Quick facts
Postcode
Species
Facilities
About Bluebell Lakes
Bluebell Lakes at Tansor near Oundle, a short drive from Peterborough, is one of the best known big carp day ticket complexes in England and was home to Benson, the celebrated common carp reported at over 60lb before its death in 2009. Five lakes make up the fishery: Kingfisher and Swan hold the biggest fish, with old dark carp reported into the mid 50lbs, Bluebell and Sandmartin mix forties with general stock, and the 20 acre Mallard is the runs water full of doubles. A stretch of the River Nene adds running water variety. Day tickets on Bluebell and Mallard are listed at £20 for three rods, with Kingfisher and Swan sold as 24 hour tickets around £40; confirm prices before travelling. Showers, a tackle shop and Benson's Cafe sit on site.
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The lakes
Five stillwaters plus a stretch of the River Nene make up the complex. Kingfisher and Swan are the big fish waters, holding dark old carp reported well into the mid 50lbs, and both sell 24 hour tickets only so long stay anglers are not disturbed by daily comings and goings. Bluebell is the pretty one, weeping willows, pads and reed lines over carp to around 40lb, while Sandmartin offers deep holes and weed with fish reported to 50lb. Mallard is a sprawling 20 acre runs water with more than 40 pegs and stacks of doubles and twenties, and Tony's Duck Pond gives juniors somewhere to learn.
Tickets and prices
Published prices list day tickets, 7am to 7pm, at £20 for three rods on Bluebell and Mallard, with the river at £8. Kingfisher, Swan and Sandmartin sell as 24 hour tickets only at around £40 for three rods, with Bluebell and Mallard 24 hour tickets at £35 and £37.50. Longer sessions and weekly tickets are available, non anglers pay a small fee, and discounts run for juniors, over 65s, forces and disability badge holders. Prices change, so check bluebell-lakes.co.uk or ring 01832 226042 before setting off.
The famous fish
Bluebell earned its reputation through Benson, a common carp that grew past 60lb and was for a time the most famous fish in Britain before it died in 2009; the on site cafe carries the name. The complex has produced a long list of heavyweight carp since, with fish reported to the mid 50lbs from Kingfisher and Swan, plus big catfish, tench and bream over the years. Treat historic top weights as history rather than a current stock list, and ask at the on site tackle shop what is actually being caught.
Facilities and getting there
The fishery sits at Tansor between Oundle and Peterborough, postcode PE8 5HP, a short run off the A605. Facilities are unusually good for a carp water: male and female showers and toilets, a fully stocked tackle shop, a charging station and Benson's Cafe for mid session breakfasts. Individual lakes close in rotation for maintenance such as weed cutting, so check the venue's website or social updates for closures before committing to a long drive.
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Bluebell Lakes: frequently asked questions
Yes — Bluebell Lakes is a fishing venue in Tansor, Northamptonshire (postcode PE8 5HP). Check the fishery website for current rules and bookings.
Yes — Bluebell Lakes offers day tickets. Always confirm current ticket prices and availability with the venue before travelling.
Bluebell Lakes is stocked with Common carp, Wels catfish, Tench, Common bream, Pike, Perch, Roach, Crucian carp, Chub. Stocks vary by lake and season — check with the fishery for the latest catch reports.
Yes — anyone aged 13 or over fishing for freshwater fish in England or Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence, even on private waters like Bluebell Lakes. A 12-month 2-rod licence is £36.80 in 2026, and juniors aged 13–16 fish free but must register. Read our full guide at /blog/fishing-licence-uk-guide.
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