The Lake District IN CUMBRIA, ENGLAND – A LAKELAND PARADISE with 16 Major lakes

The Lake District National Park in England is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, and its stunning lakes are the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite the name of the ‘Lake District’, this region officially has only one true lake with ‘lake’ in it’s name —Bassenthwaite Lake—while the rest are technically called meres, waters, or tarns. However, there are 16 major lakes in the Lake District, which range in size, and include the well-known, larger lakes of Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, and Coniston Water,  each offer unique scenery and activities.

The most popular lake in the Lake District, Windermere is the largest in England, stretching over 10.5 miles, and is a hub for boating and cruises. Ullswater, often considered the most picturesque, inspired poets like William Wordsworth, while Derwentwater is famous for its serene beauty and connections to the market town of Keswick.

Each lake supports a rich variety of wildlife, including otters, ospreys, and rare fish species, adding to the area’s ecological significance. Whether you’re planning a leisurely lakeside stroll, a scenic boat trip, or a challenging fell walk with panoramic views, visiting any of the lakes in the Lake District is an unforgettable experience.

Read on to learn about the lakes you need to know about…

All the Lakes in the Lake District offer spectacular views – such as this one over Ullswater

The best Lakes in the Lake District YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT:

In this section, we’ll explore the best lakes in the Lake District, highlighting what makes each lake special, how you can make the most of your visit, and further links to walks near these lakes featured on this website

Windermere – The Largest Lake in England

Best for: Boat trips, water sports, and family-friendly activities

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, stretching over 10.5 miles. It’s a hub for visitors looking to enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The towns of Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside provide great access points with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and attractions like The World of Beatrix Potter.

Things to Do at Windermere:

• Take a Windermere Lake Cruise
• Visit Wray Castle for stunning views
• Enjoy water sports like kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding

Ullswater – The Most Scenic Lake?

Best for: Hiking, photography, and boat trips

Often regarded as the most beautiful lake in the Lake District, Ullswater is a 9-mile long glacial lake surrounded by dramatic fells. It’s a paradise for walkers, especially those tackling the famous Helvellyn via Striding Edge.

Things to Do at Ullswater:

• Take a ride on the Ullswater Steamers
• Walk the Ullswater Way (20-mile circular route)
• Visit Aira Force Waterfall, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Lake District

Derwentwater – The Queen of the Lakes

Best for: Romantic views, wildlife, and rowing boats

Situated near the charming town of Keswick, Derwentwater is one of the most peaceful lakes in the Lake District. The four-mile-long lake is surrounded by dramatic mountains, including Catbells, making it a great spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Things to Do at Derwentwater:

• Rent a rowing boat or take a lake cruise
• Walk the Derwentwater Circular Route (10 miles)
• Visit Theatre by the Lake for a cultural experience

What a view! Looking over Derwentwater towards Borrowdale

Buttermere – A QUIET Hidden Gem

Best for: Tranquillity, walking, and stunning reflections

Nestled in a valley surrounded by high fells, Buttermere is one of the most picturesque lakes in the Lake District. It’s smaller and quieter than Windermere or Ullswater, making it perfect for those seeking peace and solitude.

Things to Do at Buttermere:

• Walk the Buttermere Circular Route (4.5 miles)
• Photograph the famous Lone Tree
• Enjoy a meal at The Bridge Hotel

Wastwater – England’s Deepest Lake

Best for: Dramatic scenery, serious hikers, and adventure seekers

Located in the remote Wasdale Valley, Wastwater is the deepest lake in England (258 feet) and offers some of the most dramatic views in the Lake District. It’s flanked by Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, making it a favourite for serious hikers.

Things to Do at Wastwater:

• Hike to Scafell Pike (3,209 feet)
• Enjoy the stunning reflections of the Screes
• Experience the remote beauty with wild camping

Grasmere & Rydal Water – The Poetic Lakes

Best for: Literature lovers, gentle walks, and charming villages

Connected by the Coffin Route, Grasmere and Rydal Water are two of the smallest lakes in the Lake District but rich in literary history. William Wordsworth lived nearby and described Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”

Things to Do at Grasmere & Rydal Water:

• Visit Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s home
• Walk the Rydal Cave Trail
• Try Grasmere Gingerbread

Thirlmere – A Reservoir with a Story

Best for: Quiet walks and scenic drives

Originally two smaller lakes, Thirlmere was turned into a reservoir in the 19th century to supply Manchester with water. It’s less visited than other lakes, making it ideal for those looking for a peaceful escape.

Things to Do at Thirlmere:

• Walk the Thirlmere Circular Route (10 miles)
• Climb Helvellyn from Thirlmere
• Enjoy the quiet forests and nature trails

LAKES IN THE LAKE DISTRICT SUMMARY

The lakes in the Lake District each offer something unique, from adventure-packed Windermere to the tranquil beauty of Buttermere. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing break, hiking the fells, or exploring the literary heritage, the Lake District’s lakes provide endless inspiration.

