Blakewell Trout Farm and Smokery

Blakewell Trout Farm and Smokery presents itself as a mixed proposition for anglers, food lovers and short-stay guests who want direct access to water, countryside and fresh fish in one place. It combines a traditional trout fishery with a working smokery, simple accommodation and a small campsite, aiming to appeal to those looking for hands-on fishing rather than a purely retail experience. For anyone searching for a venue where you can cast a line, learn new techniques and then take home beautifully prepared produce, it offers several strengths alongside a few limitations that are worth weighing up carefully.

As a fishery, the setting is one of the first things people tend to notice. Visitors describe several ponds and a couple of established lakes framed by mature trees, with banks and vegetation that are kept in good condition rather than left wild and neglected. The water is often highlighted as well stocked, with anglers mentioning that there are plenty of trout and that the main lake feels like one of the best maintained ponds they have fished. For anyone intent on a dedicated session with a fly fishing rod, this creates a more forgiving environment where you are not casting over empty water, and it can be especially encouraging for those who are still building confidence.

The human side of the operation is another clear positive. Regulars and first-time visitors alike single out Richard and John by name, describing them as genuinely friendly, approachable and willing to spend meaningful time with anglers rather than simply selling a day ticket and walking away. One novice fly fisher recalls that Richard spent around half an hour helping to adjust the setup, changing the leader and fly to a more suitable arrangement. That kind of practical guidance goes beyond what you might receive in many venues, and for anyone starting out with a new fly reel or trying to master basic casting, personalised support can turn a frustrating day into something memorable.

Instruction and informal coaching are woven into the experience. Guests speak positively about learning to fly fish during their stay, with tuition described as patient and down‑to‑earth rather than rushed or overly technical. Instead of being left to struggle with tangles and poor presentation, beginners often find their gear optimised and their technique gently corrected. For anglers who want to refine their choice of trout flies, understand leader length or simply gain a feel for playing and landing fish safely, this supportive approach makes Blakewell more than just a pay‑to‑fish lake.

The smokery is another defining feature. On site, fish are not only reared but also smoked, and visitors regularly highlight the quality and taste of the finished products. Guests who have stayed on the campsite or in the cabins recommend the smoked fish in particular, describing it as excellent and priced reasonably rather than positioned as a luxury add‑on. For those who appreciate quality ingredients and like the idea of pairing a day with a fishing rod with a gourmet meal back at home or on the campsite, this is a significant attraction. The presence of a small shop where smoked fish can be bought directly from the producer adds to the sense of connection between the fishery and the food on the plate.

Beyond the core fishery and smokery, Blakewell offers accommodation options that broaden its appeal. Visitors mention staying on the campsite for one or more nights, as well as in the Kingfisher cabin, which is often described as a cosy and comfortable place to stay. Pitches on the campsite are considered neatly laid out, with hard standings and electric hook‑up for those who want a more secure base for their caravan or motorhome. Feedback on the accommodation itself is typically very positive, with guests talking about excellent standards and a relaxed atmosphere that sits somewhere between a rural campsite and a small retreat.

The site layout supports both fishing and relaxation. Guests describe pleasant walks around the ponds and lakes, with paths that allow you to move from area to area without feeling cramped or restricted. Wildlife is mentioned as a strong point, with birds and other animals adding interest beyond the water and banks. The buildings on site, including the smokery, shop and designated yoga or dining area, are described as attractive and well maintained rather than purely functional. This element may appeal to couples or families where not everyone is focused solely on casting a fishing line; some can enjoy the surroundings while others spend time at the water.

Facilities are an important consideration for anglers and campers, and here Blakewell generally fares well, albeit with some caveats. Toilet and shower facilities are widely praised for cleanliness and practicality, and even while work is underway to connect new blocks, guests report that existing amenities are accessible via a short walk along a scenic path. The presence of level pitches, hook‑up points and nearby facilities can make a short fishing break more comfortable, especially for those travelling with families or less experienced campers. However, during periods of ongoing development, visitors should be prepared for a degree of disruption and to walk slightly further than they might at a fully finished site.

