7 Best Cumbrian Lakes to Visit on Your Trip to the Region

If you've never been to Cumbria before, you're in for a real treat, because it happens to be home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the UK. So get your sea (lake) shoes on, and let us tell you about the 7 best Cumbrian lakes…

From tourist hubs like Windermere to lakes under the radar (but equally as stunning), our roundup is a diverse list of lakes, tarns, and reservoirs, with plenty going on in the surrounding areas.

Use this guide to plan a day out or a whole week's worth of activities for you and your group!

7 of the Best Lakes to Visit in Cumbria

1) Windermere

2) Rydal Water

3) Coniston Water

4) Tarn Hows

5) Grasmere

6) Thirlmere

7) Derwentwater

1) Windermere — Largest of the Cumbrian Lakes

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Lake Windermere, Lake District 🍁🍂

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Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District, so it's only right that it's first on our list.

Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and traditional Lake District villages, Windermere is one of the busiest locations in the national park, but don't let that put you off — there's a reason for that.

From Ambleside to Waterhead and Bowness-on-Windermere, there’s plenty to see across the famous lake, and plenty to do as well.

It's easy to get to, a great jumping-off point to other places in the District, and it offers a little bit of everything, whoever your travelling buddies may be.

Things to Do in the Windermere Area

As we said before, if it's activities you're after, Windermere has them in abundance.

Have you ever heard of the World of Beatrix Potter? Well, that's one of Windermere's top attractions, for both adults and children alike.

Filled with various sights, sounds, and sets from the famous tales by the author, this unique experience is not one to miss (even if you're not a Peter Rabbit fan!).

Here is a selection of what other things you can do in the area:

• Fell Foot Park: A Victorian park restored to feature picnic areas, cafes, boat hire, access to the lakeshore, and gorgeous panoramic views to behold
• Lakes Aquarium: Head to southern Lake Windermere for a mesmerising display of freshwater marine life
• The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway: Enjoy a unique day at an old steam train station, where passengers can grab a treat in the tea room, mooch around the gift shop and engine shed, and let the kids let off some steam (mind the pun) at the woodland playground and walk
• Wray Castle: Explore the grounds looked after by the National Trust. Discover indoor exhibitions, stunning castle grounds, and many great places to paddle in the lake.

Read More: The Top Family Activities in the Lake District

Places to Eat & Drink in Windermere

You won't be short of places to eat in Windermere either. With plenty of local pubs, different cuisines, cosy cafes, and more, there will be something suited to all taste buds.

Here is a list of our top recommendations:

• The Tilly: This family-owned bar is the perfect place to enjoy some casual drinks and great food. From an excellent lineup of cocktails to delicious fresh fish dishes, this place only uses local produce where possible
• Opa: This warm and inviting establishment serves a selection of tasty, authentic Greek food in the heart of the Lake District
• The Bristly Hog: If you're looking for an independent coffee house that serves up some beverages, as well as mouthwateringly good grub, this one's for you. Not to mention, the cafe is located in a historic listed building dating back nearly 500 years
• Lake View Garden Bar: For excellent drinks, classic pub grub, and beautiful views of the lakes, this picturesque pub serves up an amazing atmosphere not to be missed

2) Rydal Water — One of the Smallest Cumbrian Lakes

 

 

 

 

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Connected to the larger Grasmere Lake, Rydal Water is a smaller, quieter, yet beautiful location worth visiting on your trip.

William Wordsworth actually lived in Rydal Mount a house in the small village, where he wrote many of his famed poems. If you're a keen literary enthusiast, Rydal Water is a must.

Things to Do in the Rydal Water Area

Even though Rydal Water is small, there is an array of activities to do in the area, but as with much of the Lake District, walks around the location are unmatched.

From an easy circular around the lake to the unique coffin route and much, much more, walking near and around Rydal Water offers soft terrains, historic charm, and tranquil views.

