Fishing, or angling, is still considered one of the UK’s most popular pastimes, and many people include the activity on their itinerary for relaxing trips away.
Whether you fish for food or simply enjoy the meditative quality of sitting next to the sea, a lake, lagoon or river, and watching the world go by, here are some of the best areas in the UK to visit for fishing…
Considered one of Yorkshire’s premier spots for fishing, the welcoming seaside town of Whitby offers the best of both worlds – river and sea spots to cast your net.
You can pick a place at one of the piers to while away a few hours by the beach, with just the sounds of the sea for company, or try your luck along the River Eek. To come back with more than just the catch of the day, you can also book a space on a charter boat for a more social fishing experience.
Unsurprisingly, thanks to its South West, sun-kissed coastal location, Devon is another popular place that draws in anglers of all aptitudes.
The Exe and Tamar rivers are two of the area’s known for trout, while the beaches are better for bass. Dartmoor, that great stretch of wild, untamed land, is also a draw for fishing, specifically trout and salmon, but permission and permits will be needed along parts of the East and West Dart Rivers. For the less experienced, Tavistock Trout Fishery also offers tuition.
For something a little different, take your rod out to Wales’ Caerphilly Castle moat, which offers a spectacular backdrop and views alongside the activity.
You’ll need to book in advance through the local angling association, as capacity can be reached quickly, but there are also a number of other local rivers and lakes to try – including the River Wye, River Rhymney, Castle View lake and Semtex lake.
It seems an obvious choice but the Lake District in Cumbria also offers many options for keen fisher folk.
Day and weekly permits can be purchased from a local angling association, with fishing free at a number of destinations including Windermere – one of the National Park’s busiest bodies of water, and one which is known for its pike.
Fishing breaks are common on the River Avon in Dorset, with many flocking to the area for its chalk stream fishing.
One for fans of salmon and trout fishing in particular, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Dorset, and the famous Chesil Beach is another well-regarded destination thanks to its deep water, which attracts species ranging from mackerel to cod, sole, bream and eels.
If you prefer sea fishing, Brighton is one of your best bets. The seaside city has it all in terms of fishing pitches – be it piers, beaches or the marina. You can also charter a boat here too, to explore waters teeming with bass, bream, plaice and cod. Some of the most popular spots include Black Rock beach, Hove beach and the West Pier, but like anywhere, it depends on the season.
If you’re spending your luxury cottage escape near Derbyshire or in the Peak District, this area is particularly popular for fly fishing. Pack up your tackle and rod and head out for a relaxing day by the River Dove or explore a number of other prime places for angling enthusiasts, such as the River Derwent, Beehive Woodland Lakes, or Springwood Fisheries.
Another popular location for luxury fishing escapes is the River Spey in Scotland. Head here for its salmon and sea trout season, which lasts from early February through to the end of September, each year.
A fly fishing river, the Spey will also provide any visitors with stunning scenery that will delight you, whether you return home with a catch or not. It also helps that the area is renowned for its local whisky, too.
The Kent coast is where you’ll find many a keen sea fisher. Thanks to a range of fishing beaches and destinations in the area, including Ramsgate’s Pegwell Bay, you won’t be shot of spots to fish in the South East of England.
What truly makes the experience here, however, is bagging a seat on a fishing charter – and there are many options in Ramsgate for doing just that. Pack up a picnic and choose from a number of companies that are willing to take guests out on their boats, to truly make a day of it.
When opting to go fishing in Cornwall, you’ll first have to decide whether you want to go rock, beach, sea or river fishing – as there are so many options to choose from.
As Cornwall is famed for its beautiful coastline and countryside, the amount of choice is no surprise, but many will head to Perranporth for its miles of sandy beach and the chance to catch all manner of flatfish.
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We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
