gorgeous walks around the lea valley
1 / 10

Eye Green Nature Reserve

4.5
·196 reviews·, United Kingdom

A scenic nature reserve near Peterborough, offering tranquil walks around a historic pond and woodland trails rich with wildlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Loading map...
gorgeous walks around the lea valley

Eye Green Nature Reserve

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic nature reserve near Peterborough, offering tranquil walks around a historic pond and woodland trails rich with wildlife.

4.5
(196 reviews)

"Such a pretty place. Lovely water and scenery. Amazing wildlife and flowers. Beautiful."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking is limited; arrive early or on weekdays. Be prepared for a short walk to the reserve.

👟 Watch Your Step

Paths can be overgrown in summer and muddy in winter. Wear appropriate footwear for varied conditions.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Pond

The Great Pond

Central lake

A vast, historic pond, once a clay pit for brick making, now teeming with life and offering scenic views.

Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails

Forested areas

Explore shaded paths within the woods, offering a different, often more engaging, experience than the lake perimeter.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife Watching

Throughout the reserve

Spot cygnets, diverse flowers, and other amazing wildlife in this thriving natural habitat.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Parking Pointers

Parking at Eye Green Nature Reserve can be a challenge, especially during peak times. Arrive early or consider visiting on weekdays to secure a spot. Some visitors note limited options, so be prepared for a short walk from your car.

Seasonal Scenery

The reserve offers different charms throughout the year. While summer brings lush greenery and flowers, winter can make paths muddy. Spring and autumn showcase vibrant wildlife, like cygnets growing rapidly in early October.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Vibrant wildlife and flora
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I knew I had more to show of this place!😎 Posh in Hackney Next! #Peterborough #poshgirlgoes #englandtravel #comedyvideo
@savannahgraceycomedy
46.3K likes • 610K views

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking is limited; arrive early or on weekdays. Be prepared for a short walk to the reserve. Reddit

👟 Watch Your Step

Paths can be overgrown in summer and muddy in winter. Wear appropriate footwear for varied conditions. Reddit

What a difference 4 months make! These cygnets at Eye Green Nature Reserve were just tiny babies at back in May, but in this video taken on 1st October, they are almost fully grown! If you’re interested in exploring the wildlife that our reserves support, click the link in our bio and tap 'Habitat Projects'
froglifers
36 likes • 543 views

🌳 Forest Over Lake

Some visitors find the woodland trails more captivating than the lake circuit. Explore both! Reddit

🦢 Cygnets Galore

Visit in early autumn to see cygnets nearly fully grown – a remarkable sight! Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking is limited; arrive early or on weekdays. Be prepared for a short walk to the reserve. Reddit

👟 Watch Your Step

Paths can be overgrown in summer and muddy in winter. Wear appropriate footwear for varied conditions. Reddit

🌳 Forest Over Lake

Some visitors find the woodland trails more captivating than the lake circuit. Explore both! Reddit

🦢 Cygnets Galore

Visit in early autumn to see cygnets nearly fully grown – a remarkable sight! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(196 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Eye Green Nature Reserve a pretty and scenic spot with lovely water and interesting wildlife. It's a nice place for a walk and picnics, though parking can be a significant issue. Some find the woodland trails more engaging than the lake circuit.

"Such a pretty place. Lovely water and scenery . Places to sit and picnic . Amazing wildlife and flowers . Beautiful. Well worth a walk round ."

Clare Daniels

"Nice interesting walk around the former Northam Brickworks and gravel works. Found this plaque off one of the trails, lots for wildlife to see paths can be overground in summer and muddy in winter, there has been three new ponds one is being built for the wildlife also."

James Furr

"It's a nice little place but it takes about 10 minutes to walk all the way round. The best bit was inside the forest rather than round the lake."

