Charity Farm

Charity Farm in Wrightington brings together touring pitches, camping fields and on-site coarse fishing in one place, attracting families, social groups and dedicated anglers who want everything on a single rural site. The setting is a working farm of around 115 acres with four landscaped ponds and a large number of pegs, so it has become a regular choice for those searching for a convenient combination of countryside camping and accessible fishing lakes without needing to travel between separate venues.

The coarse fishery is at the heart of the experience and is one of the main reasons many visitors choose this site. There are four ponds with around eighty pegs available on day tickets and for match bookings, stocked with carp, bream, tench, chub, perch, roach, rudd and crucians in a range of sizes that can satisfy both casual anglers and those who enjoy more competitive sessions. The on-site information highlights carp running into the low twenties alongside decent-sized silver fish, giving a varied day on the water for those targeting mixed bags rather than just specimen hunting.

For anglers planning a focused trip, the fishery layout and facilities are a clear draw. The ponds are set close to the main campsite and touring areas, meaning it is straightforward to walk to the bank from most pitches with gear and bait. Day ticket prices are generally regarded as reasonable, with the option to pay at a self-service point or on the bank, and concessions offered for older visitors, disabled anglers and younger children. Night fishing is not permitted, which will disappoint some carpers who prefer long sessions, but it also helps keep noise levels down and maintains a family-oriented atmosphere after dark.

Several independent fishing reviews describe Charity Farm as a site that caters for a broad range of abilities rather than only experienced match anglers. Beginners can use simple float or pole rigs with maggots, casters or bread to catch roach and skimmers, while more seasoned visitors often turn to luncheon meat, sweetcorn, pellets or even prawns to pick out better carp and tench. The consensus is that the water generally produces plenty of bites, and that the fish are in good condition, which encourages repeat visits from local coarse anglers.

The combination of camping and angling creates obvious appeal for those looking for a short break built around their hobby. Many guests book pitches specifically because they can step from their tent or caravan straight to the water for an early start, while non-angling partners and family members relax around the pitch, visit the on-site bar or simply walk around the farm. Some reviews mention families who have camped primarily for the coarse fishing, later returning just for day sessions on the ponds once they know the layout and favoured pegs.

On the camping side, Charity Farm offers a mix of fields for tents and touring units, including areas for non-electric pitches and fields used for groups of friends or family gatherings. Visitors often highlight the amount of open space and the relatively flat nature of many pitches, which makes setting up straightforward even with larger family tents. The working farm surroundings give children the sense of being properly away from urban life, and some fields lend themselves to informal games and social time, especially when the weather is warm and dry.

However, the very popularity of the site brings some important drawbacks that prospective visitors should consider. While many guests talk about peaceful stays with minimal noise, others describe weekends when the site feels more like a party venue than a quiet farm. Reports of late-night shouting, disturbed sleep for families with young children and a generally boisterous atmosphere on busy weekends suggest that the experience can vary significantly depending on when you stay and which field you are allocated. Those wanting a tranquil angling break may prefer midweek dates or should request quieter areas if available.

Facilities are another area where opinions differ sharply. Some anglers and campers note that the main toilet blocks are clean, reasonably maintained and adequate for the number of users when the site is not at full capacity. Others, particularly those placed on more distant fields such as K, complain that access to proper facilities involves a long walk and that the temporary toilets provided closer to these pitches can become dirty and unpleasant if heavily used. A few reviews mention overflowing bins, wasp problems during hot spells and a general sense that cleaning and maintenance do not always keep pace with high occupancy.

The shower situation is also raised repeatedly by guests who feel that the number of units is insufficient at peak times. Having to pay for hot water using coins is not uncommon on older campsites, but some visitors find the specific coin requirement awkward and feel that the cost adds unnecessary inconvenience, especially for families who need multiple daily showers over several days. Others accept this as part of traditional camping, but it is a point to bear in mind for those who value modern, inclusive facilities in the nightly price.

