The old quarry (Trials,Lake and Cabin)

The Old Quarry (Trials, Lake and Cabin) is a compact, privately run fishery that combines a fishing lake, basic cabin accommodation and a trials bike area in one setting, aimed at anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who want somewhere informal but characterful to spend a day or a short break.

The centrepiece is a one-acre fishing lake that has earned a solid reputation among local anglers for holding a good head of coarse species, including carp, pike, tench, bream, roach, rudd and perch, with reported fish reaching respectable specimen sizes for such a modestly sized water.

Those looking for carp fishing will find fish reported up to around the 30lb mark, which is notable for a day-ticket venue of this scale and helps to give the lake some appeal for anglers who enjoy targeting larger fish without committing to a big, heavily pressured water.

The lake also offers seasonal pike fishing, with catches in winter regularly mentioned and reported fish into double figures, which adds variety for anglers who enjoy predator fishing once temperatures drop and other species become less active.

Alongside carp and pike, there are opportunities for more traditional coarse anglers, with tench, bream, roach, rudd and perch present, making the water suitable for mixed coarse fishing sessions where float tactics and lighter gear can keep bites coming through the day.

Parents and less experienced anglers often comment positively about the venue’s suitability for family days, with float fishing from the bank giving youngsters a genuine chance of catching, while more experienced anglers can set up for carp or bream in the same session.

Lake layout, swims and general facilities

The Old Quarry’s lake is tree-lined and tucked beneath Box Hill, giving it a more intimate, enclosed feel than many open, windswept commercials; this setting provides shelter and a sense of privacy that many visiting anglers appreciate.

The water is relatively deep for a small lake, reaching around 18 feet at its deepest, with clear water for much of the year, so anglers need to think carefully about depth, line visibility and bait presentation rather than relying only on standard shallow-margin approaches.

There are several named swims around the banks, including five single pegs and a couple of larger double swims, which are laid out to make the most of marginal reeds, overhanging bushes and features where fish are likely to patrol.

Some swims, such as those near the car park, are easier to access and suit anglers bringing more gear or those who prefer not to walk far, while corner and snaggy areas offer more of a challenge with the potential to produce better fish for those prepared to work a little harder.

Basic but appreciated facilities such as nearby parking and toilet access are available, and several reviews mention that the toilet block is kept in decent condition, which is especially important for families and for anglers planning longer sessions or overnight stays.

Cabins, off-grid stays and lake holidays

A key feature of The Old Quarry is the accommodation built around the lake, intended for anglers and short-stay guests rather than full-service holidaymakers, with a focus on simple, off-grid comfort rather than luxury.

The primary log cabin is described as a Norwegian-style lodge with a pull-out double, single beds and additional sleeping areas on a mezzanine, making it suitable for couples, small groups of friends or families who want to stay right beside the fishing lake.

Inside, the lodge includes a functional kitchen setup but, in keeping with the off-grid approach, there is no full mains water supply to the unit itself; instead, an outdoor washing area and fresh running water are located nearby to cover basic needs.

Heating is provided by a log or coal burner, which several anglers and returning guests highlight as a strong point during colder months, helping to create a cosy, rustic atmosphere after a long day on the bank.

From the cabin’s double doors, guests step out onto a sizeable balcony with steps down to a pontoon that extends over the water, giving direct, private access to the lake that many anglers find particularly appealing when planning a carp fishing or mixed-species session.

To one side, there is a small private garden area with a fire pit or barbecue space, which adds to the appeal for families or groups who want to combine fishing holidays with social time outdoors, cooking and relaxing by the water.

In addition to the main lodge, there is a smaller hut for hire on the front bank, which is openly described by the operators as basic and just a step up from bivvy-style shelter, with a day bed and small pull-out bed and no mains electric on tap.

This honesty about the standard of the hut is useful for setting expectations: it suits anglers who want shelter and a bed close to their rods, rather than those seeking fully equipped self-catering accommodation or hotel-like comforts.

Fishing experience and on-site rules

The fishery operates on a booking-only system for all types of coarse fishing, which helps the small team control numbers, reduce overcrowding and maintain a more relaxed atmosphere for those who have secured a place.

Standard day tickets are offered, alongside options for night sessions and, for some groups, whole-lake hire, allowing more serious anglers or families to book the water for themselves where availability and conditions allow.

House rules are in place to protect fish welfare and ensure a respectful environment, including barbless hooks only, the use of unhooking mats for all species, and a requirement that all fish are returned promptly to the water in good condition.

Visitors are asked to avoid loud music or excessive noise, which demonstrates a clear attempt to balance the mixed use of the site with the expectations of angling guests who come specifically for peace and concentration on the water.

