Explore a vast wetland nature reserve with multiple sites offering wildlife watching, scenic walks, and outdoor trails for all ages.

Great Fen is a large-scale nature reserve and habitat restoration project spanning multiple sites across Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Visitors can explore several distinct locations including Holme Fen, Woodwalton Fen, New Decoy, Ramsey Heights, and Rymes Reedbed, each offering unique opportunities to experience fenland wildlife and landscapes. The venue is ideal for families interested in nature and outdoor activities. Multiple walking trails connect different areas, including the circular "Last of the Meres" trail and the Rothschild Way, accommodating various fitness levels and interests. The site is particularly excellent for birdwatching, with marsh harriers and other wetland species regularly spotted. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates across the restored habitats. Great Fen is dog-friendly, pushchair-friendly, and offers free entry across all its sites. For those with mobility needs, an all-terrain tramper service is available. The venue also features dark skies viewing areas for stargazing. With activities suitable from ages 0+, the reserve provides educational and recreational opportunities year-round, making it an excellent destination for families seeking outdoor exploration and wildlife experiences.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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IncgeneralMelv

a year ago

This place is a work in progress and not really worth making the trip as it stands. There was no parking except by a gate and many areas were closed off it under some form of construction. In the highs of summer probably more to do but going early November it was just a short walk with one of two wooden structures. Perhaps when the works are complete it would be worth a trip but our local park has more to do.

P

Pete Eichner

2 years ago

Very quiet and peaceful. We heard and saw a lot of birds and animals. We heard a fox but didn't see it. Well kept and informative. I saw a brown dragon fly and lots of other insects. A new covered seating viewing platform has been constructed. Some pictures do not do justice to this beautiful place.

S

Samantha Kettle

4 years ago

Lovely place to visit for peace and quiet. Plenty of information boards about the area. Popular for school trips. Free entry.

J

James Furr

4 years ago

A lovely afternoon walk, ground can be soft in place just bear in mind, I spotted a grass snake and waterboat men on my visit.

M

mike polley

5 years ago

Spent a really great afternoon at the Great Fen Countryside Centre. The activities laid on by the staff and volunteers was fun and engaging for our two daughters of 2 and 7yrs. Our eldest particularly enjoyed the net sweeping catching and identifying different insects, bugs and spiders. The main nature reserve is just a short drive further down the drove and has some fantastic wildlife to observe.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026