Thornbury Holiday Park & Fishing Lakes

Lake One (The Main Lake)

Overview and water layout

Lake One is the principal fishery on the property, spanning just under one acre in size. It is a mature, scenic body of water designed with open banks rather than strictly delineated pegs. There is one constructed swim located adjacent to the on-site fishing shed, but anglers are free to set up anywhere along the bank where they find a comfortable spot. The lake can comfortably accommodate around 25 anglers with plenty of elbow room, though the owners intentionally keep angling pressure light to maintain a peaceful, spacious environment for everyone on site.

The physical profile of Lake One features three picturesque islands that act as major holding areas for fish. Depths across the lake typically range from around 2-3 feet to 6 feet. The water gradually deepens toward the middle channel and then becomes shallower towards the islands.

Fish species and specimen sizes

Lake One is heavily stocked and offers fast-paced, action-packed sport. One of the main draws for specimen and coarse anglers alike is the carp population, which includes hard-fighting mirror carp, common carp to 18lb, and lovely crucian carp.

Although the fish size won’t necessarily give die-hard carp anglers their personal best, for many pleasure anglers, the joy of catching carp of this size makes a great day’s fishing. And what these fish may lack in extreme weight, they more than make up for in physical condition. Visiting anglers consistently remark on the flawless scales, undamaged mouths, and rich dark coloration of the carp landed here. In addition to carp, Lake One holds a fantastic stock of silverfish. Broad-bodied bream populate the deeper channels, while healthy shoals of roach and rudd offer constant bites throughout the day.

Tactical approaches, tackle, and bait selection

Because the carp in Lake One are not accustomed to high density feeding like in some commercial lakes, here heavy-handed specimen tactics are rarely required.

When it comes to bait choices, pop-up fishmeal boilies are consistently successful for targeting the larger mirrors and commons. Sweetcorn and meat are also good with a small particle mix as a bed.

For targeting the smaller fish, most tactics and baits work well with maggots and casters and hookable soft pellets getting bites all day. Groundbait is allowed in moderation – but don’t bring loads, a little and often approach is all that is needed here to catch.

Lake Two (The Lower Lake)

Overview and water layout

Lake Two sits further down the property away from the accommodation and offers a distinctly different angling experience.

Measuring approximately half an acre, Lake Two is about half the size of Lake One and caters to anglers who prefer a quieter, wilder style of fishing. Because it is located slightly further away less people fish it, making it an ideal choice for anglers looking for a bit of peace and quiet.

The lake can comfortably host around 15 anglers without feeling overcrowded, but some days, you may be the only one fishing it. In terms of features, Lake Two possesses a single mature island complete with dense vegetation and overhanging trees.

Additionally, one end of the pool features extensive beds of lily pads, creating the classic, visually appealing swims that are a pleasure to fish. The depth profile remains relatively shallow, varying from three to five feet with shaded margins provided by surrounding woodland cover. It’s the perfect place to cast a light weight peacock quill and a lump of cheese, right next to the lily pads, then wait until that 10lb carp can’t resist.

Fish species and elusive target fish

Lake Two contains the same mixed coarse species present in the main lake, including common carp, mirror carp, crucians, bream, roach, and rudd. However, because this water is fished less frequently, the resident fish display a much more wild and elusive nature. Catching fish in Lake Two requires a quieter approach and a bit more stealth, but the reward is landing fish that may not have seen a hook in months.

The carp in Lake Two have grown to similar weights as those in the other pool, topping out in the mid-to-upper double figures. Anglers who enjoy float fishing in shallow water will find Lake Two particularly appealing, as cruising carp and silverfish can frequently be spotted feeding among the lily pads on warm afternoons.

Tactical approaches, tackle, and bait selection

Stealth is paramount when tackling Lake Two. Leave the heavy rod pods and loud alarm setups at home; a mobile, minimal approach with a single rod and a handful of bait is far more effective. Traditional float fishing and light waggler tactics excel around the margins and along the edges of the lily pads.

Baiting strategy on Lake Two should be subtle. Heavy baiting with large quantities of boilies can sometimes spook these trickier fish. Instead, trickle small amounts of sweetcorn, soft sinking pellets, or hempseed into the swim to build confidence. Hooking a single grain of sweetcorn or a soft pellet under a delicate float presentation often triggers rapid bites from fine crucians, roach, and hard-fighting carp. Keep your main line robust enough to pull fish clear of the lily pads, and always keep your net and unhooking mat nearby.

On-site holiday accommodation

Thornbury Holiday Park offers six individual, self-catering accommodation units alongside touring pitches, providing a clean, comfortable, and well-maintained retreat after a day on the water.

Self-catering lodges and bungalows

The site features a selection of holiday lodges and stone-built cottage bungalows. Each unit sleeps between four and six guests, making them ideal for family trips, couples, or small groups of angling friends. Guests repeatedly praise these properties for their immaculate cleanliness, comfortable furnishings, and home-from-home conveniences.

Every unit comes fully equipped with comprehensive self-catering kitchens, complete with modern appliances such as full-sized ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines. Heating throughout the units ensures a warm, cozy stay regardless of the season.

There are very few booking restrictions – a minimum two-night minimum stay across all self-catering accommodations throughout the year is all that is required. Check-in runs from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM on arrival day, with check-out by 10:00 AM on departure. Group bookings for well-behaved adult angling parties are welcomed as well.

Static caravan

In addition to the lodges and bungalows, Thornbury Holiday Park offers a comfortable, fully equipped static caravan option. Capable of sleeping four to six guests, the caravan offers an economical self-catering accommodation choice without sacrificing essential amenities. It features full heating, a kitchen layout with standard appliances, comfy lounge seating, and quick access to the main park grounds.

Touring pitches and camping facilities

For touring caravan and motorhome owners, the park provides three dedicated electric hookup pitches. These spacious pitches sit on well-maintained grass grounds and offer quick access to the fishing lakes. Guests utilising the touring pitches have full access to the park’s central amenities block, which houses clean toilet and shower facilities as well as coin-operated laundry machines and tumble dryers. Touring pitch check-in opens at 1:00 PM, with check-out by 1:00 PM on the day of departure.