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Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
The National Trust's oldest nature reserve, and England's most famous fen
Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XP
Opening times for 19 April 2025
Asset Opening time Nature reserve 09:30 - 17:00 Café 10:00 - 17:00 Car Park Dawn - Dusk Cycle hire 10:00 - 16:30 Shop 09:30 - 17:00 Visitor Centre 09:30 - 17:00 MTWTFSS311234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234OpenPartially openClosedCar
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Cars £3.20 Sedge Fen Admission until 28 Feb
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £9.90 £9.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £5.00 £4.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £24.80 £22.50 Family 1 adult £14.90 £13.50 Group (Adult 18+) £8.10 Group (Child 5-17) £4.05 Sedge Fen admission from 1 March
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £11.00 £10.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £5.50 £5.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £27.50 £25.00 Family 1 Adult £16.50 £15.00 Group (Adult 18+) £9.50 Group (Child 5-17) £4.75 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Café
The Docky Hut cafe is next to the Visitor Centre.
- Car park
Our car park is located mid way down Lode Lane; follow the lane on foot to find the Visitor Centre, cafe and start of all walks on the Fen. Members need to scan their membership card for a free parking ticket; non-members pay and display is £3.20 (payment by cash or via smartphone app requiring download).
- Dogs allowed
Dogs under close control are welcome on Adventurers' Fen and the wider reserve paths, as well as in the Visitor Centre/shop. Assistance dogs only on Sedge Fen (Boardwalk, Woodland Walk and Summer Nature Trail)
- Shop
The shop is in the Visitor Centre; there is also a small selection of second-hand books.
- Toilet
Toilets are in the car park, and also in the Learning Centre located behind the cafe.
Blue Badge parking and drop-off point. Accessible toilets and routes. Wheelchairs available. Assistance dogs on Sedge Fen.
- Accessible route and/or map
Our circular Boardwalk and Woodland Walk on Sedge Fen are accessible routes, including access into two hides. Assistance dogs only on these routes. The Lodes Way cycle path going out towards Adventurers' Fen is also accessible. All dogs under close control welcome on this route.
- Accessible toilet
There are accessible toilets in both the car park and Learning Centre toilets.
- Designated parking
There are designated parking spaces in our main car park, plus two in front of the Visitor Centre.
- Drop-off point
Dropping off in front of the Visitor Centre is possible.
- Induction loop
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
- Seating available
Benches are located around the Boardwalk, fewer on other walking routes.
- Wheelchairs available
- By road
South of Wicken (A1123), 3 miles west of Soham (A142), 9 miles south of Ely, 17 miles north-east of Cambridge via A10
Parking: 120 yards. Pay and display, £3.20 non-members, free for members.
- By train
The closest train stations are Ely 9 miles; Soham 5 miles. Taxis are usually available at Ely, and you can also join the National Cycle Network route 11 to Wicken at Ely station if you have brought bikes on the train.
- By bus
The new 'Tiger on Demand' bus service serves Wicken Fen, Monday to Saturday from 06:30–19:00. A flexible concept, rather than being restricted to travelling along specific routes and at specific times, you can book a journey to and from anywhere within the Tiger on Demand travel zones using any of the virtual bus stops. Booking can be made up to 48 hours in advance of the journey. Visit www.tigerondemand.co.uk or call 01480 595 440 (call centre open Monday to Saturday from 06:00– 19:30). Adults £2 per journey; under 5s travel for FREE; children aged 5-16 £1 per journey; concessionary Bus Pass Holders and Disability Bus Pass holders travel for FREE. How do I pay? You can pay using your debit or credit card when booking over the phone. Drivers are not able to accept cash or card payments.
- Cycling
NCN11 from Ely; Lodes Way from Anglesey Abbey and local villages
Planning your visit
Easter at Wicken Fen
Take a look at the events we have coming up over Easter and beyond
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Wicken Fen
If outdoor activities and learning about nature sound like a good day out for your family, Wicken Fen is the right place for you. Discover everything you need to plan your family day out, from events and activities for kids to hiring bikes.
