Accessible Britain

Wicken Fen is one of Britain’s oldest nature reserves and one of the most important
wetlands in Europe. It’s home to more than eight thousand species of wildlife including
otters and rare butterflies. The reserve has a raised boardwalk which makes it an ideal
place for disabled visitors to explore the fens.
A remnant of the once extensive Cambridgeshire fenlands, the area has been managed
for centuries by sedge-cutting and peat-digging, resulting in this unique habitat.
It is now one of England’s most diverse wetland sites and a nationally important habitat
for molluscs, with 88 species of slugs, snails and bivalve shellfish recorded here. It’s a
great birdwatching area (bitterns and marsh harriers being frequent visitors), and if
you’re quiet and visit the more out-of-the-way areas, you may see frogs, toads, newts
and even a grass snake. Konik ponies (originally from Poland) and Highland cattle can
be seen grazing in the reserve too. You can take the leisurely half-mile walk along the
boardwalk or a more challenging two-mile route along either the nature trail or the
adventurers’ trail. The boardwalk is completely flat and very easy to walk on, but it can
get a little slippery in wet weather. The other paths have a lot of tree roots and boggy
patches, so wheelchair users are likely to need assistance. It’s also recommended to call
ahead to check the state of the roads. All three routes have hides along the way. Hire a
pair of binoculars on arrival to ensure you have a good chance of seeing some of the
more timid wildlife, as well as the birdlife.
Wicken Fen has two disabled parking spaces and two manual wheelchairs to borrow.
The boardwalk hides are fully accessible, with moveable benches, so it is possible to get
up really close to the windows. It’s a great site to take dogs, but they must be kept on a
lead at all times. Braille and large-print information is available.
FOOD & DRINK aa The café serves a variety of dishes such as soup, sandwiches and pasties.
072 Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Address: Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB25 9EJ Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
anglesey-abbey Tel: 01223 8100801 Hours: Garden, plant centre, restaurant & shop daily: Apr–Oct
10am–5.30pm; Nov–Mar 10.30am–4.30pm. House Wed–Sun: Mar 11am–3pm; Apr–Oct 11am–4pm.
Guided tours of house Mar–Oct Tues 11am–3pm. Mill Wed–Sun: Nov–Mar 11am–3.30pm; Apr–Oct
11am–4pm Dates: House closed Nov–Feb: Garden, plant centre & shop closed 24–26 Dec Entry: [D]
House, gardens and mill £11.60; gardens and mill £7.10 [C]free [A] House, gardens and mill £11.60;
gardens and mill £7.10 [Child] House, gardens and mill £6; gardens and mill £3.75 [Fam] House, gardens
and mill £29.50; Gardens and mill £18.50 (1 adult & 3 children). Since those with mobility issues can only
access a limited part of the house and mill, they can have entry to the whole property at the lower price
on request.
THE EAST MIDLANDS AND EAST ANGLIA
Anglesey Abbey is a Jacobean-style country house with spectacular gardens, a working
watermill and great sensory experiences, plus year-round activities for adults and children.
With a plant centre and shop too, it’s a good place to brush up on your historical
knowledge, enjoy the wildlife and indulge in some retail therapy.
Set in the gorgeous Cambridgeshire countryside, Anglesey Abbey showcases the
1930s luxury and entertainment that Lord Fairhaven, the owner of the house, offered
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