We’ve ranked what we believe to be the best carp fishing holidays on offer in the UK at the moment.
Following a strict and varied set of criteria, our editorial team has scrutinised ever single one of the country’s best venues to help make your choice easier when you’re booking a trip. There’s never been a better time to be a carp angler in the UK, with a stunning choice of venues both big and small, and some truly massive carp within reach of everyone.
The question is...where will you be booking?
The Criteria
Size of fish:
1 (5-10lb)
2 (10lb-20lb)
3 (20lb-30lb)
4 (30-40lb)
5 (50lb+)
Accommodation:
1-5 (Bivvy – Luxury Lakeside Lodges)
Facilities:
Ranked 1-5 based on the number and quality available
Difficulty rating:
1 (Rock-hard)
5 (Guaranteed bites)
Availability:
1 (You need to book years in advance)
5 (You can get on somewhere)
50 - Swan Valley Lake, Yateley, Hampshire
(4, 1, 1, 2, 3 = 11/25)
Two stunning lakes with some amazing carp to be caught. The Main Lake boasts a staggering head of 40lb-plus fish. Available for exclusive lake bookings.
Contact: 07770 667 466
Postcode: GU17 0DL
Website: www.swanvalleylake.co.uk
49 - Nash Church Lake, Essex
(5, 1, 3, 2, 1 = 12/25)
Lake bookings are now available on this remarkable 4.7-acre lake, which offers some of the best and biggest carp in the country.
Contact: 01702 233811
Postcode: N/A
Website: www.nashlakes.com
48 - Burghfield Blue Pool, Reading, Berkshire
(5, 1, 1, 3, 3 = 13/25)
A stunning four-acre crystal-clear lake with carp to 40lb that’s available for groups.
Contact: 01425 674951
Postcode: RG30 3UW
Website: www.advancedangling.com
47 - Churchwood Fisheries, Brentwood, Essex
(4, 1, 2, 3, 3 = 13/25)
Exclusive lake booking on three fantastic waters holding carp to 32lb. A fisherman’s lodge with electricity, as well as hot and cold water, is available for visiting anglers.
Contact: 01277 375499
Postcode: N/A
Website: www.churchwoodfisheries.co.uk
46 - Orchid Lakes, Dorchester, Oxfordshire
(4, 2, 2, 3, 3 = 14/25)
This historic venue has long been known as ‘the home of the thirties’ and now boasts carp to over 40lb. Bookable huts make the fishing that bit more comfortable.
Contact: 01865 341810
Postcode: OX10 7LP
Website: www.gocatch.fish
45 - Churn Pool Fishery, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
(5, 3, 2, 3, 1 = 14/25)
Offering some of the most amazing carp in the Water Park, right in the heart of the Cotswolds, with exclusive lake bookings and a two-bedroomed lodge available.
Contact: 01285 860783
Postcode: GL7 5QJ
Website: www.churnpool.co.uk
44 - Bearley Lakes, Yeovil, Somerset
(4, 4, 1, 4, 1 = 14/25)
Exclusive/non-exclusive holidays with luxury caravan accommodation on the banks of the lakes which hold carp to 38lb.
Contact: 07964 949730
Postcode: BA22 8PE
Website: www.bearleylakes.co.uk
43 - Hurlston Hall Fishery, Scarisbrick, Lancashire
(3, 1, 3, 4, 4 = 15/25)
Bookable on the Catch app, this superb 4.5-acre fishery has carp to nearly 30lb and an awesome café which can deliver food straight to your peg.
Contact: 07513930416
Postcode: L40 8HB
Website: www.hurlstonfishery.uk
42 - Whelford Pools Fishery, Fairford, Cotswolds
(3, 4, 2, 3, 3 = 15/25)
Three stunning Cotswold pools are set in the grounds of quality holiday accommodation, with carp to 30lb.
