Maythorne caravan site & fishing lakes

Maythorne caravan site & fishing lakes combines a compact touring park with access to still waters that appeal to anglers who prefer relaxed, low-key sessions over crowded commercial venues. The setting is simple rather than polished, and the focus is firmly on practical caravan pitches and straightforward coarse fishing rather than high-end holiday park facilities. For anyone looking to park up the motorhome, walk a short distance to the pegs and enjoy a quiet day with rod in hand, this site offers an uncomplicated base that has been steadily improving its infrastructure in recent years.

The most striking recent change that visitors remark on is the upgrade from grass to hard-standing pitches, which has made a clear difference for touring outfits in wet weather. Several regulars note that the site used to suffer from flooding and soft ground, but now find the new surfaces and improved drainage a significant step up in comfort and usability. Motorhomes and caravans are no longer sinking into the mud after heavy rain, and the availability of electric hook-up on well-prepared bases makes the site feel more dependable for year-round use. This practical focus on the basics suits anglers who want to spend their time by the water rather than wrestling with boggy pitches.

The fishing lakes themselves are at the heart of the appeal, providing calm, accessible water for coarse anglers who value a peaceful atmosphere. Rather than chasing trophies, most visitors appear to appreciate the mixed-stock lakes for steady sport and relaxed sessions, with the chance to put together a satisfying bag over the course of a day. The layout offers straightforward bank access and short walks from the touring area to the water, so setting up for an early start with a feeder rod or float gear is easy. There is no sense of a heavily commercial complex with constant matches; instead, the water has more of a traditional day-ticket feel that suits those who prefer unhurried coarse fishing.

For coarse anglers, the setting lends itself to classic methods such as waggler fishing close in, feeder tactics to mid-water features, or simple ledger rigs for bottom-feeding species. The lakes are well suited to versatile all-round gear, and visiting anglers will typically bring a match-style rod or medium feeder rod along with a selection of baits to cover different conditions. While catch reports vary from angler to angler, the consensus is that the water offers enough action to keep both casual and more experienced visitors interested. It is not marketed as an intensive specimen venue, which can be positive for those who want to enjoy a more laid-back approach to coarse angling.

Because the emphasis is on traditional coarse fishing rather than high-adrenaline sport, the site attracts visitors who appreciate familiar, time-tested methods. Simple float fishing with sweetcorn, maggots or soft pellets on a light line can produce steady bites from silver fish and smaller carp, while anglers who prefer a more static approach can set up feeder rigs to pick out better fish sitting further out. The modest, uncluttered banks allow anglers to focus on watercraft rather than elaborate platforms or extensive infrastructure, which will appeal to those who enjoy reading the water, watching the wind and adjusting their tactics through the session.

Beyond the fishing, the caravan park benefits from its connection to local walking routes and a nearby trail, which many guests mention as a bonus when combining short fishing breaks with gentle countryside walks. A cake shop close to the site has also been highlighted by visitors as a pleasant addition, offering the chance to grab refreshments between sessions or enjoy a treat after packing down the gear. These small touches help balance the trip for those travelling with non-angling partners or family members who might prefer a walk or a slice of cake to a full day on the bank.

A key improvement frequently praised is the upgrade to the toilet and shower block, which has been rebuilt to a much more modern standard after earlier complaints about dated facilities and drainage issues. Guests now describe the amenities as clean, functional and fit for purpose, which matters especially to touring anglers who may be staying several nights. However, feedback is not universally glowing: some report occasions where only one shower was in working order, and water temperature proved difficult to control. For visitors who prioritise immaculate facilities, this inconsistency can be a significant drawback, especially when the nightly price feels comparable to more fully equipped sites.

Pricing is a recurring topic in reviews, with opinions split between those who feel the rate is fair for a small site with upgraded pitches and those who consider it expensive given the limited number of showers, absence of an on-site shop and the modest level of facilities. For anglers assessing value, the calculation often comes down to how much they use the lakes and how much they care about non-fishing amenities. Those who spend long hours at the water and appreciate the hard standings often consider the cost acceptable, while others, especially short-stay tourers or those less focused on fishing, sometimes feel they are paying only slightly less than at larger sites that offer swimming pools, entertainment or extensive services.

