Explore a tranquil island sanctuary teeming with wildlife, featuring accessible boardwalks, nature displays, and seasonal visits perfect for families with buggies and young children.

Holt Island Nature Reserve is a serene woodland oasis nestled in the centre of St Ives, offering families an immersive experience in nature. The reserve features diverse habitats that support an impressive array of wildlife including kingfishers, woodpeckers, warblers, otters, badgers, deer, and numerous butterfly species such as tortoiseshells and peacocks. Originally used for willow cultivation until 1970, the island has transformed into a thriving ecosystem with wet woodland, yellow flag iris, dragonflies, and damselflies. Visitors can explore the reserve via a raised boardwalk that is fully accessible for prams, buggies, and wheelchairs, with plenty of seating and picnic tables throughout. The welcoming Holt cabin provides a cosy retreat with bench seating, a nature table, educational books, and children's activity sheets—making it ideal for families with young explorers. The reserve opens seasonally from 10am–4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays between April and October (subject to weather and flooding). Schools and youth groups are encouraged to visit, with downloadable education packs and activity worksheets available. The reserve is managed by Huntingdonshire District Council and supported by the Friends of Holt Island Nature Reserve charity, which organises social activities and fundraising events for both members and non-members. Annual membership costs just £15 per household, offering access to a quarterly newsletter and additional benefits.

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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Jonah

a month ago

entry is next to All saints parish church , couldn’t reach here before 4pm unfortunately , hopefully next time :)

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Andreea Barlan

2 months ago

Amazing time with scouts team on a beautiful Friday 🌈✨️🙏☀️🤗 definitely recommend for a brilliant bugs funt and lovely time with my children ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

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Pheno_Local guide

11 months ago

Really interesting spot for bird spotting right next to the historic town of St Ives, easy walking distance from parking spots in town. List of birds you can spot is there all year round great place to visit. Not huge so you can walk around in 10 mins.

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Janice A

3 years ago

A small but beautiful nature reserve on the banks of the river. Lots of birds at the bird feeder as you enter, and more at a second set of feeders behind the little viewing panel which you can find by following the beautiful willow tunnel. The rushes and sedges are tall at this time of year, so the river can only be glimpsed in a few spots, but one of the viewing places has a lovely bench so you can watch the boats on the river. The boardwalk means it's buggy friendly, although there are some grass paths too. Lovely place for a picnic, with benches and picnic tables, but please take your rubbish home. It's managed entirely by volunteers and is free to visit, so consider dropping a donation into the collection box near the entrance. The gate is locked during weekdays but you can get the key from the Norris Museum about 5 minutes walk away. Free but they ask for a £20 key deposit.

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Albert C

5 years ago

Amazing place to go,relax,walk around. So many birds and wildlife to see and the fact its free (although they ask for a donation) is amazing. Saw a crow too that flew off just after I got the best photo in a long time! Bit of a walk in as no where near to park for those that may be affected by that something to consider!

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026