smeaton lakes just off the A1 at newark depending which side of london you are maybe around 2 hours, don't think they allow fires but the fishing is good, and doesn't cost the earth.
Unfortunately my partner wants the best of both worlds (he thinks he's Ray Mears!) so a site with both would be ideal, but we will bear that in mind for fishing.
St Ive's Farm, Butcherfield Lane, Hartfield (it's listed with reviews on the campsite search but I don't know how to do link!) It's on Kent/Sussex borders, so well within your 2 hour drive from London.
It has both fishing and fires. We stayed last year in Spring and were surrounded by rape seed fields and blue bell woods, it was beautiful with some great walking too. It does get very busy July/August weekends, if you can go during the week it is quieter.
Mary
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That's really helpful. Thanks Mary. What were the toilet and shower facilities like (that's all i ever worry about - i'm not as demanding as my other half!!)
From what I can remember only 2 toilets and 1 shower in a 'portaloo' type unit. They were not particularly clean or modern but there was loo roll! There was a stand pipe with cold water but no washing up sink. Have a read of the reviews because I think they may have added a sink this year. But glamarous they were not.
However, don't be put off if you like good old-fashioned back to basics camping.
Thanks again Mary. I've had a look at the reviews and it does sound as though things are quite basic, but I think that's usually the case at most sites that allow fires. As long as it's clean (and the loos flushes) then it sounds like it might be worth a try!
Thanks!
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
My husband also thinks he's a budding Ray Mears - he would like one of his courses for his 40th next year but they are completely booked up!
Anyway any site that lets you have a bbq is useful because we take one of those cast iron bbqs that looks like a big bowl, put it on two bricks and make a fire in it, and no-one has ever complained. We find our own wood etc or take it with us in the motorhome.
There is a site with a river that positively encourages you to make fires by the stream in Dolgellau, Gwynedd which I know is nowhere near you but you might like to think about it in the future.
My son is also into fishing and so we are looking for similar sites to yourself - the more basic the better me thinks!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.