Strengths for anglers

From an angling perspective, the main strengths lie in the convenience and atmosphere. The touring pitches are close enough to the lakes to make carrying tackle manageable, yet the water retains a calm, uncrowded feel. Anglers can base themselves comfortably on hard standings with power, plan early starts or late evenings and walk a few minutes to the pegs without needing to drive around. The environment suits coarse anglers who prioritise simple access and a quiet bank over busy, heavily promoted commercial fisheries.

The site’s layout also suits those who prefer shorter, regular sessions rather than dawn-to-dusk marathons. With lakes within easy reach and no elaborate booking procedures described by guests, it is straightforward to fit a few hours’ fishing around other activities such as walking, visiting nearby attractions or simply relaxing by the caravan. This flexibility is appealing to couples and small groups where not everyone may be equally committed to angling, since the site does not feel dominated by match anglers or large parties.

Recent work on the grounds, including landscaping and preparation for a new café or restaurant, shows a willingness to invest in the future. Reviews mention ongoing development and a sense that the owners are actively working on enhancing the experience. For anglers, the prospect of having a café on site is attractive: being able to grab breakfast before heading to the peg or enjoy a hot drink and meal after a session adds comfort, especially in colder months. If the catering operation meets expectations, it could become a real asset for visiting anglers who currently rely on bringing their own food or heading off-site.

Areas that need improvement

Despite the ongoing upgrades, several aspects of the site still draw criticism. Customer service over the phone has been singled out by at least one potential visitor, who described a curt response when calling later in the day to make an enquiry. While this may reflect a single bad moment rather than the norm, it highlights how important first impressions are when anglers and tourers are choosing where to spend their time and money. Friendly, consistent customer service is particularly crucial for smaller independent sites, where word-of-mouth recommendations can make a significant difference.

The shower and toilet block, though widely regarded as much improved compared with the past, still appears to suffer periodic issues. Reports of only one working shower and difficulty controlling temperature suggest that maintenance and monitoring need continued attention. For touring anglers who may be returning to the facilities after long, muddy sessions by the water, reliability and hot water are not luxuries but expectations. If such issues are not addressed promptly, they risk undermining the positive impression created by the new buildings and drainage.

Value for money is another area where the site divides opinion. Some visitors feel the price per night is justified by the hard standings, electric hook-up and access to fishing lakes, especially given the investment in infrastructure. Others, particularly those comparing it to larger holiday parks or certified locations with similar pricing, feel that the limited number of showers, lack of a fully developed café at the time of their visit and modest list of extras mean the tariff should be lower. Prospective guests who value modern facilities as much as fishing should bear this in mind when deciding whether the site matches their expectations.

Suitability for different anglers

Maythorne caravan site & fishing lakes is best suited to coarse anglers who travel with a motorhome or caravan and prefer low-key, peaceful venues over busy, competition-oriented fisheries. Those who enjoy methodical, steady fishing with simple tactics are likely to feel at home, particularly if they appreciate easy access from pitch to peg and the ability to combine fishing with local walks. Families with keen anglers may also find the balance attractive, provided they are comfortable with relatively limited on-site entertainment and are content with countryside pursuits.

For anglers who demand top-tier facilities, extensive shower blocks and a wide range of on-site services, the site may feel underpowered for the rate charged. Those who focus more on high-end carp fishing or specialist predator angling might also find the venue too generalist, as it is not strongly marketed as a specimen water with large, named fish or highly structured stocking policies. Instead, it offers a straightforward proposition: bring suitable coarse gear, enjoy simple touring comforts and spend unhurried time by the lakes without the bustle of larger commercial operations.

Overall, the site presents a blend of strengths and weaknesses that will appeal strongly to some anglers while leaving others lukewarm. The move to hard standings, improved drainage and upgraded facilities shows clear progress and has been warmly received by many returning visitors. At the same time, patchy experiences with showers, occasional criticism of customer service and questions over value for money mean it is not a universal fit. Prospective guests who prioritise a calm coarse-fishing environment and simple but improving touring facilities are likely to find it a workable and enjoyable base for their next angling trip.