Fantastic fishing holidays with Crabtree & Crabtree

As we settle into autumn, this is the perfect time to dig out rods and waders and plan a fantastic fishing holiday.

With more than 25 properties perched right on the banks of the Tweed, North Tyne, Teviot and Till, we have an ever-growing collection of former fishing shiels, mills, converted steadings and picture-perfect cottages that not only offer access to great fishing – including sought-after rods on the best beats and private estates – but also have gorgeous interiors equipped with angler-friendly benefits such as rod racks and spacious boot rooms where you can dry off your waders and soggy kits.

So, whether you’re after some serious sport, fancy trying your hand at fly fishing at some of the best and most scenic fishing spots in Britain, or simply want to inspire a love of the river and fishing in the younger generations, you’re sure to find the perfect base with us.

Here are our top picks for a Crabtree & Crabtree fishing holiday:

Wark Farmhouse, Cornhill-on-Tweed | Sleeps 12 + 2

Wark Farmhouse is a rather special six-bedroom home ideal for families, fishing parties and large groups of friends. Positioned in a glorious spot by the River Tweed, and in a much-loved area for salmon anglers who come to fish on the famous river on the South Wark beat and the Lower North Wark beat, which are both on the doorstep. Guests staying at Wark Farmhouse also have the use of a comfortable fishing hit overlooking the Ferrystream pool and the ruins of Wark Castle. The excellent fishing doesn’t stop there, there’s also the plenty of Middle and Lower Tweed salmon beats including Hendersyde, Sprouston, Birgham and Carham within an easy drive.

Abbey House, Coldstream | Sleeps 8

Abbey House has the feel of a beautiful country home: a period house (sleeping eight) tucked away on the edge of the bustling Borders town of Coldstream on the banks of the River Tweed. Prime Lower Tweed beats are a few minutes' drive away (including Tillmouth, Lennel and The Lees), and the house itself has rod racks and a handy deep freeze to store your catch. The property also has a large sunny walled garden with fabulous river views, including those of the famous Monument Pool just below the house – a great spot to watch others fish.

Fisherman's Cottage, Melrose | Sleeps 4

Fisherman’s Cottage is a picture-perfect Borders property (sleeping four), complete with roses around the door and idyllic views. Positioned mid-way between St. Boswells and Melrose it’s very close to notable middle Tweed beats as well as iconic local visitor attractions, such as Scott's View, walking trails in the Eildon hills and the handsome town of Melrose, for those less taken with piscatorial pursuits. The Cottage has rod racks and great storage facilities for kit.

The Trouthouse, Maxton | Sleeps 6+2

The aptly-named The Trouthouse is a stylish Scandi-style pad set near the banks of the River Tweed, just south of St Boswells. This property sleeps eight and adjoins the handsome Maxton House, set in eight acres of private grounds, with excellent fishing on hand. The nearby middle Tweed beats of Dryburgh, Tweedswood, Bemersyde and Lower Pavilion offering some excellent value fishing. In addition to fishing, there's golf, walking and cycling routes – including the Borders Abbey route – to explore. 

St Cuthbert's Farmhouse, Cornhill-on-Tweed | Sleeps 10

St Cuthbert’s Farmhouse is a striking Victorian farmhouse (sleeping ten) set amid 600 acres of rolling borders farmland. This property is an obvious choice for anyone fishing the prime bottom and middle Tweed beats - including Tillmouth, Lennel and The Lees - and is also a great spot for anyone in the party who doesn’t fish – the walking is wonderful. In terms of practicalities, there is a dedicated rod and boot room and a separate box freezer to store your catch.

The Boathouse, Norham | Sleeps 10

The Boathouse is in an idyllic position at the end of a no-through lane on the banks of the River Tweed in Norham. The property sleeps 10 and enjoys the backdrop of an ever-changing view of the River Tweed – one of the world's greatest salmon fishing rivers – and its inhabitants including ducks, geese, moorhens, herons and otters. This is the ideal rural retreat, with river views from every room and excellent fishing just a roll cast from the bedroom window.

Dryburgh Farmhouse. St. Boswells | Sleeps 10

Dryburgh Farmhouse is set right on the banks of the River Tweed and sleeps 10. It too is in easy distance of notable middle Tweed beats including Dryburgh, Tweedswood, Bemersyde and Lower Pavilion. Fishing aside, the Temple of the Muses sculpture, mighty William Wallace Statue, spectacular ruins of Dryburgh Abbey and the Dryburgh Suspension Bridge are all a short walk away, as is the local village of St. Boswells: a great lunch spot.

Countess Park, Bellingham | Sleeps 10

Looking out over arable land leading down the River Teviot, Garden Cottage boasts a peaceful country setting that hits the right note for fishing, walking and cycling pursuits along the tranquil river valleys. There are thirteen designated walks around this area ranging from short two-mile stretches to more demanding eight-mile hill hikes in the beautiful countryside and rolling Border hills. Similarly, there are lots of cycling and mountain biking routes if you’d rather cover more ground. However you decide to explore, make sure to pack a picnic and stop along the way to enjoy a feast of local goodies while you take in the spectacular views.

Junction House, Scottish Borders | Sleeps 6

Junction House is a fabulous Kelso townhouse on the banks of the River Tweed, sleeping six. It has views over the legendary Junction Beat, one of the most sought after beats on the Tweed and a tiered garden that leads right down to the river. The house’s south-facing roof terrace is a great spot to take in the wildlife and watch fellow anglers on the river. Kelso is home to The River Tweed Salmon Museum, with some 2,000 objects relating to the history and heritage of salmon fishing on the Tweed.

Twizel Mill House, Cornhill-on-Tweed | Sleeps 8

Twizel Mill House has a prime spot on the banks of the River Till. Sleeping eight, this multi-level property has stacks of space, while its garden and grounds stretch up and down the river offering great frontage. The River Till is known primarily for its sea trout and salmon fishing, but there is also a healthy natural stock of brown trout and grayling. This is also great walking country, so make sure to pack your hiking boots and explore local walking trails when you aren't wading through the river!

Hamilton House, Coldstream | Sleeps 6

Set high on the riverbank, Hamilton House overlooks the River Tweed and offers access to over 1.4 miles of the owning estate’s own beat. Milne Graden is primarily a salmon beat but has good runs of grilse and sea trout through the summer months. Other nearby prime beats include Tillmouth, Lennel, Ladykirk and The Lees. Fishing aside there is great walking in the nearby Cheviots and the coast isn’t far either. Hamilton House sleeps six and has a wonderful country-house feel, with a garden full of local wildlife.

If you like the look of any of these properties and would like to book a fishing trip, give us a ring on 01573 226711 or drop a line to info@crabtreeandcrabtree.com