How fisheries can capitalise on the UK staycation boom with lakeside lodge accommodation

The UK staycation market has grown significantly in recent years as more people choose to holiday closer to home. In fact, a survey found that 71% of Brits say they specifically look for outdoor recreation holidays when booking their next trip. For fisheries, this presents a clear opportunity to diversify and maximise income.

Well-located lakes, peaceful surroundings and access to nature already make fisheries attractive destinations. By introducing high-quality accommodation, operators can transform day-visit venues into sought-after short-break destinations.

Pinelog, a UK manufacturer of bespoke timber lodges, has been designing and building high-quality accommodation for holiday parks, rural enterprises and private landowners since 1986. Based in Derbyshire, the company combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design to create durable, visually distinctive lodges that sit naturally within rural and waterside environments.

Turning day-ticket venues into destination fisheries

In an increasingly competitive leisure market, diversification is often essential for long-term success. A well-designed “fish and stay” offer extends visitor dwell time from hours to days, creating new income streams through accommodation bookings, longer fishing sessions and repeat visits.

Many fisheries are already located in scenic countryside settings, making them well suited to attracting overnight anglers, weekend visitors and looking for a rural escape.

Making the most of lakeside landscapes

Lakeside views, woodland settings and open countryside – landscapes in which many fisheries sit – are exactly the environments sought by today’s staycation market.

Pinelog’s timber lodges are designed to complement these surroundings. Large windows frame views across the water, while outdoor decking areas allow guests to relax beside the lake after a day’s fishing.

Pinelog’s latest lodge design, the Orryn, incorporates a projecting roofline that transforms external decking into an inviting all-season living space. The sheltered areas are ideal spa facilities, dining or simply relaxing outdoors while watching wildlife around the lake.

For waterside settings, Pinelog’s distinctive New England lodge design is also a popular choice. A number of these lodges are located around the 24-acre lake at Mercia Marina Village & Park, where they provide luxury holiday accommodation alongside the marina edge.

Tony Preston, Sales and Marketing Manager at Mercia Marina, explained why the five-star Derbyshire park chose Pinelog lodges. He said: “Mercia Marina is set in a conservation park so it’s important that everything co-exists. There is so much diverse wildlife here, it was important that we had accommodation that both blended with the environment but was also a luxury space.”

Practical features designed for anglers

Thoughtful internal layouts ensure that a Pinelog lodge works practically for fishing guests. Each lodge can be customised and built to suit the requirements of its setting.

Utility rooms can provide dedicated storage for rods, waders and equipment, keeping living areas clean and comfortable. Additional features such as hot tubs and saunas also add to the appeal of a fishing break, offering a place to relax after a day spent on the bank.

Built for year-round use

Quality and durability are essential for accommodation operating in rural environments. Pinelog lodges are built to the BS 3632 residential standard, allowing them to be used throughout the year rather than only during peak seasons.

This independent benchmark recognises high standards of construction, safety, energy efficiency and structural strength. In practical terms, it means Pinelog lodges remain comfortable in every season while requiring minimal maintenance.

Tony Preston added: “The construction of a Pinelog lodge is first class in our opinion. In addition to being fully timber clad, they have a glue laminated wooden chassis which offers excellent durability.”

Bespoke design that widens your market

Pinelog lodges are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing fisheries to create accommodation that suits both their site and their target audience.

Layouts can range from compact one-bedroom lodges ideal for individual anglers or couples, through to multi-bedroom accommodation suitable for families and larger groups. This flexibility enables fisheries to appeal to a broader visitor base while still providing facilities tailored to anglers.

With four decades of experience designing and manufacturing luxury timber lodges, Pinelog has built a strong reputation within the holiday park and rural tourism sector. Customers frequently highlight the company’s support and guidance throughout the design, specification and siting process, helping ensure each lodge investment delivers long-term value.

Start planning your lakeside lodge village today

To find out how a bespoke luxury timber lodge could help maximise income at your fishery, call the Pinelog team on 01246 942842 or contact us here