Article
Accessibility at Wicken Fen
We have been working to ensure as many people as possible can experience Wicken Fen's nature and history, making it a welcoming place for everyone who visits. Discover key access information to help you plan a visit to Wicken Fen.
Article
Visiting us with your dog
Wicken Fen is a two pawprint rated place. To help us ensure our visitors, dogs and wildlife get along together, there are a few do’s and don’ts to take note of if you’re bringing your dog with you. Find out more here.
Article
Explore the Nature Reserve at Wicken Fen
Explore the diverse landscape at Wicken Fen, abundant with wildlife, flora and fauna. Discover the ancient Sedge Fen, grazing herds of Konik ponies and the iconic windpump.
Article
Listen to the Voices of the Fen
Listen to the Voices of the Fen invites you to actively listen to the voices of many different species at Wicken Fen. Activities and installations will reveal hidden sound worlds we may not usually notice, from underwater, underground and inside trees.
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Highlights
Sedge Fen
Paths lead through the historic undrained core of the Fen, lush with wetland plants and rich in wildlife.
Adventurers' Fen
Wet grassland, reedbeds, and the Mere attract wildfowl and waders. Grazed by herds of Konik ponies and Highland cattle.
Burwell Fen and beyond
Landscape-scale nature conservation in action, with wildlife moving in as Wicken Fen grows.
Fen Cottage
Traditional fenland cottage, built using local materials, and furnished in 1930s style. Fenman's workshop in the garden.
Windpump
Working wooden windpump, the last in the Fens. Occasionally in action.
Visitor Centre
Information about sightings, routes and activities. Large windows overlooking the Sedge Fen; family discovery area to inspire your visit.
Docky Hut Café
Docky Hut Café offers light lunches, hot and cold drinks, cakes and other treats, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Visitor Centre shop
Gifts, homeware, garden accessories and local produce, plus nature- and wildlife-inspired books.
Spotlight events
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Easter
Discover everything you need to plan your family day out, from events and activities for kids to hiring bikes
Article
Listen to the Voices of the Fen
Listen to the Voices of the Fen invites you to actively listen to the voices of many different species at Wicken Fen. Activities and installations will reveal hidden sound worlds we may not usually notice, from underwater, underground and inside trees.
Things to see and do
Article
Wildlife at Wicken Fen
Wicken Fen was the first nature reserve to be managed by the National Trust. Today it’s one of Europe's most important wetlands and home to over 9,000 species.
Article
Explore the Nature Reserve at Wicken Fen
Explore the diverse landscape at Wicken Fen, abundant with wildlife, flora and fauna. Discover the ancient Sedge Fen, grazing herds of Konik ponies and the iconic windpump.
Rose Cottage
Stay in Wicken Rose Cottage, uniquely placed next to the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen. With an abundance of wildlife and walks from the doorstep, this semi-detached cottage offers a snug spot for two.
Cladium Cottage
Stay in Wicken Cladium Cottage, uniquely placed next to the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen. With an abundance of wildlife and walks from the doorstep, this semi-detached cottage offers a snug spot for four.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Outdoor activities at Wicken Fen
Explore the fens on two wheels or on foot. Enjoy an easy family ride to see Konik ponies or discover the wildlife in the wider reserve.
Top trails
Trail
Wicken Fen Adventurers' Trail
A 3-mile walk, exploring new areas of wetland habitat, reed beds and the mere.
Trail
Four Lodes Trail at Wicken Fen
Explore part of Wicken Fen following the four Lodes on a trail is a great walk for catching a glimpse of grazing herds including Konik ponies and Highland cattle. Stop off at one of the hides to look for bittern, waterfowl and marsh harriers. It's the perfect walk for all the family to enjoy this season.
Trail
Wicken Fen boardwalk trail
A short walk around Wicken's ancient Sedge Fen, a unique remnant of undrained fenland.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Wicken Fen
Visit the Docky Hut Café and try our freshly baked sausage rolls and hot snacks or buy a gift in the shop as a souvenir of your visit.