Dogs are permitted under control, typically on leads unless they are safely contained within the cabin’s fenced garden, and anglers are required to take all rubbish away with them, reflecting the owners’ desire to keep the site tidy and the lake banks free from litter.

Another firm rule is that unannounced visitors are not allowed; anyone wishing to bring guests is expected to arrange this when booking, so that numbers and safety can be managed sensibly.

Trials bikes and shared use of the site

What sets The Old Quarry apart from many other fishing lakes is the dedicated trials bike area on the same land, which operates mainly in short daytime windows and gives motorbike riders a woodland venue for practice and events.

For some anglers, this dual use is an attraction in its own right, especially for those who ride as well as fish or who bring family members interested in different activities, as it creates a multi-purpose outdoor venue rather than a single-focus fishery.

However, potential visitors whose priority is quiet carp fishing or tranquil coarse fishing should be aware that bike sessions usually run during set hours, often at weekends and school holidays, which can add background noise and activity during part of the day.

The operators provide clear time windows for trials sessions and seem keen to keep them contained, but anyone booking a longer stay or overnight session may want to check bike schedules in advance if complete daytime silence is important to them.

Feedback from anglers and guests

Recent reviews commonly describe The Old Quarry as a “hidden gem” or a beautiful place to fish and stay, with many visitors praising the natural feel of the water, the tree-lined banks and the sense of being away from everyday pressures despite reasonable road access.

Comments about the owners are consistently positive, with names such as Karen and David frequently mentioned as friendly, welcoming and attentive hosts who check on guests, make sure they are settled and assist when needed without being intrusive.

Families returning year after year highlight enjoyable stays where children catch fish, experiment with float fishing and benefit from an environment that feels safe and manageable in size, rather than overwhelming or overly commercial.

On the fishing side, anglers value the variety of species and the chance of better fish, but this is not an ultra-easy runs water; the depth, clear water and modest size mean that thoughtful approach, good presentation and quiet bankside behaviour still make a real difference.

Some guests note that the lake is unusually deep close to the bank compared with many man-made ponds, which can surprise those used to shallow commercials but also means that fish can be caught at different levels through the water column depending on season and conditions.

There are occasional suggestions that the lake could benefit from more periodic clearing or maintenance in places, reflecting natural accumulation of debris and weed over time, although this is often expressed alongside praise for the overall charm of the setting.

Views of the accommodation are largely favourable, especially since recent updates to the log cabin, with guests commenting that improvements have significantly lifted the standard from “just okay” to something more appealing for short fishing holidays and weekend breaks.

At the same time, a few reviews underline that the off-grid cabins remain relatively simple: there is no full mains power in the basic hut and only limited modern conveniences in the log cabin, so visitors who expect hotel-style comfort may find the set-up more rustic than they would like.

Strengths, limitations and who it suits

For anglers, one of The Old Quarry’s key strengths is the balance between size and stock; the one-acre fishing lake is small enough to feel intimate and manageable, but still deep and well stocked enough to deliver challenging and rewarding sessions across several different species.

The ability to combine carp fishing, predator sessions, general coarse fishing and family-friendly float tactics in the same venue adds to its flexibility, making it a realistic option for mixed groups where not everyone has the same angling preferences or experience.

The cabins and “off-grid” approach provide an appealing middle ground between pitching a bivvy and renting a full self-catering cottage elsewhere, particularly for anglers who like being close to the water and value direct access from their accommodation to the bank or pontoon.

The personal management by the owners, the clear rules on fish care and behaviour, and the booking system for all fishing help to maintain reasonable standards on the bank and keep numbers under control, which many regulars see as a positive contrast to overcrowded venues.

On the other hand, potential visitors should be realistic about a few limitations: the shared use with trials bikes at certain times, the basic nature of some facilities in the smaller hut, and the fact that the cabins are firmly off-grid rather than equipped to the level of a modern holiday lodge.

Those who value absolute quiet during the day, or who want fully serviced accommodation with every convenience built in, may find that The Old Quarry’s character and set-up do not match their expectations.

For anglers and families who enjoy simple, comfortable but not luxurious stays by the water, and who are happy with a mixture of coarse fishing, potential carp fishing rewards and the option of seasonal pike fishing, the fishery offers a distinctive alternative to many larger, more commercialised day-ticket complexes.

Overall, The Old Quarry (Trials, Lake and Cabin) is best suited to people who appreciate friendly, hands-on hosting, are comfortable with an off-grid feel, and are looking for a small, characterful fishing lake where the focus is as much on time outdoors together as it is on chasing the very biggest fish.