Zuzka Patrick

What People Like

Pretty scenery
Amazing wildlife
Picnic spots

What People Dislike

Parking problems
Muddy paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Eye Green Nature Reserve is located near Peterborough. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is the most common method. Be aware that parking can be limited, so planning your arrival time is key. Reddit

Information on direct public transport routes is limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes serving the Eye area and be prepared for a potential walk from the nearest stop. Driving is generally recommended. Reddit

As the reserve is near Peterborough, use standard navigation apps to find the most direct route. Be mindful of local signage upon arrival, as parking is a common topic of discussion among visitors. Reddit

While a specific postcode isn't always provided, searching for 'Eye Green Nature Reserve, Peterborough' in your satnav should guide you to the general vicinity. Reddit

Historically, the area was known as 'Eye nott hole' and was a clay pit for the London Brick Company. The large pond is a remnant of this brick-making past. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Eye Green Nature Reserve is a public nature reserve, and typically does not require tickets for entry. Enjoying the natural beauty is free for all visitors. Reddit

As an open nature reserve, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific official opening and closing times are not usually published, but it's best to visit during reasonable daylight for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to enter Eye Green Nature Reserve. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and wildlife. Reddit

While the reserve is open, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours for the best experience and safety. Access may be restricted during extreme weather or for maintenance. Reddit

General rules for nature reserves apply, such as staying on paths, not disturbing wildlife, and taking litter home. Specific restrictions are usually minimal for public access. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including cygnets that grow rapidly by early October. You can also expect to see various flowers and other natural inhabitants. Instagram

Yes, there are walking trails around the lake and through the woodland areas. Some paths can be overgrown in summer and muddy in winter, so appropriate footwear is advised. Reddit

Absolutely! Visitors mention places to sit and picnic, making it a lovely spot to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Reddit

The large pond was originally a clay pit dug by the London Brick Company for brick manufacturing. This history is evident with many bricks found at the bottom of the water. Reddit

Some visitors note that it takes about 10 minutes to walk all the way around the reserve, suggesting it's a relatively compact but enjoyable area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic water and surrounding flora offer great photo opportunities. The woodland trails also provide unique, shaded perspectives for photographers. Instagram

Yes, the reserve is rich in wildlife, including cygnets and various birds. Remember to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the animals. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. The changing seasons also offer different visual opportunities, from spring blooms to autumn colors. Instagram

The large pond, the woodland areas, and the diverse wildlife, especially young birds like cygnets, are popular subjects for photographers. Instagram

A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife is ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the pond, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Eye Green Nature Reserve is a lovely spot for a family outing, offering a chance for children to connect with nature. The open spaces around the pond are great for a picnic, and the woodland trails provide an element of adventure. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, especially the cygnets if you visit in early autumn! Instagram

Be sure to dress children in appropriate footwear, as paths can be uneven or muddy depending on the season. The reserve's manageable size means it's not overwhelming for little legs, and the historical context of the brickworks can be an interesting talking point for curious minds. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers

For those seeking a peaceful escape, Eye Green Nature Reserve offers a tranquil environment. The walking trails provide ample opportunity for quiet contemplation and observation of the local flora and fauna. The historical layers of the site, from its brick-making past to its current status as a haven for wildlife, add an intriguing dimension to your exploration. Reddit

Consider visiting during weekdays to enjoy the reserve with fewer people. The woodland areas are particularly recommended for a more immersive nature experience. Don't forget your camera to capture the beauty of the landscape and any wildlife you encounter. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Eye Green Nature Reserve

Eye Green Nature Reserve holds a fascinating industrial past. Locally known as 'Eye nott hole,' the area was once a significant clay pit owned by the London Brick Company. This extensive digging for clay to produce bricks is the origin of the large pond that dominates the reserve today. Many bricks can still be found at the bottom of this water body, a testament to its former use. After its abandonment, the site naturally became overgrown, eventually transforming into the cherished nature reserve it is now. Reddit

This transformation from an industrial scar to a thriving ecosystem is a key part of the reserve's character. The creation of new ponds, including one specifically for wildlife, further enhances its ecological value. Visitors can appreciate this blend of natural beauty and historical remnants as they explore the trails. Reddit

Navigating the Reserve: Trails and Terrain

The reserve offers a network of walking trails that cater to different preferences. You can circumnavigate the main lake, enjoying open water views, or venture into the more enclosed woodland areas. While the paths are generally manageable, visitors should be aware of seasonal conditions. During summer, trails can become overgrown, and in winter, they are prone to becoming muddy. Reddit

It's recommended to wear sturdy, appropriate footwear to navigate these varied terrains comfortably. The woodland paths are often highlighted by visitors as a particularly engaging part of the reserve, offering a different atmosphere and potentially more discoveries than the lake perimeter alone. Reddit

Despite its relatively compact size, with some noting it takes about 10 minutes to walk the full circuit, the reserve provides a varied experience. The addition of new ponds further diversifies the landscape and habitats available for wildlife, adding to the exploration potential. Reddit

You may also like