Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite

Three lakes surrounded by woodland just outside Horsham - that's the draw here, and it's a genuine spot for anglers who know what they're after. Sumners Ponds is primarily a working fishery, so this isn't a leisure park in the traditional sense. You come here to fish, or you come here to camp and fish, which rather shapes the whole experience.

The setup is straightforward: two fishing lakes plus a third, all well-maintained and stocked. The campsite runs alongside it, so you get a proper working countryside feel rather than anything manicured or resort-like. If you're into carp fishing or general freshwater angling, you'll find what you need. The setting itself - trees, water, relative peace - has genuine appeal beyond just the fishing.

For families without fishing in mind, it's less compelling. Kids might enjoy the water views for twenty minutes, but there's not much else to occupy them if rod and reel hold no appeal. The value proposition is really only there for serious anglers or campers who fish.

Nearby alternatives offer more variety - Knepp Wildland Safaris (4.3 miles away) gives you proper safari-style experiences, while Raylands Country Park (2.8 miles) has broader appeal for mixed-interest groups. Sussex Topiary Campsite (4.1 miles) works better if you want camping without the fishing prerequisite.

If you're planning a Sussex stay and fishing is your thing, Sumners Ponds fills a gap well. Otherwise, it's a specialist proposition worth skipping in favour of more flexible local alternatives.