For more worthwhile activities of your trip, we've given you some of our favourites below:

• Rydal Caves: Take a short walk and step into man-made slate-quarried caverns above the lake. The caves inside include water-filled pools and stepping stones, creating a magical and reflective setting for all.
• Rydal Hall Gardens: This historical location's stunning setting has inspired creatives throughout the ages and aims to continue that with its visitors. Enjoy guided walks and eco activities, and discover 'the grot', where you can watch the spectacular Rydal Falls
• Wild swimming: Rydal Water is an excellent place for wild water swimming thanks to its quiet, peaceful setting. It's also a lot smaller than other lakes across the district, making it feel slightly warmer
• Buckstones Jump: Take a short walk from Rydal, and you'll find a small beach area with waterfalls and natural pools to swim in. They're crystal clear, absolutely breathtaking, and a secret worth sharing

Places to Eat & Drink in & Around Rydal Water

Rydal is small, but if you choose to stay in the area for your meals, there is a selection of establishments worth checking out. Here's what the village has to offer:

• Badger Bar: This quaint, old pub is exactly as expected — cosy, open fires, locally brewed ales, and badger feeding. The food is traditional pub classics, with a number of vegan and veggie options available. Oh, and they offer a delicious Sunday roast
• Rattle Ghyll Deli: Just a short walk from Rydal Hall Gardens, this deli is ideal for grabbing a quick lunch or goods to take home with you. If you're heading there for a takeaway, expect sandwiches, burritos, soups, and salads

3) Coniston Water — 3rd Largest in the Lake District

 

 

 

 

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Coniston Water is another big one in the district, and a popular one at that. At 5 miles long and half a mile wide, Coniton Water offers breathtaking views and gorgeous scenery all around.

The Old Man of Coniston (one of the hardest treks in the Lake District) towers over the lake, providing spectacular mountainous views.

You'll even see the mountain from the village, which is about half a mile up from the lake. Coniston Village offers plenty of activities and relaxing strolls.

Things to Do in the Coniston Area

Coniston is a great lake to visit if you're interested in physical activities like boating and cycling.

The boating centre offers lots of water equipment, such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and more, to fuel your adventure.

You can also take on the Old Man of Coniston or do one of the easier treks that'll still help blow away the cobwebs.

For more things to do, take a peek below:

• Steam Yacht Gondola: The National Trust operates this restored Victorian steamer, which offers various lake cruises and visits scenic spots along the way
• Cycle around the lake: The boating house in the village offers electric bikes, so you can ride your way around the roughly 17-mile loop
• Coniston copper mine trail: Take a self-guided tour of the Coniston copper sites and learn about the social history of Coniston's copper mining heritage
• Ruskin Museum: This fascinating museum offers a glimpse of Coniston through the eyes of the first Stone Age fell-walkers.

Places to Eat & Drink in Coniston

Since Coniston is one of the larger villages in the Lake District, good food and quenching drinks are easily found.

Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Black Bull Inn: A cosy setting offering family favourites, seasonal specials, and award-winning local ales and lagers. The building was built around 400 years ago, so you can relish in a tasty meal among great architecture
• Herdwick's Cafe: Find top-quality dishes using award-winning local beef and lamb from a nearby farm, as well as delectable coffee and cakes for an afternoon treat. This place is famously dog-friendly
• Enzo's Cafe and Pizzeria: Enjoy an authentic wood-fired pizza cooked in an oven imported from Italy. Think crispy bases, doughy crusts, and a selection of toppings to make your taste buds dance
• Our Plaice: Two guesses for what establishment this might be. Correct, a good old chippy. Customers rave about this place, and the fact that there's often a queue tells you all you need to know about the food's freshness

4) Tarn Hows — Best Cumbrian Lake for First-Timers

@walkingthelakes_ Tarn Hows, Coniston 🌲 The Lake District’s most accessible walk, mobility scooter and pram friendly ⏰ 1 hour circular route 🅿️ National Trust pay and display car park #thelakes #lakedistrict #shortwalk #familywalk #nature ♬ New Abundance - Omar Enfedaque

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While not directly a lake in its own right, a tarn, like Tarn Hows, is a small mountain lake. The word ‘tarn’ actually comes from an Old Norse word meaning ‘pond’. There's your history lesson for the day.

Once three separate tarns brought together by damming, Tarn Hows is an iconic Lake District gem with natural beauty and enriching scenery. It’s also regarded by the National Trust as “a favourite with both regular and first-time visitors to the area”.

