Fen Drayton: Discover the Lake Landscape and Trails

Fen Drayton combines a distinctive lake landscape with varied trails and notable traces of the village’s history. At its centre are the Fen Drayton Lakes, which were created from a flooded sand and gravel quarry beside river meadows. Anyone wishing to combine nature observation, activity and historical discoveries will find various options for planning their day here. When choosing a holiday cottage, you can therefore consider whether to focus on extensive trails, peaceful nature observation or cultural impressions.

Lakes, wildlife and trails in the nature reserve

The Fen Drayton Lakes offer several clearly distinct routes. The Holywell Short Trail is 1 mile (1.5 km) long and is suitable as a short route within the nature reserve. The Ferry Lagoon Trail covers 2.5 miles (4 km), while the Elney Loop Trail measures 3 miles (4.5 km).

There are also specific points for nature observation: Fen Drayton Lakes has five viewing screens, three open viewing shelters and a viewing post. Wildlife found there includes otters, dragonflies, ducks, swans and geese. This allows families with different interests to plan their day in different ways: while some travellers may prioritise the trail, others can make the observation points and wildlife their main focus.

A longer route through Fen Drayton

Anyone planning a longer walk can consider Walk 1 of the Fen Edge Trail. The section through Fen Drayton is 6.1 miles (9.8 km) long and leads from St Ives via Fenstanton and Fen Drayton to Swavesey. According to the route guide, the walking time is 3 hours plus breaks. This gives the route a different day structure from the shorter trails at Fen Drayton Lakes. National Cycle Route 51 also runs through the centre of Fen Drayton Lakes. For your own trip planning, you can therefore distinguish between walking trails, a longer hike and a cycling route.

Village history and historic buildings

Fen Drayton also has cultural points of interest. St Mary’s Church has served the village for more than 800 years. The west wall of the nave and the lower courses of the chancel date from the late 13th century. Another distinctive historic detail is the Village Lock Up, a 19th-century building made of Gault brick with a slate roof. It is listed as a Grade II listed building. Fen Drayton’s Conservation Area was designated on 10 September 1975. Nature, architectural history and established village structures can be experienced together in Fen Drayton.

Getting around and further destinations

Fen Drayton Lakes has a request stop on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. Find more destinations for your search here: Ramsey, Stretham, Little Stukeley, Fulbourn, Brinkley, Gamlingay, Sawtry and Horseheath.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cambridgeshire.