Set off along trails through wildlife-filled wetlands from this cottage on the edge of the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve.
Wicken Rose Cottage is on the edge of the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve and England’s most famous fen. With an abundance of wildlife and walks from the doorstep, this semi-detached cottage offers a snug spot for two.
The front door opens into a cosy little living room. This leads to a light kitchen and then to the back porch, which has a breakfast bar and garden views. The enclosed back garden has a seating area and planting inspired by the fen, with hazel fencing and a bog garden.
Stairs from the kitchen lead to the upstairs landing where you’ll find the shower room and the small, restful bedroom. The king size bed has a view of a grass paddock, where you may see wildlife. The Wicken Fen chickens live just along the lane, so you might also hear the cockerel in the morning. Cladium (sleeps four) is next door and can be booked with Wicken Rose Cottage for a group of six.
The lane that passes the cottage leads to the visitor centre before becoming walking trails. Wicken Fen is one of Europe’s most important wetlands and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. The raised boardwalk gives easy access to the landscape of flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds. Spot the herds of free-roaming konik ponies and highland cattle, here helping to engineer new habitats.
The National Cycle Network (Route 11) 'Lodes Way' travels through the reserve, covering over 25 miles of quiet lanes and scenic tracks from Ely Cathedral to Cambridge, with plenty of options for short taster rides and longer adventures. You can hire bikes at Wicken Fen, storing them in the rack in the garden. You could also take a guided boat trip through the fens.
You can walk to Wicken village in five minutes. Soham and Ely are a little further away. During your stay, you’ll have free entry during opening hours to National Trust places including Anglesey Abbey (walking or cycling trail via Route 11), Wimpole Estate, Peckover House and Garden, and Ickworth which are all less than an hour by car.
Parking next to cottage. Enclosed garden. See an independent accessibility review and our accessibility guide below. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.
View AccessAble's independent accessibility review of Wicken Rose Cottage.
Sitting room, kitchen and rear porch with seating.
Bedroom with king size bed and shower room.
Garden: There is an enclosed garden to the rear of the cottage with outdoor seating for two and a bike rack.
Heating: The cottage is heated by electric panel heaters and there is an electric fire in the sitting room.
Parking: There is space for one car next to the cottage.
Wifi: We are pleased to provide free WiFi at this cottage, which is supported by BT. Please note that intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur so it should not be relied upon.
Please note: Wicken Rose Cottage is joined to Cladium, so you may occasionally hear your neighbours. It is also near the reserve's visitor centre and there is foot traffic on the road in front of the cottage throughout the day and into the evening as people access Wicken Fen. There may be some noise from livestock, including cockerels crowing at dawn.
Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.
Free entry to National Trust places, during opening hours, for the duration of your stay. This includes the Sedge Fen at the reserve, and there are trails you can use after hours. Please show your booking confirmation upon entry.
Cycle hire is available at Wicken Fen daily from April to October. Guests staying at Wicken Rose Cottage can benefit from a 10% discount during their stay by showing their booking confirmation at the Visitor Centre. Find information here.
A cosy semi-detatched cottage next to Wicken Rose Cottage, on the edge of the Wicken Fen Nature Reserve. Sleeps four, dog friendly.
The National Trust's oldest nature reserve, and England's most famous fen
Wicken Fen was the first nature reserve to be managed by the National Trust. Today it’s one of Europe's most important wetlands and home to over 9,000 species.
Explore the fens on two wheels or on foot. Enjoy an easy family ride to see Konik ponies or discover the wildlife in the wider reserve.
A short walk around Wicken's ancient Sedge Fen, a unique remnant of undrained fenland.
A 3-mile walk, exploring new areas of wetland habitat, reed beds and the mere.
Explore part of Wicken Fen following the four Lodes on a trail is a great walk for catching a glimpse of grazing herds including Konik ponies and Highland cattle. Stop off at one of the hides to look for bittern, waterfowl and marsh harriers. It's the perfect walk for all the family to enjoy this season.
With distinctive fenland landscapes, grand houses and lush farmland, discover all there is to see at National Trust places in Cambridgeshire, in East Anglia.
A living working estate, guided by the seasons with an impressive mansion, parkland, gardens and rare breed farm.