Contact: 07800 909096
Postcode: GL7 4DT
Website: www.whelfordpools.co.uk
41 - Lake View Lodge and Fishery, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
(3, 5, 1, 3, 3 = 15/25)
Private fishing for some beautiful carp while staying in your idyllic lodge.
Contact: 01664 444107
Postcode: LE14 4SX
Website: www.lakeviewlodgeandfishing.co.uk
44 - Bain Valley Fisheries, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire
(4, 2, 1, 4, 4 = 15/25)
Ten awesome lakes of which four are syndicates, covering 100 acres of water in 500 acres of farm/parkland. A very tranquil setting where you can park behind most pegs, or make camp at one of the five caravan electric hook ups.
Contact: 01526 342275
Postcode: LN4 4PQ
Website: www.bainvalleyfisheries.co.uk
39 - Cromwell Lake, Newark Nottinghamshire
(5, 3, 2, 3, 3 = 16/25)
Book the intimate lodge on Cromwell Pool and fish for some stunning 20lb-plus carp in tranquil surroundings.
Contact: 07816 243023
Postcode: NG23 6JE
Website: www.cromwelllake.com
38 - Bywater Lake, Newport, Yorkshire
(3, 5, 1, 4, 3 = 16/25)
Stay in the amazing holiday lodge that overlooks the mature three-acre lake – a fisherman’s heaven.
Contact: 01430 448111
Postcode: HU15 2QD
Website: www.bywaterlake.co.uk
37 - Springwood Fishery, Wadhurst, east sussex
(3, 5, 1, 4, 3 = 16/25)
Lodge holidays suitable for single parties or families, with four lakes holding carp to 30lb.
Contact: 07976 283281
Postcode: TN5 7QA
Website: www.springwoodfishery.co.uk
36 - Cottington Lakes, Deal, Kent
(5, 2, 1, 4, 4 = 16/25)
Leading South East carp fishery, eight lakes in 45 acres with caravan/camping pitches.
Contact: 01304 380691
Postcode: CT14 0AR
Website: www.cottingtonlakes.co.uk
35 - The Islands Carp Fishery, Warminster, Wiltshire
(3, 3, 4, 3, 3 = 16/25)
Book a trip on the Cabin Lake and have a more glamorous carp session for fish to 30lb.
Contact: 07909436285
Postcode: BA12 6AA
Website: www.cmfisheries.co.uk
34 - Luccombe Fishery, Exminster, Devon
(3, 3, 3, 5, 3 = 17/25)
Family-friendly fishing on small ponds for carp to upper twenties. Pitch up or book a caravan in advance.
Contact: 01392 833571
Postcode: EX6 8AY
Website: www.luccombesfishery.co.uk
33 - Willow Waters Fishery, York, Yorkshire
(3, 5, 1, 4, 4 = 17/25)
Truly stunning lakeside cabins with private fishing for guests for carp to 30lb.
Contact: 01759 306585
Postcode: YO42 1UJ
Website: www.willowwaters.co.uk
32 - York Lakeside Lodges, York, Yorkshire
(4, 5, 1, 3, 4 = 17/25)
Relax in luxury lakeside holiday lodges, with a hot tub, just two miles from York city centre, and enjoy great carp fishing.
Contact: 01904 702346
Postcode: YO24 2QU
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31 - Blackthorn Fishery, Oswestry, Shropshire
(5, 5, 1, 3, 3 = 17/25)
This stunning 3.5-acre luxury lodge fishery in the heart of rural Shropshire contains fish that run to 40lb.
Contact: 07779 127796
Postcode: SY10 9EB
Website: www.blackthornfishery.co.uk
30 - Larford Lakes, Stourport, Worcestershire
(3, 4, 2, 5, 3 = 17/25)
The addition of high-quality static caravans means that the prolific Larford Lakes can now be enjoyed by holidaymakers. Don’t think it’s just small carp here either, because a 20-pounder is a very real possibility.
