LENCHES LAKES LIMITED

Lenches Lakes Limited is a small, independently run venue built around two established lakes and forty acres of countryside, offering a mix of outdoor activities that particularly appeal to anglers, swimmers and campers looking for a peaceful stay. The setting is deliberately low key rather than commercial, which many visitors appreciate when they want somewhere quiet to unwind, swim in open water or enjoy time away in a caravan or tent.

The lakes themselves were originally known for seasonal trout and coarse angling, and although dedicated fly fishing has now been scaled back, the site still attracts people who value access to well managed water, wildlife and space to relax beside the banks. For anyone researching venues that offer a mix of fishing lakes, camping and leisure facilities rather than a purely commercial fishery, Lenches Lakes stands out as a place where the emphasis is on tranquillity and nature rather than high pressure sport.

Fishing focus and lakeside appeal

Historically, Lenches Lakes gained a loyal following among fly anglers who enjoyed challenging trout fishing for hard-fighting rainbows stocked into two roughly three‑acre lakes, with several commentators noting that the fish fought strongly for their size and provided good sport on light gear. Videos and reports from regulars describe energetic runs and spirited fights, which helped build the fishery’s reputation among stillwater enthusiasts who valued quality over quantity. While the operators have since reduced or discontinued formal fly fishing sessions, the site’s roots in angling are still reflected in the way the water and banks are maintained, with mown paths, casting space in places and an obvious focus on keeping the lakes healthy and well presented.

For coarse and pleasure anglers looking for a broader fishing lake experience rather than an intensively stocked commercial water, the atmosphere here can be a positive point. Visitors often mention how peaceful the venue feels, with birdsong, surrounding woodland and open fields, and plenty of room to walk around the lakes between sessions. On the other hand, those who are primarily interested in highly competitive coarse fishing with large match-style pegs, on‑site tackle shops and frequent stockings may find that Lenches Lakes is more about relaxation than maximising catch rates, particularly since fly fishing has been stepped back and the business now prioritises swimming, camping and private events.

Strengths for anglers

• Natural, mature fishing lakes with plenty of wildlife and a sense of space, which many anglers find more appealing than heavily commercial complexes.
• A long history of fly fishing for rainbow trout, with reports of strong fish that offered lively sport on stillwater gear.
• Lakeside paths and open areas that make it easy to move around the water, rest between casts or combine a short session with a walk, picnic or time with non‑fishing family members.

The main downside from a dedicated angler’s perspective is that Lenches Lakes is no longer run as a full‑scale trout fishery, so anyone seeking a pure trout lake experience, multiple ticket options and regular stocking schedules may feel better served at venues that specialise solely in fly angling. The emphasis has shifted towards mixed use, which will suit some visitors but not others.

Open water swimming and courses

One of the clearest strengths of Lenches Lakes today is its focus on open water swimming, which has become a core part of the business, with structured timetables, safety cover and both introductory and cold‑water information sessions. Swimmers highlight the clarity and depth of the lake, describing it as tranquil, beautiful and well suited to both newcomers and regulars who want a calm, natural setting rather than a busy urban lido. Reviews consistently mention that the team is welcoming to new swimmers, even offering wristbands to borrow at no extra charge, which helps people try the activity without feeling pressured to invest heavily in equipment from day one.

The structured courses, particularly the introductions to cold water swimming, receive strong praise for their professionalism and focus on safety. Participants describe detailed briefings about how different bodies react to cold, hands‑on monitoring in the water, and staff who quickly recognise when someone needs extra layers or support after leaving the lake. Having a warm room with underfloor heating, plus hot drinks and homemade cake or flapjacks available, adds a level of comfort that many did not expect from an outdoor venue and helps people warm up properly after sessions. For those searching for a safe, controlled environment to experience wild swimming or train for events, this attention to detail is a clear plus.

Swimming positives and limitations

• Timetabled open water swimming with online booking, lifeguard presence and clear safety procedures, which appeals to both beginners and experienced swimmers.
• Introductory and winter information sessions that emphasise education, body responses and recovery, rather than simply letting people into cold water without guidance.
• Lakes that are deeper and clearer than some nearby alternatives, according to regular swimmers who compare Lenches Lakes with other venues in the region.

