Upwood Meadows National Nature Reserve
A serene National Nature Reserve showcasing vibrant wildflower meadows and rich wildlife near Huntingdon.
Upwood Meadows is a nationally designated nature reserve near Huntingdon, England, celebrated for its rich floristic diversity and traditional hay meadows. The reserve features medieval ridge-and-furrow landscapes, vibrant wildflower meadows, and habitats supporting diverse wildlife including orchids, butterflies, and nesting birds. Open year-round, it offers tranquil walking paths and a peaceful natural retreat.
A brief summary to Upwood Meadows
- Meadow Ln, Huntingdon, PE26 2QL, GB
- +441954713500
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during spring and summer for the most vibrant wildflower displays and active pollinators.
- Wear sturdy footwear as paths traverse natural terrain with grazing livestock present.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching opportunities among the hedgerows and veteran trees.
- Respect the grazing animals and stay on designated paths to protect the delicate habitats.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus
Regular bus services run from Huntingdon town centre to Upwood village, approximately 4 km from the meadows. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes. Check local timetables for frequency. Walking from Upwood village to the meadows is about 30 minutes over flat terrain.
-
Car
Driving from Huntingdon, Upwood Meadows is accessible via Meadow Lane with limited parking near the reserve. Travel time is about 10 minutes. Parking is informal and may be limited during peak seasons. No parking fees apply.
-
Walking
For active visitors, a scenic 1-hour walk from Huntingdon town centre to Upwood Meadows follows quiet country lanes and footpaths. Terrain is mostly flat and suitable for moderate fitness levels. Wear comfortable shoes.
Upwood Meadows location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Upwood Meadows
A Living Mosaic of Ancient Hay Meadows
Upwood Meadows is a rare and precious example of traditional hay meadows, designated as a National Nature Reserve for its exceptional floristic diversity. The reserve comprises three flower-filled fields set on poorly drained clay soil at the edge of the Huntingdonshire fens. Its medieval ridge-and-furrow topography creates a patchwork of microhabitats, supporting a wide variety of wildflowers such as cowslip, green-winged orchid, saw-wort, dropwort, sulphur clover, and dyer's greenweed. These plants bloom throughout the summer, providing a continuous nectar source for bees and butterflies.Rich Wildlife and Habitat Diversity
Beyond the meadows themselves, Upwood is surrounded by mature hedgerows and veteran trees, which serve as vital nesting sites for birds including turtle dove, blackcap, and whitethroat. In winter, the reserve attracts fieldfare and redwing, adding seasonal interest. Dew ponds, originally dug for livestock watering, now function as breeding grounds for great crested newts, dragonflies, and damselflies, enhancing the reserve’s biodiversity.Historical and Conservation Significance
Upwood Meadows is not only ecologically important but also historically significant. The ridge-and-furrow patterns are remnants of medieval farming practices, preserved in this protected landscape. The reserve is part of the Coronation Meadows project, where seeds from Upwood are used to restore wildflower meadows on other sites, helping to conserve traditional meadow habitats across the UK.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors can enjoy well-maintained walking paths that gently meander through the meadows, offering peaceful and scenic views ideal for photography and nature observation. The tranquil ambience invites mindfulness and a deep connection with nature. Grazing livestock are present on the meadows, maintaining the traditional management that supports the habitat’s health.Seasonal Highlights and Wildlife Watching
Spring and summer are the best times to visit for wildflower displays and active pollinators. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of songbirds and seasonal visitors throughout the year. The reserve’s quiet environment makes it a perfect spot for nature escapes and contemplative walks.Community and Educational Value
Managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, Upwood Meadows serves as a living classroom for conservation and natural heritage. Information boards provide insights into the reserve’s ecology and history, fostering awareness and appreciation among visitors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The George
10.7 km
A historic Huntingdon coaching inn with a traditional pub, hearty food, and a long connection to local history and Oliver Cromwell.
Lynch Lodge
17.9 km
Step into history at Lynch Lodge, a beautifully preserved Georgian porch and unique holiday let nestled in the tranquil village of Alwalton near Peterborough.
The Warren House
20.1 km
A rare 17th-century timber-framed warrener’s cottage offering historic charm and scenic views over Kimbolton Castle in tranquil rural surroundings.
English Heritage - Bushmead Priory
25.6 km
England's finest surviving medieval priory refectory, where Augustinian canons once gathered to dine and pray.
