Lode Lane, Wicken, near Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5XP

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Fen

Place photograph

7.6

Wildland

1–2 hours for the sourced Summer Nature Trail

Time

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Cost

Wild

Feel

WetlandRemote countrysideWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersFamilies

Why it's Wildland

7.6

At Wicken Fen, the route changes with the seasons: the longer Summer Nature Trail crosses Sedge Fen from June to September, while the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk provide the listed alternatives outside that period.

A substantial wetland landscape where seasonal trail changes are part of the experience, with wildlife hides—including a 10-metre tower hide—and a long, open fen horizon. The sourced details make this a stronger nature visit than a simple waterside stroll.

Wild · Big-sky · Atmospheric

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Lode Lane, Wicken, near Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5XP

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The experience

Use the seasonal route information to choose your visit: take the 3.6 km Summer Nature Trail when it is open, or check which shorter paths are available at other times. Pause at the wildlife hides and allow time to look across the fen rather than treating the walk as a quick circuit.

Things to do

Walk the Summer Nature Trail

Follow the National Trust’s 3.6 km flat, grassy route through Sedge Fen. It is listed as open from 1 June to 30 September; check the route notice before travelling.

1 hour 15 minutes

Visit the three wildlife hides

The Summer Nature Trail passes three hides, including a 10-metre tower hide with views across the reserve. Look for wildlife, but do not expect guaranteed sightings.

Choose the seasonally available paths

The National Trust lists the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk for access to Sedge Fen outside the longer Summer Nature Trail season. Confirm current route availability before visiting.

Look for wetland wildlife

The National Trust trail page names hen harriers, muntjac deer and Konik ponies among the wildlife found at Wicken Fen. Bring time and patience; sightings are not guaranteed.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Check current trail availability and allow around 1–2 hours.

A short fenland wander

01
Start at the Wicken Fen Visitor Centre.
02
Choose a currently open path: the National Trust lists the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk outside the Summer Nature Trail season.
03
Pause at a hide and scan the fen for wildlife; sightings cannot be guaranteed.
04
Check current route and access information before setting out.

Half day · 1 hour 15 minutes; 3.6 km (2.25 miles).

The Summer Nature Trail and wildlife hides

01
Start at Wicken Fen Visitor Centre, grid reference TL563705.
02
Follow the flat, grassy Summer Nature Trail through Sedge Fen when it is open, from 1 June to 30 September.
03
Visit the three wildlife hides, including the 10-metre Tower Hide, and look across the reserve.
04
Check the route variation with the welcome team: the National Trust notes a map glitch affecting points 4–10.

Hidden details

The route changes with the season — The longer Summer Nature Trail is listed for 1 June–30 September. Outside those dates, the National Trust directs visitors to the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk for access on Sedge Fen, to protect delicate peat and plants.

A map glitch on the summer trail — The National Trust warns that points 4–10 are incorrectly marked on the trail map and advises checking the minor route variation between points 3 and 5 with the welcome team.

When to go

June · July · August · September · No specific time of day is established by the supplied evidence. Check current visitor-centre and trail hours.

The National Trust lists the longer Summer Nature Trail from 1 June to 30 September and the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk outside that period. It says the seasonal arrangement protects delicate peat and plants on the undrained fen.

The supplied sources do not give weather-specific advice. Check local conditions and current trail notices before visiting.

What to look for

01
Look across the fen from the wildlife hides, including the 10-metre Tower Hide. The National Trust identifies hen harriers, muntjac deer and Konik ponies among the wildlife visitors may encounter
02
sightings are not guaranteed.

The story

Fenland heritage; a Fen Cottage is mentioned in the supplied secondary source, but no detailed verified history is available here.

Best time to go

June–September for the longer Summer Nature Trail; the National Trust lists the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk for the rest of the year.

For the longer Summer Nature Trail, visit between 1 June and 30 September. The National Trust page lists the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk outside that period. Check current opening and trail notices before travelling.

How long to spend

1–2 hours for the sourced Summer Nature Trail; allow longer to use the visitor facilities and explore other paths.

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

34 Lode Ln, Wicken, ELY CB7 5XP

Phone

+44 1353 720274

Website

nationaltrust.org.uk

Listed hours

Monday: 9:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 9:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 9:30am-5pm
Thursday: 9:30am-5pm
Friday: 9:30am-5pm
Saturday: 9:30am-5pm
Sunday: 9:30am-5pm

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.6 · 2,506 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

National Trust nature reserve with visitor facilities and walking trails. The supplied National Trust page lists opening times and admission; check current details before travelling.

Check before visiting

Parking

National Trust car park on Lode Lane. The supplied page gives different parking prices in its excerpts; check the current charge and payment arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

National Trust page lists toilets in the car park and Learning Centre. Check current accessible-toilet arrangements before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The Docky Hut Café is next to the Visitor Centre; check current opening times before travelling.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs under close control are welcome on Adventurers’ Fen and wider reserve paths. Assistance dogs only on Sedge Fen’s Boardwalk, Woodland Walk and Summer Nature Trail. The Summer Nature Trail page says dogs are not permitted on that trail; check current route-specific guidance.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. The National Trust describes the Summer Nature Trail as a flat route along grassy paths, but detailed accessibility information is not included in the supplied trail excerpt; check before setting out.

Check before visiting

Cost

Paid; National Trust page lists admission and car-parking charges. Check current prices.

Check before visiting

Water

Fen and wetland habitat; water activities and access to water are not established by the supplied evidence.