Finlake Resort and Spa, Chudleigh, Devon
TQ13 0EJ · Chudleigh, on the edge of Dartmoor
Devon Holiday Lodges With Free Coarse Fishing
A large Haulfryn resort in a wooded valley near Chudleigh with lodges, caravans and cabins, some with hot tubs, indoor and outdoor pools with flumes, the Sirona Spa, a gym, The Retreat Forest Kitchen and Bar, and a coarse lake free to guests with tench, bream, roach, rudd and mirror carp.
A family resort where the lake is a relaxed extra. Finlake is a full holiday resort with pools, a spa and a busy activity programme, and its coarse lake is free to guests. Bait is limited to maggots, sweetcorn and luncheon meat, and earlier reviews say the fishing suits beginners rather than experienced anglers. Recommend it to families with a young angler, not to carp anglers.
Good for
- Families with a beginner angler
- Hot tub lodge breaks
- Bringing a dog
Think twice if
- You are an experienced angler: reviews say the lake suits beginners
- You want night fishing: the lake closes at dusk
Pack a rod licence
Fishing is free for guests, but you need an Environment Agency rod licence, bought online or from the post office in Chudleigh.
What a Stay at Finlake Is Like
Finlake Resort and Spa is near Chudleigh, outside Newton Abbot, in a wooded valley on the edge of Dartmoor. It is run by Haulfryn and open all year.
Accommodation ranges from caravans and holiday homes to lodges, A-frame lodges, a woodland cabin and a signature loft sleeping eight, with hot tubs on some units. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools with flumes, the Sirona Spa, a gym, The Retreat Forest Kitchen and Bar, The Hub café, a sports bar, a shop, EV charging and woodland trails. The resort is dog friendly, with non-pet lodges and dog free zones around the pools and play areas.
The coarse lake is free for guests and stocked with tench, bream, skimmers, roach, golden rudd and mirror carp. It is open from 7am to dusk, with two rods, barbless hooks and a limited bait list. Haulfryn's park page mentions two coarse fishing lakes.
Written from guest reviews and the venue’s published details. We have not stayed here ourselves.
The Fishing at Finlake
A free coarse lake for guests with tench, bream, roach, rudd and mirror carp.
Which lake is which
| Lake | Type | Pegs | Size | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finlake coarse lake | Guests only | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Tench, bream, skimmers, roach, golden rudd, mirror carp |
Tickets, times and rules
| Licence | Environment Agency rod licence required |
| Tackle | Maximum 2 rods; barbless hooks; landing net required |
| Nets and bait | No keepnets or groundbait; maggots, sweetcorn and luncheon meat only |
| Hours | 7am to dusk |
The Lodges
Lodges, caravans, cabins and a loft, some with hot tubs.
What Guests Say
Consistently praised
- Spacious, modern, clean lodges
- Hot tub lodges worth the extra
- Friendly staff
Worth knowing
- Damaged hot tub covers and controls reported
- Decking rotting in places
- Fishing only suits beginners
Summarised in our own words from public reviews. Read the reviews on Tripadvisor.
Questions About Finlake
Is fishing free at Finlake?
Yes, the fishing lake is free to all guests. You need an Environment Agency rod licence.
Source: haulfrynholidays.co.uk Finlake guide
What fish are in the lake?
Tench, bream, skimmers, roach, golden rudd and mirror carp.
Source: haulfrynholidays.co.uk Finlake guide
What bait can I use?
Maggots, sweetcorn and luncheon meat only, with no groundbait or keepnets.
Source: haulfrynholidays.co.uk Finlake guide
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, in pet lodges. Dogs must be on a lead around the resort and are not allowed by the pools or in play areas.
Source: haulfrynholidays.co.uk Finlake guide
Are there hot tubs?
Yes, on some caravans and lodges.
Source: haulfrynholidays.co.uk
Getting There
Finlake Resort and Spa, Chudleigh, Newton Abbot, Devon. Postcode TQ13 0EJ.
Open in Google Maps · Phone 0800 464 0900
Choose option 2 for main reception.
