The Lake District is known for its water as much as its fells. From famous lakes and quiet meres to deep valleys, winding rivers and little tarns, the landscape is shaped by water at every turn.
For visitors, the lakes bring boat trips, paddleboarding, gentle walks, wildlife, picnic stops and classic views. If you are staying at The Swan in Newby Bridge, you are beautifully placed for exploring the South Lakes, including Windermere, Coniston Water, Esthwaite Water and the riverside scenery close to the hotel.
Here is a simple guide to the biggest lakes in the Lake District, the deepest lake, famous lake names, rivers and a few interesting facts about the Lakes.
A Guide to the Best Lakes in the Lake District
Choosing the best lakes in the Lake District depends on the kind of day you want.
Windermere is ideal for first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants boat trips, paddleboarding, lakeside walks and places to eat nearby. Coniston Water is lovely for scenery, heritage and a slightly quieter South Lakes feel. Derwentwater works well for walks and a day around Keswick, while Ullswater is known for big, open views.
For somewhere dramatic, Wastwater is hard to beat. It feels wilder and more remote, with steep screes and mountain scenery.
Some of the best-known Lake District lakes names include Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston Water, Wastwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Haweswater, Ennerdale Water, Esthwaite Water, Loweswater and Brotherswater.
Discover the Lakes from The Swan
Stay close to Windermere, England’s largest lake, and discover the South Lakes from our riverside hotel in Newby Bridge. From boat trips and paddleboarding to Coniston Water, Esthwaite Water and peaceful lakeside walks, The Swan is a beautiful base for your Lake District escape.
Book Your StayBiggest, Deepest and Most Famous Lakes in the Lake District
The largest lake is Windermere. It stretches for around 10.5 miles, making it England’s largest lake and one of the most famous lakes in England.
The deepest lake in the Lake District is Wastwater, also known as Wast Water. It reaches around 258 feet at its deepest point and is loved for its dramatic western Lake District scenery.
Bassenthwaite Lake has one of the best facts attached to it too. Despite the name Lake District, it is the only body of water in the area with “Lake” officially in its name. The others are usually called waters, meres or tarns.
Windermere: The Biggest Lake in the Lake District
Windermere is the biggest lake in the Lake District and a brilliant place to start if you want a classic Lakes day out.
There is plenty to do around the lake, from boat trips and lakeside walks to paddleboarding, kayaking, family attractions and time spent exploring Bowness, Ambleside or the southern shoreline.
For guests staying at The Swan, Windermere is especially handy. Newby Bridge sits close to the southern end of the lake, so you can enjoy one of the Lake’s most famous places without staying right in the busiest spots.
Wastwater: The Deepest Lake in the Lake District
Wastwater is the deepest lake in the Lake District and one of the most dramatic. Set in the Wasdale Valley, it is surrounded by steep screes, rugged fells and mountain scenery, including views towards Scafell Pike.
Where Windermere feels open and accessible, Wastwater feels wilder and more remote. It is a strong choice for walkers, photographers and anyone who wants to see a more untamed side of the Lakes.
It is further from The Swan than Windermere or Coniston Water, so it works best as a longer day out rather than a quick visit.
Best Lake to Visit in the Lake District for Your Trip
The best lake to visit in the Lake District depends on your plans.
Choose Windermere for boat trips, paddleboarding, family attractions and easy access from The Swan. Choose Coniston Water for South Lakes scenery and a slightly quieter day out. Choose Derwentwater for walks, views and time in Keswick. Choose Ullswater for sweeping scenery. Choose Wastwater for drama, depth and mountain views.
For a gentle break from The Swan, Windermere, Coniston Water and Esthwaite Water are all lovely options. They give you beautiful scenery and easy days out without overcomplicating the itinerary.
Stay Near Windermere
Make The Swan your base for exploring Windermere, England’s largest lake. Set in Newby Bridge, close to the southern tip of the water, our hotel gives you easy access to boat trips, paddleboarding, lakeside walks and South Lakes days out, with cosy rooms and cottages waiting when you return.
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Turn Your Day Out Into a Spa Escape
After a day discovering lakes, rivers and viewpoints, slow things down at Holte Spa. Enjoy time to unwind, book a treatment, warm up after a walk or turn your lake-hopping adventure into a proper relaxing break at The Swan.
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Dine After a Day by the Water
Boat trips, walks and fresh air are even better when there is good food at the end of them. Join us for relaxed riverside dining, seasonal dishes, drinks and a slower Swan evening after a day exploring the lakes.
Book A TableExplore the Lakes from The Swan
The Swan is a lovely base for turning Lake District facts into real days out.
From Newby Bridge, you can explore Windermere, head towards Coniston Water, visit nearby villages, try paddleboarding, take a boat trip, plan a scenic walk or enjoy a slower riverside day before returning for food, spa time and a comfortable place to stay.
Whether you are planning a family break, a romantic escape, a dog-friendly stay or a few days discovering famous lakes in England, The Swan is a beautiful place to begin.
Book your stayFrequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest lake in the Lake District?
The biggest lake is Windermere. It stretches for around 10.5 miles, making it England’s largest lake. It is popular for boat trips, paddleboarding, lakeside walks and easy access from The Swan in Newby Bridge.
What is the deepest lake in the Lake District?
The deepest lake in the Lake District is Wastwater, also known as Wast Water. It reaches around 258 feet at its deepest point and is known for dramatic scenery, steep screes and its remote setting in the Wasdale Valley.
What are the names of lakes in the Lake District?
Some well-known names of lakes in the Lake District include Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston Water, Wastwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Thirlmere, Grasmere and Rydal Water.
What is the best lake to visit in the Lake District?
The best lake to visit in the Lake District depends on your trip. Windermere is best for first-time visitors and easy access from The Swan, Wastwater is best for dramatic views, Derwentwater is lovely for walking, and Coniston Water is ideal for South Lakes exploring.
