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Planning your next fishing holiday? Take a look at these highly regarded destinations that cater specifically for anglers
HAMPSHIRE
1. THE GROSVENOR, STOCKBRIDGE
The Grosvenor, an historic gem, sits proudly at the heart of Stockbridge, the smallest town in England, just minutes from the banks of the River Test. The hotel has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is a delightful, relaxing destination with 34 stunning bedrooms that mix antiques with contemporary pieces. There are three fantastic eateries, including the elegant Market Room Restaurant and River Room, for private dining, and the fabulous new 1822 Bar. The beautiful Terrace is ideal for enjoying a morning coffee in the sunshine or for dining alfresco, or you can ask the hotel for one of its delicious hampers. Dogs are welcome too.
Contact 01264 810606; thegrosvenorstockbridge.com
Email:info@thegrosvenorstockbridge.com
DUMFRIES
2. ALDERNEUK FISHERY
With beautiful views across the rolling Galloway countryside, Alderneuk Lodge is situated in the grounds of Alderneuk Fishery, nestled in a quiet glen, near the small village of Terregles. The fishery provides an attractive and well-stocked three-acre loch holding good-sized rainbow, blue, brown and tiger trout. Fishing is exclusively for lodge guests and can be booked by contacting the owners direct. An ideal base for exploring this beautiful region, and based minutes away from the historic town of Dumfries, you’ll be well placed to enjoy wildlife-watching and hill-walking, as well as a wide variety of locations, including forests, coastal areas and sandy beaches.
Contact 07901 602020; discoverscotland.net/property/alderneuk-lodge/ Email:alderneuk@googlemail.com
NORTHUMBERLAND
3. THE BOATHOUSE ON TWEED
Nestled in an idyllic position at the end of a lane on the banks of the River Tweed, set amid its own private beat, the Boathouse on Tweed boasts magnificent views over the river to the hills beyond. Teeming with wildlife, the beat is set in a particularly tranquil and beautiful stretch of the river, devoid of traffic noise, and offers excellent-value Tweed fishing. Mel Brindley, the gillie, is a highly experienced Tweed fisher who can help you maximise your enjoyment of the river.
Contact 07557 382263; boathouseontweed.co.uk
Email:cathpairestate1@gmail.com
HAMPSHIRE
4. FISHERMAN'S LODGE, WHERWELL
This idyllic retreat is located on the banks of the Test in the grounds of historic Wherwell Mill. Perfectly placed for the ultimate fishing experience, world-class beats are a few minutes away. Choose from two charming lodges, en-suite and self-catering, equipped with everything needed for a relaxing and indulgent weekend. There are several great pubs within walking distance and additional gastronomic options in picturesque Stockbridge and the surrounding villages. Guests are welcome to enjoy the lodge's beautiful riverside garden, which teems with wildlife. After a long day’s fishing, sit and relax by the water’s edge, drinking in the incredible view and the magical sounds of the river.
Contact 07876 523359; fishermanslodgewherwell.co.uk
Email:tessa@fishermanslodgewherwell.co.uk
OUTER HEBRIDES
5. FINSBAY COTTAGES
Finsbay Cottages are three self-catering lodges next to Finsbay Fishings on the picturesque east coast of the Isle of Harris. The four-star properties offer a cosy, comfortable atmosphere near the site of the old Finsbay Lodge. You can watch seals and otters in front of the lodges, which are an ideal base for exploring the island. Each lodge sleeps six and has wheelchair access with one twin bedroom, a shower room, sauna and open-plan lounge-diner-kitchen on the ground floor. A further en-suite twin, a super-king double and a family bathroom are on the upper floor. There are more than 100 lochs and lochans in the Finsbay, Flodabay and Stockinish systems and prices for fishing are from £7 per day on Stockinish, £9 on Flodabay and up to £32 on Finsbay.
Contact 07795 244997; finsbaycottages.co.uk
Email:info@finsbaycottages.co.uk
SCOTTISH BORDERS
6. KINGSKNOWES HOTEL
Located off the A7, between Galashiels, Melrose and Selkirk, the Kingsknowes Hotel is situated in five acres of carefully tended gardens above the banks of the River Tweed. The view from the hotel across the river takes in Abbotsford House, home to the 19th century novelist Sir Walter Scott, with a backdrop of the Eildon Hills. The hotel has 12 individually furnished en-suite guest bedrooms, including a family room, the Scott Suite and various other standard and superior double/twin rooms. In the heart of the Scottish Borders, the Kingsknowes Hotel is ideally located for trout, salmon and grayling fishing as well as many other activities, such as golf, cycling and horse riding.
Contact 01896 758375; kingsknowes.co.uk
Email:enquiries@kingsknowes.co.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND
7. COLLINGWOOD ARMS
At the Collingwood Arms you can enjoy the pleasures of fly-fishing on the River Tweed, just a short walk from the hotel. Fish for delights such as wild brown trout, sea-trout (sea-run brown trout), Atlantic salmon and grayling. While The Collingwood is well placed to service almost all sections of the Tweed, there are other rivers close by, such as the Till (sea-trout and brown trout) and the Whiteadder (known to provide decent salmon runs). Over the last few years, The Collingwood has become well known as a place to enjoy some post-fishing craic and a great dinner. You’ll be sure to hear brilliant stories at the bar, and its range of beers, spirits and wines are always well received.
Contact 01890 882424; collingwoodarms.com
Email:enquiries@collingwoodarms.com
MORAY
8. GORDON CASTLE
Gordon Castle is the ideal venue for a fishing holiday in the Scottish Highlands and has one of the largest stretches of fishing on the River Spey with 5½ miles of double-bank beats for up to 24 fishers daily. The four beats run from Orton to 1½ miles north of Fochabers Bridge, and each beat is provided with a gillie, sturdy wooden boats, good nets and a comfortable fishing hut. Gordon Castle's catches of salmon and sea-trout are among the most prolific in Scotland. All fishing holidays are individually tailored to your requirements and can be arranged with excellent fully catered or self-catering accommodation.
Contact 01343 820244; gordoncastle.co.uk Email:factor@gleco.co.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND
9. TILL FISHING
The Tiptoe beat of the River Till in beautiful Northumberland provides one mile of excellent private fishing for sea-trout, salmon, grayling and brown trout while staying at The Orchard Cottage and Border View Cottage, winners of the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year award at the North East Tourism Awards in 2023. The Till is an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). The Tiptoe beat comfortably accommodates three rods. Guests can also enjoy activities on the farm, which include bread-making, pilates instruction, and Restore and Retreat Days. There are also plenty of activities for families in the games room, and there is a tennis court. Something for everyone.
Contact 07974 416692; tillfishing.co.uk Email:fish@till-fishing.co.uk
DUMFRIESSHIRE
10. KIRKWOOD ESTATE
Find beautiful self-catering cottages on the Kirkwood Estate in the heart of South Scotland. The farm sits in an unspoilt lowland area with rolling hills, oak woods and lush pastures. A holiday at Kirkwood is a real farm experience, encompassing natural beauty, peace and quiet, rural walks and countryside activities. Fishing-break packages on the Kirkwood and Jardine Hall beats can be tailored to suit you. There are seven holiday cottages, which can be used as a base for exploring the countryside, fishing, attending the estate's highly regarded salmon schools, and much much more.
Contact 01576 510200; kirkwood-lockerbie.co.uk
Email:office@realfarms.co.uk