Duce's Pond

Water lilies drift across the surface while dragonflies patrol the shallows at this modest fishing lake just east of Cambridge. Duce's Pond won't win any awards for size, but it delivers exactly what anglers want - a peaceful spot to cast a line without the crowds that plague more famous waters.

Fishing enthusiasts are the main visitors here, though families occasionally turn up for a gentle walk around the perimeter. The pond supports a decent population of carp and roach, nothing spectacular but enough to keep the rod bent. You'll need your Environment Agency licence, naturally.

Expect a proper countryside setting rather than manicured parkland. The path can get muddy after rain, and facilities are basic at best. It's the sort of place that rewards low expectations - arrive hoping for mirror-like reflections and wildlife spotting rather than Instagram moments.

Half a day is plenty unless you're seriously into your angling. Morning visits tend to be quieter, with better chances of seeing the local wildlife before dog walkers appear.

For those staying at nearby parks like Crystal Lakes Leisure or The Cambridgeshire Glamping, it makes a decent addition to a Fens exploration rather than a destination in its own right. The proximity to Cambridge means you could easily combine it with a city visit, though most will find the city's riverside spots more rewarding.