English Heritage - Apethorpe Palace
26.1 km
Explore the enchanting Apethorpe Palace, a historical landmark showcasing England's rich heritage and stunning Tudor architecture.
Trinity Bridge
27.8 km
A unique 14th-century three-way stone bridge in the heart of Crowland, once spanning two rivers, now a striking medieval monument in the town centre.
East Midlands Steam and Country Show
29.7 km
Experience the rich heritage and vibrant culture at the East Midlands Steam and Country Show, where steam engines meet delicious local food and crafts.
Castle Park
30.0 km
Historic green space featuring the Norman Cambridge Castle Mound with panoramic city views and tranquil parkland near the city centre.
Castle Mound: site of medieval Cambridge Castle
30.3 km
Explore Castle Mound, the grassy remnant of Cambridge’s medieval fortress with panoramic city views and centuries of rich history.
Westminster College
30.3 km
Historic theological college blending Victorian architecture with contemporary faith education in Cambridge's academic heart.
Jesus Lock
30.5 km
Historic Jesus Lock on the River Cam offers serene riverside charm and a unique glimpse into Cambridge's aquatic heritage.
Magdalene Bridge
30.6 km
Historic cast-iron bridge over the River Cam, linking Cambridge’s academic heart with its ancient trading past.
Bridge of Sighs
30.7 km
A Victorian Gothic covered bridge spanning the River Cam, linking history and beauty at St John's College, Cambridge.
Kitchen Bridge, St John's College
30.7 km
Discover the charm and history of the Kitchen Bridge at St. John's College, a picturesque landmark in the heart of Cambridge, England.
Jesus Green
30.7 km
Explore the beauty of Jesus Green in Cambridge, a lush park perfect for picnics, strolls, and family fun amidst picturesque riverside views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Great Fen
2.5 km
Explore the Great Fen’s restored wetlands and woodlands at Ramsey Heights, a thriving nature reserve rich in wildlife and community spirit.
Roundwood Gin
4.0 km
Award-winning small-batch gin crafted in a charming Cambridgeshire barn with scenic countryside views and immersive tastings.
Warboys and Wistow Woods
4.6 km
Ancient ash woodland sanctuary where rare mosses, lichens, and insects thrive in protected Cambridgeshire countryside.
Ramsey Abbey Gatehouse
4.7 km
Explore the 15th-century Gothic gatehouse of Ramsey Abbey, a captivating medieval relic nestled in the tranquil Fens of Cambridgeshire.
Monks Wood National Nature Reserve
5.1 km
Cambridgeshire's ancient woodland sanctuary and UK's premier beetle hotspot with over 1,000 species.
Magic Mountain
6.6 km
Explore Magic Mountain, a secretive Cold War bunker at Alconbury Weald, where cutting-edge espionage shaped history beneath Cambridgeshire’s skies.
JOHNSONS OF OLD HURST | JOHNSONS ZOO
7.2 km
Discover a charming family farm and zoo with exotic animals, sustainable farming, and delicious local food near Huntingdon.
Holme Fen National Nature Reserve
8.8 km
Explore Britain’s lowest land point and the largest silver birch woodland in lowland Europe, a tranquil haven for wildlife and nature lovers.
Aversley Wood
8.9 km
A 62-hectare protected woodland sanctuary offering peaceful walks through diverse natural habitats near Sawtry.
Coneygear Park
9.1 km
A welcoming, accessible green space in Hartford offering playgrounds, walking paths, and community spirit open 24/7.
King of the Belgians
9.8 km
Historic 16th-century village pub in Hartford offering home-cooked meals, real ales, and a welcoming atmosphere with a charming beer garden.
Hartford Mill Wacky Warehouse
9.9 km
A vibrant indoor soft play centre with outdoor fun, perfect for under-12s and family celebrations in Huntingdon.
The Riverside Park
10.6 km
A spacious riverside green space in St Neots offering scenic views, diverse recreation, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Cromwell Museum
10.7 km
Explore the life and legacy of Oliver Cromwell in the historic Huntingdon Grammar School, with engaging exhibits and dynamic temporary displays.
Chequers Shopping Centre
10.7 km
A vibrant shopping hub in Huntingdon offering a diverse mix of high street brands, local shops, and inviting cafés in a welcoming community setting.
Essential places to dine
The Elm
4.9 km
A charming gastro pub in Abbots Ripton offering quality British cuisine in a historic, welcoming setting.
