Visiting Wicken Fen with family

A family with a pushchair and a young child running ahead walk along the boardwalk at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, with sedge growing on either side and mature trees in the distance — On the boardwalk at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

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.

Find out more

You can enjoy the wheelchair/pushchair-friendly woodland walk, join our popular brass rubbing trail around the boardwalk, pick up an explorers' bag and there's always some colouring or craft activities waiting for you in the family discovery area inside the visitor centre.

Christmas is coming

Our popular Father Christmas at the Fen sessions are running between Sunday 29th November and Wednesday 23rd December: Join the Elves to make a Christmas craft, then step into the enchanting glow of Fen Cottage, where twinkling lights, festive wonder and Father Christmas himself await. Every child will receive a special present. This event is very popular and always sells out quickly.

A brand new seasonal trail, The Story of Hamish and Owl, also opens on 29th November: Follow the Boardwalk trail, meet colourful characters, and uncover the story one page at a time. This delightful adventure celebrates friendship, compassion and the wonders of nature, with surprises waiting around every corner. Perfect for families, friends and visitors of all ages, this enchanting winter trail runs until 10 January. If it's frosty or very windy, the Boardwalk may be closed for safety reasons - if you want to call ahead to check, please get in contact with the Visitor Centre on 01353 720274.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Wicken Fen:

Baby-changing facilities are available in the toilets
Pushchairs and baby back-carriers are welcome
The Boardwalk and woodland walk on Sedge Fen are suitable for pushchairs
The Lodes Way cycle path is suitable for pushchairs
The road from the car park to the wider reserve is accessible
Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the Docky Hut Café which has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeaway
We stock a range of kids' books and toys in our shop

Visitors at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Cycling and boat trips

The cycle hire and boat trips season has finished for the winter, but will be back for Easter 2027.

Head to our Outdoor Activities page to find out about our boat trips and cycle hire.

Family visitors with boy jumping in puddle at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire — There are walking trails to suit all ages and abilities | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lots of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities to tick off during your visit. Here are some recommendations:

No. 11 Explore on wheels: Feel the wind on your face as you explore the fen on a bike. See if you can spot the Konik ponies and discover more wildlife in the wider reserve
No. 25 Join nature's band: Head to the wider reserve or the Boardwalk and stop and listen for a minute. It won't take long to notice the music of nature and the longer you listen, the more you'll hear. Birds singing, woodpeckers tapping, reeds rustling. The fen is bursting with wildlife and the sounds of nature
No. 31 Make friends with a bug: In the summer the fen is full of the buzz of insects, spectacular hawker dragonflies and smaller darters. See what butterflies you can spot in the woodland walk glades and over the wet grassland
No. 44 Watch a bird: Wicken Fen is home to lots of birds. Birds can be shy or timid. You'll need to be as quiet as a mouse while you keep a look out for our feathered friends. Head over to one of our hides to start your birdwatching, be as quiet as you can then sit tight and wait
No. 48 Keep a nature diary: Keep a record of your amazing adventures in nature, capturing your memories of the animals and plants you’ve seen at Wicken Fen. Call into the Visitor Centre where you’ll find information about the wildlife you might see at the fen.