Nance Fishing Lakes

Nance Fishing Lakes is a small, family-run fishery and campsite that brings together coarse angling, simple countryside camping and a friendly on-site café in one compact setting. Set around three lakes, it appeals to holidaymakers who want relaxed fishing lakes with easy access, as well as touring anglers looking for a straightforward, no-fuss venue to spend a day or a few nights by the water. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, with many visitors commenting on how at ease they feel from the moment they arrive, yet there are also some practical limitations that potential guests should weigh up before booking.

Layout, lakes and general atmosphere

The site is centred on three well-presented coarse fishing lakes, each within a short walk of the camping pitches and café. Paths and concrete steps make it easier than at many traditional ponds to get set up with tackle and seat box, and there are clearly defined pegs so anglers know exactly where to fish. Several visitors describe the venue as quiet and unhurried, which suits those seeking a bit of peace rather than a heavily commercialised day-ticket complex. The setting is still part of a working cattle farm, so you get a genuine rural backdrop rather than a manicured holiday park feel.

Because the lakes sit right next to the small touring area, it is possible to go from brewing a cup of tea at the caravan to casting a line in just a couple of minutes. This is particularly appealing for couples or families where only some members are anglers, as the others can relax at the pitch or café while still feeling close to the water. The site remains open throughout the year, which gives keen anglers a chance to sample winter bites as well as warmer-season sessions when the carp fishing tends to be most productive.

Fishing: species, pegs and conditions

Nance Fishing Lakes markets itself primarily as a relaxed venue for pleasure anglers rather than a high-pressure match complex. The three waters are stocked with carp, tench, bream and crucian carp, giving a mix of species and sizes that suits both beginners and more experienced coarse anglers. Holidaymakers can try a variety of methods, from simple waggler rigs to feeder tactics, and the venue often appeals to those who want an easy-going day catching a mixture of fish rather than chasing specimen weights.

Access to the pegs is generally good, with concrete steps making it easier to reach the bank even in damp conditions. On the lake nearest the café, there are wheelchair-accessible pegs, which is a significant plus for those with limited mobility who may find more traditional, steep-banked ponds difficult to fish. Several visitors comment that they have had enjoyable sessions even when the weather has been poor, which suggests that the venue fishes reasonably consistently and can still provide decent sport on less-than-ideal days.

However, as with any small fishery, conditions can vary and there is no guarantee of non-stop action. Anglers used to heavily stocked commercial day ticket fisheries with constant bites may find Nance a little quieter in terms of catch rate, but that is often balanced by a more natural feel and fewer crowds. The lakes are shared by families and casual visitors as well as committed anglers, so those seeking intense, competitive coarse fishing might view this mixed use as a downside, while others will appreciate the relaxed, inclusive approach.

Camping and caravan facilities

The camping area at Nance Fishing Lakes is deliberately small and fairly simple, appealing to guests who prefer a low-key stay over a large, entertainment-driven holiday park. Hard-standing pitches with electric hook-up are available for caravans, motorhomes and campervans, and there is also space for tents. Reviews repeatedly mention that the sanitary facilities are very clean, with a modern shower block and a handy washing-up station attached to the side. For a small farm-based site, this standard of cleanliness stands out as one of its strongest points.

Dogs are welcome, which is useful for touring anglers and families who travel with pets. The overall feel is quiet rather than lively, so it tends to suit visitors who are content with evenings by the van or lakeside rather than looking for on-site entertainment. A few guests note that the site is very much run on a friendly, personal basis rather than a corporate model; many find this warmth and informality charming, while others who are used to larger sites with more infrastructure might see it as basic.

One recurring criticism is the quality of mobile and internet reception, which can be patchy or weak. For some, this is part of the attraction, as it encourages time away from screens and more focus on the water, the café or spending time together. For others – especially those who need to check work emails or keep in touch with family – the limited connectivity can be a source of frustration. Guests relying on streaming, online gaming or strong mobile data should be prepared for a potentially unreliable signal.

Café and food: Moomaid by the Lakes

An important part of the experience at Nance Fishing Lakes is the on-site café, trading under the Moomaid by the Lakes name. Positioned next to one of the lakes with a small indoor seating area and outdoor benches by the water, it allows visitors to enjoy food and drink without leaving the site. The café serves ice cream, light meals and a variety of hot and cold options, with several reviews praising the overall quality of the food and the friendliness of the staff. Some guests highlight the homemade burgers, dirty fries and toasties as particularly enjoyable, and many appreciate being able to sit outside watching people fish while they eat.

