From one of the largest and most famous lakes in the world to hidden majestic waters straight out of a fantasy world, the United Kingdom has some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. With over 40,000 lakes between its countries, you’re sure to find a lake destination for your next holiday.
Whether you’re considering going on a quick day trip to stretch your legs or if you’re thinking about spending the weekend hiking and camping out, our list of the best lakes in the UK is sure to get the ball rolling on your planning stages.
The Best Lakes In The UK For Your Holiday
A quick dip or a long hike, whatever you fancy, the UK has the right lake for you. With hundreds of thousands of square miles of beautiful country, rocky hills, and open grasslands, the UK, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland have some of the best holiday lake destinations. Lakes, pools, lochs, and reservoirs – here are some of the best waters for your UK holiday trip.
1. Loch Ness
We can’t talk about lakes in the UK without starting with the most famous one. Loch Ness in Scotland is the biggest lake in the country and the UK in terms of depth. It is even considered as one of the deepest in the world. Made famous by the sightings of a legendary giant water creature living in its depths, Loch Ness became known worldwide as a prime destination for monster hunters and amateur cryptid photographers.
Other than the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the famous Nessie, Loch Ness consistently garners lots of tourists thanks to its beautiful tranquil waters and majestic views. The mountains surrounding this great lake form a beautiful frame, creating the perfect spot for campers and hikers. Loch Ness gets lots of visitors, so you can expect great accommodation and attractions for tourists and holiday-goers.
2. Lake Lomond
Continuing with more lakes, or lochs, from Scotland, Lake Lomond is the largest lake in the country by surface area. At 22.6 miles long, you can be sure to find the perfect watersport activity for you and your family. Thanks to its length, the loch crosses Central Scotland and the Scottish Highlands. It’s also referred to as Scotland’s most peaceful lake and is credited as the inspiration for one of Scotland’s most famous songs, The Bonnie Banks o’Loch Lomond. The loch’s 30+ islands also serve as a sanctuary for otters, eagles, and many other small creatures.
3. Ullswater
Lake District in England has some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Ullswater is the second-largest lake in the Lake District and is highly regarded for its breathtaking views. Seven and a half miles of stunning scenery surrounds Britain’s third tallest peak, making it a prime destination for lots of hikers and long walkers. You may even book a ferry tour around the lake or enjoy the views from Helvellyn. The dozens of cafes and shops near the lake ensure you’ll have plenty of refreshments during your trip.
4. Rydal Water
Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes in Lake District, but don’t let this little lake’s unassuming size fool you because it’s one of the most photogenic on our list. Surrounded by dense forests, Rydal Water is strikingly beautiful during both spring and fall. The lush green forests during the spring and summer give the banks an ethereal glow, while the autumn leaves make the waters feel magical with a beautiful orange and yellow hue. Woodsworth may have felt the same as he has two cottages on the lake’s banks.
5. Kielder Water
Built in the late 70s, this man-made lake serves as a reservoir for the rivers North Tyne, Wear, and Tees. Though artificial, Kielder Water presents an authentic natural beauty to anyone who comes and visits. Nestled in the middle of a pine forest, the lake is surrounded by a diverse plethora of plants and wildlife. Thanks to its isolation, Kielder Water is also a favourite among campers as the starry night sky around the lake is dubbed the darkest in England.
6. Wast Water
Found in Wasdale Valley, Wast Water is nicknamed a “photographer’s dream” location. With 260 feet of crystal clear tranquil waters, this lake is the deepest in England. Thanks to the wide open and low foliage around, mountains miles away are visible from Wast Water. Several massive rolling hills and mountains dot the landscape surrounding the lake and frame the waters beautifully when viewed from its pebbled banks. A favourite among campers and hikers, Wast Water’s banks have several great spots perfect for a quick break or a campfire.
7. Wimbleball Lake
Surrounded by green rolling hills and open country, Wimbleball Lake is a fantastic destination for vacationers who want waters surrounded by lush wide open farmland fields. The lake was created in 1979 after River Haddeo was dammed and now supplies water to Barnstaple, Axminster, and Exeter. It also supplies tons of fun and joy for tourists and visitors who want to sunbathe on its banks or want to try the many fun watersports activities in the lake. Known for its activity centre, Wimbleball Lake is great for anyone who wants to go walking, hiking, camping, paddleboarding, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, and sailing.
8. Carsington Water
If you’re planning on taking the family out for a day or a weekend of watersports and wildlife fun, Carsingtom Water should be at the top of your list. A favourite among vacationing families, Carsington Water and its banks have fully embraced its reputation as a holiday hotspot for families. Fill a whole day with fun watersports such as windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. You can even charter a sailboat and cruise around the waters. The area surrounding the lake is also filled with tons of fun activities thanks to the wildlife sanctuary and the four birdwatching towers for viewing over 200 species of birds living nearby. Spend the afternoon cycling the 8-mile perimeter with rented bicycles or float around the peaceful waters with paddle boats and small sailboats.
