Stonebridge Fishing Lakes

Stonebridge Fishing Lakes is a small, family-run fishery and caravan site that combines coarse angling with low-key camping and glamping, appealing to visitors who want direct access to the water and a relaxed stay rather than a high-end holiday park experience. The site sits within mature countryside and includes a substantial coarse lake with around 40 pegs, specifically set up for anglers who value well-managed waters, sensible rules and a good head of fish. Feedback from guests highlights friendly owners, peaceful surroundings and enjoyable carp fishing as major positives, while there are also recurring comments about dated or inconsistent facilities that prospective visitors should weigh up before booking.

The angling offer is the main draw, and Stonebridge has built a reputation among coarse anglers for its well-stocked lake and straightforward day-ticket setup. The coarse lake is reported to hold carp over 20lb, ide to around 6lb, chub to 8lb, barbel to 5lb and a mix of skimmers and perch, giving plenty of variety for pleasure sessions and informal trips with family or friends. For many visitors this makes it an attractive fishing lakes destination where catching fish is a realistic prospect rather than a rare bonus, and reviews from anglers often describe the sport as superb and reliable across multiple visits. Those who prioritise good stocks and sensible fish care rules will likely appreciate the site’s approach even if the wider infrastructure feels basic.

Rules on the coarse lake are clearly defined and geared towards fish welfare, which is reassuring for experienced anglers who care about the quality of the stock. Barbless hooks are mandatory, unhooking mats must always be used, and there are restrictions on tackle such as prohibiting telescopic rods, sea rods, braid, fixed method feeders and floating baits. Anglers are limited to two rods and must fish only from designated pegs, with no night fishing and no keepnets except for organised matches, all of which helps manage pressure on the fish and maintain a controlled environment. Every angler is also expected to hold a valid Environment Agency licence and take their litter away, which suits those looking for a responsible coarse fishing venue rather than a casual park with little oversight.

In terms of the broader stay, Stonebridge offers a small number of grass pitches with electric hook-up for caravans, campervans and motorhomes, alongside several furnished bell tents set close to the lake. Touring pitches are generally described as a good size and reasonably priced, and some visitors remark that the limited number of pitches contributes to a quieter, more intimate feel than larger holiday parks. For those seeking fishing holidays where the priority is time by the water, this compact layout can be a real advantage, reducing footfall and noise around the pegs. Dog owners also find it practical, with dogs allowed on the touring pitches and in certain glamping units, provided they are kept under control.

The glamping side of the business is a notable feature for non-anglers or mixed groups, offering bell tents with lake views and basic comforts. Units such as White Owl, Dreamcatcher and Rainbow Trout are described as cosy, with double beds, outdoor seating and private "breakfast tents" equipped with kettles, BBQs and small hot plates, allowing simple self-catering with a more comfortable setup than standard camping. Many guests praise these tents as a good introduction to this style of stay, especially when combined with easy access to the water and the option to try coarse fishing lakes on site. However, prospective visitors should note that linen and towels are not provided, and children under eight are not accepted in the glamping units, which may limit suitability for some families.

Reviews of the glamping experience are generally very positive, with many guests reporting relaxing weekends, plenty of fish caught by children and a welcoming atmosphere created by the owners. Some visitors describe Stonebridge as an affordable place for a short break, highlighting the chance to sit outside by the lake, enjoy a firepit in the evening and fish virtually on the doorstep of their tent. Experiences like these make the site appealing for couples and families with older children looking for fishing breaks that mix comfort with straightforward outdoor living. A recurring theme in these accounts is how approachable and hands-on the owners are, answering questions, helping newcomers and often being mentioned by name in testimonials.

Facilities on site include toilets, showers and a wet room with disabled access, as well as washing-up areas and an on-site tackle shop. For anglers, the small shop is a convenient source of bait and terminal tackle, and some regulars state that it carries pretty much everything needed for a session on the coarse lake, which reduces the need to stock up elsewhere. There are also outdoor kitchen setups for glamping units, firepits, drinking water points and electric hook-up for touring pitches, creating a functional if simple base for fishing trips. The presence of basic amenities ensures guests are not dealing with completely rustic conditions, but expectations should be aligned with a modest, countryside site rather than a fully serviced holiday resort.

When it comes to cleanliness and maintenance, feedback is mixed, and this is one of the key factors potential guests should consider. Many recent visitors describe the toilets and showers as clean, functional and adequately maintained, sometimes noting equipment provided so users can tidy up after themselves and leaving positive remarks about the standard of the amenities. Others, however, especially looking at older reviews, criticise the toilets as dirty, complain about a lack of loo roll, and describe washing-up areas and bins as neglected or overflowing during their stay. There are also comments from a disabled guest about a shower where water flow was poor and the light kept switching off, which points to room for improvement in meeting accessibility expectations.

This contrast suggests that standards may vary over time or between busy and quieter periods, and that upgrades and housekeeping routines have improved according to some more recent comments, but not every visitor has had the same experience. A few reviewers mention old caravans and machinery on parts of the site, creating a somewhat cluttered look that does not match those expecting manicured grounds. Others, in contrast, focus more on the natural setting, describing the lakes and surrounding countryside as beautiful, peaceful and ideal for unwinding between sessions on the bank. Prospective visitors who place a high value on pristine presentation may find the setting less polished, while those most interested in access to a productive carp fishing lake may be more forgiving of rough edges.

Customer service is consistently highlighted as a strong point, with multiple independent reviews praising the owners and staff for being friendly, approachable and keen to help. Guests remark that questions are answered promptly, fishing advice is freely offered, and that newcomers to angling feel welcome rather than intimidated, which can be important for families introducing children to coarse fishing holidays. The relaxed, personal approach seems to be central to the appeal of Stonebridge, and several visitors say they are already planning return trips, or that it is their regular choice when not fishing rivers. For many, this sense of continuity and familiarity offsets some of the limitations of the infrastructure.

Convenience is another point worth noting: Stonebridge is easily reached from major routes such as the A1 and A19, and there is a village pub about a mile away, plus small supermarkets within a short drive. This makes the site suitable for short, spontaneous fishing weekends where travel time is limited and guests still want quick access to supplies off site. The surrounding area offers additional walking and day trip options between sessions, but most visitors appear to treat the site primarily as an angling base rather than a broader sightseeing hub. Those looking for a packed activities schedule or extensive entertainment facilities may find the offering too quiet, whereas anglers and those seeking simple downtime are more likely to appreciate the slower pace.

Taking all of this into account, Stonebridge Fishing Lakes comes across as a realistic option for anglers and campers who value good fishing, friendly hosts and a low-key environment more than polished, high-spec facilities. Its strengths lie in the well-stocked coarse lake, complimentary fishing with certain stays, straightforward rules that protect fish welfare, and the ability to stay just a few steps from the water in either a touring unit or a bell tent. On the downside, some visitors have encountered dated or inconsistent amenities, untidy areas and accessibility issues that may not suit those expecting a modern, immaculate touring park. For potential guests, especially those planning fishing breaks UK or short fishing trips with family or friends, this is a site where setting priorities is important: if the focus is quality coarse angling and a relaxed, informal atmosphere, Stonebridge may be a strong contender, while travellers who place top priority on pristine facilities and manicured surroundings might prefer to consider alternatives.