RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes - Image 1
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RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes

4.6
·603 reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil nature reserve near Cambridge, renowned for its diverse birdlife, scenic trails, and spectacular autumn starling murmurations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn evenings

For mesmerizing murmuration displays

CrowdMedium
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RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes - Image 1

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes

Best Time

Autumn evenings

For mesmerizing murmuration displays

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil nature reserve near Cambridge, renowned for its diverse birdlife, scenic trails, and spectacular autumn starling murmurations.

4.6
(603 reviews)

"Lovely nature reserve with plenty of pathways around the various lakes and trees."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Bumpy Road Alert!

One access road is very bumpy; opt for the other for a smoother drive.

📱 Pay for Parking

Use the PayByPhone app to pay the £2.00 parking fee.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Starling Murmurations

Starling Murmurations

Elney Lake

Witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of starlings swirling in unison against the sky.

Diverse Birdlife

Diverse Birdlife

Various lakes and habitats

Spot a variety of water birds and listen for the calls of summer visitors like the cuckoo and turtle dove.

Scenic Walking Trails

Scenic Walking Trails

Throughout the reserve

Explore well-maintained paths offering water views, shaded woodland sections, and opportunities for sketching.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes

Getting to RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is straightforward via the Guided Busway from Cambridge, offering a scenic and eco-friendly route. Be aware that one access road can be quite bumpy, so choose your route wisely. Parking is available but requires payment via the PayByPhone app.

What to Expect on Your Visit

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes offers a tranquil escape with multiple visitor trails and public footpaths. While free to enter, parking has a fee. Pack your own refreshments as on-site facilities are limited to a portaloo and picnic tables.

Best Times

When
Autumn evenings
Why
For mesmerizing murmuration displays
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Hear the calls of returning birds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Shaded woodland paths
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cambridge day trips for the win ☺️ #cambridge #cambridgeitinerary #thingstodoincambridge #uktravel
@candaceabroad
14.5K likes • 530.2K views

🚗 Bumpy Road Alert!

One access road is very bumpy; opt for the other for a smoother drive. Reddit

📱 Pay for Parking

Use the PayByPhone app to pay the £2.00 parking fee. Reddit

cambridge did us dirty #fyp #foryou #explore #alevels #igcse #olevels #cambridge #highschool #real #relatable #results
@m4h71nn
11.9K likes • 132.7K views
Fantastic outing on the guided busway from Cambridge to RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes yesterday . . . . #rspb #fendraytonlakes #guidedbusway #cambridgeshire #nature #wildlife #autumn
chrispriestleybooks
20 likes • 301 views

🥪 Pack Your Own Snacks

Limited refreshments available; bring your own sandwiches and drinks. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the various trails and paths. Reddit

Tail end of a starling murmuration at Elney Lake, RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire. #starlingmurmuration #Murmuration #RSPBFenDraytonLake #rspb_love_nature #Cambridgeshire
simon_passey
14 likes • 122 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Bumpy Road Alert!

One access road is very bumpy; opt for the other for a smoother drive. Reddit

📱 Pay for Parking

Use the PayByPhone app to pay the £2.00 parking fee. Reddit

🥪 Pack Your Own Snacks

Limited refreshments available; bring your own sandwiches and drinks. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the various trails and paths. Reddit

📸 Bring Your Camera

Capture stunning wildlife and landscapes, especially during murmuration season. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(603 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes for its beautiful natural setting and diverse wildlife, particularly the stunning starling murmurations. The free entry and varied walking trails are a significant draw, offering a peaceful escape. However, some note the bumpy access road and the lack of on-site refreshments as minor drawbacks.

"It was the first time I had visited this site, and was very impressed.
There are three main visitor trails, a seasonal trail, plus public footpaths and bridleways.
There is good parking, and toilet facilities.
I thoroughly enjoyed my walk around, and intend to visit again soon."

Mark Cussens

"Lovely nature reserve. Free, except to park. One road that sat nav will take you down is not particularly signposted and is very very bumpy, be warned! Access road on other side is much more navigable. There are picnic tables and a single portaloo by the car park. One of the trails on the map/downloaded map is not where it's marked at the reserve, where it goes into woods but not by the lake. Beautiful area for a walk and sure to see some interesting fauna and flora."

Emma H

"If you're interested in birding or just looking for an area full of natural wildlife and experience some wonderful views with the added peace and quiet then this place is the right place to visit."

N Mora

What People Like

Beautiful nature reserve
Diverse birdlife
Starling murmurations

What People Dislike

Bumpy access road
Limited refreshments

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is easily accessible via the Guided Busway from Cambridge, making it a convenient day trip. TikTokInstagram This eco-friendly option offers a pleasant journey through the Cambridgeshire countryside. Alternatively, driving is possible, but be mindful of a particularly bumpy access road on one route; the other is more navigable. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the reserve. The fee is £2.00 and can be paid using the PayByPhone app. Reddit

Absolutely! The Guided Busway provides a direct and scenic route from Cambridge to RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes, making it a great option for those without a car. Instagram

Visitors have noted that one of the access roads can be very bumpy, so caution is advised. The alternative access road is reported to be much more navigable. Reddit

Yes, the Guided Busway is a popular and convenient way to reach the reserve from Cambridge, offering a stress-free journey for public transport users. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is free for all visitors. However, there is a charge for parking. Reddit

Parking at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes costs £2.00. Payment is handled through the PayByPhone app. Reddit

No, tickets are not required for entry as the reserve is free to visit. Parking payment is handled on-site via an app. Reddit

