The best lakes and lochs in the UK range from vast Highland waters and dramatic mountain lakes to lowland reservoirs, island-filled loughs and accessible waters surrounded by some of the country’s finest walking landscapes. Loch Lomond and Windermere are especially strong for activities and easy access; Loch Maree, Wast Water and Llyn y Fan Fach stand out for wild scenery; while Derwentwater, Loch Katrine and Lough Erne are particularly rewarding from the water.
The United Kingdom’s lakes and lochs vary enormously in scale, setting and character. Some are defined by mountains and glacial valleys, others by wooded islands, historic villages, wildlife, engineering or long-established boating traditions.
The best lake or loch is not always the largest. What matters more is how the water relates to the surrounding landscape and what visitors can actually do there, whether that means walking, taking a boat, exploring a village, following a forest trail or simply finding a quiet viewpoint.
This guide brings together 20 of the best lakes and lochs in the UK across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is an editorial selection rather than a rigid ranking, focusing on scenery, character, access, cultural interest and the overall visitor experience.
Best UK lakes and lochs at a glance
| Lake or loch | Nation | Best for | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loch Lomond | Scotland | Activities, boat trips and accessibility | Large scenic loch with villages and cruises |
| Loch Ness | Scotland | Iconic scenery, cruises and history | Long Highland loch with major visitor sites |
| Loch Maree | Scotland | Wild scenery and quiet viewpoints | Remote Highland loch with islands and mountains |
| Loch Coruisk | Scotland | Dramatic mountain scenery | Remote Skye loch reached by boat or on foot |
| Windermere | England | First-time Lake District visits and cruises | Accessible major lake with towns and transport |
| Derwentwater | England | Boat-and-walk combinations | Mountain lake beside Keswick |
| Ullswater | England | Steamer trips and long scenic walks | Curving lake with increasingly dramatic scenery |
| Wast Water | England | Wild mountain atmosphere | Remote western Lake District lake |
| Llyn Tegid | Wales | Water sports and accessible mountain views | Wales's largest natural lake |
| Lough Erne | Northern Ireland | Boating, islands and historic sites | Complex inland water system around Enniskillen |
If you are choosing between them, start with the type of visit you want. Loch Lomond, Windermere and Llyn Tegid work well for accessible activities; Loch Maree, Wast Water and Llyn y Fan Fach are stronger for wild scenery; while Derwentwater, Loch Katrine and Lough Erne are especially good for combining boat travel with walking or island exploration.
How we selected the best lakes and lochs in the UK
This is an editorial selection rather than a ranking by size, fame or visitor numbers.
We considered:
- Scenery: Mountains, woodland, islands, shoreline and the wider landscape around the water.
- Character: Whether the lake or loch has a distinctive atmosphere rather than feeling interchangeable with another destination.
- Ways to experience it: Walking, cruises, ferries, water sports, cycling, viewpoints and nearby attractions.
- Access: How easy it is to reach useful viewpoints, villages, trailheads or boat services.
- Cultural and historical interest: Castles, archaeology, engineering, literature, legends and local history.
- Wildlife and ecology: Woodland, islands, wetlands and habitats that add depth beyond the view itself.
- Visitor depth: Whether the destination rewards several hours or a full day rather than only a short photo stop.
- Balance: A mix of well-known landscapes and places that offer a quieter or more distinctive experience.
A large lake is not automatically a better destination. Wast Water and Loch Coruisk are far smaller than Loch Lomond or Windermere, but their setting gives them a very different kind of impact.
Best lochs to visit in Scotland
1. Explore Loch Lomond
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Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Best for: Boat trips, walking, villages and an accessible introduction to Scottish lochs
Visit details:
- The loch and surrounding countryside are accessible throughout the year
- Boat services and visitor attractions operate separate seasonal schedules
- Parking and camping restrictions apply in selected areas
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for parking and activities
Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area and one of Scotland’s most accessible major landscapes.
Its southern end is broad and relatively gentle, while the northern reaches narrow between increasingly dramatic mountains. Balloch, Luss, Balmaha and Tarbet all provide different starting points for cruises, walking and wider exploration.
The loch is popular enough to feel busy, but quieter sections are easy to find away from the main visitor hubs.
Pro tip:
Use ferries, waterbuses or one-way walks to experience the loch without spending the whole day driving around it.
2. Visit Loch Ness
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The Great Glen, Highlands, Scotland
Best for: Cruises, Highland scenery and a first visit to the Great Glen
Visit details:
- The loch is accessible throughout the year
- Cruises, castle visits and attractions use separate schedules
- Road traffic can be heavy around peak touring periods
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for cruises and attractions
Loch Ness is one of the most famous bodies of water in the world, but its real appeal goes beyond the legend associated with it.
