Top 5 Lakes in Lake District, Cumbria, England

Lake District, as its name suggests, is made up by over 16 lakes with Fells (mountains) surrounding them. A very popular travel destination located in north western England, Lake district is a mountainous region which holds the record of containing the longest lake (Windermere), the deepest lake (Wast Water) as well as the highest mountain (Scafell Pike) in England. The whole region is now under jurisdiction of the Cumbria county.

What made the region so famous among holidays seekers is  its natural geographical features that provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as mountain hiking and rock climbing. For outdoor landscape photography hobbyists, beautiful sceneries of the lakes and mountains are just picture perfect. While holidays homes and hotels are found everywhere in the region especially along the major lakes such as Derwent Water and Windermere, many visitors are looking for accomodation in Windermere area as it is in the heart of Lake District.

Experiencing much pleasant weather with moderate temperature variations through out the year, from about 3 °C  in January to around 15 °C in July, Lake District is also a perfect destination to enjoy serenity of the surrounding environment for maximum relaxations.

Here are the top 5 lakes in the region which is worth for a relaxing holidays:

1. Windermere. Windermere is the largest natural ribbon lake in England, measuring over 16km long with 15km² of coverage area. It is one of the most popular area among tourists in Lake District National Park. Two favourite towns in the area are Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere. Ambleside is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and has easy access to the surrounding fells and mountains. Staying in Ambleside cottages provide an excellent base for travelers to tour the Lake District;
2. Ullswater. Ullswater is the second largest lake in Lake District with a total length of 14.5km. It is regarded as the most beautiful natural lake in England and many even compare it with Lake Lucerne of Switzerland! Ullswater is very popular as a sailing location, with sailing marinas situated around the lake. At weekends especially, the lake is dotted with many yachts and there are facilities also for diving, rowing and motorboats. Another attraction of Ullswater is the spectacular waterfall of Aira Force midway along the lake on the western side. Unique steamer is operational through out the year for lake touring.
3. Coniston Water. Coniston Water is the 3rd largest lake in the region with 8km long. The lake is ideal for kayaking and canoeing and there are a number of good sites for launching and recovery. The steam yacht tours the lake in the summer months. Coniston Water used to be the venue for water speed record breaking in 20th century.
4. Bassenthwaite Lake. Bassenthwaite Lake is the only lake officially named as a lake. It is long and narrow, approximately 6.4 km long and 1.2 km wide. With breathtaking views of water and fells, Bassenthwaite Lake is the popular spot for landscape photographers as well as bird watchers looking for various birds including osprey.
5. Derwent Water. Derwent Water is the widest lake here. The lake is believed to be the last remaining native habit of the vendace (Coregonus vandesius) fish. Recreational walking is a major tourist activity in the area and extensive network of footpaths are found surrounding the lake. One of the major tourist town here is Keswick. Staying in one of the Keswick cottages found around here is a great base for a holiday in the Lake District with plenty of facilities close at hand but in the midst of beautiful north Lakeland countryside.

Photo of Lake District by Cumbrian-Cottages.co.uk

I’m currently planning for my Europe travel MkII itinerary this year. My first and last stop would again be London, as I’m flying to Europe with super low fare ticket from budget airline. So a couple of day of my stay in England would definitely be in Lake Distrcit! 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate photo travel blog

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.