Britain has some incredible angling opportunities if you know where to look. Whether you like game, coarse, or sea fishing, this small island has it all. A few places really stand out from the crowd, though. Some are great for a certain species. Others excel at their sheer variety. We’ve picked out what we believe are the best fishing towns in Britain this year.
With so much water and so many species to choose from, picking Britain’s best fishing towns is a difficult task. That is why we looked for places that offer more than just water. Each town on this list has plenty to do once you pack your rods away, making it a proper holiday spot you could visit year after year.
Every town or city is unique, as is the fishing on offer. So, in no particular order, here are this year’s best fishing towns in Britain.
Brighton, Sussex
The Town
Where better to kick off our list than one of the country’s most iconic seaside cities? Brighton is the perfect city break destination – it’s just impossible to get bored here! Gawk at the outlandish architecture of the Royal Pavilion. Pore through quirky shops in the Lanes. Take a stroll along the beach or the pier. Once the sun goes down, you’re spoilt for choice of great gigs, delicious meals, interesting pubs, and pumping clubs.
The Fishing
Don’t stay out too late, though, because there’s a fishing charter waiting for you at first light! Head out from Brighton Marina to haul in Pollock, Cod, Ling, and huge Conger Eels, as well as tasty flatfish like Sole, Dab, and Plaice. Don’t like boats? Fish off the harbour wall or from the beach for a chance of Mackerel, Red Mullet, and Smooth-Hound Sharks.
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
The Town
Great Yarmouth isn’t the first town that springs to mind when picking a holiday, but this classic seaside resort really has a lot to offer. Roller coasters, long sandy beaches, a great aquarium – the town has all the makings of a family holiday. And that’s before you even look at the open green countryside inland.
The Fishing
Great Yarmouth’s fish aren’t limited to its aquarium. The legendary coarse fishing grounds of the Norfolk Broads start as soon as you get out of town. These calm canals are best known for their huge Pike, but you can also find anything from Carp and Bream to Roach, Rudd, Perch, and Tench swimming about here. If that’s not enough, you have plenty of beach space to set up your rods on!
Perth, Central Scotland
The Town
Perth is a place with some serious history. Sitting an hour north of Edinburgh on the edge of the Scottish Highlands, it’s a town of stone buildings and medieval castles, with settlements dating back 8,000 years. Take a stroll along the River Tay to get a feel for the town, then visit Black Watch Museum and the nearby Scone Palace (don’t forget to try a scone while you’re there!). Round off your trip with a walk up Kinnoull Hill for stunning views over the Lowlands.
The Fishing
Of course, any angler worth their waders will know the area for a very different reason: Salmon. The River Tay is an outstanding Salmon fishery, and it flows right through the town centre. Salmon aren’t the only game fish on offer, either. Just a few miles to the south, Loch Leven has some of the best Brown Trout in the world. In fact, Loch Leven Trout are so good that they have been stocked as far away as Australia and Argentina!
Bournemouth, Dorset
The Town
Bournemouth is an amazing city for water babies and outdoorsy types. The Independent listed two of the city’s beaches among Britain’s best. Bournemouth Beach even took the number one spot. There’s something for everyone on the beach, whether it’s a gentle stroll along the pier or a full-on day of surfing. And Bournemouth would be well worth a visit even without the sea. It’s a proper city with a great nightlife and some amazing galleries and museums to boot.
The Fishing
The thing that makes fishing in Bournemouth special is the mix of coarse, game, and sea fish on offer here. You can join a charter and fill the boat with Pollock, Bream, Wrasse, and Whiting. You can also get some great catches without leaving the beach. Just inland, you have the Avon Royalty Fishery, one of the most picturesque and productive stretches of water in England. This is classic chalk stream fishing, with lots of Pike, Barbel, and Carp, as well as Salmon and Sea Trout. In short, it has it all.
Ramsgate, Kent
The Town
Ramsgate has the dubious honour of being “Britain’s most bombed coastal town” but its jolly Royal Harbour lost none of its charm in the process. After you’ve taken a stroll and relaxed on the beach, delve into the warren of tunnels that stretch beneath the city to learn all about Ramsgate’s WWII history. You can also visit the maritime museum to get you in the mood for the town’s signature pastime – fishing!
The Fishing
Ramsgate is one of the most popular sea fishing spots in Britain. The large harbour is full of charter boats and experienced skippers. Jump aboard and head out to fight Cod, Pollock, Plaice, and Rays. You can also find Tope Sharks weighing as much as 30 pounds in the summer. If boats aren’t your thing, Ramsgate Pier is a great place to catch Eels, Wrasse, Pouting, and more.
Windermere, Cumbria
The Town
The Lake District needs no introduction as a holiday spot. It’s the most visited – and arguably the most beautiful – national park in Britain. Over 16 million people visit each year, and it’s easy to see why. The town of Windermere is the perfect launching point for exploring the area. You can take a boat out onto Lake Windermere or just relax in any of the endless cozy pubs – the perfect way to unwind after a long day of walking or fishing.
