Scenic UK carp lake at dawn

Fishery guide · Essex

Crowsheath Lakes

Crowsheath gives you four different options, from the island-lined Specimen Lake to mixed coarse fishing on Pleasure Lake. There’s night fishing and a handy kit-transfer service too, but check the tariff before booking — the published prices don’t all agree.

“6.8/10 — Four waters, advertised carp sizes and a mixed coarse option give plenty to consider, without implying guaranteed catches.”

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The lowdown

Crowsheath Lakes sits on Hawkswood Road in Downham, near Billericay, Essex. It’s a four-lake setup with a proper choice of fishing: Specimen Lake, Crowsnest, Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake. That means you can pick a water around the session you fancy rather than treating the whole place as one big carp venue.

  • 4 lakes: Specimen Lake, Crowsnest, Carp Canal, Pleasure Lake
  • Fish: carp, bream, roach
  • Tickets from: Specimen — undated official day ticket, up to three rods — £15
  • Find it: Billericay · CM11 1JT

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Crowsheath Lakes

Billericay · CM11 1JT

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The full rundown on Crowsheath Lakes

Crowsheath Lakes sits on Hawkswood Road in Downham, near Billericay, Essex. It’s a four-lake setup with a proper choice of fishing: Specimen Lake, Crowsnest, Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake. That means you can pick a water around the session you fancy rather than treating the whole place as one big carp venue. We haven’t fished it ourselves, so this is a guide to what’s advertised, not a tale about us bagging up.

Specimen Lake is the biggest clearly measured water here, at 8.6 acres, with two large islands and 24 advertised spacious pegs. Those islands are the obvious features to consider when choosing a swim, although there’s no checked detail here about depths or productive spots. It’s the one to look at if you fancy a bigger-water carp session, with published ticket options stretching from a day through to 72 hours.

Crowsnest brings a different angle: exclusive lake bookings for groups of up to six anglers. That could be a cracking option for getting your mates together without splitting everyone across separate waters. The fishery says it was restocked in 2021 with over 100 carp to 31lb. Keep that date in mind, though — it’s a stocking statement from then, not a promise about today’s head of fish or what you’ll land.

Carp Canal is the more compact carp option, covering just over one acre with six large swims. The fishery advertises carp to over 25lb, so small water doesn’t necessarily mean small fish. Pleasure Lake is the smallest of the four and accommodates up to eight anglers. Its listed carp, bream and roach give you a mixed coarse alternative when you’d rather have that choice than make the whole trip about a carp.

The practical bits deserve a look before you load the car. Published opening hours are 7am–7pm every day, while night fishing is also available through overnight tickets. Don’t assume those opening hours explain late arrivals: check arrangements when booking. Toilets and drinking-water taps are reported, and a buggy-and-trailer service can take equipment to swims, subject to weather and availability. Handy for cutting down the carrying, but not something to bank on without asking.

The main bit of faff is pricing. The undated official tables and a separate tariff effective April 1, 2026 disagree, particularly for Specimen and Crowsnest, so ring the fishery before committing. The Carp Canal page also points anglers towards the Catch app. Pack the right fish-care gear, check the rules for your chosen water and keep cars in the designated parking areas. Get those details squared away and you can concentrate on choosing the right lake for your session.

Straight from anglers online

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Crowsheath Lakes FAQs

Where is Crowsheath Lakes?

Hawkswood Road, Downham, near Billericay, Essex, CM11 1JT.

Can I fish overnight?

Yes. Night fishing is available and 24-hour and longer tickets are sold. Published opening hours are 7am–7pm every day, so check overnight arrival and access arrangements when booking.

Which prices should I use?

Confirm directly with the fishery. The undated official tables conflict with a separate tariff effective April 1, 2026, and that newer tariff doesn't specify rod allowances.

Can I get help moving my tackle?

A buggy-and-trailer service can transport equipment to swims, subject to weather and availability. Cars must stay in designated car parks, with no driving or parking on grass.

Where's the nearest tackle shop?

We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Crowsheath Lakes. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Billericay.

Do I need to bring food?

We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.

Are there toilets on site?

Yes — the fishery lists toilets reported.

Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?

Yes — designated car parks. Walks to the further pegs can be a trek, so a barrow helps.

What's the postcode for the sat nav?

CM11 1JT.

How much is a ticket?

Specimen — undated official day ticket, up to three rods: £15; Specimen — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods: £30; Specimen — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods: £60; Specimen — undated official 72 hours, up to three rods: £90; Crowsnest — undated official day ticket, two or three rods: £15; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, two rods: £25; Crowsnest — undated official 24 hours, three rods: £30; Carp Canal — undated official day ticket, up to three rods: £10; Carp Canal — undated official 24 hours, up to three rods: £20; Carp Canal — undated official 48 hours, up to three rods: £40; Pleasure Lake — undated official day ticket, two rods: £10; Pleasure Lake — undated official 24 hours, two rods: £20; Pleasure Lake — undated official 48 hours, two rods: £40; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £20/12 hours; Specimen — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £35/24 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £20/12 hours; Crowsnest — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £40/24 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £10/12 hours; Carp Canal and Pleasure Lake — separate 2026 tariff effective April 1; confirm price and rod allowance: £20/24 hours. Prices last checked 2026-10-02 — they can change, so check before you go.

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?

Day tickets are available on Specimen Lake, Carp Canal, Pleasure Lake. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.

What fish are in there?

Across the lakes you'll find carp, bream, roach. See each lake tab for which fish live where.

How many lakes are there?

4 — Specimen Lake (8.6), Crowsnest (Not published), Carp Canal (Just over one acre), Pleasure Lake (Not published).

Is night fishing allowed?

We haven't seen a clear night-fishing rule. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Can I bring my dog?

Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Are bait boats allowed?

We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Do I need barbless hooks?

No — Only barbless or micro-barbed hooks are allowed.

Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?

Bring one either way — most fisheries expect it and the fish deserve it.

Is it suitable for disabled anglers?

We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.

Do I need a rod licence?

Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.

When's the best time of year to fish here?

Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.

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