Lakes in UK offer some of the most peaceful and scenic places to visit. From the famous waters of the Lake District to the legendary lochs of Scotland, these lakes are perfect for relaxing walks, boating, wildlife watching, and outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or calm, the lakes in UK provide the perfect escape into nature’s elegance and mystery.
1. Lake Windermere
Source: wikipedia
England’s largest natural lake, Windermere, stretches over 10.5 miles in Cumbria’s Lake District. This long ribbon lake is a haven for both leisurely travelers and adventure seekers, offering a blend of scenic walks, boat cruises, and charming lakeside towns.
Highlights:
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England’s largest lake by surface area.
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Offers scenic cruises on traditional steamers.
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Surrounded by picturesque towns like Bowness and Ambleside.
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Home to water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
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Orrest Head viewpoint offers panoramic views of the lake.
Location: Cumbria, Lake District, England
Entry Fee: Free (charges for cruises and activities)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boat cruises, kayaking, walking, cycling, visiting Windermere Jetty Museum
Nearby Restaurants: The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant, Porto Restaurant, The Flying Pig
Suggested Read: UK Visa for Indians
2. Loch Ness
Source
Loch Ness, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, is globally renowned for the elusive Loch Ness monster. But beyond the myths, it offers dramatic scenery, ancient ruins, and deep, mysterious waters. At 22 miles long and over 700 feet deep, it holds more water than all English and Welsh lakes combined.
Highlights:
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Home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster (Nessie).
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Urquhart Castle provides a dramatic lakeside viewpoint.
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Stunning backdrop for photography and mythology fans.
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The Loch Ness Centre offers immersive experiences.
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Perfect for hiking, especially along the South Loch Ness Trail.
Location: Inverness-shire, Scotland
Entry Fee: Free (castle and attractions have separate charges)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Castle tours, boat cruises, hiking, Nessie-themed exhibitions
Nearby Restaurants: Fiddler’s Highland Restaurant, Cobbs Café
Suggested Read: UK Visa Extension for Indians
3. Derwentwater
Source: wikipedia
Derwentwater is a serene lake nestled near Keswick in the Lake District. It’s famous for its wooded islands, tranquil setting, and the nearby theatre “Theatre by the Lake.”
Surrounded by wooded fells and craggy hills, it’s one of the most picturesque and accessible lakes in the UK.
Highlights:
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Offers eight islands, including the scenic Lord’s Island.
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Beautiful walking paths like the Derwentwater Walk (10 km loop).
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Theatre by the Lake for cultural evenings.
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Boat hire and cruises are available year-round.
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The nearby Catbells hike offers unbeatable lake views.
Location: Keswick, Lake District, England
Entry Fee: Free (boat hire and performances chargeable)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Hiking, rowing, boat cruises, picnicking, photography
Nearby Restaurants: The Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant, The Dog & Gun, The Square Orange
4. Loch Lomond
Source: wikipedia
Just north of Glasgow, Loch Lomond is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain by surface area. With over 30 islands and surrounded by the Trossachs National Park, it combines rugged Scottish beauty with easy access to water sports and hiking.
Highlights:
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Part of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
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Kayaking, paddleboarding, and watersports center at Luss.
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Ben Lomond provides an excellent hiking summit.
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Cruises to Inchcailloch and other islands are available.
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Accessible from Glasgow, perfect for day trips.
Location: West Dunbartonshire & Stirling, Scotland
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, hiking, island exploration, camping, fishing
Nearby Restaurants: Duck Bay Restaurant, The Village Rest, The Oak Tree Inn
Suggested Read: 25 Fascinating Facts About UK
5. Coniston Water
Source: wikipedia
Located in Cumbria, Coniston Water is a quieter, less commercialized gem in the Lake District.
It was made famous by Donald Campbell’s water speed record attempts and Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons. Its peaceful shores and sailing waters offer a nostalgic charm.
Highlights:
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Home to the iconic Steam Yacht Gondola.
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Views of the Old Man of Coniston fell.
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Excellent lake for kayaking and sailing.
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Ruskin Museum tells the local history and Campbell’s story.
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Ideal for peaceful walks and stargazing.
Location: Coniston, Lake District, England
Entry Fee: Free (activities and museums charge separately)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, historical tours, hiking, birdwatching
Nearby Restaurants: The Bluebird Café, Steam Bistro, Black Bull Inn
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6. Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
Source: wikipedia
Wales’ largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), lies in Snowdonia National Park and is known for its windswept charm and sailing conditions. Its deep waters are home to the rare Gwyniad fish, and legends speak of a drowned city beneath the lake’s surface.
Highlights:
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Ideal for windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking.
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The Bala Lake Railway offers vintage train rides.
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Located in Snowdonia for hiking and mountain views.
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Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy otter sightings.
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Rich in Welsh myths and aquatic biodiversity.
Location: Bala, Gwynedd, Wales
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Watersports, fishing, scenic train rides, folklore tours
Nearby Restaurants: Plas Yn Dre, Y Cyfnod Café, Gorwelion Café
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7. Buttermere
Source: wikipedia
Buttermere is a tranquil, glacial lake embraced by dramatic fells like Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike. Smaller than some of its Lakeland counterparts, it exudes raw natural beauty and is beloved for its peaceful loop walk and reflections of craggy ridges on still waters.
Highlights:
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A 4.5-mile circular walk is perfect for beginners.
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Famed for mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks.
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Haystacks hike, one of Wainwright’s favorites.
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A photography hotspot in every season.