The Crown Inn
5.5 km
Historic British gastropub in Broughton offering traditional classics and a warm, authentic country pub atmosphere.
The Steak House
7.2 km
A classic British steakhouse in Old Hurst serving expertly cooked steaks in a warm, welcoming village setting.
Chi Huntingdon
8.4 km
Experience vibrant South East Asian flavors in a modern, elegant setting at Chi Huntingdon, a culinary highlight in Cambridgeshire’s Sapley area.
Bella Italia - Huntingdon
8.4 km
Authentic Italian flavors and warm service combine in a family-friendly setting at Bella Italia Huntingdon.
The Manor Hotel & Pub
9.1 km
A charming traditional British pub and hotel in Alconbury offering hearty meals, cozy rooms, and genuine hospitality.
The Barley Mow
9.7 km
Historic pub blending Nepalese and British flavors with craft beers in the heart of Hartford's old village.
Hartford Mill - Pub & Carvery
9.9 km
A friendly marina-side pub serving fresh carvery and classic dishes daily in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Three Jolly Butchers
10.5 km
A welcoming village pub in Wyton offering classic British fare, real ales, and a spacious beer garden with rustic charm.
Local Cafe
10.7 km
Cozy and clean cafe in Huntingdon serving hearty breakfasts, quality coffee, and classic comfort food in a welcoming atmosphere.
Olmo Lounge
10.7 km
A vibrant, inclusive dining spot on Huntingdon’s High Street offering diverse British and vegan-friendly cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Hill Ephesus Restaurant
10.8 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine and warm hospitality in the heart of Huntingdon’s historic Market Hill.
The Windmill
10.8 km
A welcoming traditional English pub in Somersham offering excellent food, attentive service, and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
Samuel Pepys
10.9 km
A traditional Huntingdon pub serving hearty British classics, local ales, and a warm welcome on the High Street.
Black Bull Godmanchester
11.6 km
Historic pub and vibrant event venue in Godmanchester, renowned for great food, live music, and welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dunelm
9.7 km
Discover a wide range of homewares at Dunelm in Huntingdon, your go-to destination for stylish and practical home essentials.
Essential Supermarket
10.5 km
Discover authentic Asian flavors and fresh halal produce at Essential Supermarket, Huntingdon’s go-to for culinary essentials.
Hazelmere Home & Garden
10.6 km
Discover timeless charm and garden inspiration at Hazelmere Home & Garden, Huntingdon’s friendly boutique for interior and outdoor living.
James Cox
10.6 km
Historic Huntingdon department store blending timeless elegance with diverse fashion, gifts, and suit hire since 1893.
Peacocks
10.6 km
Affordable fashion for men, women, and children at Peacocks Huntingdon, your go-to clothing store in St Germain Walk.
Robert Goddard
10.6 km
A century-old fashion destination in Huntingdon, offering premium designer clothing and tailored pieces in a classic department-store setting.
Cards Direct
10.7 km
Huntingdon’s go-to shop for quality British-made greeting cards, gifts, and party supplies at direct-from-factory prices.
Next
10.7 km
Stylish fashion and homeware for the whole family in Huntingdon’s vibrant Chequers Court shopping hub.
TK Maxx
10.7 km
Designer bargains and branded treasures await at TK Maxx Huntingdon—up to 60% off premium fashion, homeware, and gifts.
NECTAR Polish Delicatessen (Huntingdon)
10.7 km
Discover authentic Polish culinary delights at NECTAR Polish Delicatessen, Huntingdon’s premier destination for traditional sausages, cheeses, and breads.
Euro Shop
10.7 km
Huntingdon's authentic European supermarket bringing continental flavors and community together.
CeX
10.7 km
Affordable secondhand electronics and gaming essentials in the heart of Huntingdon's Chequers Court.
The Works
10.7 km
Discover affordable creativity and learning at The Works Huntingdon, your go-to for arts, crafts, books, and toys on High Street.
The Purple Spell
10.8 km
Discover authentic magical traditions and handcrafted spellcraft tools in the enchanting heart of Huntingdon at The Purple Spell.
