Kingslakes Holidays

Kingslakes Holidays presents itself as a dedicated destination for anglers and their families, combining self-catering accommodation with multiple well‑stocked lakes aimed at those searching for a focused fishing holiday rather than a generic countryside stay. The emphasis is clearly on access to varied waters, on‑site facilities tailored to anglers and an atmosphere that many visitors describe as peaceful, quiet and relaxed. At the same time, some guests feel that aspects of pricing, extras and certain details of the accommodation do not always match their expectations, so it is a place that suits some types of visitor better than others.

The site is arranged around a series of lakes, with lodges and cottages positioned to give direct or elevated views across the water, which is a major attraction for anyone planning a carp fishing holiday or mixed coarse trip. Guests regularly mention enjoying mornings and evenings on the decking looking over the lakes, watching wildlife and birdlife while rods are set up just a short stroll away. For non‑anglers in the group, this setting offers a quiet backdrop for reading or simply sitting outside, so the overall experience is not limited to those who fish.

Lakes, species and the angling experience

Kingslakes markets itself as a coarse fishing lakes complex, and feedback suggests that the core strength of the business lies in the range and productivity of its waters. There are multiple lakes on site, including dedicated carp waters and pools aimed at mixed species, giving options for specimen hunters and pleasure anglers alike. Anglers report good numbers of carp, tench and various silver fish, with some noting ghost carp into double figures and tench reaching several pounds, enough to keep more experienced visitors engaged over longer stays.

Recent developments include new carp waters and upgraded platforms or pegs, which many visitors see as evidence that management actively invests in the fishery. Some guests describe the venue as one of the better coarse fishing venues they have visited in the UK, highlighting consistent sport across different pools rather than relying on a single flagship lake. On the other hand, a few anglers looking for greater species diversity would prefer more perch, roach and rudd in certain waters, feeling that carp can sometimes dominate the sport; however, other reviewers note that management is aware of this balance and has been working on stocking plans.

For those specifically seeking a carp fishing lodge break, the mix of easier lakes and more demanding specimen waters is a positive, as it allows families or groups with varying ability levels to find suitable challenges. Some lakes are seen as more straightforward, ideal for regular bites and building confidence, while the newer, larger carp lake is reported to be a little trickier but rewarding, which suits anglers who like to put more thought into tactics. Overall, the on‑site waters are widely described as well kept, with tidy surroundings and banks that are comfortable to fish from for full days.

Accommodation and on‑site facilities

The self‑catering lodges and cottages are an important part of Kingslakes’ appeal, particularly for those seeking a complete fishing holiday park where they can stay, fish and dine without needing to drive off site every day. Many guests comment that their accommodation has been clean, fresh and well equipped, with kitchens suitable for cooking full meals and living areas comfortable enough for longer stays. Lakeside or lake‑view positions are especially appreciated, since they provide both practical access to the bank and a scenic outlook from inside the lodge or out on the decking.

However, feedback is not entirely uniform, and potential visitors should be aware of mixed opinions on value and maintenance. Some guests feel that, for the price, certain details could be improved, pointing to items such as broken fittings, the absence of small household extras or the perception that an advertised unit was less private than expected. Others counter that when issues are reported through the information provided in each accommodation, staff respond quickly with repairs or replacements, suggesting that communication during the stay can make a significant difference to the experience.

Beyond the lodges themselves, the site offers a lake‑view bar and restaurant, a clubhouse area and facilities that appeal to families, such as a play area and games room. Many reviewers praise the food served in the restaurant, describing it as generous, good value and a highlight of their stay, with particular enthusiasm for Sunday roasts and home‑made desserts. For anglers, having a licensed bar and food service on site reduces the need to leave the venue after a long day on the bank, making it easier to focus on the fishing break rather than logistics.

Customer service, atmosphere and staff

Service plays a large role in the perception of any specialist fishing resort, and Kingslakes receives many comments about friendly, approachable staff. Guests often mention being welcomed in the reception and on‑site shop, with staff offering advice on which lakes to try, what baits are working and where to find local attractions if the group wants a change of pace. For repeat visitors in particular, there is a sense that the team recognises them and is keen to build long‑term relationships, which suits anglers who like to return to the same venue year after year.

That said, not every stay results in a positive impression, and one strongly critical review highlights a situation where the cancellation policy was applied strictly in difficult personal circumstances. This guest felt that there was little empathy or flexibility, which coloured their view of the entire stay and led them to describe the business as focused on revenue rather than care. Other reviewers, including some who openly disagree with this assessment, point out that the terms are clearly stated and that staff have been helpful, responsive and generous during their own visits, so experiences can depend heavily on expectations and communication.

In terms of general atmosphere, many families and groups of friends describe the site as peaceful, quiet and safe, which is often exactly what anglers seek when booking a coarse fishing holiday. Even those who do not fish often appreciate having wildlife on the doorstep, with birds visiting feeders near the lodges and open views across the water. For some visitors this quiet setting is the main draw, while others combine their stay with trips to nearby attractions or beaches, using Kingslakes as a base at the same time as a dedicated fishing retreat.

Costs, policies and value for money

A key point for potential guests to consider is how the venue structures charges for fishing and related services, as this can strongly influence the perception of value. As with any UK coarse fishing destination, anglers need a national rod licence, which is a legal requirement separate from any venue fees and applies regardless of whether the waters are public or private. On top of this, visitors pay for accommodation and then, depending on the package, for their time on the lakes, with optional extra costs if they choose to hire tackle or buy bait on site rather than bringing their own.

Some guests are comfortable with this structure, seeing it as standard practice at many fishing lakes with lodges, especially when they value having a well‑stocked on‑site tackle shop and maintained pegs. Others, however, feel that once all the extras are added, the overall price becomes high, particularly if they expected fishing to be included in the accommodation rate by default. The fact that fish are returned to the water, while entirely normal for coarse angling in the UK, can surprise visitors who are used to taking fish home, so it is worth being clear about these norms before booking.

Another aspect that divides opinion is the strictness of booking and cancellation terms. The business applies defined notice periods, and at least one guest who needed to cancel or move dates for personal reasons found that there was no flexibility, even when the unit ultimately stood empty. Other reviewers, though, comment that the site offers good value when the quality of fishing, the standard of accommodation and the on‑site facilities are taken together, particularly for those who make full use of the lakes and amenities during their stay.

Who Kingslakes Holidays is best suited for

Taking all perspectives into account, Kingslakes Holidays is likely to appeal most to anglers and families seeking a purpose‑built fishing holiday destination where time on the bank is the main focus of the trip. The combination of multiple lakes, comfortable lodges and on‑site dining means that keen anglers can concentrate on their sessions while others in the group relax nearby, without needing to organise daily travel to separate fisheries. For people who enjoy returning to the same venue and learning how each lake responds through the seasons, the continuous improvements to pegs and waters may be a particular attraction.

Prospective guests who are highly sensitive to cancellation terms, who expect fishing to be automatically included in accommodation prices, or who prioritise full hotel‑style servicing and amenities over a self‑catering model may feel less aligned with what Kingslakes offers. Those who do their research, understand the typical costs associated with a dedicated fishing holiday in Devon and value quiet surroundings with ready access to multiple coarse lakes are more likely to find that the experience matches what they are looking for. In that sense, the business can work very well for anglers who want a concentrated, on‑site fishing break with family‑friendly facilities, provided that expectations on pricing, policies and the self‑catering nature of the stay are clear before arrival.