Docklow Pools opens new attraction

A Herefordshire resort offering fishing, accommodation and a pub is hoping a new walk around its 110 acres of wooded countryside will help it overcome recent challenges.

With a dozen constructed fish ponds, the family-run Docklow Pools east of Leominster, which turned 50 in October 2022, claims to be the first fishery of its kind in the country.

Mike and Josie Bozward initially transformed what had been a derelict, boggy farm into the current attraction, now run by son Jonathan.

Now to make it more of a year-round draw, a 1.8-mile surfaced woodland walk has been constructed, intended to be suitable for all ages and disabled-friendly, and offering visitors the chance of spotting deer, kingfishers and owls.

Jonathan Bozward said that while the lure of staying in one of the 40-odd holiday lodges was seasonal, he hoped the move would strengthen its year-round appeal.

“We have a staff of 20 and want not only to hold onto them but to take more on,” he said.

“Out of season, people will still come out here for a coffee, and unlike at some places, they don’t have to pay for parking.”

Open seven days a week, the resort has made a name for itself locally with the food at its pub, the Fisherman’s Arms, rated by TripAdvisor as the county’s top breakfast restaurant and also offering a Sunday carvery.

Recent government changes hitting the cost of employment, coupled with flooding which damaged lower-lying lodges, have been recent challenges to overcome, Mr Bozward added.