While many of us flock to the beach during warmer weather, the lakes found in the UK should not be underestimated as idyllic spots for days out, drawing visitors to some of the most scenic spots in the country.
Some of the UK’s lakes are the glistening centrepieces of our National Parks, while others offer something a little more quaint, often flanked by charming villages in rural districts.
We’re spoilt for choice: there are over 40,000 lakes in the UK, so there’s something for every visitor no matter how you wish to spend your day out. While the Lake District may be an obvious option, you’ll discover lakes and lochs worth visiting across the British Isles, from the Scottish Highlands right down to Cornwall.
There’s often plenty to do around the banks and on the water – though remember that some of the lakes have rules around entering them, so always check local restrictions (and make sure it’s safe to swim if you’re allowed).
We’ve rounded up the best UK lakes to visit and a place to stay nearby. Add them to your travel itinerary next time the British summertime cranks up the heat.
The best lakes to visit in the UK 2026
1. Serpentine Lake, London
London’s Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park is known for its open water lido where the Serpentine Swimming Club gathers. To explore the lake without getting wet, you can hire a pedalo for 30 to 60 minutes. Picnic in the park or stop off at the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen or the Serpentine Lido Cafe for al fresco drinks and dining while the sun shines.
Stay nearby at chic five-star bolthole Knightsbridge Hotel, which boasts colourful, individually decorated bedrooms, a beautiful drawing room and a library.
Price: From £340
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2. Buttermere, Cumbria
Buttermere Valley is one of the Lake District’s most beautiful spots, where you’ll find Crummock Water, Loweswater and Buttermere. The last of these lakes is 2km long and surrounded by fells, making it a particularly scenic destination. As it’s owned by the National Trust, there’s a car park at Buttermere village and an accessible, dog-friendly path for exploring the shores. Head to the base of Sourmilk Gill waterfall, discover the Victorian tunnel, or follow the Buttermere to Rannerdale ridge walk and soak up a breathtaking view of all three Buttermere Valley lakes.
Stay at Borrowdale Gates Hotel, a country house hotel set in picturesque woodland less than half an hour’s drive from Buttermere.
Price: From £146
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3. Loe Pool, Cornwall
Cornwall’s largest natural lake, Loe Pool, is found near coastal towns Porthleven and Helston. It’s a popular place to walk, and there is a route around the lake. Originally an inlet of Mount’s Bay, it sits adjacent to the coast and is separated from the sea by Loe Bar shingle beach. Head to the Penrose Estate for access to the circular walk and explore nearby farmland and woodland.
To stay the night, check out Harbour Inn, which is situated at nearby Porthleven Harbour, and features coastal interior details and has a beautiful view of the bay.
Price: From £153
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4. Kielder Water, Northumberland
Kielder Water is the largest manmade lake in Europe, and the 10.8km area of water is set within an expansive forest. The region is ideal for cycling, birdwatching, exploring and stargazing. Activities on the lake include canoeing, sailing, snorkelling and waterskiing, while you can partake in archery and fencing on dry land too. Forest Park has an enormous 250 square miles of woodland, and this West Northumberland beauty spot is home to breeding ospreys, impressive sculptures and an observatory.
If you want to stay nearby, the family-run Pheasant Inn offers a warm and welcoming bed in courtyard rooms, home-cooked food and low-beamed ceilings.
Price: From £165
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5. Loch Morar, Scottish Highlands
Loch Morar is a freshwater loch in Lochaber with a depth of 310 metres, making this Scottish Highlands spot ideal for fishing. There are three villages surrounding the area – Morar, Moidart and Arisaig – and it’s also the deepest freshwater lake in Britain. Take a 3.5-hour walk to Tarbert, keep a keen eye out for eagles soaring above, or enjoy some watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
The Chlachain Inn is 2.5 miles from the village of Morar and features modern rooms with tartan details, a terrace, mountain views and a bar.
Price: From £106
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6. Bala Lake, Gwynedd
If you’re partial to wild swimming, Bala – the largest lake in Wales – is an ideal dipping destination. The freshwater glacial lake is over 3.5 miles long and there’s a path around it taking hikers on a 14-mile walk. Tuck into a picnic with an inviting view or head deeper into Snowdonia National Park. Bala also has an outdoor centre offering water activities and the lake often hosts international sporting events like triathlons.
Gwydyr Hotel is a 35-minute drive from Bala and has free parking, comfortable rooms and a restaurant which uses locally sourced ingredients.
