Gone fishing! The best places to go fishing

Fishing Places in the UK

Discover a connection with nature whilst you enjoy angling at some of the UK’s best places to fish. If you are wondering where you can go fishing, you will find a selection of different types of fishing available near our forest locations. From coarse fishing, and fly fishing to sea fishing, this guide to provides advice about where different types of fishing are available around the UK. If you are thinking about going fishing when you are on holiday, why not stay at one of our forest lodges with hot tubs?

 

Coarse Fishing: Bankside Tranquillity

Coarse fishing is a favourite freshwater pastime in the UK, where anglers target “rough” fish like carp, roach, bream, chub, and dace. With a robust rod and reel setup, floats, sinkers, and a little groundbait, you’ll find yourself in serene lakes, rivers, and canals that flow gently through the countryside. Imagine spending a peaceful day at fisheries set amidst the lush greenery of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, where the ancient trees seem to whisper their secrets.

Our locations at Sherwood Forest, Blackwood Forest, Garwnant Brecon Beacons, Cropton and Keldy in North Yorkshire, and Delamere Forest are all near places to go coarse fishing.

Game Fishing: Fish for Supper

Game fishing focuses on species like trout and salmon, and is all about finesse and a light touch. Using lighter rods - often paired with specialized lures or fly-fishing gear - you can enjoy the clear, cool waters of idyllic rivers. Picture yourself by the gentle streams near Beddgelert in Snowdonia National Park or along the pristine banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders near Glentress Forest. These settings offer an exquisite blend of water and woodland where every cast feels meditative.

Our locations at Cropton and Keldy in North Yorkshire, Garwnant Brecon Beacons, Beddgelert Snowdonia, Glentress Forest, Thorpe Forest near Thetford and Forest of Dean are all near places to go Game Fishing.

Fly Fishing: Casting Among Ancient Trees

Fly fishing is as much an art as it is a sport. With a delicate fly rod, reel, and hand‑tied flies, this method offers a unique, almost poetic connection to nature. Enjoy the calm of crystal‑clear rivers weaving through ancient woodlands—imagine casting your line along the banks of Loch Lubnaig, at Strathyre in Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park or the tranquil rivers near Glentress Forest in the Scottish Borders. The soothing sounds of flowing water, mingled with the rustle of nearby trees, create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Our locations at Garwnant Brecon Beacons, Glentress Forest, Cropton and Keldy in North Yorkshire, Blackwood Forest and Forest of Dean are all near places to go Fly Fishing.

Sea Fishing: Embracing the Coastal Wild

For a change of pace, sea fishing brings you the refreshing thrill of angling in saltwater environments. Cast your line into the deep blue from a rugged pier or a small charter boat and target species such as cod, bass, or mackerel. Consider a coastal escape to Deerpark in Cornwall, where the dramatic sea views and gentle coastal breezes create the perfect backdrop for your angling adventure.

Our locations at Deerpark Cornwall, Blackwood Forest Hampshire and Cropton and Keldy in North Yorkshire, and Ardgartan Argyl in Scotland are near places to go sea Fishing.

Surf Fishing (Beachcasting): The Coastal Connection

Surf fishing, or beachcasting as it’s known locally, is a rugged yet rewarding style that brings you face-to-face with the dynamic interplay of sea and shore. Using extra‑long rods (typically 12–16 feet) and heavy tackle to overcome rolling waves, you can cast your line far into the surf. Imagine standing on the expansive beaches of the South Coast or the coastlines of North Yorkshire as you search for your next big catch.

Our locations at Deerpark Cornwall, Blackwood Forest Hampshire and Cropton and Keldy in North Yorkshire, and Ardgartan Argyl in Scotland are near places to go sea fishing.

Kayak Fishing: A Close‑to‑Nature Adventure

Kayak fishing offers a special kind of freedom—gliding silently along a quiet river or lake, where you’re immersed in the beauty of nature. Outfit your kayak with a compact rod setup and let the gentle sway of the water carry you to hidden spots. Envision a day spent on the calm waters of Loch Lubnaig at Strathyre, where you’re surrounded by the soft murmur of the forest and the delicate rustle of leaves overhead.

Our locations at Strathyre, Scotland, Forest of Dean and Sherwood Forest are near places where you can go kayak fishing.

Fishing Licences

In England and Wales, remember that a valid rod licence is required and that fishing in UK rivers is not permitted from the 15th of March to the 15th of June to preserve fish stocks. In different region of the country, other byelaws regarding fishing apply.

In Scotland, with the exception of the River Usk, a rod licence is not required. You will need the land owners permission and other regulations may be in place.

Generally, sea fishing along the British coastline does not require a rod licence—unless you’re targeting regulated species like salmon or sea trout, where specific rules apply.

If you are taking a boat, kayak or unpowered craft on a canal or river, you will also need a licence for that.

Where to Go Fishing in the UK

Forest Holidays offer 13 incredible UK destinations where the magic of fishing meets the majesty of nature. Embrace the unique connection with nature that each fishing method offers, and let the UK’s diverse landscapes be your guide. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful day by a secluded lake or an invigorating coastal adventure, these fishing experiences promise both excitement and a deep, restorative bond with the natural world.