High Lodge, Hinton, near Darsham, Suffolk
IP17 3QT · 120 acres of woodland near Darsham
Suffolk Fishing Lodges With a Residents' Lake and Private Hot Tubs
Nineteen lodges in 120 acres of woodland at Hinton, near Darsham, with a one acre lake for lodge guests only, a smaller day ticket lake, private hot tubs at the Waters Edge and Claywood lodges, and a restaurant, clubhouse and clay shooting ground.
A sporting estate first, with a quiet residents' lake for the afternoon. High Lodge is best known for shooting: it was founded over 30 years ago by John Bidwell, a multiple world, European and British sporting clay champion. Lodge guests get a one acre lake to themselves with carp into double figures. Some anglers have reported shooting noise, spent cartridges near the water and fish losses they put down to otters, so it suits a mixed group better than a serious carp angler.
We have stayed here. Read the full review of this venue, written after a paid stay: High Lodge Leisure – Lodge Review: Great All Round Fishing + Hot Tubs!.
Good for
- Groups mixing shooting and fishing
- Couples wanting a hot tub near the Suffolk coast
- Relaxed fishing for carp, tench and silvers
Think twice if
- You are bringing a dog: the fishery listing says dogs are not permitted
- You want to night fish or use bolt rigs: neither is allowed
Pick Waters Edge or Claywood for a hot tub
The fishery listing says the Waters Edge and Claywood lodges have private outdoor hot tubs; the Lakeview lodges are not listed with them.
What a Stay at High Lodge Leisure Is Like
High Lodge is at Haw Wood, Hinton, near Darsham, on 120 acres of woodland near the Suffolk Heritage Coast. It was created over 30 years ago by John Bidwell, a multiple world, European and British sporting clay champion, and offers clay shooting with instructors, archery and air rifles alongside a restaurant and clubhouse.
There are 19 lodges with one to three bedrooms, sleeping two to six, in three areas: Lakeview, Waters Edge and Claywood. Waters Edge and Claywood lodges have private outdoor hot tubs, all have private balconies and garden furniture, and the lodges are non smoking.
The Residents' Lake is about an acre, long and narrow with two islands and lily beds, and is only for lodge guests. Its common and mirror carp run from ten to over fifteen pounds, with tench of two to three pounds, roach and rudd to over a pound and perch to two pounds. The half acre Day Ticket Lake has 14 platform pegs and smaller carp.
Written from guest reviews and the venue’s published details. We have not stayed here ourselves.
The Fishing at High Lodge Leisure
A one acre residents' lake and a half acre day ticket lake, with carp, tench, roach, rudd and perch.
Which lake is which
| Lake | Type | Pegs | Size | Depth | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residents' Lake | Lodge guests only | Not confirmed | About 1 acre | Not confirmed | Carp 10 to 15lb plus, tench, roach, rudd, perch |
| Day Ticket Lake | Day ticket | 14 platforms | About 0.5 acres | Not confirmed | Carp averaging 2 to 3lb, silvers |
Tickets, times and rules
| Hooks | Barbless only; one rod, one hook |
| Rigs and bait | No bolt rigs; no groundbait, loose feed only; no nuts or cat meat |
| Night fishing | No |
| Tickets | Day £8, short break £20, seven days £25 |
| Other | Unhooking mats required; under 12s supervised; no dogs |
The Lodges
Nineteen woodland lodges sleeping two to six in three areas.
What Guests Say
Consistently praised
- Comfortable, well equipped lodges
- Friendly staff
- Good shooting instruction for beginners
Worth knowing
- One angler found dead carp and scales, pointing to otters
- Spent cartridges near the lake
- Shooting noise
Summarised in our own words from public reviews. Read the reviews on Tripadvisor.
Questions About High Lodge Leisure
Is there a private lake for guests at High Lodge?
Yes. The Residents' Lake, about an acre with two islands, is only for lodge guests.
Source: fisheries.co.uk listing
Do the lodges have hot tubs?
The Waters Edge and Claywood lodges have private outdoor hot tubs.
Source: fisheries.co.uk listing
Can I night fish?
No. Night fishing, bolt rigs and groundbait are not allowed.
Source: fisheries.co.uk listing
Are dogs allowed?
The fishery listing says dogs are not permitted. Check with High Lodge before booking.
Source: fisheries.co.uk listing
How much is a day ticket?
£8 for a day, £20 for a short break and £25 for seven days.
Source: fisheries.co.uk listing
Getting There
Haw Wood, Hinton, near Darsham, Suffolk. Postcode IP17 3QT.
Open in Google Maps · Phone 01986 784347
