Reserve Closure
This reserve will close on Thursday 14 November for an all-staff meeting. Please check locally for site specific closure times and details.
What's here? at Lakenheath Fen
Available on site
80 spaces
6 Accessible spaces Accessible parking spaces 700 m from visitor centre. No drop off point. Loose gravel surface. Stone pathway between car park and centre smooth and level with limited gradient.
Pass system in the visitor centre for those with mobility difficulties to take a car down to the first viewpoint (limited to 6 cars, speak to a member of staff).
Lighting is in car park after dark. No height restriction barrier. No overnight parking or camping. Bicycle racks available (four spaces).
From November - March our small accessible car park at New Fen, closes when the staff go home (4pm/5pm).
Our accessible toilet is open daily and is located in a separate block next to the visitor centre entrance.
Our baby changing facilities are located in our accessible toilet.
Parts of the reserve are pushchair-friendly, such as the picnic area by the Visitor Centre, Brandon Fen trail and the central hard track through New Fen to Joist Fen.
The riverbank footpath is more uneven, with two kissing gates, making it generally unsuitable for pushchairs.
Brandon Fen Family Trail - 1.8m wide circular, flat walk of 1.1km/0.75 mile. This is the most suitable trail for easy mobility. Rolled surface with fine stone.
Our toilets are open daily and located in a separate block next to the visitor centre entrance.
Our friendly team are on-hand to welcome you on arrival and help you make the most of your visit.
Level and step-free. Staffed during opening hours. Hearing induction loop.
A delicious selection of hot and cold drinks and pre-packaged cold snacks are available from the Visitor Centre. Local ice-creams as well as soya milk, gluten-free and vegan options are available. Card payments preferred.
You are welcome to bring a picnic with you to enjoy on your visit.
From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. The path is 1410mm wide, or more. The entrance is 1410mm wide.
Some tables have space for wheelchair users. Some of our tables are hexagonal, with sections of seating absent to allow a wheelchair-user to pull up underneath and use the table. Our other tables are rectangular, and allow for a wheelchair-user to sit at the ends.
Help keep this place safe and special for wildlife and people by taking your litter home with you.
Our popular RSPB binoculars are available to hire on your visit: £2 RSPB Puffins Binocular hire is available daily from 9am, to be returned by visitor centre closing time.
Last hire is an hour before closing.
We run an exciting programme of guided walks and other events throughout the year.
Our mere hide and viewpoints are open as a great place to spot the special wildlife here and offer outstanding elevated views over RSPB Lakenheath Fen.
Mere Hide is around one mile from the visitor centre. It is accessed via a 200 metre section of boardwalk off of the main reserve path.
Washland: 130 m on rolled stone from car park. Approach 1:10 slope. Ramp 1:10 gradient, stone and grass.
New Fen North: 1.1km/0.75 mile on hard stone from visitor centre. Permits from visitor centre allow Accessible vehicular access (limited to six cars). A hard stony path leading up to the viewpoint, as well as, 1:15 mown grass slope. Seating.
Joist Fen: 2.5 km/1.5 miles on hard stone from visitor centre. Approach 1:15 grass slope. Seating.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
The Brandon Fen Trail consists of two loops of around 1 mile long. Allow around 1 hour to complete this trail. Brandon Fen Family Trail rolled surface with fine stone.
The Trial Wood Trail (green) is a circular walk of around 1 mile.
The East Wood trail (orange) is a circular route of 1.5 miles. You can return to the reserve along this path or join the riverbank footpath for a bit of elevation!
The main Circular Trail covers 3 miles and takes in 3 viewpoints, and is a hard surface. 1 hide and 3 poplar plantations.
Trails clearly signposted. Wildlife information boards. Most paths have benches at intervals.
The Brandon Fen family trail is the most suitable trail for easy mobility.
The Washland Footpath is a public right of way and part of the Hereward Way trail, a national walking route.
Not available on site
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
We don't have a play area here, however our Brandon Fen family trail has several outdoor activities on the go for children to explore.
Restrictions
Dogs are welcome on the Washland Footpath. Please keep to the designated rights of way only.
When on the Washland Footpath, please keep your dog on a lead and under close, effective control at all times, due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and livestock here.
Brandon Fen trail, Trial Wood trail, the East Wood trail and the Main Circular trail are not public footpaths, so sorry, no dogs are permitted here other than assistance dogs.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.