🚗 Wicken Fen National Trust Car Park – Complete CB7 5XP Guide
Free fenland parking at Wicken Fen – explore boardwalks, wildlife hides & visitor centre.
🚗 Type: Surface Free Public Car Park (Operated by the National Trust)
🕒 Open: Dawn–Dusk (approx. 6 am–8 pm in summer; 8 am–4 pm in winter)
🌟 Rating: 4.9 / 5 (visitor feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free (National Trust membership not required for parking)
Enforcement: Occasional ranger patrols; please vacate promptly at dusk
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~60 marked bays |
| Disabled Bays | 4 bays closest to visitor centre entrance |
| Surface | Firm, compacted gravel |
| Lighting | None (daylight access only) |
| Security | Ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Entry/Exit | Unbarriered, single-lane access off Lode Lane |
♿ Accessibility
Accessible Bays: 4 bays with level path to visitor centre
Step-Free Routes: Firm boardwalk from car park to hides and café
Drop-Off Zone: Lay-by beside car park entrance for loading/unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
2 × 7 kW Pod Point at Ely Railway Station (4 mi / 10 min drive)
4 × 22 kW Ubitricity lampposts on Lynn Road Car Park (4 mi / 12 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday mornings | 30 % | Birdwatchers & photographers |
| Weekday afternoons | 40 % | Families & rambler groups |
| Weekends & Bank Hols | 100 % | Tourists & nature enthusiasts |
| Evenings (summer) | 60 % | Sunset walkers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 am on weekends to secure bays and enjoy the quiet marsh trails.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Centre & Café | 1 min | Exhibits, NT shop & refreshments |
| Fen Hide Boardwalk | 2 min | Interpretive panels & wildlife viewing |
| Blickling Meadow Trailhead | 3 min | 3 km loop through reedbed and grassland |
| Wicken Church & Village | 10 min | Historic church & traditional village pub |
⚠️ Important Notices
Seasonal Gate Closure: Car park locked at dusk—no overnight parking.
No Lighting: Paths unlit after dark; please exit before closing time.
Trail Disruptions: Boardwalk sections may close for maintenance in winter—check NT website or noticeboard.
Wildlife Protection: Dogs must be on a lead; feeding or disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
📌 Expert Tips
Birdwatching Hack: The early-morning guided bird walk (Fridays, 6 am start) offers prime fen sightings—book via NT in advance.
Photography Tip: Visit the East Hide at dawn for marsh harrier and bittern shots across the reedbeds.
Cycling Option: Use the National Cycle Network Route 11; secure your bike at racks by the visitor centre.
Café Special: Try the seasonal “Fen Flower” tea blend and local honey scones in the café.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Installation of 2 × 7 kW solar-powered EV chargers in the overflow lay-by to encourage greener access.
2026: Implementation of real-time parking occupancy display and wayfinding signage at car park entrance.
2027: Launch of a new “Fen Discovery Hub” with interactive exhibits and expanded hide facilities.
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