11 great places to enjoy nature in Cambridgeshire

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Cambridgeshire is full of natural countryside, nature reserves, lakes and gardens.

With the weather slowly improving, now could well be the time to go outdoors and soak up the sunshine.

There is a wide variety of areas available to explore, across the county, in order to make good use of the rising temperatures.

To help you decide where to try, we’ve put together a list of great places to enjoy nature in Cambridgeshire.

1. Railworld Wildlife Haven, Peterborough

The Wildlife Haven is run by volunteers, who aim to create a biodiverse habitat.
– Credit: Google – By Owner

The Railworld Wildlife Haven in Peterborough began when reverend Richard Paten purchased a derelict coal yard.

The charity now has over 2,000 sq ft of “intriguing, exciting model railways” with a “landscaped haven with ponds and waterfalls”.

The volunteers who work on the area aim to create a biodiverse habitat for wildlife.

To visit, prices range from £4 for adults, to free for those under the age of one.

2. Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cambridge

A view across a fountain, with grass and a glass building behind it.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden holds over 8,000 plant species.
– Credit: Google – By Owner

Cambridge University Botanic Garden holds over 8,000 plant species from across the globe, allowing teaching and research from the location.

It’s website states that visitors can enjoy “the drama of plant diversity”.

The original garden was founded in 1762, but but began planting at its current site in 1846.

Standard adult pricing stats at £6.80, but rises to £7.50 with an optional donation included.

3. Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, Little Paxton

Google Maps image of Paxton Pits, with greenery and a car park.

The nature reserve is set in a former gravel quarry near the village of Little Paxton.
– Credit: Google Maps

Paxton Pits nature reserve is set in a former gravel quarry near the village of Little Paxton.

The reserve is known for its nightingales and cormorants specifically, but is also home to a variety of other birds, mammals and insects.

The area is run by volunteer group the Friends of Paxton Pits, and Huntingdonshire District Council.

A visitors centre is present in which food, drinks and bird feed can be purchased.

4. Nene Washes, Whittlesey

The grassland at Nene Washes is frequently flooded during the Winter.
– Credit: Google – By Owner

Nene Washes is an RSPB nature reserve, which is often flooded during the Winter.

The RSPB website describes it as “an excellent spot to watch birds of prey”.

Notable species to see at the reserve include cranes, black-tailed godwits, short-eared owls, snipes and garganeys.

The site is a 15 kilometre biological site of special scientific interest.

5. Elton Hall & Gardens, Peterborough

Elton Hall, with stone walls and gardens.

Elton Hall is the historic home of the Proby family.
– Credit: Google – By Owner

The ancestral home of the Proby family, Elton Hall, has an award-winning garden in its grounds.

The house won ‘Historic Houses Garden of the Year Judges’ Choice Award’ in 2021.

The garden is the work of Meredith Proby, who has spent the past 40-years re-designing and re-planting the area.

The location is open to visitors on various dates throughout the year, which can be booked via the hall’s website.

6. Pingle Wood Nature Reserve, near Ely

A wooden gate with large hedges and greenery either side.

Pingle Wood is part of the wider Little Downham reserve.
– Credit: Google Maps

Pingle Wood is part of the wider Little Downham reserve, near Ely.

The wood was planted in December 1995, when 500 trees and shrubs were planted.

Since this initial event, the wood has continued to grow with other events and the natural progression of the wood itself.

One reviewer on Google, usernamed Jason Randall, wrote: “Lovely, community run nature reserve. Well kept grass paths, places to sit and relax and enjoy the fresh air.

“Popular with dog walkers, litter free, great!”

7. Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon

Hinchingbrooke Country Park covers 180 acres of grassland, woodland and lakes.
– Credit: Richard Humphrey

Hinchingbrooke Country Park – near Huntingdon – covers 180 acres of grassland, woodland and lakes.

The park has held a Green Flag award since 2018, an award which recognises parks and green spaces internationally.

Huntingdonshire District Council’s website states: “The park has a wealth of wildlife, whether you are armed with a camera or binoculars!

“All three species of British woodpecker can be seen here, along with nuthatch and marsh tit or you may be lucky enough to spot an otter or a kingfisher.”