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A holiday guide to the Fens


The vast Fens have an almost other-worldly atmosphere.

Flat Fenland, known affectionately as South Holland thanks to the bright colours of the bulb fields, is a unique and incredibly fertile landscape. Criss-crossed by drainage channels and slow-flowing rivers, the Fens’ huge horizons and water meadows make it a delightful and relaxing retreat.

The other-worldly Fens are an attractive and atmospheric part of rural Britain, once renowned for their enthralling tales of witch-hunts and ghostly happenings. Visitors are enchanted by stunning skyscapes, unforgettable sunsets and important nature reserves such as Welney and Wicken Fen. The historic cities of Lincoln, Peterborough and Ely, the university city of Cambridge and several bustling market towns draw tourists all year round.

The beautiful city of Lincoln lays claim to around 2000 years of history and is crowned by Lincoln cathedral, one of England’s largest and finest houses of worship. In fact the Fens are blessed with a number of landmark religious buildings. The ‘Boston Stump’ is the largest parish church in the country, standing an impressive 83 metres tall while further south, the faithful flock to the town of Crowland to see the Benedictine Abbey which was built in 716 AD.

The ancient city of Ely, or ‘the Ship of the Fens’, dominates the flat fen landscape. Once a thriving monastic community, Ely developed around a set of medieval buildings which are still in use today. The cathedral dates from 673 AD and is noted for its famous Octagonal Lantern Tower.

On a more watery note, the Fens boast a number of scenic, slow-flowing rivers such as the quiet Lark, the popular Nene and the pretty Wissey. Boaters can navigate 75 miles of rich agricutural landscape on the River Great Ouse, canoeists can dip their oars in the winding Welland and walkers can discover the Macmillan Way along the River Glen.

Last updated: 16/07/2009