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Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
CambridgeshireThe National Trust's oldest nature reserve, and England's most famous fen
Lode Lane, Wicken, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XP
Important notice
Please note, unfortunately we've had to send our boat engine away for repair. Boat trips are therefore not currently running at the Fen. (11 Sept) We're hoping to get it back in a couple of weeks' time.
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 16 September 2026
Asset Opening time Nature reserve 09:30 - 17:00 Café 10:00 - 17:00 Car Park Dawn - Dusk Cycle hire Closed Shop 09:30 - 17:00 Visitor Centre 09:30 - 17:00 Please note, the longer Summer Nature Trail is open from June to end September. Access on Sedge Fen until end May, and October onwards is the Boardwalk, and Woodland Walk. This is to protect the delicate peat and plants on the undrained Fen
Car
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Car £3.50 Sedge Fen admission
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £12.10 £11.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.10 £5.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £30.30 £27.50 1 adult, up to 3 children £18.20 £16.50 Group (Adult 18+) £10.45 Group (Child 5-17) £5.23 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 JustPark app requiring download). Blue badge parking is free of charge
Car park - more information- 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. Please note the adapted toilet at the car park is no longer available - please use the adapted facility in the Learning Centre
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
The accessible toilet is located in the Learning Centre toilets.(Building behind the cafe)
- 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
There are 2 wheelchairs available to borrow, suitable for use on the Boardwalk , woodland walk and Lodes Way. These do not have brakes for the pushing attendant. If you would like an older style wheelchair (with brakes, but less suited to the conditions), we can make one 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 A10Parking: 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
Wicken Fen Events
Take a look at the events we have coming up this autumn.
Article
Visiting Wicken Fen with family
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 on 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
Explore Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
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
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
Christmas on Wicken Fen
Christmas on Wicken Fen is a family time, and a perfect opportunity to browse our gift shop for festive gifts and enjoy a winter warmer in the Docky Hut Café.
PDF
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 Wicken
Discover everything you need to plan your family day out
Things to see and do
Article
Wildlife on 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, with over 10,000 recorded species.
Article
Explore Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
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 on 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.
Trail
Wicken Fen Summer Nature Trail
Look out for a wide array of wildlife on this easy summer walk through Wicken Fen, a unique wetlands habitat that is home to more than 10,000 species, including hen harriers, muntjac deer and Konik ponies.
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
Knit and Stitch Mondays
Bring your current knitting, stitching or crochet project to a relaxed session where you can meet other crafters over a coffee.
Event
Stranger Folk
Forget pumpkins and plastic fangs—this Halloween adventure crackles with old magic and uncanny encounters! Stranger Folk is an adventure game where British folklore seeps into the real world, taking you into a landscape of mysterious creatures.
Event
Father Christmas at the Fen 2026
Ho ho ho! Bookings for Christmas at the Fen are now open! Enjoy a traditional festive experience with your little ones in the charming Fen Cottage at Wicken Fen.
About Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen, one of Europe's most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife. More than 10,000 species have been recorded, 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.
Our work
News
Fen Cottage now a Grade II listed building
Fen Cottage at Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire, has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Press release
Nature reserve becomes first in UK to record 10,000 species – with discovery of moth that imitates a wasp
A fenland nature reserve in Cambridgeshire has recorded its 10,000th species of wildlife – becoming, experts believe, the first known UK site of its kind to do so.
News
'Adopt a Plot' at Wicken Fen set to help restore nature
Adopt a Plot at Wicken Fen set to help restore nature
Article
Our work on 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.
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
Living Lowlands
The Living Lowlands Programme is a £3 million programme of work that sits at the heart of our vision for the future of lowland peat habitats. Focussing on iconic lowland landscapes and working with a range of stakeholders, the programme aims to restore a functioning lowland ecosystem on carbon-rich peaty soils.
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 Cambridgeshire County Council project to construct a new bridge over Burwell Lode.
Project
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.
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.