Contact: 01299 829373
Postcode: DY13 0SQ
Website: www.larfordlakes.co.uk
29 - Manor Farm Lakes, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
(4, 2, 1, 5, 5 = 17/25)
The seven amazing lakes here all offer some superb carp fishing, with the stock running to just under 40lb. Either rock up and fish from your bivvy or plan a family camping trip on the nearby pitching site.
Contact: 01767 601138
Postcode: SG18 9BB
Website: www.manorfarmlakes.com
28 - Langmere Lakes, Frettenham, Norfolk
(3, 5, 2, 3, 4 = 17/25)
This 20-acre site is situated right on the edge of the Norfolk Broads and has five beautiful lakes stocked with carp to 30lb.
Contact: 03453 986589
Postcode: NR12 7NP
Website: www.langmerelakes.co.uk
27 - Near Gatten Fishery, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
(4, 4, 3, 3, 3 = 17/25)
Enjoy some superb fishing for carp nudging the 40lb mark and a luxurious lakeside lodge.
Contact: 01743 290389
Postcode: SY5 0SN
Website: www.gocatch.fish
26 - Viaduct Fishery, Somerton, Somerset
(3, 5, 1, 5, 3 = 17/25)
Highly regarded for its match fishing, the big carp fishing at this six-lake fishery is becoming more popular due to the growing size of the stock. The luxury lakeside lodges put you just a stone’s throw away from the action too.
Contact: 01458 274022
Postcode: TA11 6LJ
Website: www.viaductfishery.com
25 - Olivemead Lake, Chippenham, Wiltshire
(5, 5, 1, 3, 3 = 17/25)
In this lake, known locally as ‘The Hippo Sanctuary’, anglers stand a very good chance of catching 30lb and even 40lb-plus carp right from the decking of their own lakeside lodge.
Contact: 07940 356737
Postcode: SN15 4JF
Website: www.olivemeadlake.co.uk
24 - Furzebray Lakes, South Molton, Devon
(5, 5, 1, 3, 3 = 17/25)
Offering some of the best big-carp fishing in the South West, Furzebray Lakes is one venue every keen carper should visit at least once. The incredible Island Lake is home to a remarkable stock of stunning fish to 48lb. Visitors can stay in the nearby self-catering accommodation or camping site.
Contact: 01769 572653
Postcode: EX36 4ER
Website: www.furzebraylakes.co.uk
23 - Westfield Country Park, Pidsea, East Yorkshire
(3, 5, 3, 4, 3 = 18/25)
Fish with the family in a truly fantastic lakeside lodge for a mix of ghosties, mirrors and commons to just under 30lb on three well-stocked lakes.
Contact: 01964 790100
Postcode: HU12 9AL
Website: www.westfieldcountrypark.co.uk
22 - Lonsdale Park Lakes, Carlisle, Cumbria
(3, 5, 2, 4, 4 = 18/25)
An unspoiled gem set in nearly 40 acres of mature parkland. The carp go to over 30lb and there’s also a good head of pike, double-figure tench and quality roach.
Contact: 01228 562655
Postcode: CA4 0AY
Website: www.lonsdalepark.co.uk
21 - Wyreside Lakes, Lancaster, Lancashire
(4, 3, 3, 4, 4 = 18/25)
The six well-stocked lakes here are among the best in the North West for big-carp fishing, and can be enjoyed by either pitching up at the campsite or booking one of the mini or family pods.
Contact: 01524 792093
Postcode: LA2 9DG
Website: www.wyresidelakes.co.uk
20 - Todber Manor, Sturminster Newton, Dorset
(5, 3, 2, 5, 3 = 18/25)
This prolific carp fishery needs little introduction, with everything you need from a fishing point of view for a fantastic holiday. Visiting anglers can stay in the holiday cottages converted from old farm buildings.
Contact: 01258 820384
Postcode: DT10 1JB
Website: www.todbermanor.co.uk
19 - S & R Fishery , Caistor, North Lincolnshire
(4, 5, 4, 3, 3 = 19/25)
Four different specimen carp lakes with fish approaching 40lb, lodge retreats and on-site tackle shop and catering facilities make this a dream vacation.
