Fenland Hideaway

Those of you who love hiking will be pleased to note that there are numerous walking routes from the pitch, either along the River Cam or the local lodes (man-made waterways). National Trust-managed Wicken Fen Nature Reserve is also only 15 minutes’ away by car; there you can follow boardwalks through the wetlands to spot Highland cows and Konik ponies wandering freely. Cyclists will be pleased with their lot too. There are quiet routes on level roads to explore the lodes or link directly to Wicken Fen. Cambridge (40 minutes by bike) is a good bet for days of touring the historic colleges, admiring classical sculpture at The Fitzwilliam Museum or punting along the Cam. You can ingest a bit of local culture at Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill (five minutes’ drive), which has a priceless collection of paintings and decorative arts. Learn about the history of flight at IWM Duxford (half an hour), with its fascinating collection of planes from World War I bombers to a supersonic Concorde, or visit Ely (also half an hour) to see its soaring medieval cathedral and browse antique shops along the banks of the River Great Ouse.