A Guide to the Lakes of the Lake District
Lake Buttermere is a tiny northwest gem! Pastel Pine
The Lake District is home to just one ‘proper lake’ and the rest are tarns or other bodies of water. You’ve likely heard of Lake Windermere, and maybe a few others. But how well do you know the 16 or so ‘lakes’. Here is your guide, so you can know where to visit, or possibly win at the pub general knowledge quiz!
Always stick to the Countryside Code to help protect all creatures. If near to lakes or coastal areas (there are a few), read up on water safety for dogs. Also read our post on mountains of the Lake District.
The Classic Big Lakes
Although there are 16 lakes, these big lakes are the best-known. Alas, they do suffer from over-tourism in summer.
Lake Windermere
This is the largest natural body of water in England, a narrow lake that stretches 11 miles, near busy summer towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside. These are the most popular bases to explore, though the lake has been in the news recently for sewage pollution. Join the campaign for better sewage treatment to protect wild swimmers, dogs and wild creatures that live there.
The town of Windermere is not actually on the lake, it’s a few miles away. Poet Wordsworth campaigned against the building of a railway station there, saying it would ruin the quiet village. He was right. Today the station is much smaller, a good portion of it has now been turned into a Booth’s supermarket.
Ullswater (home to Aira Force Waterfall)
This is a large lake (7.5 miles) that is lovely after a rainy day, a long and winding body of water. Set below the wild peaks of Helvellyn and Place Fell, this lake is loved by walkers and photographers.
Derwent Water (on the edge of Keswick)
This lake is surrounded by wooded hills and gentle slopes, feeling softer and greener than many of the other lakes. Walkers like to gather here, along with wild swimmers.
There are many small islands scattered across this lake, plus a shore with easy walking paths, and views to Catbells (a mountin). The viewpoint of Friar’s Crag is a short flat walk from Keswick, perfect for a sunset stop.
Bassenthwaite Lake
This is in the northern Lake District, and the only real ‘lake’. It has wide open views and a sense of calm, surprising near a main road. There are no passenger boats here, just footpaths and cycling routes on the western shore. Ospreys (fish-eating birds of prey) like to nest here in spring and summer, when visiting from Africa. The lake is looked over by the Skiddaw mountain range, making for dramatic sunsets.
Smaller Gems Worth Seeing
If you’re not keen on mass tourism, then these beauties may appeal. For a gentle walk, a relaxed lunch by the shore or a quiet paddle, away from other people.
Coniston Water (and the Old Man!)
Set below the Old Man of Coniston (a well-known mountain), this is a beautiful village with a shore line walk, although in summer it does get busy with paddle steamers and tourists.
Of course, this lake is known as being where speed racer Donald Campbell died in the 1960s, his body only recovered 20 years ago. This charming place has a zero waste shop, little eco eateries and a tiny museum!
Grasmere (home to William Wordsworth)
Lake Grasmere is next to the village that was the home of poet William Wordsworth. You can walk the lakeside to Ambleside, known for its pretty bridges and waterfalls. It’s quite a long walk, but a pretty one.
Near to Grasmere is Rydal Water, surrounded by woodland and lovely walking trails, and a favourite jaunt of Wordsworth. It has ‘small beaches’ to enjoy dipping your toes!
Rydal Water (small but packed with charm)
This lake is tucked away between Rydal village and Ambleside, and a quiet hidden place. Walkers love the quiet paths and narrow lakeside trails, shaded by trees, with benches and small grassy spots for a break or picnic. This lake links well to Rydal Hall Gardens, and several footpaths lead uphill for stunning views.
Elter Water (views of Great Langdale Valley)
This little lake has views of the four peaks: Pavey Ark, Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle and Harrison Stickle. Nearby Stickle Tarn has views over Great Langdale, with rock pools cut into the mountain, and dramatic waterfalls.
Hidden Lakes Away from the Crowds
You may not even have heard of these lakes, but now you have!
Esthwaite Water (near Hawkshead & Near Sawrey)
Esthwaite Water is a tiny lake that’s home to many visiting ospreys, and sits within walking distance of the chocolate-box village of Hawkshead, and the hamlet of Near Sawrey (which was home to writer Beatrix Potter).
The surrounding area has many gentle walks, and you may catch glimpses of herons or ducks along the shore. If you really like the peace and quiet, this is the ‘hermit’s lake! to discover, before anyone else does!
Ennerdale Water (mostly birds and breeze!)
This little lake has a wild beauty, with few crowds. The rugged paths along the shore are popular with walkers. The area remains almost untouched, and the birds like it that way!
Wastwater (England’s deepest lake)
This lake is surrounded by high peaks (including Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain that is only for experienced climbers). The wild setting has earned this lake the title of ‘Britain’s Favourite View’.
Buttermere and Crummock Water
Lake Buttermere is framed by dramatic fells that rise from its shores. The easy path around the lake offers a quiet charm. Nearby Crummock Water is quite remote, just 3 miles long. And popular with wild swimmers.
Haweswater (home to England’s last golden eagle)
This wild lake has a sad ending, as England’s last golden eagle lived here. Mostly untouched by visitors, read Wild Fell, the story of how local people used the extinction of this beautiful bird to rewild the rest of the Lake District, so other species can hopefully survive.
Loweswater (peaceful shores and forest)
This hidden lake is not a tourist hot-spot. Sheep graze and herons fish close to the shore, while buzzards fly overhead.
Thirlmere (the south/north Lake border)
This long narrow lake is surrounded by forests, and has lots of shady spots. It’s near to Helvellyn mountain, one of England’s highest climbs. It’s more enclosed than other lakes, and passes through both pine woods and then open moor.