Contact: 07788 217752
Postcode: LN7 6SF
Website: www.srfishery.co.uk
18 - Hengar Manor, Bodmin, Cornwall
(2, 5, 3, 5, 4 = 19/25)
Quality accommodation and friendly facilities make this site the perfect family visit. While the carp may not grow big in the three lakes, a twenty is still a possibility, and each one is like a perfect woodcarving. A great place for beginners or kids.
Contact: 01208 228853
Postcode: PL30 3PL
Website: www.parkholidays.com
17 - Billingford Lakes, EAST Dereham, Norfolk
(4, 4, 4, 3, 4 = 19/25)
Picturesque lakes and amazing carp fishing for fish of more than 40lb is on offer at this Norfolk venue.
Contact: 01362 788111
Postcode: NR20 4RF
Website: www.billingfordlakes.co.uk
16 - Brayton Park, Wigton, Cumbria
(3, 5, 4, 3, 4 = 19/25)
Enjoy the highest-level accommodation and facilities, the Cumbria countryside, and some interesting fishing on an old English carp lake.
Contact: 01697 321857
Postcode: CA7 3PY
Website: www.braytonpark.co.uk
15 - White Springs Fishery, Swansea, South Wales
(4, 5, 3, 4, 3 = 19/25)
Some amazing carp to over 40lb live in the specimen lake, which is set in a scenic and quiet location. Accommodation options include lakeside cabins, apartments, or your own caravan pitch.
Contact: 01792 885699
Postcode: SA4 8QG
Website: www.whitespringsfishery.co.uk
14 - Cefn Mably Lakes, Cardiff, Wales
(4, 5, 3, 4, 3 = 19/25)
In the heart of the Welsh countryside, the five specimen carp lakes here offer some superb fishing from the lakeside log pods. Alternatively, book a lodge and enjoy some luxury carp fishing from your own hot tub.
Contact: 01633 681101
Postcode: CF3 6LP
Website: www.cefnmablylakes.co.uk
13 - Makins Fishery, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
(3, 5, 2, 5, 4 = 19/25)
A match fishing mecca which is now becoming more and more popular with carp anglers. Accommodation options include luxury lodges or a stay in the touring park. Lake 1 is where you’ll find the bigger carp.
Contact: 07923 222511
Postcode: CV11 6QJ
Website: www.makinsfishery.co.uk
12 - Wylands, Battle, East Sussex
(4, 5, 2, 4, 4 = 19/25)
Go carping in style with a stay in one of the Rosie’s Lake pods. Alternatively, enjoy all nine fantastic lakes by booking a chalet or caravan.
Contact: 01424 893394
Postcode: TN33 0SU
Website: www.wylands.co.uk
11 - Cherry Lakes, South Cerney, Cotswolds
(5, 5, 1, 4, 4 = 19/25)
Experience the beauty of the carp and lakes of the Cotswold Water Park with a stay in either the incredible lakeside lodges or the spacious cottage at Cherry Lakes.
Contact: 01285 869887
Postcode: GL7 5UZ
Website: www.cherrylakes.co.uk
10 - Taswood Lakes, Norwich, Norfolk
(4, 5, 2, 4, 4 = 19/25)
The complex comprises seven lakes beside the River Tas in the heart of Norfolk, offering the best coarse and carp fishing in the region. Carp to over 40lb are present, meaning there’s a chance of a real whacker! Four gorgeous lakeside lodges are available for weekly rent, with your own private swim and access to all of the lakes.
Contact: 01508 470919
Postcode: NR15 1LX
Website: www.taswoodlakes.co.uk
9 - Goodiford Mill Fishery, Kentisbeare, Devon
(3, 5, 3, 5, 4 = 20/25)
Luxury accommodation and well stocked lakes with carp to 30lb mean this Devonshire holiday venue is one not to miss.