Things to Do in the Tarn Hows Area

Tarn Hows is a mountain lake and is not part of any village or nearby town, but there’s still plenty to do in the area to make it a worthwhile visit:

• Tarn Hows circular: Take on the peaceful, mostly flat circular route and take in the stunning views across the tarn. It's ideal for families and those with mobility needs.
• Try some photography: Tarn Hows is an excellent area to take some striking photographs of the surrounding landscape, tranquil waters, and beautiful wildlife among the trees
• Tom Gill Falls: This stunning waterfall is only a short, yet very scenic, walk from Tarn Hows if you'd like to take in the sights and sounds of cascading water

Places to Eat & Drink Near Tarn Hows

Depending on the season, Joey's Cafe will be serving drinks and light snacks.

If you're looking for a hearty meal, we recommend driving to Ambleside, Coniston, or Hawkshead.

5) Grasmere — One of the Smaller Cumbrian Lakes

@dnz3833 My idea of bliss 🐑🌳⛅️ 📍Grasmere, Lake District #travel #lakedistrict #traveltok #placestovisit #uk #uktravel #thelakes #englishcountryside #england ♬ Little Sparrow - Paul Alan Morris

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Grasmere is one of the most well-known areas of the Lake District, and that's thanks to Wordsworth, who is actually buried in the churchyard.

The lake itself is about one mile long, making it one of the smaller ones in the national park, and the cosy village is to its north.

Since motor boats aren't permitted on this lake, swimming and rowing are much more peaceful here than where busy ferries operate. If you're looking for a calm day, Grasmere might just be the location for you.

Things to Do in the Gransmere Area

Grasmere is home to a few unique attractions, and while Grasmere Gingerbread is one of them (we’ll talk more about this in a minute), there are also a few others we think are worth mentioning. Here they are:

• Dove Cottage and Museum: Dove Cottage is the former home of Wordsworth and is now a museum dedicated to the poet's life and work. Explore its charming gardens and enjoy various exhibits
• St Oswald's Church: Notable for its Gothic architecture, this medieval church is the burial site of Wordsworth. It's worth visiting if you're in the area
• Lake Grasmere circular walk: This peaceful lakeside stroll is perfect for all levels and abilities, and an absolute must if you're in Grasmere
• Grasmere Gingerbread Shop: This world-famous treat is still made by hand using Sarah Nelson's original 1854 recipe. It's still the only place in the world that makes Grasmere Gingerbread, so if you're looking for a sweet treat, visit this traditional shop

Places to Eat & Drink in Gransmere

Grasmere takes its food very seriously, and we're not just talking about the gingerbread.

From award-winning restaurants to Michelin Star establishments, Grasmere is the place to be for some seriously outstanding bites.

Here are our recommendations:

• The Forest Side: This Michelin-starred dining experience serves modern British cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking fells and landscaped gardens. Expect locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and thoughtful plating that fills the senses.
• Lewis's Bistro: This tiny, modern, family-run establishment uses locally sourced produce to cook your dish fresh to order. Intimate, a refined menu, and a curated wine and spirits list for a premium experience
• The Jumble Room: A vibrant, family-run restaurant known for its eclectic and organic, globally inspired menu. Highly praised by locals and visitors alike, the Jumble Room has a mix of everything, but elevated
• Mathilde's Cafe: Set inside the Heaton Cooper Gallery, this cafe offers Scandinavian-inspired dishes for a relaxed yet stylish dining experience

6) Thirlmere — Home to Cumbria’s Natural Infinity Pool

 

 

 

 

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Thirlmere offers a quieter experience than some of the busier Lake District lakes.

Surrounded by woodland and steep fells, it’s perfect for immersive nature walks, reflective solitude, and light historical intrigue without the crowds.

Yes, you're right, it's not a lake, it's in fact a reservoir, but we thought it deserved a spot on our list nonetheless.

You probably recognise the name from its famed natural infinity pool, which you can indeed swim in. However, the reservoir itself (formed by damming two small lakes) must not be swum in.

Things to Do in the Thirlmere Area

While there isn't much to do in the area around Thirlmere, since the village of Wytburn was submerged when the valley was flooded to create the reservoir in the 19th century, the large reservoir is still worth visiting.