While entry is free for everyone, RSPB membership benefits typically extend to other reserves. It's always worth checking the RSPB website for the most current membership perks. Reddit

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is generally open year-round during daylight hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the nature reserve at their leisure. Specific seasonal hours are not typically advertised, as it's an open access area. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The reserve offers three main visitor trails, a seasonal trail, and additional public footpaths and bridleways. Some paths provide lovely water views, while others lead through shaded woodland areas. Reddit+1

Yes, there are toilet facilities available, including a single portaloo located near the car park. Reddit

Picnic tables are available at the reserve, making it a great spot for a packed lunch amidst nature. Reddit+1

The reserve is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds. Visitors can often spot water birds, and during certain seasons, you might witness starling murmurations Instagram or hear the calls of species like the cuckoo and turtle dove. Instagram

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is an excellent location for birdwatching, with diverse habitats supporting a wide array of avian species. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Currently, there are no light refreshment facilities or cafes located near the car park area at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks. Reddit

No, there are no facilities to purchase food or drinks directly at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes. It's recommended to bring your own provisions. Reddit

For dining options, you would need to travel back towards Cambridge or explore nearby villages. Cambridge itself offers a wide range of cafes and restaurants. TikTok+1

Yes, picnic tables are available, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature. Reddit+1

Given the lack of on-site food services, packing sandwiches, snacks, and drinks is the best approach for a comfortable visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The reserve is ideal for wildlife photography, especially birdlife and the spectacular starling murmurations. Landscape photography is also rewarding, with scenic water views and woodland scenes. Instagram+2

Early mornings and late afternoons can offer beautiful light for landscape photography. For wildlife, patience is key, but the starling murmurations are typically an evening spectacle in autumn. Instagram+1

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of birds. However, even a standard camera or smartphone can capture the beauty of the landscapes and larger wildlife. Instagram

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing wildlife. Instagram

The areas around Elney Lake are known for murmurations,Instagram while various viewpoints along the walking trails offer opportunities for landscape and bird photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes offers a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature. The free entry and accessible walking trails make it an easy outing. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated tables, and let the kids explore the paths, spotting birds and other wildlife. Reddit+1 The excitement of seeing different birds, and perhaps even a murmuration if visiting in autumn, can be a memorable experience for children. Instagram Remember to bring binoculars if you have them to enhance the wildlife viewing experience. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers

For those who love a good walk and birdwatching, RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is an ideal destination. The network of trails provides varied scenery, from open water vistas to shaded woodland paths. Reddit+1 Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse species present, with opportunities to spot waterfowl and listen for the calls of summer migrants. Instagram Don't miss the chance to witness the incredible starling murmurations if you visit during the right season. Instagram

🎨 Artists & Photographers

The natural beauty of RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes provides ample inspiration for artists and photographers. The interplay of light on the water, the textures of the reeds, and the dynamic shapes of bird flocks offer endless creative possibilities. Instagram+1 Capture the serene landscapes, the intricate details of flora, or the breathtaking spectacle of a starling murmuration. Instagram The reserve's varied environments, from open skies to woodland interiors, offer diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes offers a network of well-marked trails catering to various interests. Visitors can choose from three main visitor trails, a seasonal trail, and numerous public footpaths and bridleways, ensuring ample opportunities for exploration. Reddit Some paths are specifically noted for their picturesque water views, perfect for a leisurely stroll, while others meander through shaded woodland, providing a welcome respite on warmer days. Reddit The reserve is designed to be accessible, with clear signage to guide you through its diverse habitats. Reddit

For those interested in birdwatching, the reserve is a prime location. The various lakes and surrounding vegetation attract a wide array of bird species. Reddit Keep an eye out for waterfowl on the lakes and smaller birds in the scrub and trees. Instagram The reserve is particularly famous for its spectacular starling murmurations during the autumn months, a truly unforgettable natural phenomenon best witnessed in the late afternoon or early evening. Instagram The calls of summer visitors like the cuckoo and turtle dove can also be heard, adding to the rich soundscape of the reserve. Instagram

When planning your visit, remember that while the reserve itself is free to enter, there is a charge for parking, payable via the PayByPhone app. Reddit Facilities are basic, consisting of picnic tables and a portaloo near the car park. Reddit Therefore, it's advisable to bring your own refreshments, including sandwiches and drinks, to fully enjoy your time exploring the natural beauty of RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes. Reddit

Wildlife Wonders at Fen Drayton Lakes

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is a haven for wildlife, with its diverse habitats supporting a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. Birdwatchers, in particular, will find much to delight them here. The lakes are home to numerous waterfowl, and the surrounding reeds and trees provide nesting and feeding grounds for a variety of other species. Reddit The reserve is a key site for observing migratory birds, with different species gracing the lakes throughout the year. Instagram

The most dramatic wildlife spectacle occurs in autumn with the starling murmurations. Witnessing thousands of starlings gather and perform intricate aerial ballets against the twilight sky is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Instagram This phenomenon is a highlight for many visitors and photographers alike. Instagram+1 Beyond the starlings, the reserve is also known for the distinctive calls of summer visitors. The cuckoo's unmistakable call is a sound of the season, as is the purring call of the turtle dove, a species that has sadly declined in recent years. Instagram

Beyond the avian inhabitants, the reserve's varied landscapes, from open water to woodland, also support other forms of wildlife. Keep an eye out for insects, amphibians, and potentially small mammals as you explore the trails. Reddit The varied plant life, including reeds and wildflowers, contributes to the overall biodiversity of the area, making it a valuable ecosystem for nature enthusiasts. Instagram

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