“I climbed the dark brow of the mighty Helvellyn,
Lakes and mountains beneath me gleamed misty and wide,” Sir Walter Scott - Helvellyn
From the majestic Buttermere in the Lake District to the mighty Loch Ness in Scotland, the UK is home to some of the most spectacular lakes in the world.
There are more than 40,000 UK lakes and reservoirs ranging in size and depth to explore, so wherever your adventures take you on these isles, you will never be far from a sparkling stretch of water.
Part of our Lakes and Rivers series, our guide to Great British lakes highlights some of the best to visit, including those famed for their water sports, wild swimming and picture-postcard walking trails.
Dive into some of the nation’s most captivating lakes, lochs and reservoirs below and discover rare wildlife, fascinating history and abundant beauty spots to relax with a picnic. Some can even be admired from the warm comfort of one of our cottages with waterside views.
Cottages with waterside views
Lakes to explore in England
Lakes in the Lake District
There are 16 beautiful bodies of water that give the Lake District its name, as well as numerous small reservoirs. Reflecting the national park’s towering fells and patchwork countryside, these tarns, meres and glittering waters are regarded by many as some of the finest lakes in the UK. You’ll find one of the largest natural British lakes here, as well as the deepest - which one will you discover first?
Lakes District lakes
Lakes in the Cotswolds
From gentle waterside strolls to exhilarating water sports, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the 150 interconnecting lakes of the Cotswold Water Park.
Cotswold lakes
Lakes in the Peak District
Peppered amongst the Peak District’s wild moorland, gritstone escarpments and rolling valleys, you’ll find some of the most dazzling UK reservoirs and lakes.
Peak District lakes
Lakes to explore in Scotland
Ranging from the vast, inky depths of Loch Ness, whose legendary monster is a household name, to tiny fishing lochs at the foot of snow-capped mountains, the lakes and lochs of Scotland are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover mirror-like idylls in ancient landscapes where nature thrives, and adventure awaits.
Scottish lakes
Lakes to explore in Wales
Swathes of emerald water where you can swim beneath soaring mountains, tranquil pools said to be the home of fairy folk, and some of the best lakes in the UK for wildlife watching can all be found in Wales. The country’s largest lake is even said to be the hiding place of the beast of Llyn Tegid – why not see if you can spot this crocodile-like creature of the deep for yourself?
Welsh lakes