The blend of activities on offer makes Blakewell particularly suited to anglers who prefer a destination‑style experience rather than a quick hour with a telescopic fishing pole. A typical stay might involve checking in to the campsite or cabin, spending time on the main lake or ponds, then winding down with a walk and an evening meal featuring smoked trout from the on‑site shop. Some visitors also mention yoga facilities and pleasant communal areas, suggesting that the site aims to appeal to those who value wellbeing as much as catching fish. This can be a strong selling point for small groups or couples where fishing is part of a broader short break.

For more dedicated anglers, the stocking levels and water management are likely to be key points. Blakewell is repeatedly described as very well stocked, with trout that offer good sport without being impossible to tempt. For those who invest in quality fishing lures, fishing hooks and fine‑tuned setups, this means there is a fair chance to test gear in realistic conditions and to feel regular takes during a session. The banks and swims appear to be looked after carefully, with vegetation controlled enough to allow casting but natural enough to retain character. This balance can matter to experienced anglers who dislike over‑manicured venues but also want to avoid constant snagging and frustration.

Customer service, based on visitor comments, emerges as one of Blakewell’s stronger characteristics. Staff are often described as friendly and helpful without being intrusive, and the presence of approachable owners on site gives the place a personal feel. Guests mention that even outside formal tuition, advice is readily available on tackle selection, choice of fishing bait and how to present flies or lures in different conditions. This informal guidance may be particularly reassuring for those who are taking children to a fishery for the first time or returning to the sport after a break and needing a refresher on techniques and local patterns.

However, potential visitors should also be aware of certain limitations. Blakewell is first and foremost a trout farm and fishery with a smokery, not a large‑scale retail outlet stocked wall‑to‑wall with every brand of fishing tackle. Those expecting extensive displays of rods, reels, lines and clothing may find the shop more focused on smoked produce and fishery essentials. If you are looking for a full range of fishing reels, fishing nets, tackle boxes and other accessories, it may be wise to arrive with your main equipment already chosen, using the on‑site shop mainly for consumables and fish rather than as your primary outfitter.

The variety of fish species is also relatively focused. Anglers in search of multiple coarse and predator species, or those who prefer sea angling with heavy fishing lines and specialist rigs, may find Blakewell less aligned with their interests than a larger multi‑species complex or a coastal charter trip. The emphasis here is on trout and the associated traditions of fly fishing, which will delight some visitors but may not satisfy anglers who are more interested in carp, pike or saltwater game fish. For those who like to experiment with different methods, such as feeder fishing or spinning for predators, the offer is more limited and tailored to a specific style.

Another point to consider is that the site is continually developing. While this evolution brings improvements such as new toilet blocks and upgraded facilities, it can also mean that certain areas are under construction or being adjusted during your visit. For some visitors, this is a minor issue set against the overall charm and helpful staff. For others who expect absolutely finished surroundings for their fishing holiday, it may feel less polished than a long‑established commercial holiday park. Weighing these expectations against the hands‑on service and the relaxed setting is important before booking.

From the perspective of value, visitors often feel that the combination of fishing, accommodation and access to freshly smoked fish offers a compelling package. The smoked products, in particular, are repeatedly described as tasty and priced fairly, and the fact that you can trace them directly back to the ponds and smokery on site adds perceived value. Anglers who make full use of tuition, spend time on the water and then enjoy the food tend to report that they received good value for what they paid. Those who are only looking to buy tackle might be better served by a large urban fishing shop, but for a short break centred around trout, Blakewell often meets or exceeds expectations.

In terms of atmosphere, the fishery manages to combine tranquillity with accessibility. Walks around the site are described as peaceful and pleasant, and the presence of pets and friendly staff contributes to a relaxed, informal tone. Anglers working their fishing rods along the banks share the space with campers, cabin guests and wildlife watchers, yet reports rarely mention overcrowding or excessive noise. For prospective visitors, this suggests a venue where you can enjoy focused fishing sessions without feeling cut off from other comforts and activities.

Overall, Blakewell Trout Farm and Smokery stands out as a small but characterful destination where trout fishing, a working smokery and straightforward accommodation come together. It is particularly well suited to individuals and small groups who value personal service, instruction for fly fishing for trout, and the chance to eat or take home smoked fish produced on site. Those seeking an enormous tackle retail experience or a highly diversified species list may find its scope narrower than they would like, but anglers who appreciate well‑kept waters, helpful hosts and a calm environment are likely to find plenty to enjoy. For potential customers weighing up their next fishing break, it represents a practical option where the strengths are clear and the trade‑offs can be assessed in advance.