London's Hidden Scales: 20 Carp Fishing Havens in the Capital and Beyond

Beneath London's urban sprawl lies a network of waters teeming with carp, waiting to be discovered by anglers in the know. This curated collection of 20 fishing spots unveils the capital's aquatic treasures, from the heart of the city to its leafy outskirts.

London's carp scene is as diverse as its population - you'll find everything from small, secluded ponds where wily twenties lurk, to vast reservoirs housing leviathans that tip the scales at over 50 pounds. Whether you're casting a line after a long day at the office or planning a weekend expedition, there's a perfect spot for you.

Journey with us from the historic waters of Richmond Park to the expansive Walthamstow Reservoirs, and venture beyond to the suburban jewels that London anglers call their second home. Each location in this guide offers its own unique challenge and charm, catering to all styles and skills.

So grab your rod, pack your bait, and prepare to explore the unexpected angling adventures that London has to offer. Who knows? Your next personal best might be swimming just a stone's throw from the London Eye or under the shadow of Canary Wharf. Let's dive in and discover London's hidden scales together.

Cover London's Hidden Scales: 20 Carp Fishing Havens in the Capital and Beyond

02 Sept 20249 min read read

Walthamstow Reservoirs, East London

Walthamstow Reservoirs is a vast complex of ten reservoirs in East London, offering some of the best urban carp fishing in the UK. The Lower Maynard reservoir is particularly renowned for its carp, holding specimens over 40lbs. This sprawling water system provides a unique experience of wilderness fishing within the city limits, attracting anglers from across London and beyond. The site's status as a nature reserve adds to the appeal, offering excellent fishing amid diverse wildlife.

Ten reservoirs, with Lower Maynard popular for specimen carp
Carp to over 40lbs, with a significant stock of twenties and thirties
Day tickets and season tickets available
Excellent facilities including a cafe and tackle shop

Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City

While technically just outside London, Stanborough Lakes is easily accessible and popular among London anglers. The venue consists of two lakes, with the North Lake being the prime spot for carp fishing. Spanning 17 acres, this water holds a good head of carp with fish to over 30lbs. The lake's varied features and well-maintained swims provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all levels, making it a favorite for both day sessions and overnight fishing.

Two lakes, with the 17-acre North Lake focused on carp
Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy population of twenties
Night fishing available with prior booking
On-site cafe and water sports activities

Bedfont Lakes Country Park, West London

Bedfont Lakes Country Park offers a tranquil carp fishing experience in West London. The main lake, spanning 11 acres, holds a good stock of carp with specimens over 30lbs. This mature gravel pit provides a challenging environment for carp anglers, with its islands, bays, and varied depths. The park setting offers a scenic backdrop for fishing, making it a popular spot for London anglers seeking a peaceful session without venturing far from the city.

11-acre main lake with a focus on carp fishing
Carp to over 30lbs, with a good head of doubles and twenties
Day tickets available, night fishing with membership
Beautiful park setting with good facilities

Thorpe Park, Surrey

While famous for its theme park, Thorpe Park also offers excellent carp fishing opportunities on its lakes. The Manor Lake, spanning 8 acres, is a dedicated carp water holding fish to over 40lbs. This unique venue allows anglers to fish in the shadow of roller coasters, providing a truly distinctive urban carp fishing experience. The lake's stock of big carp and the unusual setting make it a must-visit for London anglers looking for something different.

8-acre Manor Lake focused on specimen carp
Carp to over 40lbs, with numerous thirties
Unique setting within a theme park complex
Night fishing available, booking essential

Redmire Pool, Richmond Park

Redmire Pool in Richmond Park is a historic venue that has played a significant role in carp fishing history. This intimate 3-acre lake offers challenging fishing for carp up to the mid-twenties. While it may not hold the giants of some commercial fisheries, its beautiful setting in London's largest Royal Park and its rich angling heritage make it a special place to fish. The limited access and natural surroundings provide a wilderness feel despite being within the capital.

3-acre historic pool in Richmond Park
Carp to mid-twenties, with a reputation for hard-fighting fish
Limited access, permits required from The Crown Estate
Beautiful natural setting with abundant wildlife

Birchmere Lake, Thamesmead

Birchmere Lake in Thamesmead offers urban carp fishing at its finest. This 12-acre lake holds a good head of carp, with specimens reaching over 30lbs. The lake's island features and varied margins provide excellent holding areas for carp, offering challenging fishing for anglers of all levels. Its location in East London makes it easily accessible for city dwellers, providing a quick escape to nature without leaving the urban environment.

