The Lake District, England’s largest national park, is home to the most famous, and biggest, lakes in the country. While generally referred to as “lakes,” many of them are officially classed as “meres”, “waters” or even reservoirs. These bodies of water vary in size, depth, and character, from the vast waters of Windermere to the remote and dramatic Wast Water. Each lake has its own unique charm, attracting visitors for boating, walking, wildlife spotting, and simply enjoying the scenery.
Below are the 16 largest lakes in the Lake District, ranked by surface area.
Lake Windermere
Area: 14.8 sq km / Length: 16.8 km / Max width: 1.6 km
Windermere is not only the largest lake in the Lake District, but all of England. It stretches for 10.5 miles (17 km) and is a popular destination for boating, cruises, and watersports.
Ullswater
8.9 sq km / Length: 11.8 km / Max width: 1.02 km
The second-largest lake, Ullswater, is around 7.5 miles (12 km) long and is known for its stunning mountain backdrop. The Ullswater Steamers offer scenic boat trips across its waters.
Derwentwater
5.5 sq km / Length: 4.6 km / Max width: 1.9 km
Located near Keswick, Derwentwater is a 3-mile-long (4.8 km) lake surrounded by wooded hills and walking trails. It has several small islands and is a great spot for kayaking and sailing.
Bassenthwaite Lake
5.3 sq km / Length: 6.2 km / Max width: 1.1 km
This is the only body of water in the Lake District officially named a “lake.” It is home to a variety of wildlife, including ospreys, and is one of the park’s quieter spots.
Coniston Water
4.0 sq km / Length: 8.7 km / Max width: 0.7 km
Coniston Water, at 5 miles (8 km) long, is famous for its connection to Donald Campbell’s water speed record attempts. It is also associated with Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.
Haweswater
3.9 sq km / Length: 6.9 km / Max width: 0.9 km
A reservoir rather than a natural lake, Haweswater was expanded in the 20th century to provide water for Manchester. The flooded village of Mardale occasionally reappears during dry spells.
Thirlmere
3.3 sq km / Length: 6.9 km / Max width: 0.8 km
Another reservoir, Thirlmere was created by damming two smaller lakes. It supplies water to Manchester and is surrounded by forested slopes and walking trails.
Ennerdale Water
3.0 sq km / Length: 3.8 km / Max width: 1.1 km
One of the most remote lakes in the national park, Ennerdale Water has no public roads along its shore, making it a peaceful destination for walkers and nature lovers.
Wastwater
2.9 sq km / Length: 4.8 km / Max width: 0.8 km
Wastwater is the deepest lake in England, reaching 79 metres (258 feet). Surrounded by dramatic peaks, including Scafell Pike, it offers some of the most spectacular views in the Lake District.
Crummock Water
2.5 sq km / Length: 4.0 km / Max width: 0.9 km
Nestled between Buttermere and Loweswater, Crummock Water is known for its clear waters and the nearby Scale Force, the tallest waterfall in the Lake District.
Esthwaite Water
1.0 sq km / Length: 2.5 km / Max width: 0.6 km
This small but picturesque lake is located between Windermere and Coniston Water. It is a well-known fishing spot and is linked to Beatrix Potter’s stories.
Buttermere
0.9 sq km / Length: 2.0 km / Max width: 0.5 km
One of the most photographed lakes in the region, Buttermere is surrounded by high fells and has a popular circular walking route around its shore.
Loweswater
0.6 sq km / Length: 1.8 km / Max width: 0.6 km
Connected to Crummock Water by a small river, Loweswater is a quiet and lesser-visited lake with a wooded shoreline and gentle walking trails.
Grasmere
0.6 sq km / Length: 1.6 km / Max width: 0.6 km
Grasmere, once described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,” is a small lake close to the village of the same name.
Rydal Water
0.3 sq km / Length: 1.2 km / Max width: 0.4 km
Located near Grasmere, Rydal Water is known for its literary connections, with Wordsworth’s former home, Rydal Mount, overlooking the lake.
Brotherswater
0.2 sq km / Length: 0.6 km / Max width: 0.4 km
One of the smallest named lakes in the national park, Brothers Water lies near Ullswater and is a quiet spot often frequented by walkers exploring the surrounding valleys.