9. Llyn Idwal
For a slice of heaven that can fit into any high fantasy setting, take a trip down to Llyn Idwal. This small glacial lake is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a go-to location for lots of geologists, botanists, and rock climbers. The small pristine lake is situated at the bottom of a massive rock formation and is supplied by icy glacial flow. The journey here is also quite the trek, so you should prepare for the trip.
10. Loch Garten
Hidden away in the Scottish Highlands inside Abernethy, an ancient pine forest, lies Loch Garten. An old lake with rich waters and surrounding bogs, Loch Garten is one of Scotland’s hidden treasures. The dense pine forest surrounding the lake creates an almost ethereal atmosphere. Stepping onto the banks feels as if you’ve been locked away from the rest of the world with waters and pine trees as your company.
11. Fairy Pools
Keeping in line with lakes that give off a mystical and fantastical vibe, another great entry for your next holiday destination is the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Though many wouldn’t agree that the Fairy Pools are part of a lake, we couldn’t skip it. Considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland, the journey to the Fairy Pools is not for the inexperienced. But once you reach the pools, you’ll find that the trek will have been well worth it. The waters flow down and cascade into bubbling milky pools surrounded by rocks. A quick dip in one of the pools would be a welcome reward after the hike.
12. Lough Neagh
With a surface area of 151 miles, Lough Neagh is the largest lake in Ireland and supplies around 40% of the country’s drinking water. Thanks to its location, relative size, and surrounding landscape, walking the banks of the massive lake makes one feel as if they have been transported to medieval times. In fact, HBO’s Game of Thrones had filmed several scenes by the lake. Legends tell of an old kingdom that had sunk into the lake, its very own version of Atlantis!
13. Buttermere
The old Buttermere lake has had records dating back a thousand years. When visiting the lake you can feel this history with the birch trees and pines surrounding the banks. Though small, the lake has an alluring charm. The surrounding autumn colours are a beautiful sight for those camping near the lake’s banks. Buttermere is best experienced during the summer and fall seasons.
14. Malham Tarn
Another beautiful glacial lake comfortably set among rocks is Malham Tarn. At 277 feet above sea level, this lake is often mistakenly regarded as the tallest lake in the UK. Though it is the tallest in Great Britain, it is not the tallest overall in the UK. Believed to have been formed more than 10,000 years ago, the current lake is said to only be half its original size. The lake is also the tallest marl lake in the country, making its waters alkaline. Many believe alkaline waters have lots of health benefits.
15. Llangorse
Llangorse is the largest man-made lake in Wales and is a favourite among sport fishers and sailors. The old lake is also home to the only Crannog in Wales, a defensive structure built on a lake, believed to be from the 10th century. Llangorse is a favourite among early-morning hikers and walkers thanks to the morning fog that rolls down from the neighbouring hills. The misty shores are also home to a myriad of large birds such as swans and geese.
16. Loch Morar
Loch Morar holds the title of the UK’s deepest body of water with a maximum depth of over 500 feet. This lake’s impressive depth is thanks to glacier movement that scarred the lands from the last ice age, over 10,000 years ago. The majestic woods and the massive rolling hills and mountains surrounding the lake make for a truly awe-inspiring view. Though famous to lots of salmon and trout fishers, the lake doesn’t have many amenities and attractions for tourists and visitors. Some welcome this as it keeps the lake to maintain its wilderness charm. A large number of species also dwell nearby and call the lake home, including birds and other small creatures.
17. Loch Shiel
Back in the Scottish Highlands, we’ll find Loch Shiel, a big lake home to several species of large birds. Potterheads might think this lake looks familiar as it is the fictional Black Lake in the Harry Potter movies. The surrounding hills also frame the lake, making it a worthy consideration for lots of nature photographers. Golden eagles and black-throated divers also populate the shores of the lake and are most visible during mating season.
18. Llyn y Dywarchen
If you’re looking for an adventure, Llyn y Dywarchen could be the lake destination you’re looking for. Sitting in the middle of Britain’s mountainous wilderness lies a hidden lake with lots of legends surrounding its existence. To get to Llyn y Dywarchen, you’ll have to hike through forest paths in deep valleys and walk perpendicular to an old mountain railway before arriving at a small, charming, but mysterious lake. Legends such as supernatural creatures and strange occurrences have been reported to have taken place at this lake’s banks. It’s believed that a floating island once existed on the lake, reportedly changing locations each time people visit.
19. Llyn y Fan Fach
Llyn y Fan Fach is a large lake covering 10 hectares. Being another glacial lake, the surrounding geography makes this lake special. The rock formations, crevices, and small cliffs surrounding them are a testament to the lake’s glacial history. The rivers, hills, and forests surrounding the lake are still jagged and rough, telling us that the formation is still young as time has yet to soften it.
Final Thoughts
The United Kingdom has some of the most stunning waters and lakes in Europe. With a countryside filled with thousands of years of history, it’s no wonder that these many lochs, pools, and reservoirs appear as though they hold memories and stories in their banks. 40,000+ lakes in the UK ensure that you’ll have enough choices for your next holiday. From the 17 or so lakes dotting England’s Lake District to the mighty Loch Ness and Loch Lomond in Scotland, these UK lakes are some of the most beautiful lakes you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Featured Image: “Lough Neagh”, by Greenjellyfish25, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0