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No motorboats keep the area quiet and serene.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria, England
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Walking, photography, picnics, hiking
Nearby Restaurants: Croft House Farm Café, Bridge Hotel, Syke Farm Tea Room
Suggested Read: 10 Historical Places in the UK
8. Loch Katrine
Source: wikipedia
Romantic and steeped in Scottish folklore, Loch Katrine inspired Sir Walter Scott’s Lady of the Lake. It offers a combination of boat cruises and cycle trails, all set in the heart of the Trossachs. The SS Sir Walter Scott steamer still ferries passengers across its glistening waters.
Highlights:
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Historic steamship cruises on the SS Sir Walter Scott.
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Cycle-friendly path from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar.
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Deep connections to Scottish poetry and literature.
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Family-friendly with activities and gentle trails.
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Wildlife spotting, including deer and ospreys.
Location: Loch Katrine, Stirling, Scotland
Entry Fee: Free (boat cruises chargeable)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Scenic cruises, biking, walking, picnicking
Nearby Restaurants: The Pier Café, Stronachlachar Tea Room, Loch Katrine Café
9. Ullswater
Source: wikipedia
Often dubbed England’s most beautiful lake, Ullswater snakes gracefully through the Lake District’s northeastern valley. Its undisturbed charm and the historic Ullswater Steamers provide a relaxing way to experience mountain-lined shores. The nearby Aira Force waterfall adds extra drama to this scenic spot.
Highlights:
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Popular Ullswater Steamers connect Glenridding and Pooley Bridge.
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Aira Force waterfall; a stunning and accessible walk.
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Fantastic for paddleboarding and sailing.
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Helvellyn and Place Fell hikes nearby.
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Peaceful and less commercial than Windermere.
Location: Cumbria, Lake District, England
Entry Fee: Free (cruise and parking charges apply)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Boating, waterfall walks, hiking, watersports
Nearby Restaurants: Inn on the Lake, 1863 Restaurant, Fellbites Café
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10. Loch Shiel
Loch Shiel in the Highlands is famed for its cinematic appearances; most notably as Hogwarts’ lake in the Harry Potter films. With a backdrop of steep mountains and the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct nearby, it’s a magical spot that blends history, wilderness, and fantasy.
Highlights:
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Glenfinnan Monument on the north shore.
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Views of the Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express).
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Loch cruises are available from Glenfinnan.
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Excellent spot for eagle and deer sightings.
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Ideal for kayaking and remote hiking.
Location: Glenfinnan, Highland, Scotland
Entry Fee: Free (monument has an entry fee)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Cruises, wildlife watching, hiking, photography
Nearby Restaurants: Glenfinnan House Hotel, Prince’s House Hotel Restaurant, Glenfinnan Dining Car
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11. Llyn Padarn
Source: wikipedia
Set in the shadow of Mount Snowdon, Llyn Padarn is one of Wales’s most picturesque lakes. The striking Lone Tree photograph has become iconic, and the area’s mining heritage, seen at the National Slate Museum, adds a cultural dimension to the stunning landscape.
Highlights:
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Padarn Country Park offers trails and woodland walks.
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Llanberis Lake Railway runs along the shoreline.
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Paddleboarding and wild swimming hotspots.
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Home to the famous “Lone Tree” viewpoint.
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Gateway to Snowdon mountain trails.
Location: Llanberis, Gwynedd, Wales
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: Open 24 hours
Activities: Paddleboarding, heritage walks, swimming, rail rides
Nearby Restaurants: Pete’s Eats, The Heights Bar & Kitchen, Pantri
Suggested Read: Hiking in the UK: The Ultimate Guide to 14 Epic Trails
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FAQs
1. How many lakes are in UK?
The UK has thousands of lakes, though only Scotland and Wales officially use the term “loch” or “llyn.” The Lake District alone has over 16 major lakes and many smaller tarns.
2. Are the lakes in UK man-made?
Most lakes in UK are natural, especially in the Lake District and Scottish Highlands. However, some are man-made reservoirs, like Rutland Water or Kielder Water, created for water supply or recreation. Both types offer scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
3. What is the most beautiful lake in UK?
Ullswater in the Lake District is often considered the most beautiful lake in the UK. Its serpentine shape, mountain backdrop, and quiet charm make it a favorite for nature lovers. Others like Loch Lomond or Buttermere also rank high for stunning views.
4. Can you swim in the lakes in UK?
Yes, you can swim in many UK lakes, though it depends on local regulations. Wild swimming is popular in places like Lake Windermere and Llyn Padarn. Always check signage, avoid restricted areas, and be cautious of cold temperatures and boat zones.
5. What is the best time to visit UK’s lakes?
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is the best time to visit UK lakes. The weather is mild, trails are accessible, and activities like boating and hiking are fully open. Autumn also offers incredible foliage, especially in the Lake District.
6. What activities can you do at the lakes in UK?
You can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, hiking, cycling, and scenic cruises. Many lakes also offer cultural sites, wildlife spotting, and lakeside cafés. Each lake varies in offerings, so check ahead for available activities.
7. Is there an entry fee for lakes in UK?
Most UK lakes are free to access. However, some may charge for parking, boat cruises, or entry to nearby attractions like castles or museums. Nature reserves and national park areas may also require paid permits for certain activities.
8. Are pets allowed at UK’s lakes?
Yes, pets – especially dogs are welcome at most lakes in UK, particularly in national parks and countryside areas. However, keep dogs on leads near livestock or wildlife and clean up waste. Some boat tours or cafés may also be pet-friendly.
