Holiday homes in a fishery setting – and a lot of development to come

Words by Val Chapman

Close to village of Barnby Moor and the market town of Retford on the banks of the River Idle in Nottinghamshire lies a complexity of fishing lakes. At present several of the holiday homes overlook the lakes and gives us a clear idea of what this place can offer: above all, tranquillity – and fishing.

A great transformation is about to begin here – because Hallcroft has just been purchased by a company which is going to expand the park's holiday home offering. James Park Homes' director Mark James meets us there to show us around.

Peaceful park

It's a bright summery-looking winter day when we visit. Endless walking trails beckon. The delightful remoteness and peacefulness impresses us first. It's hard to believe this place is 10 minutes from the rush of the A1.

Bull-rushes rise from the clumps of vegetation around the six main fishing lakes which are lightly frozen over as we arrive. It looks bleak on the early spring day of our visit but enticingly quiet. A true backwater in which to fish and unwind.

There's a large and comprehensively-stocked fishing tackle shop here, together with a bar and café that serves breakfasts at weekends.

Revitalised

Mark explains there are plans to upgrade the park. Part of his revitalisation plans will start at the entrance, with new signs. And then plots for new, luxury holiday lodges, some of them bordering the lakes, with hot tubs on the decking.

There are presently 50 holiday homes here. Planning consent has already been obtained for the first phase of development, a further 15.

Hallcroft is rated as one of the top fishing destinations in the UK, Mark tells us: "There are 400 fishing pegs here and one of the six lakes extends to nine and a half acres." Lakes are individually named – among them are Reed Pool, Bridge Pool and Croft Pool, Moat Pool, River Ponds and Canal Pool.

It's clearly a fisherman's paradise. Matches are held here four times a week. The main species here are common carp, mirror carp, tench, crucian carp, bream, roach, perch and eel.

Hallcroft is close to the character market town of Retford, good for shopping, eating and all things convenient. There's a Morrison's supermarket a 10-minute walk from one of the footpaths that lead from the park; a wooden bridge leads over a fast-flowing stream at the edge of the park.

We stand on the bridge and take in the babbling sound of water, the song –and that's all. Tranquillity is the keynote here, we discover over and over again as we explore. The park is open all year.

Contact

Hallcroft Fishery and Caravan Park
Website hallcroft-fishery.co.uk
Telephone 01777 719911