Camping in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Name: Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Address: Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Rating: 4.7695

Nature flourishes amid the marshes and fenlands of the Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, home to more than 9,000 wetland species. Explore the patchwork fens by bike, take a boat cruise along the waterways, or follow the boardwalks through the grassy meadows and reedbeds. Look out for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies around the water’s edge, or admire the reserve’s free-roaming herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. There’s no camping in the reserve itself, but campsites dot the surrounding fenlands. There’s also a wild camping site—reachable only on foot or by bike— just south of the reserve.

95% (1.2K) • 3,077 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

1. Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(282)

Woodbridge, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Campsite manage :07733521815 We are a wild campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE

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Potable water

Bridge Woods

2. Bridge Woods

97%

(30)

England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Small Farm with riverside. Very safe and quiet. Dog's more than welcome. The land is fully fenced off for dogs to roam freely if wanted. There is a pond for them to cool down in the summer. There are toilets and a washing machine. There is also a place to do some washing up if needed. The campsite is located 5 minute walk away from a bus stop that can take you into Cambridge. We can provide a shuttle if needed.

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Electrical hookup

Campfires

Rosehip Woods Campsite

3. Rosehip Woods Campsite

100%

(18)

England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long

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Secluded Woodland Camp

4. Secluded Woodland Camp

96%

(26)

Ware, England · 31 units · Tents, Glamping

Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.

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Campfires

Picnic table

Riverside Farm experience fire & activities

5. Riverside Farm experience fire & activities

85%

(42)

England · 84 units · Tents, Glamping

NEW we have 2 brand new toilet blocks with multiple toilets , showers , basins . NEW we have 2 full kitchens for you to use with fridge freezers , gas hobs , electric , and everything needed for your stay we have many different options including bring your own tent , belltent yurts cabins . please enquire for info farm riverside camping in an idyllic 60 acre grade 1 listed country estate conservation farm and pleasure grounds in central Hertford. Large free camping meadow includes fire pits next to the river and ancient woodlands. Stunning valley views. Paddle swim boat fish in our crystal clear chalk streams , explore our woodland areas , with hammocks swings and huge 1960s army parachute shelter. NEW Goldings sandy beach , next to our crystal clear shallow paddling area .plus boats paddle boards , fishing instruction and equipment with unique catch nets . Zipwire hammocks , forest activities for the kids , arts and crafts , fireside cooking etc We have many activities at the farm including woodland activities , cooking campfire with our unique forest school . Loads of fun with friendly lambs, piglets, donkeys and mini cows to pet and feed. Your stay includes a farm tour with farmer Morag and the team, bottle feed our piglets walk our baby mini pygmy goats, ALL ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF YOUR STAY (no extra costs) such as arts and crafts are available, plus play areas, with zip wire, fishing, boats, swimming and paddling in our crystal clear chalk stream. We have 60 acres of grade 1 listed farmland, woodlands, a canal, river and meadows to explore. We are 5 minutes from Hertford north train station which has trains every 35 mins to Central London. Close to all the amazing activities, museums, bars, restaurants and shops of historic Hertford. Close to Hertfordshire Zoo, Harry Potter World, and loads of attractions.

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Showers

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

6. The Meadow @ Waples Mill

92%

(63)

Dunmow, England · 12 units

Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.

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Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

7. Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

98%

(340)

March, Cambridgeshire, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed

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Electrical hookup

Campfires

Lakeview Paddock

8. Lakeview Paddock

100%

(8)

England · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.

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Electrical hookup

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Whitlingham Broad Campsite

9. Whitlingham Broad Campsite

97%

(173)

Norfolk, England · 69 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Brick Kiln Farm Campsite 18+ Site

10. Brick Kiln Farm Campsite 18+ Site

89%

(9)

Woodbridge, England · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

You can expect peace and quiet in this small rural retreat. 18+ campsite. Camp fires. Shower block. Kitchen and undercover seating. Walk across the fields to the pub and shop. Honesty shop on site. Dog friendly. Tents/motorhomes/campervans all welcome. No EHU but access to plugs on site. Wifi. Close to Woodbridge, Snape, Aldeburgh, Thorpeness.

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Showers

Pitt Wood

11. Pitt Wood

Halstead, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Pitt Wood is a quiet and secluded forest set in the borders of Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. The site is off grid offering private and spacious pitches for campers wanting a more authentic woodland camp. We have a large communal cooking area and tipi as well as compost toilets. The woods is a short drive from Sturmer and Halstead which hosts real ale pubs and country cafes.

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Cuckoo Farm Campsite

12. Cuckoo Farm Campsite

99%

(210)

Rutland, England · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Family camping with campfires on an organic farm, set alongside the beautiful River Chater

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

13. Wethersfield Eco Project Off grid

90%

(21)

Sudbury, England · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Update we allow cars ad camper and this land has a special energy. Set in the valley with the hillside gives 360 degrees view of natural landscape. Wethersfield Eco Project is the historic parkland of Wethersfield Manor. Veteren Oaks and Sequoia Grace the woodland hillside with badgers and foxes in the sandy hills, buzzards and kites soaring the ponds full of dragonfly. Great space for a family or romantic getaway or larger group party. If you are a group under 10 people please expect to share the space with others but we'll ensure you have your own private area! Bring your sound system and have your own party or event. Music must be off after 11pm as houses are 500metres away. Price is per adult 16 or over per night 11am to 11am checkout. Late checkout or day rate til 5pm is 10 per adult. Kids free. Dogs are 5 pounds.

