Top 10 Most Beautiful Lakes in the U.K For Discovering

Illustrated picture. Photo: Mixi

About 40,000 lakes can be found across the UK. While the vast majority of these islands (more than 37,000) are located in Scotland, visitors to any of the British Isles will never be more than a short distance from a beautiful body of water.

Some of the most impressive lakes are found in the north because mountains surround most lakes, but the south also has some hidden gems.

Discover: Top 10 Largest Lakes in the World With Unbelievable Beauty

Which are the Most Beautiful Lakes in the UK?

1. Dozmary Pool, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

Photo: Experience Freedom

Dozmary Pool, though small, is perfectly formed, disproving the claim that all of England's most stunning lakes are located north of Watford Gap. Dozmary Pool, located on Bodmin Moor, is a hauntingly beautiful body of water that contrasts with the area's rugged landscape.

In addition to its natural beauty, the lake is intriguing because of its purported role in Arthurian legend. Some say the lake is the residence of the Lady of the Lake, the enchantress who bestowed upon Arthur the legendary sword Excalibur.

2. Lake Windermere, Cumbria, Lake District

Photo: Visit Cumbria

Even though there are sixteen lakes in the Lake District, many people only think of Windermere. This picturesque location is the largest natural lake in England at 16.8 kilometers in length, 1.6 kilometers in width, and 67 meters to the bottom.

With its 19 islands, five boating clubs, and fleet of launches and steamers, the Lake District is best experienced from the water.

3. Buttermere, Cumbria, Lake District

Photo: Sally's Cottages

To "keep an appointment with a beech tree, a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines," Henry David Thoreau described walking eight or ten miles.

This is also possible in the Lakes with an eight-mile walk that takes you up to the top of Rannerdale Knotts and back through the recognizable Buttermere Pines and the lake itself.

Top 10+ Most Stunning Lakes In Canada

4. Bewl Water, England

Photo: 1066 Country

Not all of the lakes in the United Kingdom are located in the north, as demonstrated by this serene, blue lake in East Sussex. Families with older children may enjoy a leisurely stroll or a 13-mile ride on rental mountain bikes around the reservoir, but there's plenty more to keep you occupied.

A 2,400 square meter inflatable obstacle course with monkey bars, a halfpipe, and a springboard into the lake awaits you at Bewl Water Aqua Park. Go crazy there. Alternatively, rent a sailing boat, pedalo, or paddle board. Parents are welcome to wait it out over a delicious burger at The Waterfront Cafe.

5. Kielder Water, Northumberland

Photo: Fine Art America

Kielder Water is the largest artificial lake in the United Kingdom, along with the surrounding forest, so purists may object to its inclusion, but the view it provides of the lush moorland below is undeniably pleasing to the eye.

Constructed in the mid-1970s, its main purpose was to provide water to the North Tyne, Wear, and Tees rivers. Today, it serves as a haven for various water sports, cycling, and other pursuits. Its riches will also appeal to nature enthusiasts; in 2009, three osprey chicks were born, the first in the region in over 200 years. Additionally, half of England's native red squirrels reside there.

6. Rydal Water, Cumbria, Lake District

Photo: teahub.io

Rydal Water is a must-see even though it's one of the Lake District's smaller lakes. Set in verdant surroundings, Rydal's connections are sure to appeal to any literature enthusiast.

Along with a cottage that was once inhabited by Hartley Coleridge and Thomas Quincey, Wordsworth has two houses on the lake's edge.

How Many Lakes Are There In The US Today?

7. Coniston Water, Lake District, Cumbria

Photo: Flickr

One of the most exquisite lakes in the United Kingdom is this one. In the English Lake District, it is the third-largest lake. It's a tidy and serene location.

This is a great place to spend a whole day doing things like swimming in the open lake, boating to take in the breathtaking views, strolling along the long lakeside walkways, and watching the sun set.

8. Loch Lomond, Scotland

Photo: National Parks UK

Southern Scotland is home to the 24-mile-long Lake Lomond. Given that Glasgow's southern shore is only 14 miles from the city, it is conveniently accessible from Glasgow. There are plenty of oak trees and red deer in this area.

This lake's water sports and breathtaking views of the forest make it a popular destination. A well-known golf club, walks and bike routes along the eastern shore, and views of the surrounding countryside are some of its drawbacks.

9. Lake Vyrnwy, Wales

Photo: Fine Art America

Liverpool and Merseyside needed freshwater, so in the 1800s, a reservoir in Powys, Wales, called Lake Vyrnwy (Llyn Efyrnwy in Welsh) was constructed. For tourists who travel specifically to this location from all over the world, the view of the dam's massive water spill has a unique beauty.

One can just take pleasure in outdoor pursuits like boating, water sports, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, and mountain biking, or they can just wait for dusk to spend quality time stargazing with their loved ones.

10. Lough Erne, County Fermanagh

Photo: Alchetron

Upper Lough and Lower Lough, also known as Broad Lough, are two connected lakes that make up the second largest lake system in Northern Ireland, which is called Lough Erne.

To keep people guessing, the Upper Lough is actually the smaller lake; however, it is located further up the River Erne, which is the source of the lakes. Approximately 154 islands can be found in the Lough, which spans almost 800 km2 of water.

Top 10 Astonishing and Beautiful Lakes in Europe Eager to know what are the most astonishing lakes in Europe? Check out the list of the 10 most beautiful lakes in Europe right below!

Top 10 Deadliest Lakes On The Planet There are some very dangerous bodies of water in the world. Some of them are popular tourist destinations, and others are sealed off by the ...

Top 10+ Deepest & Beautiful Lakes In The U.S In the United States, there are a large number of both natural and artificial lakes. Learn about the ten plus deepest and most stunning lakes ...