10 Fascinating Facts About Lakes in the Lake District

The Lake District is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the UK, famous for its stunning landscapes and beautiful bodies of water. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiker, or history enthusiast, the lakes in the Lake Districtoffer something for everyone. Here are five fascinating facts you may not know:

1. There’s Only One ‘Lake’ in the Lake District

Despite being home to over 16 major bodies of water, Bassenthwaite Lake is the only one that officially includes “Lake” in its name. Others, like Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater, are traditionally referred to as “meres,” “waters,” or “tarns.”

2. Windermere is England’s Largest Lake

Windermere stretches over 10.5 miles (18 km) and is the longest natural lake in England. It’s a popular spot for boating, water sports, and scenic cruises, attracting millions of visitors every year.

3. Some Lakes are Deeper Than You Think

While Windermere may be the longest, Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District, plunging to a depth of 258 feet (79 meters). Surrounded by dramatic peaks, it offers some of the most striking views in the national park.

4. The Lakes Inspired Famous Writers and Poets

The beauty of the lakes in the Lake District has inspired many literary greats, including William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, and John Ruskin. Wordsworth’s famous poem I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud was inspired by daffodils near Ullswater.

5. The oldest rocks in the Lake District are 500 million years old

The oldest rocks in the Lake District are the Skiddaw Group, which date back around 500 million years to the Cambrian and Ordovician periods.

6. Castlerigg’s Astronomical Alignments

The Castlerigg Stone Circle, near Keswick, dating back to around 3000 BC, is believed to align with key solar and lunar events. Some stones mark the rising and setting points of the sun during solstices, suggesting it was an ancient observatory.

7. A Viking Legacy

The region’s place names are heavily influenced by Old Norse, due to Viking settlements. Names like Scafell, Helvellyn, and Thirlmere have roots in Norse language. A rare Viking sword, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, was discovered near Ambleside in the early 20th century.

8. Roman Roads and Forts

Hidden beneath the hills are well-preserved Roman roads and forts, such as Hardknott Fort, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. ‘High Street’ is A Roman road from 2,000 years ago that goes for about 20 km over the high fells between Ambleside and Brougham fort near Penrith. The highest point of the road is 828m and that fell is named ‘high street’ after the road. On some stretches you can see kerb stones and patches of metalling

9. Lost underwater Villages

The village of Mardale Green was flooded in the 1930s to create Haweswater Reservoir. When water levels drop significantly, the eerie remains of old stone walls, roads, and even a bridge emerge from the depths. Likewise, Before Thirlmere became a reservoir, two villages — Armboth and Wythburn — were flooded. On rare dry spells, remnants of old walls and gateposts reappear.

10.  Magnetic Mystery

The summit of Skiddaw has been known to interfere with compass readings. Explorers have reported unexpected compass swings, possibly due to high iron content in the rock.

Whether you’re planning a visit or just love learning about nature, these incredible lakes in the Lake District showcase the region’s rich history, stunning scenery, and fascinating geography.

How the Lakes in the Lake District were formed

The Lake District was formed over millions of years through a combination of volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and glacial erosion.

The oldest rocks in the Lake District are the Skiddaw Group, which date back around 500 million years to the Cambrian and Ordovician periods. These rocks, found mainly in the northern part of the national park, including around Skiddaw and Blencathra, were originally formed as mud and sand on an ancient seabed. Over time, intense heat and pressure compressed these sediments into slate and metamorphic rock, creating the foundation of the region. 

Around 450 million years ago, during the Ordovician period, intense volcanic eruptions created the foundation of the landscape. Massive lava flows and ash deposits built up layers of rock, forming the rugged mountains we see today. The Borrowdale Volcanic Group, found in the central Lake District, is evidence of this explosive past, with hard volcanic rock forming peaks like Scafell Pike and Helvellyn.

After the volcanic activity subsided, tectonic forces played a crucial role in shaping the region. Over millions of years, landmasses collided, forcing rock layers upwards and creating the dramatic mountain ranges of the Lake District. These geological movements also contributed to the formation of valleys and faults, which later became the deep basins that would eventually fill with water to form the district’s famous lakes.

The most recent major transformation occurred during the Ice Ages, the last of which ended around 10,000 years ago. Vast glaciers carved out deep U-shaped valleys, gouging through the volcanic and sedimentary rock. When the ice sheets retreated, they left behind over-deepened basins that filled with meltwater, forming the stunning lakes we see today, such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater. The combination of volcanic origins, tectonic uplift, and glacial erosion makes the Lake District’s landscape one of the most geologically diverse and visually striking areas in the UK