10 Most Beautiful Lakes in England You Must Visit

England is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in the world, and the beautiful lakes in England are proof of that. If you’re thinking about taking a trip somewhere peaceful and scenic, you need to check out these amazing lakes.

From the famous Lake District to hidden gems scattered across the country, England’s beautiful lakes offer something for everyone. Whether you want to hike around the shore, go kayaking on the water, or just sit and enjoy the view, these lakes are perfect for any adventure. Most people don’t realize how many incredible scenic lakes in England there actually are.

You can swim, boat, photograph mountains, or simply relax and forget about your everyday stress. In this guide, we’ll show you the 10 most beautiful lakes in England that you absolutely need to visit before you die.

1. Lake Windermere: England’s Largest and Most Iconic Lake

Lake Windermere is the number one beautiful lake in England and the largest natural lake in the country. It’s 10.5 miles long and more than 200 feet deep, making it perfect for all kinds of water activities. The lake sits right in the heart of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, surrounded by green hills and charming villages.

The best part about visiting Lake Windermere is that there’s something to do no matter what you’re interested in. You can:

• Take a scenic cruise on historic steamers
• Try kayaking or paddleboarding
• Go swimming in summer
• Enjoy walking trails along the shore
• Visit nearby attractions like The World of Beatrix Potter

The towns of Windermere and Ambleside nearby have plenty of shops, restaurants, and hotels. Most people consider this the most beautiful lake in England, and it’s easy to see why when you watch the sunset reflected off the water.

2. Ullswater: The Most Peaceful Beautiful Lake in England

Many locals believe Ullswater is actually the most beautiful lake in England, even more so than Windermere. This lake is the second largest in the Lake District and has a snake-like shape that makes it extra special. It’s known for being quieter and less crowded than Windermere, which makes it perfect if you want a peaceful experience.

Ullswater sits at the foot of Helvellyn, one of England’s highest mountains, which creates amazing views from every angle. The water is so clear and calm that it reflects the mountains perfectly, making it a photographer’s dream.

Things to do at Ullswater:

• Ride the famous Ullswater Steamers historic boats
• Visit the beautiful Aira Force waterfall nearby
• Hike around the lake on easy walking trails
• Go paddleboarding or sailing
• Explore mountain trails if you’re feeling adventurous

The lake has been popular with tourists since the 1700s because people just can’t resist its natural beauty and calm charm.

3. Buttermere: A Tiny Gem Hidden in the Mountains

Don’t let the small size of Buttermere fool you. This tiny, perfect beautiful lake in England is absolutely breathtaking. It’s surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, including Haystacks and Fleetwith Pike, which make the scenery look like a painting.

What makes Buttermere special is that there are no motorboats allowed on the water. This keeps everything quiet and peaceful, which is perfect if you need to escape from busy city life. The lake is only about 1.5 miles long, but the walk around it takes about one and a half hours and is one of the most popular hikes in the Lake District.

The water here is so still and clear that the mountains reflect perfectly in it, giving you twice the beauty. You’ll see photographers from around the world coming here to capture the perfect shot, especially during sunrise and sunset. It’s one of those scenic lakes in England where you can actually feel your stress melting away.

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4. Derwentwater: The Perfect Lake for Everyone

Derwentwater is one of the main lakes in the Lake District National Park and is famous for its unbeatable views. The market town of Keswick sits right on its shore and is the perfect base for exploring. This beautiful lake in England is great for families, adventurous hikers, and everyone in between.

The lake is about 3 miles long and surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains. One cool thing about Derwentwater is that you can see mountains in every direction, which makes it one of the most scenic spots in all of England.

What you can do at Derwentwater:

• Take a leisurely cruise around the lake
• Go wild swimming in summer months
• Try kayaking or sailing
• Walk the famous 10-kilometer Derwentwater Walk
• Climb nearby mountains like Catbells for amazing views
• Visit the market town of Keswick for food and shopping

The lake has 21 islands scattered around it, which makes the scenery even more interesting and beautiful. If you want to experience one of England’s most beautiful lakes, Derwentwater should definitely be on your list.

5. Coniston Water: Inspired by Famous Writers

Coniston Water is the third largest lake in the Lake District and is famous for being the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s classic book “Swallows and Amazons.” This beautiful lake in England is about 5 miles long and offers some of the best water sports activities in the entire region.

The lake is surrounded by the Eastern Fells, including Fairfield and Helvellyn, which provide stunning backdrops for photos. The water here is clear and perfect for different types of activities, from kayaking to sailing to just peaceful swimming.

What’s really cool about Coniston Water is that you can see the Old Man of Coniston mountain from the lake, and many hikers climb it to get amazing views of the water below. The lake has been used in several films and TV shows, which makes visiting feel a bit like stepping into a movie.

6. Wast Water: The Most Dramatic Beautiful Lake in England

If you want to experience one of the most dramatic beautiful lakes in England, then Wast Water is your answer. This lake is the deepest in England at 258 feet, and it looks almost scary beautiful with its steep, rocky cliffs rising straight up from the water.

Wast Water is located in Wasdale Valley in the Lake District and is often called a “photographer’s dream.” The rocky fells come right down to the water’s edge, creating a feeling like you’re in a remote wilderness. Many photographers come here to capture the dramatic scenery, especially when the weather creates dark, moody skies.

