Roswell Pits Nature Reserve
A serene wetland haven with walking paths, offering abundant birdlife and picturesque views of Ely Cathedral.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is active and views are clear
Roswell Pits Nature Reserve
Best Time
Wildlife is active and views are clear
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene wetland haven with walking paths, offering abundant birdlife and picturesque views of Ely Cathedral.
"A lovely nature spot, accessible and cherished for its peaceful walks and wildlife."
🚶♀️ Dog Walking Etiquette
Keep dogs on a lead, especially near nesting areas. They're welcome but respect the wildlife!
📸 Capture the Cathedral
Find the perfect spot to photograph Ely Cathedral across the lake. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bird Islands
Flooded pits
Specially installed islands attract a variety of water birds, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Ely Cathedral Views
Along the paths
Enjoy picturesque views of the historic Ely Cathedral across the water, especially beautiful on a clear day.
Woodland Paths
Behind Sainsbury's
Explore serene woodland trails that connect to the nature park, offering a different perspective of the reserve.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife
Simple Pleasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Dog Walking Etiquette
Keep dogs on a lead, especially near nesting areas. They're welcome but respect the wildlife!
📸 Capture the Cathedral
Find the perfect spot to photograph Ely Cathedral across the lake. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
🚲 Cycle Friendly Paths
Enjoy cycling along the banks and through the country park. Great for a longer loop or connecting to other trails.
🦢 Seasonal Bird Spotting
Look for terns, kingfishers, swans, and ducks. You might even hear a bittern booming!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Dog Walking Etiquette
Keep dogs on a lead, especially near nesting areas. They're welcome but respect the wildlife!
📸 Capture the Cathedral
Find the perfect spot to photograph Ely Cathedral across the lake. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
🚲 Cycle Friendly Paths
Enjoy cycling along the banks and through the country park. Great for a longer loop or connecting to other trails.
🦢 Seasonal Bird Spotting
Look for terns, kingfishers, swans, and ducks. You might even hear a bittern booming!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Roswell Pits Nature Reserve as a lovely, accessible spot for peaceful countryside walks and wildlife observation. The views of Ely Cathedral are a highlight, and the birdlife is abundant. While it lacks amenities, its natural charm and tranquility are highly valued by those seeking a simple connection with nature.
"It was a beautiful Spring day so I decided to cycle round Roswell pits along the bank and back into Ely. Some different views of Ely Cathedral. Lots of wildlife to get seen and heard."
Ian Ashmeade
"There are no services, amenities or activities... This is simply a lovely nature spot that is held accessible to the public, which is something I cherish.
The flooded pits have had bird islands installed which attracts a range of water birds and there's private fishing rights to these pits.
Yomp through the common meadow at the top of the Environment Agency offices and wonder down the tarmac road that leads over the bridge between two pits (the one on the left is used by the sailing club, to give an idea of size). Over to the right is a beautiful view of the Cathedral on the hill.
Keep on and you have the option to explore the woodland paths that eventually lead into the nature park behind Sainsbury's, or keep going over the level crossing to the more secluded spot where the nesting spots are. Plenty of tern, swans and ducks, if you're lucky you'll hear a bittern booming.
Take the footpath off to the right (in front of the office building opposite) and you end up on the path down the river bank. Swift's, cormorant, great crested grebe and the usual suspects abound (some are seasonal, terms and conditions apply! 🤓). This is cow grazing pasture through the more temperate months, they're used to people and dogs, so keep calm and carry on.
The water meadows behind the hedgerow are valuable nesting sites, so dogs must be kept to close control, especially during breeding season when signs are up to warn you. The water-loving dogs have a great walk along this stretch.
At the end you can carry on along the river further and reach jubilee gardens and head on up to the Cathedral, or take a loop, off to the right, back through the country park.
If you fancy, you can follow the river right along, past the Grand Central on the sharp left hand swing of the river, crossing the A142 and accessing the footpath on the other side. Goes for miles. That's also a good cycle path over the back roads to Wicken Fen."
Deborah Norris
"Been to Ely many times but only just discovered the walk along the river to the lakes. Very relaxing on a spring day."
Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is accessible by foot or cycle from Ely. You can follow paths along the river bank or through the country park. Parking is available near Sainsbury's, with paths leading into the reserve.
