Though there are loads of gorgeous green spaces in London, there’s nothing quite like properly escaping to the countryside. Luckily for us Londoners, one of the country’s most beautiful nature reserves is within a two hour drive from the capital.
There are nearly 400 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in the UK, but only 15 of them were named by the Telegraph as the best in Britain. Amongst the newspaper’s picks were spots in the Peak District, the Highlands, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), but most interesting to those living in the Big Smoke will be Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, which is just a two-hour drive from the city.
Wicken Fen was named ‘best for diversity of bird species’ amongst the list, so it’s a must-visit for any city-based birdwatchers sick of only ever seeing pigeons and gulls. It’s even home to some cranes, which have recently made a comeback to the UK after nearly facing extinction.
Wicken Fen is also the oldest reserve owned by the National Trust, originally created back in the 1899. That means it’s not changed much since that time – except from growing larger – making it a sort of time capsule, and that it might be haunted by the souls of some 19th century wildlife. Pretty cool, if you ask us.
At Wicken Fen you can expect to find ponies, butterflies, bats, newts, frogs, and loads more. Just make sure to watch your feet wherever you walk to make sure you aren’t squashing any tiny little critters with your big human feet.
You can walk, cycle, or even trot on horseback through the reserve. It’s accessible for wheelchairs and buggies too, so everyone can enjoy a visit. There’s even a cafe you can relax in after a hike or a long day spotting rare birds.
To get to Wicken Fen from the capital, it’s a pretty straightforward two-hour drive. Alternatively, get a train to nearby towns of Ely or Soham and either cycle or taxi to the park.
You can read the Telegraph’s full list of the nation’s most stunning nature reserves here, and check opening times ahead of your visit to Wicken Fen here.
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