12-acre lake in an urban setting
Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy stock of doubles and twenties
Day tickets available, night fishing permitted
Good bankside access and basic facilities

Papercourt Lake, Surrey

Papercourt Lake, while slightly outside London, is a popular destination for the capital's carp anglers. This 22-acre former gravel pit offers challenging carp fishing with specimens over 30lbs. The lake's size and varied features, including islands and deep margins, provide diverse fishing opportunities. Its peaceful setting and the quality of its carp make Papercourt a favorite among those willing to venture just beyond the city limits for a premium fishing experience.

22-acre lake with a significant carp population
Carp to over 30lbs, with potential for larger uncaught specimens
Day tickets and night fishing available
Scenic location with well-maintained facilities

Stanwell Fishery, Middlesex

Stanwell Fishery, located near Heathrow Airport, offers three well-stocked lakes for carp anglers. The specimen lake, known as The Moor, is the jewel in the crown, holding carp to over 30lbs. Despite its proximity to the airport, the fishery provides a surprisingly peaceful environment. The varied features of The Moor, including islands and marginal shelves, offer excellent challenges for experienced carp anglers, making it a popular choice for London-based fishing enthusiasts.

Three lakes, with The Moor focused on specimen carp
Carp to over 30lbs, with a good head of twenties
Day tickets and night fishing available
Well-maintained facilities including a tackle shop

Orchid Lakes, Oxfordshire

Although located in Oxfordshire, Orchid Lakes is within reach for dedicated London anglers seeking top-quality carp fishing. The venue consists of two lakes, with the specimen lake being the main attraction. Holding carp to over 40lbs, this 10-acre water offers challenging fishing in beautiful surroundings. The lake's stock of big carp and its reputation for producing specimens make it worth the journey for serious carp anglers based in London.

Two lakes, with a 10-acre specimen lake
Carp to over 40lbs, with several thirties
Booking essential, popular among specimen hunters
Excellent facilities including lakeside accommodation

Waltham Abbey Lakes, Essex

Waltham Abbey Lakes, situated just outside London's northeast border, is a complex of three lakes popular among the capital's carp anglers. The Bottom Lake is renowned for its carp fishing, holding specimens over 30lbs. This mature gravel pit offers varied features including islands and deep margins, providing excellent carp-holding areas. Its proximity to London and consistent fishing make it a favorite for both day sessions and overnight trips.

Three lakes, with the Bottom Lake best for carp
Carp to over 30lbs, with a good stock of twenties
Day tickets and night fishing available
Well-maintained swims and good bankside access

Farlows Lake, Buckinghamshire

Farlows Lake, while technically in Buckinghamshire, is a favorite among London carp anglers due to its proximity and quality fishing. This 25-acre lake is renowned for its stock of big carp, with numerous fish over 30lbs and some exceeding 40lbs. The lake's varied features, including islands, bars, and deep holes, provide a challenging environment for anglers. Its reputation for producing specimen carp makes it a must-visit venue for serious anglers in the London area.

25-acre lake focused exclusively on specimen carp
Carp to over 40lbs, with multiple 30lb+ fish
Day tickets and night fishing available, booking recommended
Excellent facilities including a tackle shop and cafe

Feltham Piscatorials, West London

Feltham Piscatorials offers urban carp fishing at its finest in West London. The complex features several lakes, with Harris Lake being the prime spot for carp anglers. Spanning 6 acres, this water holds a good stock of carp with fish to over 30lbs. Its location within the M25 makes it easily accessible for London anglers, providing quality fishing without the need to venture far from the city.

Multiple lakes, with 6-acre Harris Lake focused on carp
Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy population of twenties
Day tickets available, night fishing for members only
Well-maintained facilities and good bankside access

Thorney Weir Lakes, West Drayton

Thorney Weir Lakes, located near Heathrow Airport, is a complex of three lakes popular among London's carp anglers. The Main Lake, spanning 12 acres, is the jewel in the crown, holding an impressive stock of carp with several fish over 30lbs and a lake record approaching 40lbs. Despite its proximity to the airport, the venue offers a surprisingly peaceful environment, making it a favorite for both day and night fishing sessions.

