Purple Badger camping & fishing lakes

Two lakes in the Leicestershire countryside where you can pitch a tent, park a caravan, or just turn up with a rod and spend the afternoon watching the water. Purple Badger sits near Hungarton, surrounded by fields that roll on in that understated East Midlands way - nothing dramatic, just proper rural calm.

The fishing is the main draw. Pike, carp, roach, and bream live in those lakes, and whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who fancied giving it a crack, you can rent a peg for the day. The camping side is straightforward - caravans and tents welcome, basic facilities, the sort of place where you're genuinely here to slow down rather than be entertained. Children will either love the freedom of it or get restless after an hour. Depends on the kid, really.

Visiting in spring or autumn is best if you want decent fishing and fewer crowds. Summer gets busy with weekenders. Admission and pricing details aren't readily available online, so ring ahead before you go.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Village Farm Getaway is barely a mile away, or there's Reas Glamping Retreat just down the road - Purple Badger works as a half-day activity rather than a full outing. Not the sort of place that demands a whole day unless you're serious about fishing. It's the kind of spot that grows on you precisely because it isn't trying too hard.