Last month on our long drive home from Suffolk to Leeds we got out our handy RSPB wall map. Looking to locate a reserve we might pass on the way home we looked for somewhere we could stop off that would have good family facilities. A quick glance landed us on RSPB Lakenheath Fen.

This one was just £5 entry so we knew it wouldn’t be quite as big as RSPB Minsmere that we visited last time. Obviously as RSPB member’s we don’t pay the entry fee but the price normally gives you a good indication of how large the reserve will be.

This one had a small visitor centre with plenty of seating but no cafe or shop. I really liked the pin board display and it enticed us to buy our first pin for our daughter.

I think we will try collect one from each reserve! This time she chose the ladybird.

We headed out for The Brandon Fen Family Trail because it was the shortest walk and we were told it was the most accessible. We decided not to take our pram along and let our 2 year old stretch her legs. So we didn’t want anything too long that might take us forever to walk.

The walk said it would take 30 minutes but we found it to be twice as long as that! For once, I don’t think it was our slow pace. The route wasn’t well sign-posted and I actually think we ended up doing the Brandon Family trail combined with the East Wood trail.

The walk was a little dull compared to other RSPB reserves. There wasn’t much to see and barely any signage. Moreso, there were no children’s activities or things to do. We even found we were surrounded by wasps half the time.

After about 30 minutes we reached the lake and hide. This was a nice view of the reserve and we took some time for a break before heading on our way again.

It was a beautiful day so we got lucky with the sun beaming down on us. I feel that this walk would have been quite the opposite had the rain of been pouring.

When we did reach a hide there was a sign about some of the birds you can see on the trail. At least there was something engaging for little ones but it is a shame there wasn’t more. I do enjoy seeing the little sculptures and creative activities you often find on the other RSPB reserves.

By the time we reached the end of the loop we had worked up quite the sweat. Only one thing would solve this – Ice cream!

The visitor centre has a small corner full of local products including ice cream, drinks and snacks. So we tried the popular local ice cream by Ronaldo. We went for chocolate fudge brownie and wasn’t disapointed. Our toddler normally gets the final say on the flavour.

We had a lovely visit but I must admit it was my least favourite RSPB reserve. There didn’t appear to be much here and the walk wasn’t as good as others we have been on. I don’t think there would be any reason for us to return but it was great to tick another RSPB reserve off our list!

~ Visited RSPB Lakenheath Fen in August 2025 ~