Potential drawbacks include the fact that sessions are timetabled rather than available all day, meaning swimmers need to plan ahead and book slots online instead of arriving spontaneously. There are no lockers on site, and changing is usually lakeside or in a tented area, which is functional but basic compared with a dedicated leisure centre, so visitors need to plan how to store valuables and organise their kit.

Camping, caravanning and facilities

Lenches Lakes operates two main camping and caravanning areas: one site with eight electric hook‑up points that accepts tents, caravans and campervans, and a separate Caravan and Motorhome Club certified location with five pitches. Both are open throughout the year, which appeals to people who enjoy quieter off‑season stays as much as busier summer weekends. In addition to the formal pitches, there is woodland and a large field that are popular with groups and wild campers who have their own power sources, including an increasing number who use solar panels to keep their setups off‑grid.

Visitors frequently comment on how peaceful the site feels for caravanning short breaks, with views over the lakes and surrounding countryside providing a backdrop that suits those looking to relax with minimal background noise. The recently completed toilet and shower block is identified as a strong point, with reviews describing the facilities as exceptionally clean and well looked after, and showers available for a small charge that provides several minutes of hot water. For guests who like a few home comforts while still staying close to nature, this combination of rural location and well maintained facilities is a significant advantage.

On‑site amenities

• Modern toilet and shower block kept to a high standard of cleanliness, appreciated by swimmers and campers alike.
• Lakeside and woodland walks that offer gentle routes for dog owners and families who want a stroll rather than a demanding hike.
• Picnic areas and informal seating by the water, allowing non‑angling members of a group to relax while others swim or fish.
• Wi‑Fi in and around the clubhouse and decking area, so guests can stay connected or work remotely while still enjoying a rural environment.

Dogs are welcome on site, which is a key consideration for many touring caravan owners and campers, and the mix of fields, tracks and woodland makes it straightforward to exercise them away from busier public areas. The presence of a Scandi‑style clubhouse, function room and adjoining marquee gives the venue flexibility to host private gatherings, training events, triathlon‑related activities, lakeside weekends and other organised sessions, although this can occasionally mean certain parts of the grounds are reserved for specific groups.

Events, atmosphere and customer service

The overall atmosphere at Lenches Lakes is often described as calm, caring and community‑oriented, with regulars feeling known personally by the small team of owners and staff. Swimmers and course participants mention a combination of friendliness and professionalism, emphasising that safety briefings are thorough while still delivered in an approachable way. People taking part in introductions to cold water swimming, for example, report that staff pick up quickly on individual needs, encourage questions, and pay close attention to how each person responds to temperature and exertion.

For campers, communication prior to arrival has occasionally been mentioned as an area that could be smoother, with some visitors feeling that pre‑stay details and responses were a little slow at busy times, even though everything ran smoothly once they were on site. Others found that the relaxed approach suited them well, particularly when visiting during half‑term or just after periods of restricted travel, when simply having space, clean facilities and access to walking or short bike rides was more important than highly structured entertainment.

Balanced view for potential visitors

• Those seeking peaceful fishing lakes, safe open water swimming and low‑key camping in a natural setting tend to rate Lenches Lakes very highly, especially for cleanliness, tranquillity and the personal touch from staff.
• Travellers who prefer large holiday parks with extensive on‑site entertainment, bars, restaurants and children’s play complexes may find the offering here too simple and quiet.
• Anglers whose main priority is intensive trout fishing with frequent stockings and a full calendar of competitions should be aware that the focus has shifted away from being a dedicated fly fishery.

Lenches Lakes Limited therefore suits visitors who value calm water, space and a relaxed pace above high‑octane activity. It brings together elements that appeal to anglers, swimmers and campers, but keeps the overall feel deliberately understated, which for many is precisely the attraction. For anyone searching for a venue where fishing lakes, open water swimming and quiet pitches sit side by side, and where the emphasis is firmly on simple outdoor pleasures supported by clean, modern facilities, this lakeside business offers a distinctive option in the area.