The Docky Hut Cafe - Ely

This is a great place for a walk in nature and in the rest. there are several walks and I took a stretch that goes to the upware ship lift. on a good day they can see many birds on their way, this route is not paved so that it is muddy in patches.

The restaurant is situated in a stunning location, teeming with fascinating wildlife. The entry fee is definitely worth it. The grounds offer a delightful little adventure, and everything is well-maintained. Mike from the visitor center is exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, providing us with insights about the country and its history. The restrooms are clean, and parking was effortless.

This place is excellent for both paying and non-paying visitors seeking fresh air and a connection with nature. The gift shop is delightful, and there’s a boardwalk route that costs £8. The staff are friendly and helpful, offering guidance to anyone looking to explore the other routes. The cat park is a fun addition, but be sure to head back by 4:30 PM, as they close the area at that time. The café was clean and offered a regular selection of hot meals and drinks, as well as sandwiches and cakes. Be sure to dress warmly and prepare for muddy boots in the winter! There are also helpful information boards available, making for a really enjoyable afternoon.

We stopped here while traveling from Ely to Cambridge, and we found the website to be quite serene and captivating. The wooden paths and walkways allow you to explore this unique wetland landscape, where you can observe unusual rare birds and admire the lush vegetation. On the day of our visit, the drainage windpump wasn't operational due to a lack of wind, but it remains an intriguing feature of this historic area.

Beautiful wetland habitat there’s a small boardwalk and woodland walk section suitable for families and a longer route which we didn’t have time to do. There’s also an intermediate length circuit only open in summer. Glad we arrived early as it got very busy by late morning.