Holme: Village and countryside on the edge of the Fens

Holme is a rural village in Cambridgeshire on the edge of the Fens. Holme Fen lies immediately north of the B660, halfway between Holme and Ramsey St Mary’s. From the reserve, Holme is 2 km to the east and Ramsey St Mary’s is 2 km to the west. It is useful to distinguish between the two: Holme is the village, while Holme Fen is the nature reserve with the Holme Post and the Lost Lake Discovery Trail.

Holme Fen: Landscape and trails

Holme Fen SSSI is also designated as a National Nature Reserve and is managed by Natural England. Holme Fen covers 657 acres. The lowest point of land in Great Britain is at the Holme Post, where the ground is 2.75 metres below sea level. The area and elevation figures refer to different things: 657 acres describes the reserve, while 2.75 metres describes the position of this single point.

The Lost Lake Discovery Trail is a waymarked walking trail that starts at the Holme Post. A network of paths also allows visitors to explore the nature reserve independently. The distinction is useful when choosing a route: the trail has a specific starting point, while the path network offers a more general way to explore the area independently. Barbecues, open fires and camping are not permitted in Holme Fen because of the risk of igniting the peat below.

Traces of history

The Holme Fen Posts document the sinking of the land since 1852. In 1957, a second iron post was erected six metres northeast of the original post; both posts are still standing today. The foundation of the old market cross is located outside the porch of Holme Church. A local historical interpretation holds that the Battle of Holme is said to have taken place in 903 or 904; its actual location remains uncertain. These clues differ significantly: the posts document a change in the landscape, the foundation is a structural remnant, and the battle remains a historical interpretation with no confirmed location.

St Giles and village life

The present parish church of St Giles was rebuilt in 1862 by Edward Browning. Material from the original parish church, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, was reused in the process. The building’s history thus connects the 19th-century reconstruction with older church material. The church’s bell frame holds two bells.

Everyone is welcome at services at St Giles; check the local service schedule when planning your visit. Every year on Holy Monday, the Kettering leg of Student Cross welcomes pilgrims at the church for breakfast as they make their way to Walsingham. The Admiral Wells in Holme serves freshly prepared food.

When choosing the focus of your trip, it is useful to distinguish between the two: Holme Fen combines nature designations, trails and the history of the land, while St Giles offers church history and services.

Discover more destinations: Ely, Littleport, Boxworth, Soham, Brampton, Melbourn, Chesterton, Buckden.

For the broader travel overview: Cambridgeshire.