Contact: 01884 266065
Postcode: EX15 2AS
Website: www.hoseasons.co.uk
8 - Woodland Lakes, Thirsk, North Yorkshire
(3, 5, 4, 4, 4 = 20/25)
Popular with match and pleasure anglers, carpers shouldn’t ignore the 13 well-stocked lakes and luxury lodge accommodation on offer at Woodland.
Contact: 07831 824870
Postcode: YO7 4NJ
Website: www.woodlandlakesthirsk.com
7 - Rookery Waters, Pidley, Cambridgeshire
(3, 5, 3, 5, 4 = 20/25)
You can fish right next to the front door for specimen carp to 30lb in the stunning lodges here that sleep up to five guests.
Contact: 07884 180768
Postcode: PE28 3DF
Website: www.rookerywaters.co.uk
6 - Stafford Moor Fishery, Winkleigh, Devon
(4, 5, 2, 5, 4 = 20/25)
This venue boasts some of the best luxury big-carp fishing holidays you could ask for. Check out the garden swims on Beatties Lake for your own piece of heaven.
Contact: 01805 804360
Postcode: EX19 8PP
Website: www.staffordmoor.co.uk
5 - Cofton Holidays, Dawlish, Devon
(3, 5, 5, 4, 4 = 21/25)
Has a range of accommodation including lodges, cottages, holiday homes, touring and camping pitches. There are five well-stocked lakes, including two specimen carp lakes.
Contact: 01626 247196
Postcode: EX6 8RP
Website: www.coftonholidays.co.uk
4 - Billing Aquadrome, Northampton, Northamptonshire
(4, 5, 5, 4, 4 = 22/25)
Whatever your desired holiday accommodation, Billing has something to suit you, including some wicked camping pods. Three pleasure lakes and a specimen carp water mean there are plenty of fish to go at too.
Contact: 01524 917311
Postcode: NN3 9DA
Website: www.billingaquadrome.com
3 - White Acres, Newquay, Cornwall
(4, 5, 5, 4, 4 = 22/25)
Best known for match fishing, carp anglers shouldn’t ignore the specimen lakes on this premier complex. The facilities and accommodation are unrivalled too.
Contact: 0344 3356784
Postcode: TR8 4LW
Website: www.parkdeanresorts.co.uk
2 - Clawford Lakes, Holsworthy, Devon
(4, 5, 5, 4, 4 = 22/25)
Clawford Lakes has everything you want for a fantastic holiday with friends or family. There’s some great fishing to be had on more than a dozen lakes, with carp of more than 30lb and multiple other species.
This combines with luxury and unique accommodation, a heated indoor pool and Lake Spa, restaurant, bar and fully stocked tackle shop.
Contact: 01409 678018
Postcode: EX22 6PN
Website: www.clawfordlakes.co.uk
1 - Anglers Paradise, Beaworthy, Devon
(5, 5, 4, 4, 4 = 22/25)
You couldn’t find a more perfect name for this famed Devonshire complex. With over 30 stunning lakes to choose from, 12 of which offer exclusive fishing to residents, there’s something for all anglers here, not just carpers.
The accommodation options are of the highest quality, and the site has everything you could possibly need for an enjoyable stay, including the lively Fisherman’s Bar with owner Zyg’s famous wine.
In terms of the fishing, the Kracking Carp Lake holds fish beyond your wildest dreams, while the Main Carp Lake is known as the ‘Jewel in the Estate’. Beginners or young anglers will find plenty of action on the smaller lakes, and some unique, wonderfully coloured koi in the Koi Lake. A truly one-of-a-kind fishing experience.
Contact: 01409 221559
Postcode: EX21 5XT
Website: www.anglers-paradise.co.uk
So there we go! 50 of the best carp fishing holiday venues in the UK. Think you know a fishery that should make the list? Let us know and we will review it in a future issue of the magazine.