While there isn't direct public transport to the reserve itself, Ely has a train station, and local bus services can get you close to the surrounding areas. From there, it's a pleasant walk or cycle.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Roswell Pits. There are dedicated paths along the river and through the country park, making it a great option for a bike ride.
Parking is available near the Sainsbury's supermarket, which provides access to the nature park and the reserve's walking paths.
Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip, offering walking, cycling, and wildlife observation without the need for extensive travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Roswell Pits Nature Reserve is a public access nature spot and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to explore.
As an open nature reserve, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are best for wildlife viewing.
There are no services or amenities directly within the reserve itself. Visitors should come prepared with their own refreshments and be mindful of the natural environment.
No, entry to Roswell Pits Nature Reserve is completely free of charge. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
While there are flooded pits, private fishing rights are in place for some areas. It's best to check local regulations if you are interested in fishing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Roswell Pits is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. You can expect to see terns, kingfishers, swans, ducks, swifts, cormorants, and great crested grebes. During breeding season, you might even hear a bittern booming.
Yes, there are several walking paths, including routes along the river bank, through woodland, and around the flooded pits. These trails offer diverse views and habitats.
Yes, it's a popular spot for dog walking. However, dogs must be kept under close control, especially during breeding season, to protect nesting birds.
The views of Ely Cathedral across the water are a highlight. The diverse birdlife and the natural wetland scenery also provide excellent photographic subjects.
While there are no picnic tables, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy amidst the natural surroundings. Please remember to take all your litter with you.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Roswell Pits Nature Reserve does not have any on-site cafes or restaurants. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
The nearest amenities, including cafes and supermarkets, can be found in the nearby town of Ely. Sainsbury's is located close to one of the reserve's access points.
Yes, you can bring a picnic to enjoy. There are many scenic spots along the paths where you can relax and eat.
📸 📸 Photography
The reserve offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly birds like terns, kingfishers, and water fowl. The iconic view of Ely Cathedral across the water is also a prime subject.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. This is also when wildlife is typically most active.
No, general photography for personal use is permitted. However, if you plan on commercial photography or drone usage, it's advisable to check local regulations.
The paths along the river bank and the areas offering views towards Ely Cathedral are particularly good for photography. The bird islands also present unique photographic opportunities.
For wildlife, a telephoto lens is highly recommended. For landscape shots of the cathedral and wetlands, a versatile zoom lens or a wide-angle lens would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring binoculars if you have them, as spotting wildlife can be a fun game for kids. The open spaces allow for freedom to roam, but always ensure children stay on marked paths and are supervised, especially near water. It's a great opportunity to teach them about nature and conservation in a relaxed setting.
🚶♀️ Solo Walkers & Cyclists
It's a place where you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature. The reserve is generally safe and accessible, making it a comfortable choice for solo adventurers. Consider bringing a good book or a sketchpad to fully immerse yourself in the serene environment.
🐶 Dog Owners
Dogs must be kept under close control, especially during the bird breeding season, to protect nesting sites. Signs will indicate sensitive areas. By keeping your dog on a lead in these areas, you help preserve the delicate ecosystem and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors and wildlife.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Watching at Roswell Pits
When visiting, remember that the reserve is a vital nesting site for many species. Dogs must be kept under close control, especially during the breeding season, to minimize disturbance. This ensures that the delicate ecosystem thrives and visitors can enjoy the wildlife responsibly. The presence of grazing cows in the meadows also adds to the rural charm, and they are generally accustomed to people and dogs.
For the best wildlife viewing experience, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active. Binoculars are highly recommended to get a closer look at the diverse avian population without disturbing them. The reserve offers a peaceful escape for anyone looking to connect with nature and observe local wildlife in its natural habitat.
Exploring the Trails and Views
A particularly rewarding aspect of visiting Roswell Pits is the picturesque view of Ely Cathedral. As you wander along the paths, especially those on the western side of the pits, you'll catch stunning glimpses of the historic cathedral perched on the hill. This offers a fantastic opportunity for photography and a moment of reflection on the area's rich history and natural beauty.
Cycling is also a popular activity here, with good paths suitable for bikes. You can create a loop that takes you around the pits, over the bridge between them, and even connects to longer routes, such as the path towards Wicken Fen or along the back roads to Ely. The reserve is designed for accessible enjoyment, making it ideal for a relaxed day out for walkers, cyclists, and families.
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