add a rich cultural dimension to the natural heritage, reflecting centuries of human interaction with this unique fenland environment.A Serene Escape into Nature’s Fenland Haven
Wicken Fen offers a tranquil and immersive experience for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking to connect with one of England’s most precious natural landscapes. The blend of vibrant wildlife, historic features, and carefully managed habitats provides a window into a lost world, inviting visitors to appreciate the delicate balance of fenland ecosystems and the ongoing efforts to protect them for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jesus Lock
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Romsey Terrace
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Duke House
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Castle Mound: site of medieval Cambridge Castle
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Castle Park
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Magdalene Bridge
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Kettle's Yard
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Reality Checkpoint
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Parker's Piece
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Newton's Apple Tree
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Bridge of Sighs
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Westminster College
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10 Downing Street
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Unmissable attractions to see
National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
0.0 km
Explore one of Europe’s oldest wetlands, rich in wildlife, heritage, and natural beauty at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve.
Burwell Fen
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Kingfishers Bridge Nature Reserve
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A vibrant wetland haven in Cambridgeshire, rich in rare birds and wildlife, offering peaceful nature walks and immersive conservation experiences.
Burwell Museum and Windmill
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Denny Abbey & The Farmland Museum
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National Trust - Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
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Stow cum Quy Fen
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Hoe Fen Wildlife Area
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Jubilee Gardens
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The Maltings
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Waterside Antiques Centre
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Ely Castle Mound
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Ely Cathedral
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The Stained Glass Museum
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Oliver Cromwell's House
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Essential places to dine
The Prince Albert
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The Hole In The Wall
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The Old Spring
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Navadhanya
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Midsummer House
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Restaurant Twenty Two
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Kingston Arms
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Tradizioni
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Limoncello
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La Mimosa
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Efes Restaurant
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Fancett's
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Bedouin
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Hungrill
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Raja Indian Restaurant Cambridge
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Romsey Barbers Ltd Cambridge
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Classic cuts in Cambridge's Romsey: friendly barber shop delivering sharp fades and shaves with neighborhood warmth.
Beehive Centre
15.4 km
A dynamic shopping centre in Cambridge offering diverse stores, dining, and free parking for a convenient retail experience.
Sense
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Affordable finds in central Cambridge, supporting a national disability charity with every purchase.
Jemporium Vintage
15.9 km
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The Works
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Primark
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Victoria Store
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The Old Chemist Shop Antique Centre
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Romsey Mill Charity Shop
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Mill Road’s friendly charity shop — thrift, small discoveries and funds for local youth and family services in Cambridge.
The Hive
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Not Listed
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Typically British
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Robert Graham 1874 - whisky & cigars
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Bowns
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Fridge
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Brewers Inn
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The Corner House
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Fort St George
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The Geldart
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The Burleigh Arms
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The Tivoli
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The Blue Moon
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The Cambridge Blue
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The Royal Standard Pub
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The Petersfield
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196 cocktail bar
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The Free Press
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
EBC Shop
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Cambridge Pop-up Speakeasy Jazz
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Salisbury Club
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Vinyl Cambridge
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MASH
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High Five
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Cambridge Lola Lo
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80s karaoke bar
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The Calling
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Rock
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Sing Dizzy
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Tall Trees
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The Lounge
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
