The Fens
Stretching across several counties and covering around 1 million acres, The Fens are an awesome landscape. With a fascinating history, this ‘natural manscape' with its rich black soil, wildlife-friendly waters and abundance of flowers makes a great visitor destination. The Fens, or Fenland area, were originally low-lying marshlands and wetlands in the east of England, covering areas in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Suffolk. The Fens have a fascinating history, from their beginnings in the Ice Age through man's tumultuous relationship with them through drainage. From discovering the fascinating history of The Fens to exploring one of the unique Fenland towns, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Jump to Places to Visit // Activities // Wildlife // Where to Stay
Places to visit in the Fens
From hunting out a bargain to buying delicious local produce, visiting market towns in The Fens is a delight. Each Fenland town is completely unique and all offer a very different shopping experience. The larger towns, such as Boston and Ely, mix high-street favourites with independent shops and boutiques, while Spalding town centre is a luxurious traffic-free zone allowing shoppers to wander round easily. The towns, such as Downham Market, are famous for their weekly and farmers markets, held on different days throughout the region, so be sure to experience the buzz during your visit to The Fens. Pick up all sorts of bargains along with tasty local produce including home-grown flowers, freshly picked fruit and vegetables along with specialist sausages and even ostrich steaks!
Or go on an historic journey through the Fens, visiting one of the incredible windmills, such Denver Windmill or Maud Foster Mill, and then see how the privileged lived at one of the stately homes including the National Trust property, Peckover House. There are also a number of museums displaying farming artefacts of years gone by and galleries with inspirational works of art. There are some lovely attractions for all ages. Discover the natural world at the Butterfly and Wildlife Park where there are not only many beautiful butterflies to see but also birds of prey plus reptiles and amphibians of all colours, shapes and sizes.
Find more places to visit in the Fens
Activities in the Fens
The Fens provide a great opportunity for exploring the various counties by cycle, boat, on foot, or horseback. Get out and about and explore this unique manmade landscape at your own pace, stumble across its glorious wildlife, and generally enjoy having the space to yourselves!
Walking in the Fens
Most visitors to the area are struck by the amazing sense of space and quiet. Walking around The Fens will be a truly magical experience, with a chance to really slow the pace down and relax. Experience the beauty of the Fenland Waterways walking the Fen Rivers Way, which runs for 50 miles between Cambridge and King's Lynn, or take your binoculars as you follow the Peter Scott Walk from Sutton Bridge in Lincolnshire to King's Lynn, past mud flat and salt marshes - perfect habitats for many bird species.
Cycling in The Fens
Wonderful flat routes with no nasty hilly surprises, makes cycling in The Fens a great activity whatever your age or ability. Routes meander through the Fens district and take in beautiful Norfolk villages, the historic fishing port of King's Lynn and Ely with its stunning cathedral and exclusive shopping.
Horse riding in the Fens
With numerous bridle routes throughout the Fenland landscape, horse riding is a popular activity. There are facilities throughout the area including stables and horse riding centres where beginners and novices can get involved in this wonderful pastime.
Fishing in the Fens
The Fens are an excellent place to visit for fishing enthusiasts, from beginners to more experienced anglers. Bream, roach, pike, rudd and zander are all species that can found in the waterways and there are varying types of fishing available including still water and river.
Sailing in the Fens
Miles of inland waterways and the sea lapping around the edge of The Fens makes this area great for sailing and yachting. Like a well kept secret, it seems that many have yet to discover the wonders of sailing in The Fens so cruise along and enjoy the peace of this tranquil landscape. To make this pastime more accessible, a Fens Waterway Project is also underway to connect the area to other waterways in the UK.
Wildlife in the Fens
Over 150 bird species can be found in varying habitats making The Fens a bird watching paradise! Salt marshes and mud flats around the Wash attract waders, wildfowl and raptors including Redshank and Avocets in the summer and short-eared owls and hen harriers in the winter. There are also two RSPB reserves, Welches Dam, and Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre at Welney.
Where to Stay in the Fens
With so much on offer in the Fenland area, make the most of your Norfolk holiday by staying an historic and charming market town such as Downham Market, or in a bed and breakfast or holiday cottage in the surrounding area.
Find places to stay in the Downham Market area
Find out more about the Fens
- Visit West Norfolk : Downham Market & The Fens
- Visit Lincolnshire : Fens
- Fens Waterways Link
- Countryside Access
- Visit Anglian Waterways
Related pages on Visit Norfolk:
- Swaffham
- Breckland
- Norfolk Countryside
- Norfolk Walking
- Norfolk Cycling
- Norfolk Horseriding
- Norfolk Wildlife & Birdwatching
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