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Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

14. Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

97%

(156)

Ely, England · 6 units · Tents, Glamping

Cosy year-round glamping and seasonal camping in a fenland meadow with views of Ely cathedral

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Showers

Daisy May’s Farm

15. Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(190)

Bishop's Stortford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!

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Field of dreams

16. Field of dreams

100%

(6)

Duxford, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

The site is nearly an acre set in the corner of a five acre meadow we have a maximum of 10 pitches in our arable farm sitting on one of the highest spots in Essex on the Cambridgeshire border overlooking Duxford IWM . If it is a show weekend we are able to take more pitches . we have a pond in the middle of the meadow and nesting owls in a tree on the hedgerow Surrounded by fields but a short walk to a very good pub and short drive to nearest well stocked village shop If you want to relax and restore this is the place to come

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Ling's Meadow

17. Ling's Meadow

100%

(27)

Hepworth, England · 6 units

Spacious tent pitches and glamping set within a lush, four-acre meadow, abuzz with Suffolk wildlife

Campfires

Showers

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The Orchard at Fen End Farm

18. The Orchard at Fen End Farm

97%

(16)

Cambridge, England · 4 units

No passing traffic; no near neighbours; just sweet rural seclusion when glamping at this organic Fenland apple orchard near Cambridge

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Campfires

Potable water

Ashcroft Field

19. Ashcroft Field

92%

(6)

Hindolveston, England · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

A small bell tent site in a Norfolk meadow, just 25 minutes from the coast

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Campfires

Showers

Brightwell Country Park

20. Brightwell Country Park

100%

(16)

Woodbridge, England · 1 unit

Bell tents and an accessible cabin, with activities right from your door

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

MARTYN

2 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Ling's Meadow

Loved all the Eco touches and the location , Very peaceful and surrounded by wild life. Excellent host also. Will stay again .

Asher

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at The Meadow @ Waples Mill

My son and I are prolific campers, and we enjoyed every aspect of our week at Martin's Meadow campsite. The layout is unlike any campsite I've visited. The pitches surround a field, with the river running behind them. There's plenty of space between pitches, and it's one of the few campsites where simply sitting down to enjoy the view or watch the sunset is a pleasure. Every pitch has a fire pit, and Martin provides plenty of firewood free of charge. The location is excellent too, within easy reach of Chelmsford and Ongar. There are warm showers and proper toilets, but don't expect luxury. And chatting with Martin is a fun part of the experience.

Mateusz

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Meadow @ Waples Mill

We loved the tent camping on Martin's land. There were almost unlimited space, very quiet. Met Martin and he is really nice person. There was water, hot water, two toilets and two showers available to use. This was our second camping on his land within August. We could have camp fire and stay late and kept warm by the fire. Definitely will come back next year. This is short drive from London but between the filds. We got a tour on his farm and find more about his farm.

Rhianna

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridge Woods

Had an amazing first camping trip here. Silas has a lovely place, beautiful sunset view and friendly animals. Silas was extremely helpful throughout our stay and always made sure everyone was having a nice time. We would definitely recommend and return. Thankyou for making our trip so memorable :D

Paul

2 weeks ago

Group trip

1 night at The Orchard at Fen End Farm

Amazing location, easily accessible bathrooms and kitchen. Very helpful and kind owners!

Paulius

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

Great place, friendly hosts, quiet campsite. Will be returning in future 👌

Alexandra

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bridge Woods

Gorgeous farm & camping grounds. I stayed for 2 nights and honestly wish I could have stayed for more. The animals were so cute and friendly and Silas was incredibly generous and easy to talk to.

Nicola

2 weeks ago

10 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeview Paddock

Absolutely fantastic trip, the host and his family were amazing. The facilities are very very good, and made our trip so easy. We have loved it and want to visit more often. Thanks Tom, it was 👌

Marg

3 weeks ago

3 m campervan

With pets

1 night at Bridge Woods

I had a warm welcome from Silas, who is clearly passionate about his land and wants to share it all with visitors; this included a communal kitchen, and an introduction to the animals! Tom showed me how to get on to the canal path, and a bit about the local area, and future plans for events at the campsite. Sadly I only stayed one night, but would love to come back.

Jessica

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Lakeview Paddock

A lovely peaceful camping trip. Due to the fire bans Thomas accommodated us last minute and changed our pitch to an electric pitch. Thomas was a perfect host. The site is kept very clean and has a welcoming feel from the moment you pass the gate to the moment you leave. I would highly recommend a visit! We’ll definitely be returning.