The Fishing
The town is lovely, but it’s the lake that draws anglers here. Lake Windermere is home to giant Pike, Perch, Eels, and other coarse favourites. The game fishing is just as good, with big Brown Trout and the rare Arctic Charr. Salmon and Sea Trout also migrate through the lake in the spring. And that’s just one lake. You have plenty more to choose from!
Inverness, Scottish Highlands
The Town
Known as “the Capital of the Highlands”, Inverness has been an important site for millennia. The impressive walls of Inverness Castle and ancient mounds of Clava Cairns tell the tale of a town steeped in history. Inverness keeps this history alive with traditional music at ever-packed and lively venues like the Hootananny. Round off the evening with great music and a local Speyside or Highlands whisky. Just make sure you keep your head for the next day’s fishing!
The Fishing
Inverness may be a seaside town, but all the best angling happens inland. Start off on the beautiful banks of the River Ness for some outstanding Salmon and Trout fishing. Move up to Loch Ness to add Pike, Eel, Arctic Charr, and who knows what other monsters to the list. If you don’t mind taking a drive through the Highlands (and let’s be honest, who does?) you can even test your spey cast in the Mecca of Salmon fly fishing – the River Spey itself.
Swansea, South Wales
The Town
Sheltered in the Bristol Channel, surrounded by beautiful countryside and a stone’s throw from some stunning sandy beaches, Swansea is an ideal base for exploring South Wales. It’s also a hugely underrated city break destination. You can see a play at the Grand Theatre, explore Swansea Market – the largest in Wales – learn about the country’s nautical history at the National Waterfront Museum, and go all-out with the town’s infamous nightlife. You won’t get bored, that’s for sure.
The Fishing
Beautiful lakes, remote streams, two different seas to choose from – Welsh anglers have a lot to be proud of. But what makes Swansea special? Well, it has one of Britain’s oldest charter ports for a start. A day at sea here will earn you delicious Cod, Whiting, Bass, and more. Otherwise, the local ponds are home to a range of coarse fish. If you want to make a day of it and don’t mind the drive, you can even head inland to fish the River Wye, easily one of the prettiest in Britain and home to Barbel, Chub, Roach, Grayling, and Pike.
Newquay, Cornwall
The Town
It’s no secret that Newquay is the heartland of British surfing. People visit from around the world to test their skills on Fistral Beach. But Newquay has more going for it than its surf. It’s a very pretty town that gets even nicer once the crowds leave at the end of summer. Stroll the streets and take in the sea air, then warm up with a cream tea (jam first) or a pasty (Barnecutt’s are the best, in our opinion). Round off the evening with a local cider then get some rest – you’ve got a big day of fishing ahead of you!
The Fishing
Newquay was a fishing town long before the surfers showed up. And the fishing hasn’t stopped. Charters from Newquay Harbour take groups to fish over sunken warships for Pollock, Ling, and Conger Eels, or around reefs for Sea Bream, Bull Huss, Cod, and more. It’s also one of the best places in Britain for big game fishing against giant Blue and Porbeagle Sharks. All this, with the stunning Cornish cliffs as your backdrop.
Scarborough, Yorkshire
The Town
Scarborough has something for everyone. If you’re looking for an active day out, you can walk the Dinosaur Coast in search of fossils and stunning views. Just want to relax? Head to South Bay Beach to swim and lounge on soft, yellow sands. Time your trip right and you can also enjoy the Coastival festival, when gigs, plays, comedy acts, and art exhibits pop up all over town. There’s also the castle, SEA LIFE sanctuary, and some of the best fish and chips in Yorkshire. What more could you want?
The Fishing
If the answer is “great fishing”, don’t worry – there’s plenty of that, too! Fish from the beach or the rocks for Mackerel, Dab, Whiting, and Wrasse. Jump on a boat, and you can also catch huge Pollock, Cod, and Ling around deep-sea wrecks. Back on dry land, visit local fishery lakes to take on Pike, Perch, Roach, and Rudd, or even try your luck with dry flies on the River Derwent. The hardest part is choosing what to do first!
And the Winner is…
Every town on our list has great fishing and plenty more besides. It’s impossible to choose a single winner from our best fishing towns in Britain – it really comes down to what style of angling you’re after.
If you love Salmon, go to Scotland. If you want big game battles, Cornwall is your best bet. Looking for consistent sunny weather? Well, there’s only so much you can ask of Britain. One thing’s for sure, though, you’ll find great fishing and lots of fun in any of these towns. So what are you waiting for, find a charter near you and start reeling in some dinner!
Which is your favourite town on our list? Are there any we missed that you think deserve a mention? Drop us a comment below, we would love to hear from you!