However, feedback about the café is not entirely consistent. A number of visitors feel that service can be slow at times, even when the café is not especially busy. There are reports of orders sitting on the pass while staff focus on the counter, and occasional delays in serving items like bacon rolls or soup. For those on a relaxed holiday this may be a minor inconvenience, but guests on a tighter schedule or with restless children could find the waits frustrating.

The menu has also evolved, and not everyone is pleased with the changes. Some regulars note that a full English breakfast is no longer offered, and that the current selection of pastries and savoury items, while tasty, can feel similar to what you might find in many other cafés. Others, by contrast, emphasise good value lunch platters, ice cream waffles and well-made coffee, suggesting that the café still offers enough variety for a pleasant lakeside meal. Seating inside is limited, and on busy days it can be difficult to find a table, although the outdoor area provides extra space when the weather is kind.

Accessibility, friendliness and overall service

One of the recurrent positives in visitor comments is the friendliness of the team running Nance Fishing Lakes. Guests often describe the owners and staff as welcoming, accommodating and ready to answer questions about both the fishing and the campsite. This personal touch can make a big difference to anglers who are new to the venue or families visiting for the first time. Casual visitors who come just for a coffee, ice cream or a short walk around the fishing lakes also tend to remark on the approachable staff.

Accessibility is another area where the site makes a conscious effort. Wheelchair-accessible pegs by the café lake are a notable feature, and the presence of hard-standing pitches and proper steps down to many pegs helps a wide range of visitors get close to the water. The shower block and facilities are modern and well kept, which is especially important for those staying multiple nights. At the same time, pathways and car parking areas can become muddy in wet weather, something several reviewers point out. Waterproof footwear and realistic expectations about rural ground conditions are advisable.

As a small, family-operated venue, Nance Fishing Lakes does not have the scale or staff numbers of larger commercial holiday parks, and this shows at busier times. When the café is full and the lakeside is busy with holiday anglers, service can slow down and minor oversights, such as not offering napkins or forgetting to check when food is ready, may occur. These issues rarely seem to overshadow the overall experience for most guests, but they are worth bearing in mind for those who value slick, fast service above all else.

Suits which type of angler and visitor?

Nance Fishing Lakes is particularly suited to holidaymakers who enjoy relaxed carp fishing and mixed coarse angling, and who like the idea of staying only a few steps from the water. It works well for couples where one person fishes and the other prefers to spend time reading, walking or sitting at the café, as everything is compact and easily accessible. Families with children can appreciate a safe, calm environment where young anglers can try catching their first carp or tench without the intensity of a competitive match venue.

For dedicated specimen hunters who prioritise large swims, extensive on-site tackle shops or highly structured rules, the fishery may feel a little modest. It is more about simple, enjoyable coarse fishing in pleasant surroundings than chasing record-breaking weights. Likewise, campers who want constant entertainment, swimming pools or large clubhouses might find the site too quiet and basic. The emphasis here is on tranquillity, personal interaction with the owners and the simple pleasure of being close to water and wildlife.

Those who value good, clean facilities, dog-friendly policies and straightforward access to the lakes will likely find Nance Fishing Lakes a satisfying choice for a short fishing break. Potential downsides include intermittent internet reception, occasional slow service in the café and a car park that can become muddy, but for many guests these are manageable trade-offs given the friendly service, tidy facilities and the convenience of having three fishing lakes right on the doorstep.

Balanced view for potential visitors

• Strengths include well-presented day ticket fishing on three lakes, clean modern washblocks, a welcoming farm-based atmosphere and an on-site café with lakeside seating.
• Additional positives are the wheelchair-accessible pegs, dog-friendly approach, hard-standing pitches and a generally quiet, relaxed environment that suits holiday anglers.
• Areas for improvement are the variable mobile and internet signal, occasional slow service or communication issues in the café and ground conditions that can be muddy in bad weather.
• Overall, Nance Fishing Lakes offers a straightforward combination of carp fishing, camping and casual lakeside dining that many visitors find appealing, provided they are comfortable with its small scale and rural character.