Price: From £98
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7. Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland
A peaceful fishing lake in Northern Ireland, Lough Neagh stretches across an area of almost 400 square kilometres. It’s located in the middle of five counties, is 20 miles west of Belfast and takes the crown as Britain’s largest freshwater lake. The lake is known for its eel fishing history, dating back hundreds of years. There are walking trails and wildlife to spot at the National Nature Reserve of Oxford Island on the lake’s southeast shore in County Armagh.
Stylish lakeside hotel The Rabbit serves up a relaxing view of the water, thanks to its open-air spa.
Price: From £230
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8. St James’s Park Lake, London
This lake, which is located in one of London’s Royal Parks, has a regal fountain and is framed by famous buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Whitehall. Walk across the Blue Bridge to get a better view of the lake right across to Big Ben. You’ll see mallards and may even spot one of the park’s pelicans. Stroll around London’s oldest Royal Park and absorb its historical sights, with 87 acres to explore.
For a parkside stay, Sofitel London St James is a West End five-star hotel in a Victorian building with a luxury spa on-site.
Price: From £389
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9. Malham Tarn, Yorkshire
Glacial lake Malham Tarn sits at an altitude of 377 metres above sea level. Climb to the upland alkaline lake – which is one of only eight in Europe – through a farm and moorland. The lake is within Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve and is home to aquatic plants, crayfish, teal, coots and more – in fact, it’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, which gives an even greater level of protection to its precious flora and fauna. Please note, entering the water or launching a craft of any kind here is strictly forbidden. There’s an 11-mile walk around the area, where you’ll discover Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.
Stay near Malham Tarm at The Lister Arms, a quaint inn with home-cooked fare and an outdoor area in the heart of Malham village.
Price: From £175
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10. Windermere, Lake District
One of the UK’s best-known bodies of water, Windermere is England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long with an abundance of towns, villages and hamlets along its shoreline. Among these is the village of the same name, home to a railway station, cafes, pubs and a high street characterised by its Lakeland stone buildings. At the northern end of the lake is Ambleside, another popular town, which is often the start and end of many lakeside walks. One of these walks, The West Windermere Way, takes ramblers on an almost four mile walk through woodland and along the southern edge of the lake. Aside from walking, many visit Windermere for its water activities like rowing or canoeing, as well as heading to local attractions such as the neo-Gothic Wray Castle and the beloved farmhouse of children’s author Beatrix Potter.
If you want to stay on the shores of Windemere, stone mansion Langdale Chase will deliver lake view rooms and rides on a vintage motor yacht in the summer.
Price: From £475
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11. Black Park Lake, Buckinghamshire
Who knew there would be a lake day out fit for a film buff? Turns out, Black Park Lake in Wexham, Buckinghamshire, fits that bill exactly. Due to being adjacent to Pinewood Film Studios, the lake and its surrounding woodland have been used for many motion picture shots, from the 1964 James Bond flick Goldfinger to Marvel’s Captain America: The First Adventure and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Rangers run film walks around the lake and wider park for anyone interested in delving deeper into the filming location. Despite the high-intensity drama scenes filmed here, strolls around the lake offer a relaxed afternoon out. Cafes selling ice cream can be found on either side of the lake, fishing opportunities open up in the summer (from 16 June), and a walking trail around the lake stretches just under a mile, which is ideal for a quick stroll. There is also a children’s playground and a Go Ape treetop adventure course on the banks of the Black Park Lake.
Nearby the lake is one of Buckinghamshire’s top luxury hotels, The Langley, the former manor home of the third Duke of Marlborough, with a thermal spa, pool and fine dining restaurants.
Price: From £557
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12. Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland
The UK’s largest sea lough can be found in County Down in Northern Ireland, just outside of Belfast. The Unesco-protected lake is the place to head for a slice of nature if you are situated in the city, and is also a popular body of water among wildlife watchers. Here, visitors will find over 2,000 marine species due to its inlet from the Irish Sea, including birds, seals, porpoises and multi-coloured wrasse fish. Those who prefer exploring historical structures will be at home here too, with plenty lining the shore such as Down Cathedral, the final resting place of St Patrick, and the 18th-century Castle Ward, which will be more recognisable as Winterfell in Game of Thrones. Out on the water, there are plenty of activities, such as sailing, surfing and paddleboarding.
To stay on the shores of the lough, check into The Cuan, offering guestrooms and a menu curated with local ingredients.
Price: From £99
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