In the flat Cambridgeshire fenland, Four Winds Camping and Canoeing offers spacious pitches with campfires allowed in a riverside setting. You can launch a canoe, kayak or paddleboard from the campsite’s two private moorings and paddle a mile or so down river to the market town of March. Alternatively, head out into the countryside to see the wildlife and scenery that makes this part of the world so special.
The scenery, the wildlife, the river and the pretty town within walking, cycling or paddling distance are all part of why this place is almost universally adored by everyone who visits. But it’s the friendly feel of the place that secures it so many glowing reviews. Owners Debs and Hannah make running the place look effortless, all while tending to the needs of campers at a level not often seen on such a small site.
There is a small onsite reception/shop that sells snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, logs and kindling and coffees. There’s no cafe but book a breakfast box for a freshly-cooked, locally-sourced sausages, bacon and eggs (or plant-based alternatives).
Friday-nights are wood fired pizza nights which means you don’t have to cook on night one when you’re busy trying to pitch your tent. On this small site it’ll be one of 12; split between tents, motorhomes, caravans and campervans. All are welcome here – along with up to two dogs.
The riverside setting means you can stay right here to fish or launch straight into the water for wild swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing or kayaking. Bring your own or hire a canoe, kayak or pedalo on site. Peaceful pastimes are the thing in the fens and there’s a footpath along the river and easy cycling on quiet, flat roads too. There’s birdwatching at nature reserves and wetland sites within half an hour’s drive and it’s a similar distance to Peterborough, where you can board a steam train, and Ely, where the cathedral is the big attraction.