Hawton Waters

Hawton Waters is a mixed-use retreat built around a 14‑acre lake, offering coarse and carp fishing, caravan and motorhome pitches, and a small collection of luxury lakeside lodges and glamping-style accommodation set within extensive private woodland and farmland in Nottinghamshire.

The centrepiece for many visitors is the substantial lake, a former gypsum quarry that now holds a carefully managed stock of hard‑fighting fish, including specimen carp which have developed a reputation for size and strength.

Anglers who prioritise the challenge of landing big carp often see Hawton Waters as a destination venue, as reports indicate carp comfortably over 30 lb and a record in the high‑30 lb bracket, making it one of the more testing carp fishing lakes in the area.

The lake is not only about carp; pike into double figures, bream, roach, rudd, perch, dace and golden orfe offer variety for coarse enthusiasts who may prefer waggler or pole tactics over sitting it out solely for a specimen fish.

In practical terms, the water is described as reaching around 10–12 feet at its deepest with a largely bowl‑shaped profile, and it develops weed during the warmer months, pushing many carp anglers towards pop‑up boilies or carefully presented rigs that sit above the bottom.

For visiting anglers, this combination of depth, weed growth and large, wary fish can be both a strong attraction and a potential downside: success generally requires some experience, thoughtful baiting and patience, so absolute beginners looking for instant action may find it demanding.

Accessibility around the water is relatively informal, with grass pegs cut between bushes and at least one jetty that is considered useful for wheelchair users, but there are no long lines of built platforms, which will appeal to some anglers yet may disappoint those who prefer fully engineered swims.

The lake is reserved for guests staying on site, whether in the lodges, shepherd’s hut, summerhouse or on the touring pitches, which helps to keep angling pressure lower than open day‑ticket venues and supports a quieter fishing holiday atmosphere.

Several reviews from lodge guests highlight the peaceful nature of the setting, noting modern interiors, comfortable beds and standout touches such as roll‑top baths positioned to make the most of waterside views, which reinforces the impression that Hawton Waters caters as much to couples seeking a romantic break as to dedicated anglers.

Comments from visitors who have stayed in the Angel Lodge repeatedly mention how calm and secluded the environment feels, with uninterrupted views across the lake and a sense of being in a self‑contained space away from everyday noise and traffic, yet still within a short drive of a sizeable town for supplies and dining.

For caravan and motorhome owners, the site offers generously sized lakeside pitches with electric hook‑up, water points and waste disposal, backed up by CASSOA Gold secure storage options for those who wish to leave units on site between stays.

Some pitches are closer to operational facilities, such as chemical disposal and a haulage yard, which a few guests feel compromises the otherwise tranquil feel, so touring visitors often report preferring the true lakeside positions over the more utilitarian areas.

The wider estate extends to hundreds of acres of farmland and privately owned woodland, with waymarked trails and permissive paths that appeal to walkers, dog owners and guests who enjoy birdwatching as much as they enjoy time on the bank with a rod.

Wildlife is a recurring theme in descriptions of Hawton Waters, from the regular presence of waterfowl and woodland birds to resident swans and horses kept on site, with the owners having received recognition for environmental and habitat management across the estate.

Those looking to add variety to a fishing break can book open water swimming sessions or try paddle boarding, and small rowing boats are also available to help with baiting or to enjoy the water from a different perspective, although these activities are controlled and usually charged separately.

For some anglers and lodge guests, the presence of non‑angling activities such as swimming and paddle boarding on the same water is a mixed blessing; it introduces more ways to enjoy the lake but can raise concerns about disturbance at certain times, especially during peak season when more visitors are present.

A particular distinction of Hawton Waters compared with more standard touring sites is the ability, by prior arrangement, to bring a horse and make use of stabling and paddocks, with direct access to quiet hacking routes around the estate, which may appeal to equestrian guests seeking a combined riding and fishing holiday.

From an angling performance perspective, the lake is known as a challenging water rather than a heavily stocked commercial pool, and local reports consistently describe the fish as hard to tempt, which experienced anglers often regard as a positive sign of a natural, low‑pressure environment.

Techniques such as pre‑baiting a chosen area, particularly when arriving the evening before a session, using pop‑ups over light beds of boilies or particles, and presenting baits tight to marginal patrol routes are commonly recommended approaches here.

For coarse anglers targeting silver fish, relatively light line, small hooks and baits like maggots, sweetcorn and bread fished over modest groundbait are usually favoured, creating plenty of bites when conditions are right, although the presence of larger carp and pike means tackle still needs to be robust enough to cope with surprises.

While the absence of formally numbered hardstand swims might be seen as a drawback by some match‑style anglers, others will value the more natural shoreline and the freedom to position their gear at informal grass pegs where bankside cover and features suit their style of fishing.

The on‑site lakeside summerhouse, made available to overnight anglers, provides a roofed alternative to a bivvy for those who want more space for tackle and a bit more shelter in wet weather, though guests should not expect a fully furnished cabin; it is functional rather than luxurious.

In written feedback, visitors frequently praise the calm and friendly feel of the operation, mentioning helpful owners and staff, straightforward access from nearby roads, and a sense that once you are settled on your pitch or in your lodge, the lake and trees create a buffer from surrounding activity.

However, a few details can catch new visitors out: the naming of different pitch areas (such as Lake View versus Lakeside) has caused some confusion when booking or arriving, and prospective guests may wish to clarify exact locations if proximity to the water or distance from service points is a priority.

The estate’s pet‑friendly policy is another factor for many potential guests, with dogs welcome provided they remain on leads, which helps protect wildlife and maintain a sense of order on shared paths and around the fishing lake.

Because the lake is for residents only, it does not operate as a traditional day‑ticket water where anglers can drop in for a few hours, so those interested in Hawton Waters as a carp fishing destination should be prepared to commit to at least an overnight or multi‑night stay.

This integrated model of accommodation plus exclusive fishing lends itself particularly well to couples or small groups where some are keen anglers and others are more interested in walking, birdwatching or simply relaxing by the water, with the estate layout allowing each person to shape their own pace of stay.

For touring guests, the combination of secure storage options and the availability of "store and stay" arrangements can be attractive, especially for those who visit repeatedly through the year and prefer not to tow their caravan every time, although this is naturally more appealing to regulars than to one‑off visitors.

In terms of atmosphere, Hawton Waters sits firmly in the quieter, more rural category of fishing lakes with accommodation, offering a slower pace and a focus on space and nature rather than packed facilities or entertainment complexes, which is ideal for those seeking calm but may feel subdued for families who want more structured activities on site.

Potential visitors weighing up whether this is the right place for their next fishing holiday should consider what they value most: for serious anglers who relish tough, specimen‑orientated carp fishing, and for couples or individuals who appreciate modern waterside accommodation in a quiet estate with walking, wildlife and occasional watersports, the strengths are clear, while those wanting guaranteed fast action or a more commercial park‑style setup may find the slower, more subtle character less suited to their expectations.

Overall, Hawton Waters presents itself as a well‑run, nature‑rich venue where the emphasis is on space, tranquillity and quality time by the water, supported by a substantial, if demanding, stock of fish and a range of accommodation options that allow guests to build a break around angling, relaxation or a mixture of both.