Chippenham Fen

You'll find yourself on a raised boardwalk, surrounded by reeds that stretch to the horizon, when you visit Chippenham Fen. It's a wetland reserve east of Ely that feels genuinely isolated - the kind of place where you notice birdsong properly because there's almost nothing else to hear.

The fen itself is flat and wide open, which makes it rather brilliant for birdwatchers and anyone who enjoys spotting wildlife without fighting through dense woodland. Warblers nest here in spring and summer, and the insect life is genuinely impressive if you're into that sort of thing. The boardwalk keeps you out of the mud and means you don't need specialist kit - just sensible shoes. Allow an hour for a proper wander, maybe more if you've brought binoculars and patience.

This works well as a half-day outing from Ely, which is close enough for lunch beforehand or a decent coffee afterwards. If you're staying at Trelander Camping & Caravanning nearby, it's an easy drive and a welcome change of pace from the campsite routine. Kids will find it a bit quiet unless they're genuinely interested in nature, but families who like gentle walks on proper paths will get something out of it.

Best visited in late spring or early summer when the birds are active and the light lingers properly. Winter's bleak here - it's exposed, and there's not much shelter.