Lake District Tours & More:

​

Book your Scenic Lakes Tour here

​

Info@Lcschauffeurs-uk.com

​

The Lake District is famous for its 16 main bodies of water. Interestingly, despite the region's name, only Bassenthwaite Lake is officially called a lake; the rest are traditionally categorized as waters, meres, or tarns. Here is a quick-reference guide to all 16 major bodies of water in the Lake District, highlighting their sizes and unique characteristics:

The 16 Major Lakes of the Lake District

1. Windermere 

• Size: ~14.8 sq km (England's largest natural lake)

• Highlight: Stretching 10.5 miles, it is the bustling heart of the southern Lakes, famous for scenic cruises, steamers, and water sports. 

2. Ullswater 

• Size: ~8.9 sq km

• Highlight: Often cited as England's most beautiful lake. It’s a ribbon-shaped lake surrounded by dramatic mountains, best explored via the heritage Ullswater 'Steamers'. 

3. Derwentwater 

• Size: ~5.5 sq km

• Highlight: Located just a short walk from Keswick, this lake features wooded islands and is beautifully framed by the Skiddaw and Catbells fells. 

4. Bassenthwaite Lake 

• Size: ~5.3 sq km

• Highlight: The only body of water officially designated as a "lake". It is incredibly peaceful and home to rare wildlife like the Osprey.

5. Coniston Water 

• Size: ~4.0 sq km

• Highlight: Famous for its literary ties to Arthur Ransome (Swallows and Amazons) and the high-speed water records set by Donald Campbell. 

6. Haweswater 

• Size: ~3.9 sq km (Reservoir)

• Highlight: A scenic but remote reservoir that was controversially flooded in the 1930s to supply water to Manchester.

7. Thirlmere 

• Size: ~3.3 sq km (Reservoir)

• Highlight: A long, narrow reservoir created in the late 19th century. It sits directly beneath the imposing Helvellyn ridge. 

8. Ennerdale Water 

• Size: ~3.0 sq km

• Highlight: One of the most remote, unspoiled, and pristine lakes in the region, offering a true sense of wilderness with no roads along its shores. 

9. Wast Water 

• Size: ~2.9 sq km

• Highlight: England's deepest lake (258 feet). It boasts dramatic, moon-like scree slopes and offers unparalleled views of Scafell Pike. 

10. Crummock Water 

• Size: ~2.5 sq km

• Highlight: Sitting west of Keswick, this lake is surrounded by steep, rugged fells including the striking Mellbreak. 

11. Esthwaite Water 

• Size: ~1.0 sq km

• Highlight: A lush, peaceful lake rich in flora and fauna, tucked between Windermere and Coniston. It is particularly popular among anglers. 

12. Buttermere 

• Size: ~0.9 sq km

• Highlight: A breathtakingly beautiful, quiet lake with a relatively flat, highly accessible 4.5-mile walking trail around its perimeter. 

13. Grasmere 

• Size: ~0.6 sq km

• Highlight: A small but iconic lake made famous by the romantic poet William Wordsworth. It lies adjacent to the picturesque village of Grasmere. 

14. Loweswater

• Size: ~0.6 sq km

• Highlight: One of the few lakes in the area where water flows west rather than east. It’s surrounded by tranquil ancient woodlands. 

15. Rydal Water 

• Size: ~0.3 sq km

• Highlight: A small, shallow, and highly scenic lake with stepping stones and woodland paths tracing its shores. 

16. Brothers Water 

• Size: ~0.2 sq km

• Highlight: The smallest of the 16, located at the foot of the Kirkstone Pass. It is a quiet haven for birdwatchers and walkers.​