Four Winds Leisure is a hidden gem on our Fenland doorstep

Living in the Fens you might not think about taking a break right on your doorstep but perhaps you should think again.

With money getting ever tighter staying closer to home might be an ideal way to spend your holiday or at least to take a short break.

And you could do a whole lot worse than booking in at Four Winds Leisure located just outside of March.

This hidden gem has recently changed hands and is now run by Debs Spencer and Hannah Ross, who have finally achieved their dream of running their own campsite.

The pair, who have relocated from London are keen campers themselves and always toyed with the idea of running a place for like minded people.

Two months ago they took the plunge and have taken on Four Winds in Whittlesey Road.

Hannah said: "We have always loved camping ourselves and we would often talk about how we would run a camp site if we ever had the chance. We have stayed on some brilliant ones, and then there are those that have you pitched so close to your neighbour you can practically touch their tent through yours.

"The summer after lockdown we took on running a site as caretakers for a couple of months, it was a chance to try it and see if we really would like doing it for real, and we just loved it.

"It is great to meet so many different people and hear their stories. We have set the camp site up so everyone has a massive amount of space and we offer electric hook-up for both tents and caravans.

"If people prefer a real bed then the shepherd huts or the rooms in the house offer that and of course we serve a proper full English breakfast if people want it whether they are camping or in one of the other accommodations.

"We have been here two months and now we want to get the message out there and encourage people to come and visit us, even if it is just to hire one of the canoes - they can do that too."

The site offers two shepherd huts, a separate lodge, bed and breakfast and an annexe for those who prefer a few more mod cons to life under canvas.

The site is also perfect for those who like a bit of activity as they offer the hire of their Canadian canoes for use on the river, which runs along the bottom of the site and will take you either through town or out towards Benwick - enjoying a different view of March.

They are also about to introduce rowing boat hire as an additional attraction and perhaps more suited to families.

For those who like wild water swimming the site has its own mooring area, which offers access to the river and there is also a chance to fish for those who enjoy a more peaceful, and drier pursuit.

As a local I was aware there was a bed and breakfast down Whittlesey Road, but I did not realise just what that meant until I was invited to try a night in one of the shepherd huts.

Turning into the site you are met with a view across the camp site down to the River Nene.

The site is screened from the road by a high hedge and as you turn in, you could be entering a different world, as it is so tranquil - especially on a evening like we had recently with beautiful summer sunshine.

Debs and Hannah gave us a warm welcome and quickly showed us to our night's accommodation.

It may be a shepherd's hut, but I don't think many shepherds from days gone past would recognise it as such.

Quaint looking on the outside, the hut offered a king size bed, a table and chairs, a television, a small kitchenette, complete with fridge and microwave, and a beautifully clean en-suite shower room.

Decorated in a rustic style suited to its suggested use the hut was extremely welcoming and had its own little garden area with outside seating, facing down the field to the river beyond, it was a lovely and tranquil spot.

On such an evening as we enjoyed the walk along the river was enticing and you can quickly make your way into town if you want to.

Not so enticing was the thought of wild water swimming, but a group of hardy enthusiasts were spending the weekend at Four Winds just to do that and we watched as they took the plunge.

A refreshing night's sleep in that king size bed followed by a lovely full English breakfast - possibly one of the best I've sampled - no grease, just perfectly cooked and delivered piping hot on a tray by Debs having been cooked by Hannah.

Fortified by the tasty treat we were ready to sample a more, in my opinion, appealing use of the river and that was the Canadian canoe hire.

We opted to head out of town along the wide and beautifully peaceful river, two hours hire is just £25 and if you wanted to you can head into town, moor up near the bridge and enjoy a pint in one of the nearby pubs before heading back - easily doable in two hours - longer slots are also available for the more intrepid.

It may be on the doorstep and may not be your first thought for a break away, but Four Winds, really is a lovely spot, and if you fancy a break from home without the expense of a long journey it is ideal and the peace and quiet of the site definitely leaves you refreshed - and while the canoeing may leave you with aching arms it's certainly worth the effort.

There's plenty of room for children to run around, and the site is separated from the river by a fence so it is safe for them to roam without going near the water. Dogs are also welcome making it ideal for all the family

Definitely a good way to enjoy a night or two - we shall be returning.

For details on how to book and for prices visit the website: fourwindsleisure.com or give them a call on 01354 658737.