-Issy

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Bridge Woods

We’ve just returned from six nights at bridge woods and had a lovely time. The hosts were all very friendly and welcoming and couldn’t do enough for us. It was lovely to be so close to the animals, especially bear (owners dog) who is such a polite boy and so gentle and patient with all the children that were on the site. Overall, a nice relaxed getaway back in to nature. Thank you for our stay :)

Jen

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bridge Woods

We had such a great time staying here last weekend with a group of old friends for our annual camping weekend. This is clearly Silas and Tom’s passion project and they were both so helpful and kind - we felt completely at home and able to relax here with our nutty kids in tow. If you, too, hate copy-paste glampsites with slick marketing and on-site shops selling overpriced crisps you will also love it here. Tons of heart, no unnecessary frills, slightly mad vibe (Tom appearing in the rain like Mr Tumnus to beckon us in to Narnia when we arrived definitely sticks in the memory 🤣). But crucially for us creaky 40yo parents it also has excellent hot showers, a covered field kitchen for rainy evenings and some glamping tents conveniently up and waiting to house overwhelmed friends with small babies. What else could we ask for? 10/10 from us, we’re planning on coming back next year for more goat cuddles and good times. Thanks so much guys! ❤️🐐🐓🌞🏕️

Riverside Farm experience fire & activities

Aurimas

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverside Farm experience fire & activities

Very nice place, really relaxed and laid back. Lots of space for kids to run around and have fun.

Lessa Mae

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

We had a lovely weekend at Fourwinds. The site was well looked after, clean and tidy. All were very welcoming. We rented a canoe and it was easily the highlight of our stay. Would definitely come back when we can. Thank you for having us!

Nicole

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

Absolutely loved staying here, pretty much got everything you need and the hosts are incredibly welcoming and friendly. It’s on a great position right by the river nene with direct access! Would 100% stay here again.

Darcey

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hatters Meadows Cambridgeshire

We loved camping on Hatters Meadow, the owners were lovely and had hot pizzas for us on the first night. Toilets and showers were lovely and clean 10/10

Joel

August 2026

With kids

3 nights at Cuckoo Farm Campsite

We all had a wonderful time in our glamping tent. Well equipped and spacious with a lovely decking (we were lucky enough to get an upgrade to the Skylark tent). The kids had a great time and made some little campsite friends. Great location with the lake nearby and plenty of activities. Highly recommended

David

August 2026

11 m campervan

With pets

3 nights at Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

What an amazing place!! Such a hidden gem. We had a brilliant few days here with our family. The place and people were the best. The site warden couldn't do enough for us and we loved March more than we ever thought we would. The paddle or walk down the river was lovely and the pubs and shops by the river made a great little trip out. We will definitely be back next year!!

Isabella

August 2026

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Rosehip Woods Campsite

We had a great time here, camping as a group of two families. The site is great, lots for kids to explore safely, and lovely pitches surrounded by native trees. We walked to a great pub (George and Dragon in Wereham), and there were other walks from the site to explore too. The compost toilets were really well set up, and used with care by everyone on the site. Thank you!

August 2026

Tent

With kids

1 night at Bridge Woods

The hosts were lovely and the campground was beautiful. My son had a lovely time interacting with the goats and chickens, perfect for families.

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve camping guide

When to go

Summer is peak season at Wicken Fen, and the boardwalks can get crowded, especially on weekends and school holidays. Some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities are in springtime, while increased rainfall through autumn and winter makes the wild landscapes appear even more dramatic. The reserve is open year-round, but boat tours and bike rentals are only available from Easter through October.

Know before you go

Wicken Fen is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.
There’s no public transport to the park, but trains run to Ely, a 20-minute taxi ride away.
The reserve has restrooms, a café, and a visitor centre. Bike rental is available, but advance booking is recommended.
There is an entrance fee to visit the reserve, as well as a parking fee.
The boardwalks are accessible for wheelchairs, but advance booking is recommended as access can be tricky at busy times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve?

The best wildlife-watching opportunities are in springtime, while increased rainfall through autumn and winter makes the wild landscapes appear even more dramatic. Summer is peak season at Wicken Fen, and the boardwalks can get crowded, especially on weekends and school holidays. The reserve is open year-round, but boat tours and bike rentals are only available from Easter through October. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.

What facilities are available at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve?

The reserve has restrooms, a café, and a visitor centre. Bike rental is available, but advance booking is recommended. There is an entrance fee to visit the reserve, as well as a parking fee. The boardwalks are accessible for wheelchairs, but advance booking is recommended as access can be tricky at busy times. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.

Are there any camping options near Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve?

There’s no camping in the reserve itself, but campsites dot the surrounding fenlands. There’s also a wild camping site—reachable only on foot or by bike— just south of the reserve. You can also explore different options for camping near Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve on Hipcamp.

What activities can I do at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve?

Explore the patchwork fens by bike, take a boat cruise along the waterways, or follow the boardwalks through the grassy meadows and reedbeds. Look out for birds, butterflies, and dragonflies around the water’s edge, or admire the reserve’s free-roaming herds of Highland cattle and Konik ponies. Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is located in Cambridgeshire, about a 40-minute drive from Cambridge.