Just outside Cambridge, Fen Drayton Lakes is a former sand and gravel quarry that has been transformed into a thriving wetland nature reserve, with lakes, meadows, woodland and riverside habitats attracting a remarkable variety of wildlife.
It has also received a rather lovely endorsement. In 2021, The Guardian named Fen Drayton one of its 10 most tranquil places in the UK, alongside landscapes including Snowdonia's Afon Goedol and the Dedham Vale.
Despite being rural and tranquil, you don't need a car to get there. From Cambridge North railway station, simply catch a bus and you’re there. If you're looking for a peaceful walk, a spot of wildlife watching, or simply a different way to spend a day near Cambridge, here's what to know before you go.
Why visit Fen Drayton Lakes
Fen Drayton has an interesting history. What is now a peaceful wetland landscape began life as a sand and gravel quarry. Once quarrying ended, the excavated areas flooded and gradually developed into the lakes and habitats you see today.
The RSPB has managed the reserve since 2007, continuing to develop habitats for wildlife, including sheltered bays and shallow pools around the lakes. The reserve now forms part of a wider chain of wetlands and fens stretching for around 25 miles along the Great Ouse floodplain.
That gives the landscape quite a different character from a traditional country park. There are open expanses of water, grassland and wetland alongside scrub and woodland, with paths taking you between the different habitats.
Wildlife at Fen Drayton Nature Reserve
If you love wildlife, you’ll love Fen Drayton. On your visit you’ll have the chance to spot otters, waterbirds, swallows and swifts, as well as dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. Great Crested Grebes can also be seen on the lakes, while the meadows and wetland margins support a wealth of insects and other wildlife.
You don't need to arrive with a pair of binoculars and a knowledge of every bird in Britain, either. There are viewing screens, open shelters and wildlife hides around the reserve, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop and see what’s happening on the water.
How to get to Fen Drayton Lakes
For a car-free day out from Cambridge, the journey is refreshingly simple. Take a Great Northern train to Cambridge North, then head to the Guided Busway stop at the station. Stagecoach East Busway B runs between Cambridge and Huntingdon and serves Fen Drayton Lakes.
The stop is a request stop, which is the one detail you don't want to miss. The RSPB advises passengers to make the driver aware that they want to get off at Fen Drayton Lakes.
Your journey in four easy steps
- Take a Great Northern train to Cambridge North.
- Find the Guided Busway stop at the station.
- Take Stagecoach East Busway B towards Huntingdon.
- Tell the driver you want to get off at Fen Drayton Lakes.
Taking the train could be a better option than going by car, as you have to pay to park at Fen Drayton, and you can only pay by app or phone as cash and card are not accepted.
Walks at Fen Drayton Lakes
You don't need to commit to a long hike to enjoy the reserve. There are three marked trails, ranging from a short one-mile circuit to a three-mile loop. If you’re wondering how long it takes to walk around Fen Drayton Lakes, these walks range from a short half-hour stroll to a longer half-day walk.
Holywell Short Trail
- Distance: 1 mile (1.5km)
- Level: Easy
The Holywell Short Trail is the quickest way to explore Fen Drayton Lakes. This walk is suitable for little legs as well as visitors who only have a short amount of time. It's a good option if you're combining the reserve with other plans around Cambridge, or simply want a shorter walk without missing the lakes and wildlife.
Ferry Lagoon Trail
- Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)
- Level: Moderate
The Ferry Lagoon Trail takes you around the reserve's largest lagoon, passing the viewing shelters along the way. Allow around two hours for the route. It includes a mixture of hard and grassy paths, which can become muddy, so footwear that can cope with wet ground is a sensible choice.
Elney Loop Trail
- Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)
- Level: Moderate
For a longer outing, the Elney Loop Trail takes you through a landscape of trees, hedges and lakes. Like the Ferry Lagoon Trail, it includes gravel and grassy paths that can become muddy.
The trails are mostly flat, although there are some gentle slopes, and some paths include kissing gates and bridle gates.
Is Fen Drayton Lakes good for a picnic?
Yes, in fact bringing your own lunch is a good idea as there is no café at the reserve. Visitors are welcome to bring food and drink, with the largest picnic area at the southern edge of Ferry Lagoon. There is also a picnic table by the bus shelter and a sheltered seating area in the car park.
There is another picnic area close to the central welcome area with firm, level access and tables with space for wheelchairs and mobility vehicles. This means you can make the visit as simple as a walk followed by lunch beside the lakes, without needing to plan around a café opening time.
What facilities are at Fen Drayton Lakes?
This is a nature reserve rather than a staffed visitor attraction, so facilities are fairly straightforward.
You'll find:
- Five viewing screens
- Three open viewing shelters
- One hide
- Picnic areas
- Benches and seating
- Information boards
- An accessible portaloo
Cycle racks close to the Guided Busway stop
The paths vary from hard surfaces and rolled gravel to grass. Most are flat, although some gentle slopes, kissing gates and bridle gates are present.
Can you take dogs to Fen Drayton Lakes?
Dogs are welcome on the public footpaths, bridleways and most of the reserve's routes, but they need to stay on the designated routes.
There are two areas where dogs aren't permitted because of the risk of disturbing wildlife: Moore Lake hide and the path to, and including, the seasonal viewpoint at Ferry Mere. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the reserve.
A peaceful day out from Cambridge
Fen Drayton doesn't need a long list of attractions to justify the journey, its appeal is the landscape itself. It’s easy to see why The Guardian included Fen Drayton among its 10 most tranquil places in the UK.
For a short walk, a wildlife-filled afternoon, or a slower day outdoors, this former quarry has become an unexpectedly beautiful place to escape to.
Plan your visit
www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/fen-drayton-lakes
Is Fen Drayton Lakes free to visit? Yes, Fen Drayton Lakes is free to visit.