The lake is perfect if you like hiking and nature walks. There are many scenic trails around and above the lake that show off its wild beauty. Even though it can be a bit challenging to reach because the roads are narrow, the effort is totally worth it when you see this incredible scenic lake in England.

7. Kielder Water: England’s Largest Man-Made Lake

Kielder Water in Northumberland is the largest man-made lake in the UK, and it’s surrounded by pine forests and beautiful countryside. This beautiful lake in England was built between 1975 and 1981 and has become a really popular destination for outdoor lovers.

One amazing thing about Kielder Water is that it has the darkest night sky in England, which makes it perfect for stargazing. You can visit Kielder Observatory to learn about stars and planets while enjoying the peaceful lakeside setting.

Activities at Kielder Water:

• Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking
• Cycling around the lake on special trails
• Fishing for trout and pike
• Stargazing at night
• Walking and hiking
• Staying in woodland lodges

The lake is surrounded by forests and moorland, creating a totally different feel from the rocky mountains of the Lake District. If you want to experience a beautiful lake in England that’s a bit different from the usual choices, Kielder Water is perfect.

8. Malham Tarn: The Highest Lake in England

At 377 meters above sea level, Malham Tarn is the highest lake of its type in Britain. This beautiful lake in England is located in North Yorkshire and is surrounded by amazing limestone cliffs, forests, and peatland.

The lake sits beneath the impressive Great Close Scar cliffs, which make the scenery incredibly dramatic and beautiful. Even though it’s small compared to some other lakes, it packs in serious natural beauty and is perfect if you like hiking and nature walks.

You can do a short walk around Malham Tarn that takes about 30 minutes and shows off different types of habitats. In autumn, the colors here are absolutely stunning as the trees change colors around the water. It’s one of those hidden scenic lakes in England that serious hikers and nature lovers absolutely love.

9. Bewl Water: A Beautiful Lake in South East England

Not all beautiful lakes in England are in the Lake District or mountains. Bewl Water in East Sussex is a sprawling countryside lake surrounded by 800 acres of natural beauty called the High Weald. This lake proves that you can find stunning scenic lakes in England all over the country.

The lake is famous for being perfect for families and people who love nature. There’s a 13-mile route around the lake that’s great for cycling or hiking, and you can rent mountain bikes if you don’t have your own. The lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and rolling hills that change colors throughout the seasons.

This beautiful lake in England is close to London and much easier to reach than the Lake District lakes, which makes it perfect if you don’t want a long drive. You can go kayaking, fishing, hiking, or just have a picnic on the shore and enjoy the peaceful English countryside.

10. Dozmary Pool: A Lake Full of Magic and History

Dozmary Pool in Cornwall is one of the most interesting and beautiful lakes in England because of its connection to old legends. According to local stories, this is where the Lady of the Lake gave King Arthur his magical sword, Excalibur.

This beautiful lake in England sits on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall and is surrounded by mystery and history. The lake has been featured in several famous films, including James Bond movies and the Harry Potter series, which shows just how dramatic and beautiful the scenery is.

From Dozmary Pool, you can see two of Cornwall’s highest hills, Brown Willy and Rough Tor, which provide amazing views across the surrounding landscape. Even though the lake is smaller than some of the famous Lake District lakes, its unique history and location make it one of the most special scenic lakes in England you can visit.

Best Time to Visit Beautiful Lakes in England

The best time to visit the most beautiful lakes in England is between May and September. The weather is mild and pleasant, walking trails are easy to access, and all water activities are available. Spring brings wildflowers, summer is perfect for swimming, and autumn shows off incredible colors as the trees change.

If you’re visiting England’s beautiful lakes in winter, be prepared for cold, sometimes wet weather. However, if you don’t mind the cold, winter visits offer fewer crowds and a totally different kind of beauty. The mountains around the lakes often get snow, which creates stunning photo opportunities.

Tips for Visiting England’s Beautiful Lakes

Before you head out to visit these beautiful lakes in England, here are some helpful tips:

• Book accommodation early during summer holidays
• Wear layers and bring waterproof jackets year-round
• Check weather forecasts before hiking
• Respect local wildlife and nature
• Follow all safety rules for water activities
• Consider visiting on weekdays for fewer crowds
• Bring plenty of snacks and water for long hikes
• Take sturdy hiking boots if you plan to hike

Planning Your Visit to England’s Most Scenic Lakes

For more detailed travel planning and information about the Lake District National Park, visit Visit Lake District’s official guide to learn about accommodations, attractions, and seasonal activities. You can also check Countryfile’s comprehensive guide to British lakes for expert recommendations and detailed descriptions of different beautiful lakes in England.

Conclusion

England’s beautiful lakes are some of the most amazing natural attractions you’ll ever see, and they deserve a spot on your travel bucket list. Whether you choose to visit the famous Lake Windermere, the peaceful Ullswater, the dramatic Wast Water, or any of the other incredible beautiful lakes in England we’ve mentioned, you’re going to have an unforgettable experience.

Each lake has its own special character and charm, from the mountain reflections at Buttermere to the historic legends at Dozmary Pool. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, peaceful nature walks, photography, or just sitting by the water to relax, England’s scenic lakes offer something perfect for you.

The Lake District alone has 16 different lakes to explore, and there are even more hidden gems scattered across England waiting to be discovered. Pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful lakes in England that will make you fall in love with this incredible country all over again.