The 9 Best Lakes to Vacation on in England

Beautiful morning panorama of Buttermere lake in the Lake District. England
© Pajor Pawel/Shutterstock.com

Written by Kirstin Harrington

Updated: November 14, 2023

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People frequently travel to the English coast during the summer to enjoy a beach vacation, however, because of this, the beaches are frequently crowded with visitors and are not the most intimate setting for relaxation. 

So why not focus on lakes, an alternate sort of rejuvenating getaway? We’ve scoured the web to find the best beaches all over England that make fantastic vacation destinations. Let’s take a look at where your next holiday could be! 

Discover the best lakes to vacation on in Englad.

1. Dozmary Pool

Stunning sunrise over Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, a small natural lake steeped in Arthurian legend and reputedly the haunt of the Lady of the Lake

The legends behind Dozmary Pool make it worth a visit.

©Helen Hotson/Shutterstock.com

Dozmary Pool is unquestionably one of the most fascinating lakes in England. This vacation spot is encompassed by stunning natural scenery and is rich with old legends. The lake and the vicinity around it have a number of old myths that add to the existing charming charm. 

Dozmary Pool has long been regarded to be the abode of the Lady of the Lake who handed King Arthur his legendary sword, Excalibur. The two tallest hills in Cornwall, Brown Willy, and Rough Tor, are also close by and offer incredible panoramas of Dozmary Pool.

2. Black Park Lake

Black Country Park, Buckinghamshire

Hogsmeade Train Station in Harry Potter was filmed in the forest around this lake.

©JohnMcDonald/Shutterstock.com

This stunning lake, which is close to Pinewood Film Studios, has appeared in numerous movies, including Sleepy Hollow, the Harry Potter books, the James Bond series, and many others. 

Nevertheless, despite its filmography, it continues to be one of England’s most tranquil lakes and stays off the major tourism trail. It’s a haven inside an oasis, located right in the center of Black Park’s 530-acre forests.  

3. Bewl Water 

Low water level in Bewl water reservoir, East Sussex, England, in summer 2022

This lake has a history of having a low water level.

©Veronique Stone/Shutterstock.com

Bewl Water is located in the southeast of England, near East Sussex and Kent. This expansive rural lake is well known for gatherings with kids and activities like canoeing and hiking, which makes it the ideal escape for those who enjoy the outdoors.  

The lake is quite lovely, but it is additionally enveloped by 800 acres of breathtakingly beautiful natural land referred to as the High Weald. 

4. Carsington Water

Carsington Water, a popular tourist destination for walking and boating

The hike around the lake is eight miles long.

©Steve Cordory/Shutterstock.com

We’re heading to the Peak District now, where you can find Carsington Water, another of Britain’s most stunning lakes. In fact, this lake, which is close to Ashbourne, is a reservoir. A wildlife center and a water center that rents out boats and bicycles for local cycling are both located at Carsington Water. 

The lake’s eight-mile circuit presents a wonderful opportunity for some gorgeous hikes or biking all around the lake. Visitors can rent equipment such as boats, paddleboards, and kayaks at the Water Center for a tranquil, stress-free afternoon on the water. 

If you prefer a little bird watching, bring a pair of binoculars to this spot because Carsington Water is renowned for having an incredible bird population. 

5. Lake Windermere

View over Lake Windermere

Fishermen catch 30-pound Pike in Lake Windermere.

©iStock.com/Michael Saunders

One of England’s most picturesque lakes, Lake Windermere, is located in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. This is England’s largest lake! It has 10.5 miles of shoreline and is over 200 feet deep. 

This beautiful vacation spot is a very popular tourist destination in the United Kingdom. People visit for ultimate relaxation in the heart of the outdoors. Lake Windermere is framed by tranquil, wooded hills and sprinkled with captivating villages. 

6. Buttermere

Beautiful morning panorama of Buttermere lake in the Lake District. England

Lake Buttermere is over 1,800 feet wide!

©Pajor Pawel/Shutterstock.com

Buttermere is yet another treasure of the Lake District as well as one of the country’s breathtaking lakes. Even though it is only a little more than half a square mile in size, its lush natural landscape is what set it apart. 

Famous peaks like Haystacks and Red Pike, as well as a wealth of hiking paths, border the serene lake. It just takes two hours to complete the loop due to the flat landscape that directly surrounds the lake. 

7. Stanwick Lakes

Stanwick Lakes, Northamptonshire, UK on a calm sunny autumn morning on 27-11-2020

Stanwick Lakes is popular for birding.

©Janemf1/Shutterstock.com

Looking to unwind by the water in Northamptonshire? If you live nearby or are traveling from afar, Stanwick Lakes is definitely worth a visit. There is so much to learn about the environment and wildlife in this 741-acre region. 

Over a dozen lakes make up Stanwick Lakes, where you may go open-water swimming if you’re willing to brave the chilly weather. Give Stanwick Lakes a try if you’re searching for a lake you can explore with your children, since it is undoubtedly among the most picturesque in England, whether you’re taking a dip in it or simply strolling about it.

8. Caldecotte Lake

Gorgeous Aerial View of Caldecotte Lake of Milton Keynes City of England Great Britain During Dramatic Clouds over City and Warm Day. The Footage Was Captured on 21-May-2023 with Drone's Camera.

The pub along this lake is a popular tourist destination.

©Altaf Shah/Shutterstock.com

Caldecotte Lake is a unique location, encircled by acres of woodland on every side. There is a lovely windmill and the region is home to among of England’s richest bird populations. This tranquil lake is well-known for its calm ambiance and a variety of fauna, making it ideal for weekend relaxation or for people who love the outdoors. 

Both amateur and expert anglers enjoy fishing and sailing on the lake. 

9 Coniston Water

An early morning view of Coniston Water in the English Lake District. The summit of Coniston Old Man in the background is hiding in the clouds.

Coniston Water is our top choice for a private vacation spot.

©Catstyecam/Shutterstock.com

Coniston Water is among England’s most serene and stunning sources of water. It’s surrounded by the Eastern Fells of Fairfield and Helvellyn. Coniston Water is so magnificent that it served as the basis for Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons. 

It is the third-largest of the 16 lakes in the Lake District, measuring nearly five miles long. Paddling and other water sports are popular here all year long. 

Summary of the Best Vacation Lakes in England

LakeLocation
1.Dozmary PoolCornwall 
2.Black Park LakeBuckinghamshire
3.Bewl Water East Sussex
4.Carsington WaterPeak District
5.Lake WindermereCumbira
6.ButtermereCumbria
7.Stanwick LakesNorthhamphire 
8.Caldecotte LakeMilton Keynes
9.Coniston WaterCumbria 


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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