Places to stay
Rose Cottage
Stay in Wicken Rose Cottage, uniquely placed next to the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen. With an abundance of wildlife and walks from the doorstep, this semi-detached cottage offers a snug spot for two.
Cladium Cottage
Stay in Wicken Cladium Cottage, uniquely placed next to the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen. With an abundance of wildlife and walks from the doorstep, this semi-detached cottage offers a snug spot for four.
Upcoming events
Event
Easter egg hunt at Wicken Fen
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Come along and take part between Saturday 5 April to Monday 21 April, 10am - 5pm (last entry for the trail at 3.30pm).
Event
Voices of the Fen : Make a Clay Ocarina
Join Kathy Hinde and Jan Hendrickse as they show you how to make your very own ocarina to take home and play.
Event
Voices of the Fen: Listening Walk
This International Dawn Chorus Day, join Sound Artist Kathy Hinde on a walk along the boardwalk to listen to Wicken Fen from a new perspective.
Event
Family Trail - All About PEAT!
There's deep, dark peat beneath your feet at Wicken Fen! It's one of the last remaining fragments of undrained fenland - only 1% remains.
Event
Pond Dipping at Wicken Fen
Delve into the watery world of Wicken Fen to find out what is living beneath the surface. All equipment provided, plus a helping hand to identify the creatures that you find.
Event
Grass Printing Workshop
Create a work of art to hang at home, using simple printing techniques and some local grasses.
About Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen, one of Europe's most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife. There are more than 9000 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies.
The raised boardwalk and lush grass droves allow easy access to a lost landscape of flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds, where you can encounter rarities such as hen harriers, water voles and bitterns.
Wicken Fen Vision, an ambitious landscape-scale conservation project, is opening up new areas of land to explore. Our grazing herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies are helping to create a diverse range of new habitats.
History
Article
The history of Wicken Fen
We’ve cared for Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve for over 125 years. Discover its history and how we continue to look after this very special place.
News
Celebrating 125 years at Wicken Fen
On 1st May 2024, we celebrated our 125th anniversary at Wicken Fen as well as 25 years of the Wider Wicken Vision Project.
Watch: 25 years of the Wider Wicken Fen Vision project
1 May 2024 marked 125 years since the National Trust acquired two hectares at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire. It also marked 25 years since the Wider Wicken Fen Vision was launched, a 100 year plan to protect this special place for wildlife and people.
Our work
Project
Project
The Wider Wicken Fen Vision
Learn how we’re planning to care for Wicken Fen Nature Reserve with an ambitious vision to create and preserve a diverse landscape for people and for the wildlife that lives here.
Project
Project
Peatland Restoration Project
Wicken Fen's ambitious project plans to restore 590 acres (239 hectares) of peatland.
Project
Project
Burwell Lode Bridge Project
Learn more about the project to construct a new bridge over Burwell Lode.
News
'Adopt a Plot' at Wicken Fen set to help restore nature
Adopt a Plot at Wicken Fen set to help restore nature
News
Reach for Turtle Doves Project
Over the past 18 months we have been delivering a program of works funded by Natural England via the Species Recovery Capital Grant Scheme. This work has helped us achieve two of our primary objectives, enhancing the habitats for the benefit of wildlife and providing access to nature for people.
News
New bus service provides greener way to travel to Wicken Fen
A new dial-a-bus service is offering people in and around Ely, a greener way to travel to and from Wicken Fen, the National Trust’s first and oldest nature reserve.
Press release
A soaring success for ancient insects - Wicken Fen announced as new Dragonfly Hotspot
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire, cared for by the National Trust, has been designated the UK’s newest dragonfly hotspot by the British Dragonfly Society. The title recognises years of conservation efforts to create ideal conditions for the ancient, winged insects to thrive.
Article
Our work at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
Learn about some of the work we carry out at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve throughout the year to conserve this important landscape for visitors, plants and animals alike.