Hall's Pool

The water at Hall's Pool sits perfectly still on a grey Cambridgeshire afternoon, reflecting nothing but sky. It's a proper working gravel pit these days, though the locals round Cambridge have claimed it as their own little swimming spot and fishing ground. You won't find facilities or lifeguards here - it's the sort of place you find by accident or because someone's tipped you off.

The appeal is straightforward: on warm days, hardy swimmers wade in. Anglers set up along the banks hunting pike and perch. Walkers use the surrounding paths to loop round the water, which takes the better part of an hour if you're in no rush. It's not dramatic or particularly scenic by any stretch, but there's something calming about a body of water where nothing much is required of you.

Geographically it sits between Cambridge and the Fen country, making it a decent diversion if you're based at one of the local holiday parks. Chittering Park and Fen End Farm are both within easy reach - useful if you want to mix swimming or fishing with a proper campsite stay. Hempsall Farm's vegan glamping is slightly further out but worth knowing about if that's your thing.

Really, Hall's Pool suits people after peace and quiet rather than entertainment. Kids might manage twenty minutes. Serious anglers will spend half a day. Swimmers treating it as a dip spot on a route will get in and get out. Go off-season if you prefer it utterly empty.