Here's what you can do on your trip:

• 10-mile circular route: A full loop around Thirlmere makes for a substantial but rewarding walk or cycle, passing through quiet forests, open water views, and remnants of old paths
• Natural Thirlmere 'infinity pool': This hidden gem near Thirlmere offers crystal-clear plunge waters and breathtaking views over the reservoir
• Wythburn Church: One of the only structures left standing after the small farming village was destroyed to make way for the reservoir. The church is used for worship in the summer months, as there is no electricity or gas!

Places to Eat & Drink Near Thirlmere

As we said before, the former village where Thrilmere now stands only has a church and a few remaining houses, so you need to travel away from the Reservoir to find eateries and places to grab a much-needed drink (especially if you completed the 10-mile loop!).

There is one notable one in the Thirlmere area, and that is the King's Head Inn. This coaching inn offers breathtaking views over Thirlmere and the surrounding fells. You'll find traditional yet elevated pub classics and a well-stocked bar.

For more restaurants, pubs, and cafes, we recommend travelling to nearby villages and towns like Grasmere or Keswick.

Read More: 8 Must-Visit Scenic Picnic Spots in the Lake District

7) Derwentwater — One of the Widest Cumbrian Lakes

 

 

 

 

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Derwentwater is the widest of the lakes in Cumbria, embraced by the town of Keswick to the north, and has dramatic falls, including Skiddaw.

It's one of the most famous in the Lake District, with picture-perfect scenery and serene wooded shores.

Friars Crag is actually located on Derwentwater, and it's probably the most famous viewpoint. We're sure you've heard of it, but if not, it's well worth a visit to the picturesque bench.

Things to Do in the Derwentwater Area

Derwentwater itself has plenty going on, and that's not including the surrounding town of Keswick, where you can find tons of activities, festivals, and places to grab great food.

See Our Guide to the Lake District’s Yearly Festivals!

See Our Guide to the Lake District’s Yearly Festivals!

Here are some of our favourite things to do on Derwentwater and in the surrounding area:

• Water sports: Derwentwater is the perfect place for a spot of canoeing, paddle-boarding, or swimming. There are plenty of outdoor providers at the lakeshore, and enjoying the water is the best part (one of them, anyway) about coming to the national park
• Derwent House: Visit this iconic, fascinating location on Derwent Island. The 18th-century house is lived in all year round, but open to the public five days a year, giving those lucky few the opportunity to marvel at the house and gardens
• The Keswick Launch Boat Cruise: Offering a relaxing 50-minute ride with multiple landing stages, this activity is perfect for those wanting to combine walking with scenic water travel
• Lakeshore walking loop: You can enjoy a 10-mile circular walk around the entire lake. Take a picnic for stops in scenic locations along the way, and take in the beauty of the shores

Places to Eat & Drink in Derwentwater

There are some excellent foodie locations around the Derwentwater and Keswick area, so a hearty breakfast, light lunch, and beautiful dining experience won't be difficult to come by.

• Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden: A stylish cafe serving breakfasts, lunches, and freshly baked treats made with local produce. Set within beautiful gardens, just a short walk from the lake. This is super popular with visitors
• The Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant: This cosy spot offers hearty breakfasts, lunches, homemade cakes, and an evening bistro menu. Everything here is cooked to perfection
• Dandelion Cafe: A bright, welcoming cafe with excellent coffee, light lunches, and indulgent cakes. It's known for its friendly atmosphere and peaceful setting near the water, so you can't go wrong with this location
• The Round: This lively eatery in Keswick serves gourmet burgers, creative sides, and cocktails. The ideal spot for casual nights with a twist after a day at Derwentwater

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Visit to the Cumbrian Lakes

Going to Cumbria is the perfect time to visit the famed lakes of the Lake District, and if you see any during your time in the National Park, we suggest it be these.

From the iconic Windermere to lesser-known locations like Thirlmere, each lake has its own charm, activities, history, and spectacular beauty.

Just remember to understand the rules of each lake before you dive in headfirst or bring your canoe to the location. If you're ever unsure, you can find the bye-laws on the Lake District National Park website.

We hope you have a magical time at our top Cumbrian lakes!