Three lakes, with the 12-acre Main Lake best for carp
Carp to nearly 40lbs, with a good head of thirties
Day tickets and night fishing available
On-site tackle shop and cafe

Lizard Fisheries, Essex

Lizard Fisheries, while in Essex, is within easy reach of East London and offers excellent carp fishing opportunities. The venue features several lakes, with the Carp Lake being the main attraction for specimen hunters. This 7-acre water holds a good stock of carp with fish to over 30lbs. The lake's interesting features and well-maintained swims provide a comfortable and productive fishing experience for anglers of all levels.

Multiple lakes, with a dedicated 7-acre Carp Lake
Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy stock of twenties
Day tickets and night fishing available
Good facilities including a tackle shop and cafe

Hollybush Lake, Hertfordshire

Hollybush Lake, situated just north of London in Hertfordshire, is a picturesque 7-acre venue offering challenging carp fishing. The lake holds a good head of carp with specimens over 30lbs, making it attractive to anglers seeking quality fish close to the capital. Its varied features, including islands and reed-lined margins, provide excellent carp-holding areas and create an interesting fishing environment.

7-acre lake focused on specimen carp
Carp to over 30lbs, with several twenties
Day tickets and night fishing available, booking essential
Scenic setting with well-maintained swims

Korda Lake at Embryo Angling, Essex

The Korda Lake at Embryo Angling, while in Essex, is a popular destination for London's serious carp anglers. This purpose-built 12-acre lake has been designed with carp fishing in mind, offering a stock of high-quality carp including several fish over 30lbs. The lake's modern features and carefully planned swims provide an excellent environment for targeting big carp, attracting anglers willing to travel for a premium fishing experience.

12-acre purpose-built carp lake
Carp to over 30lbs, with potential for larger specimens
Booking essential, limited number of anglers allowed
Modern facilities and well-designed swims

Farnham Angling Society Waters, Surrey

Farnham Angling Society offers several waters within reach of London anglers, with Badshot Lea Big Pond being particularly noteworthy for carp fishing. This 10-acre lake holds a good stock of carp with fish to over 30lbs. The venue's varied features and peaceful setting provide an excellent escape for London anglers looking to fish quality waters without venturing too far from the city.

Multiple waters, with 10-acre Badshot Lea Big Pond popular for carp
Carp to over 30lbs, with a good head of twenties
Day tickets available for non-members on certain waters
Well-maintained facilities and good access

Longfield Lake, Kent

Longfield Lake, located in Kent but easily accessible from Southeast London, is a 26-acre venue offering challenging carp fishing. The lake holds a significant stock of carp, including several fish over 30lbs and some approaching 40lbs. Its size and varied features provide diverse fishing opportunities, from long-range tactics to margin fishing. The quality of its carp and the lake's scenic setting make it a popular choice for London anglers seeking a premium fishing experience.

26-acre lake with a substantial carp population
Carp to nearly 40lbs, with numerous thirties
Day tickets and night fishing available, booking recommended
Picturesque setting with well-maintained facilities

Horton Complex, Berkshire

The Horton Complex, while in Berkshire, is within reach of dedicated London carp anglers and is considered one of the UK's premier carp fishing destinations. The complex features several lakes, with Kingsmead 1 being particularly famous for its huge carp. This water has produced carp over 50lbs and attracts anglers from across the country. The challenging nature of the fishing and the potential for record-breaking catches make it a bucket-list venue for many London-based carp enthusiasts.

Multiple lakes, with Kingsmead 1 renowned for monster carp
Carp over 50lbs, with several forties and fifties
Syndicate membership required, limited availability
Iconic venue with a rich carp fishing history

Sutton at Hone Lakes, Kent

Sutton at Hone Lakes, located in Kent but easily accessible from South London, offers a variety of fishing opportunities across its five lakes. For carp anglers, the Main Lake is the primary attraction, spanning 11 acres and holding a good stock of carp with fish to over 30lbs. The lake's interesting features, including islands and varied depths, provide excellent challenges for carp anglers of all levels, making it a popular venue for both day sessions and overnight fishing.

Five lakes, with the 11-acre Main Lake focused on carp
Carp to over 30lbs, with a healthy population of twenties
Day tickets and night fishing available
Good facilities including a cafe and tackle shop

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