Charity Farm’s social hub is Fred’s bar and the attached café, which play a big role in how some visitors enjoy the site. When fully open, guests appreciate the cooked breakfasts, pizzas and simple meals available without leaving the farm, as well as the chance to have a drink after a day on the bank or walking the fields. Staff in the bar and serving area are often praised as friendly and welcoming, with several reviewers picking out particular team members for their positive attitude and willingness to help.

There are, nevertheless, occasional issues linked to the bar area that contribute to mixed impressions of the overall atmosphere. A handful of reviews describe evenings when drink-fuelled behaviour spilled over into anti-social noise, or when sick and mess around the bar entrance gave a poor impression to families heading to the facilities. In contrast, other accounts mention staff actively patrolling the site to enforce quiet times and sending emails to guests to explain situations where noise originated from neighbouring properties rather than the farm itself, showing an attempt to manage complaints.

Another recurring theme is the site’s approach to extras such as fire pits. Open fires are controlled by requiring guests to hire specific fire pits rather than using their own equipment, with a charge that includes a deposit and an initial supply of logs and kindling. Some campers appreciate the safety aspect and the convenience of having the fire pit delivered directly to the pitch. Others feel the price is high, especially when they already own suitable equipment, and resent needing to buy more wood after the starter pack, describing the system as an unnecessary expense on top of the basic pitch fee.

Dog owners and families scrutinise the provision of activities away from the water. While the presence of open space and walking areas around the farm is naturally attractive, a number of guests state that there is relatively little structured entertainment for children who are not interested in fishing. A simple dog exercise area is provided, but some reviewers consider it too small or uninspiring, particularly given the size of the overall site. For families who rely on on-site playgrounds or organised activities, this limited offering may feel underwhelming.

Customer service at Charity Farm divides opinion almost as much as the facilities. Many visitors recount helpful interactions with reception staff, from prompt help with car problems to friendly guidance about which pond might suit their style of angling. These positive experiences, combined with the flexibility of being able to turn up for day tickets or arrange match bookings, help cement the farm’s reputation as a reliable local base for coarse anglers. On the other hand, some reviews highlight brusque or unfriendly encounters with management, particularly around rules and pitch allocation, leaving a negative impression despite the site’s strengths.

For anglers searching online for well-stocked fishing lakes that also accept tourers and tents, Charity Farm remains a notable option. The combination of four ponds, accessible pegs and reasonably priced day tickets is hard to ignore, especially when paired with the possibility of bringing family or friends who are not as dedicated to angling. The ability to stay on site and spend most of the day by the water appeals strongly to those who would otherwise need to drive back and forth from separate campsites and fisheries.

At the same time, the site’s limitations mean it may not suit everyone. Those who value quiet evenings, spotless shower blocks and strict control of noise may find peak weekends challenging. Families expecting comprehensive playgrounds or indoor activity areas beyond the bar and café could feel that the offering is basic compared to more modern holiday parks. Anglers focused on night fishing for large carp will need to accept the daytime-only rules and may prefer to treat Charity Farm as a pleasant day-ticket venue with the option of occasional short stays.

For potential visitors, the most realistic view is to see Charity Farm as a lively, multi-purpose rural site that works best for social camping trips centred on coarse angling. Its strengths lie in accessible coarse fishing lakes, a farm setting with space for tents and caravans, and a bar and café that add convenience and sociability. Its weaknesses are concentrated in the variable cleanliness of facilities during busy periods, the walk to amenities from some fields, the additional charges for showers and fire pits, and occasional noise that can disturb light sleepers or young children.

Anyone considering a stay is likely to benefit from thinking carefully about timing and priorities. Those who mainly want easy access to stocked coarse fishing in a relaxed farm environment, and who are comfortable with a traditional campsite feel, often speak warmly of their time here and plan to return. Visitors for whom immaculate facilities, total quiet and extensive children’s entertainment are essential may wish to compare alternatives before committing, using the many reviews as a guide to how Charity Farm matches their expectations.