Patches
10.8 km
A charming family-run haberdashery in Huntingdon, offering quality sewing, knitting supplies, and expert machine repairs since 2017.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cross Keys
0.9 km
A classic British village pub in Upwood serving hearty seasonal dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The White Lion
3.6 km
A traditional, friendly pub in Bury offering classic ales, hearty food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
The Jolly Sailor Ramsey
4.6 km
Historic 400-year-old pub in Ramsey offering traditional British fare, quality ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Sawtry Ex-Service & Working Mens Club
8.5 km
A welcoming community social club in Sawtry offering events, bar facilities, and a friendly atmosphere for locals and visitors.
The Golden Knight
9.0 km
A friendly Huntingdon pub with a spacious beer garden, lively sports viewing, and classic games for a relaxed social experience.
The Mad Cat Inn
9.5 km
A cozy traditional village pub in Pidley offering hearty roasts, friendly service, and authentic British charm.
Lord Protector
9.7 km
A welcoming community pub in Huntingdon offering great drinks, lively entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Three Horseshoes
10.7 km
A traditional English pub with cozy rooms, hearty fare, and a warm community spirit in the heart of Huntingdon.
The Falcon Tavern
10.7 km
Historic real ale pub in Huntingdon with roots in the English Civil War, offering traditional drinks, hearty food, and a charming garden.
Market Inn, Huntingdon
10.7 km
Historic half-timbered pub in Huntingdon offering traditional ales, lively entertainment, and a warm family-run atmosphere.
Three Tuns
10.8 km
A welcoming traditional pub on Huntingdon’s High Street, offering lively atmosphere, classic charm, and a true taste of English pub culture.
The Old Bridge Hotel
11.0 km
Historic Georgian charm meets vibrant riverside hospitality in Huntingdon’s beloved Old Bridge Hotel.
The Taproom
12.9 km
Charming riverside bar and kitchen in St Ives offering crafted drinks, hearty meals, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere daily from 9am.
Oliver Cromwell
13.0 km
Historic 18th-century riverside pub in St. Ives offering local ales, home-cooked food, and a warm community atmosphere.
The New Crown
15.0 km
A welcoming pub in Whittlesey offering hearty meals, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Peterborough’s historic market town.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Montagu Club
10.7 km
Discover the lively Montagu Club in Huntingdon - a social haven for music lovers and friends looking to unwind and enjoy local culture.
OutOut Nightclub
12.6 km
Vibrant nightlife hub in St. Ives offering dynamic club nights, private events, and a lively atmosphere from 10pm to 4am Fridays and Saturdays.
The Lounge
12.7 km
A lively nightclub and wine bar on The Broadway, offering vibrant late-night entertainment in the heart of St Ives.
The Met Lounge
17.0 km
Peterborough’s vibrant live music venue and nightclub blending nostalgic charm with lively club nights and diverse musical acts.
Angels Peterborough
17.4 km
Experience lively nightlife and captivating stage performances at Angels Peterborough, the city’s vibrant nightclub and bar on Brook Street.
MASH
31.0 km
Cambridge’s vibrant independent nightclub offering themed music nights and a welcoming, safe party atmosphere until the early hours.
Vinyl Cambridge
31.1 km
Dance through decades on a glowing LED floor at Vinyl Cambridge's throwback haven—2-for-1 drinks, VIP vibes, and non-stop retro anthems await in the city center.
High Five
31.1 km
Cambridge's electrifying gay nightclub where themed nights, drag glamour, and inclusive dance floors ignite unforgettable evenings in the city heart.
Cambridge Lola Lo
31.2 km
Step into Cambridge Lola Lo, a vibrant tiki-themed nightclub with tropical vibes, lively dance floors, and a stunning rooftop terrace in the city centre.
EBC Shop
31.3 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at EBC Shop in Cambridge, where the music keeps you dancing and the atmosphere is always electric.
Bar -OH
31.4 km
Experience the best of Cambridge nightlife at Bar -OH, where exquisite cocktails meet electrifying live music in a vibrant atmosphere.
Revolution Cambridge
31.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cambridge at Revolution, where delicious food, creative cocktails, and unforgettable moments await.
Newnham Croft Social and Sports Club
31.6 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit at Newnham Croft Social and Sports Club, a lively venue for live music, events, and friendly gatherings in Cambridge.
The Free Press
31.6 km
Cozy Cambridge backstreet pub serving seasonal fusion dishes, real ales, and timeless charm in a phone-free haven with a sunny beer garden.
Cambridge Working Mens Club
31.7 km
Discover the lively ambiance of Cambridge Working Mens Club, a perfect blend of local culture, music, and community spirit.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- 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
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Solo Female Friendly