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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For mesmerizing murmuration displays

RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes
Best Time
For mesmerizing murmuration displays

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil nature reserve near Cambridge, renowned for its diverse birdlife, scenic trails, and spectacular autumn starling murmurations.
"Lovely nature reserve with plenty of pathways around the various lakes and trees."

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Starling Murmurations
Elney Lake
Witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of starlings swirling in unison against the sky.

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
Throughout the reserve
Explore well-maintained paths offering water views, shaded woodland sections, and opportunities for sketching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes
What to Expect on Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🥪 Pack Your Own Snacks
Limited refreshments available; bring your own sandwiches and drinks.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the various trails and paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 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.
🥪 Pack Your Own Snacks
Limited refreshments available; bring your own sandwiches and drinks.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the various trails and paths.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture stunning wildlife and landscapes, especially during murmuration season.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. 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.
Yes, there is parking available at the reserve. The fee is £2.00 and can be paid using the PayByPhone app.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is free for all visitors. However, there is a charge for parking.
Parking at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes costs £2.00. Payment is handled through the PayByPhone app.
No, tickets are not required for entry as the reserve is free to visit. Parking payment is handled on-site via an app.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available, including a single portaloo located near the car park.
Picnic tables are available at the reserve, making it a great spot for a packed lunch amidst nature.
The reserve is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds. Visitors can often spot water birds, and during certain seasons, you might witness starling murmurations or hear the calls of species like the cuckoo and turtle dove.
RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes is an excellent location for birdwatching, with diverse habitats supporting a wide array of avian species.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
No, there are no facilities to purchase food or drinks directly at RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes. It's recommended to bring your own provisions.
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.
Yes, picnic tables are available, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature.
Given the lack of on-site food services, packing sandwiches, snacks, and drinks is the best approach for a comfortable visit.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing wildlife.
The areas around Elney Lake are known for murmurations, while various viewpoints along the walking trails offer opportunities for landscape and bird photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
🎨 Artists & Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes
For those interested in birdwatching, the reserve is a prime location. The various lakes and surrounding vegetation attract a wide array of bird species. Keep an eye out for waterfowl on the lakes and smaller birds in the scrub and trees. 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. The calls of summer visitors like the cuckoo and turtle dove can also be heard, adding to the rich soundscape of the reserve.
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. Facilities are basic, consisting of picnic tables and a portaloo near the car park. 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.
Wildlife Wonders at Fen Drayton Lakes
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. This phenomenon is a highlight for many visitors and photographers alike. 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.
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. The varied plant life, including reeds and wildflowers, contributes to the overall biodiversity of the area, making it a valuable ecosystem for nature enthusiasts.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit