Holme on the Edge of the Fens
Holme is a rural village in Cambridgeshire on the edge of the Fens. Holme Fen lies just north of the B660, halfway between Holme and Ramsey St Mary’s: Holme is two kilometres to the east and Ramsey St Mary’s two kilometres to the west. These details locate the nature reserve between two named places and make it easier to find your way around the landscape. For planning purposes, the distinction is useful: Holme refers to the village, while Holme Fen is the nature reserve, with its own nature and walking trails.
Nature and Trails in Holme Fen
Holme Fen covers 657 acres and is managed by Natural England. The area is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve. At Holme Post, the ground is 2.75 metres below sea level; it is the lowest land point in Britain.
The waymarked Lost Lake Discovery Trail starts at Holme Post; a network of paths also allows you to explore the nature reserve independently. The trail provides a clearly named starting point, while the network of paths makes independent exploration possible; you can use this to decide whether to follow a waymarked trail or explore the area on your own. Barbecues, open fires and camping are not permitted in Holme Fen because of the risk of igniting the peat below.
Traces of the Landscape’s History
The Holme Fen Posts document ground subsidence since 1852. In 1957, a second iron post was erected six metres northeast of the original post; both still stand today. The distance and compass direction make the relationship between the two posts concrete. Their continued presence connects the dating of the subsidence with markers preserved in the landscape.
St Giles and Local Traditions
The parish church of St Giles offers another historical perspective on Holme. The present church was rebuilt in 1862 by Edward Browning, using material from the original parish church, which dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. Its bellcote has two bells. The building thus brings together a 19th-century reconstruction and reused older building materials; the two dates describe different aspects of the church. Those interested in church architecture or local history will find a tangible point of historical interest here. Everyone is welcome at services at St Giles. Check the local service schedule if you are planning a visit.
Every year on Holy Monday, the Kettering leg of the Student Cross welcomes pilgrims at St Giles for breakfast on their way to Walsingham. While the building’s history spans several centuries, this stop marks a recurring date in the annual calendar. The Admiral Wells in Holme serves freshly prepared food. If you are planning to eat there, check the current menu directly with the establishment.
Discover more destinations: Huntingdon, Soham, Whittlesey, Ely, Buckden, Bar Hill, Longstanton, Eaton Socon.
For the broader travel guide: Cambridgeshire.
