Hundred Foot Bank, near Littleport and Ely, Cambridgeshire

WWT Welney

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

7.4

Wildland

Half day

Time

Paid

Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WetlandFarmlandRemote countrysideWildlife loversPhotographersFamiliesWalkers

Why it's Wildland

7.4

A fenland wetland centre where seasonal wildlife changes the experience: breeding birds and wildflowers in warmer months, and large numbers of wintering swans on the Ouse washes.

Welney offers more than a look at open water: its wetland trails, wildlife hides and wide fenland views make it a rewarding place to spend time watching the seasons unfold. Winter swans and summer wildlife give visits a distinct seasonal character.

Peaceful · Big-sky · Wild

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Hundred Foot Bank, near Littleport and Ely, Cambridgeshire

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The experience

Allow around two to three hours for a visit, following the centre’s trails and spending time at its wildlife hides. Choose the season for the wildlife you most want to see, and check current opening, admission and trail information before setting out.

Things to do

Watch wildlife from the hides

Spend time at the wildlife hides and look for birds using the wetlands. The source describes wheelchair-accessible hides; check current access and conditions.

Look for seasonal birdlife

In winter, look for whooper and Bewick’s swans on the Ouse washes. In spring and summer, watch for breeding common terns and avocets.

Look for summer insects and flowers

In warmer months, keep an eye out for dragonflies, butterflies and wildflowers along the summer walk.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: Fenland wildlife and a hide

01
Check the centre’s current opening and admission information before travelling.
02
Take a short walk on an open trail and spend time at a wildlife hide.
03
Look for the wildlife that suits the season: wintering swans in winter, or breeding birds and insects in warmer months.

Half day · 2–3 hours

Make a Half Day of It: Trails, hides and a café stop

01
Explore the centre’s trails, choosing a route according to current conditions and your interests.
02
Pause at accessible hides and watch the wetlands for seasonal birds and other wildlife.
03
Finish with a café stop if it is open; check current café arrangements before visiting.

Hidden details

Winter swans on the Ouse washes — The supplied source describes thousands of whooper and Bewick’s swans using the Ouse washes in winter, making the season a distinctive time to visit.

When to go

· Check current wildlife guidance and conditions before visiting.

The supplied sources describe winter as the time to look for large numbers of swans, while spring and summer bring breeding birds, wildflowers, dragonflies and butterflies. Exact peak dates are not established by the supplied evidence.

Check the forecast and current trail conditions before travelling; wetland paths and wildlife activity can vary with conditions.

What to look for

01
Look for wintering whooper and Bewick’s swans on the Ouse washes
02
in warmer months, watch for breeding common terns and avocets, dragonflies, butterflies and wildflowers.

Best time to go

Winter for swans on the Ouse washes; spring and summer for breeding birds, wildflowers and dragonflies.

Winter for the swan spectacle; spring and summer for breeding birds and active wetland wildlife. A calm, clear visit may make it easier to watch and photograph wildlife.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families · Walkers

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

Centre, Hundred Foot Bank, WWT, Littleport, Ely, Wetland CB6 1UG

Phone

+44 1353 860711

Website

wwt.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

4.7 · 832 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A WWT wetland centre with visitor facilities and wildlife trails. Admission and current access arrangements should be checked before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

A wheelchair-accessible car park is listed in the source row. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

A wheelchair-accessible toilet is listed in the source row. Check current facilities before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

The supplied WWT page describes a café serving drinks and treats, with an outdoor veranda. Check current opening arrangements.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

The source row lists a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. WWT also describes wheelchair-accessible hides and pathways and free mobility scooter hire; confirm current availability before visiting.

Cost

Paid

Water

Marsh, wetland waterways