The loch stretches for more than 20 miles through the Great Glen and reaches remarkable depths. Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus and several quieter viewpoints provide different ways to experience the landscape.
Its scale means that no single roadside stop gives a complete impression.
Pro tip:
Take a boat trip or visit more than one side of the loch rather than relying on a quick viewpoint from the main road.
3. Discover Loch Maree
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Wester Ross, Scotland
Best for: Wild scenery, quiet viewpoints and Highland atmosphere
Visit details:
- The loch is accessible throughout the year
- Facilities are limited away from nearby villages
- Weather and single-track roads can affect access
Price: Free
Loch Maree is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and atmospheric freshwater lochs.
Surrounded by mountains and ancient woodland, it contains numerous islands and has a strong sense of isolation despite being crossed by a main Highland route. The views towards Slioch are especially memorable.
The loch is best appreciated slowly, through short walks and carefully chosen roadside stops.
Pro tip:
Stop only in safe signed areas and combine the visit with a nearby woodland or mountain walk.
4. Explore Loch Shiel
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Glenfinnan and Moidart, Highlands, Scotland
Best for: History, boat trips and contrasting Highland viewpoints
Visit details:
- The loch is accessible throughout the year
- Boat trips and visitor services vary seasonally
- Road access is easiest around Glenfinnan and Acharacle
Price: Free
Loch Shiel stretches through a long Highland valley from Glenfinnan towards the west coast.
The Glenfinnan Monument and surrounding mountains create the best-known northern view, but the southern reaches feel much quieter and more remote. The loch has strong historical associations and is especially rewarding from the water.
Its length makes it better suited to a full day or wider regional trip than a short stop.
Pro tip:
Visit both Glenfinnan and one quieter southern viewpoint if time allows, as the two ends feel very different.
5. See Loch Coruisk
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Isle of Skye, Scotland
Best for: Dramatic mountain scenery and a more adventurous loch visit
Visit details:
- The loch is accessible throughout the year
- Most visitors arrive by boat or on foot
- Weather and sea conditions can affect boat access
Price: £££
Loch Coruisk lies beneath the Cuillin and has one of the most dramatic mountain settings in the UK.
The dark water, steep rock and remote location give it a powerful atmosphere. Reaching it usually requires a boat from Elgol or a demanding walk, which makes the journey part of the experience.
This is a landscape for prepared walkers and visitors comfortable with changing weather.
Pro tip:
Use a boat trip for the simplest visit and allow enough time ashore to walk beyond the landing point.
6. Visit Loch Tay
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Perthshire, Scotland
Best for: Scenic driving, archaeology and easy village stops
Visit details:
- The loch and surrounding roads are accessible throughout the year
- Attractions and activity providers use separate schedules
- Weather can change quickly in the surrounding hills
Price: Free
Loch Tay combines mountain scenery, archaeology and accessible Highland-edge villages.
Killin, Kenmore and the surrounding roads provide several strong viewpoints, while the Scottish Crannog Centre and nearby walking routes add cultural depth. The loch’s long shape gives changing views throughout the drive.
It works especially well as part of a wider Perthshire journey.
Pro tip:
Combine one shoreline stop with either Killin, Kenmore or a nearby hill walk rather than circling the loch too quickly.
7. Explore Loch Katrine
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The Trossachs, Scotland
Best for: Cruises, cycling and an easy boat-and-walk day
Visit details:
- The loch is accessible throughout the year
- Boat cruises and cycle hire operate seasonally
- Road access is limited to selected visitor points
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for cruises and activities
Loch Katrine is one of Scotland’s most accessible scenic lochs and a defining landscape of the Trossachs.
Boat cruises, cycling routes and lakeside walks provide several ways to explore, while the surrounding hills create a classic Highland-style setting close to the central belt. Literary associations with Sir Walter Scott add historical interest.
The limited road access helps preserve the loch’s quieter atmosphere.
Pro tip:
Combine a boat journey with cycling or walking part of the shoreline for a more complete visit.
8. Discover Loch an Eilein
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Rothiemurchus, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
Best for: Gentle walking, pinewoods and a scenic loch circuit
Visit details:
- The loch and forest paths are accessible throughout the year
- Parking and visitor access charges may apply
- Paths can be icy or muddy depending on season
Price: ££
Loch an Eilein is one of the Cairngorms’ most attractive lower-level walks.
Ancient pinewoods surround the water, while the ruins of a small island castle provide a distinctive focal point. The circuit is gentle enough for many visitors but still feels closely connected to the wider mountain landscape.
It is especially beautiful in calm weather and autumn light.
Pro tip:
Walk the full circuit and allow time to explore the surrounding Rothiemurchus forest rather than stopping only at the castle viewpoint.
Best lakes to visit in England
9. Explore Windermere
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Lake District, Cumbria, England
Best for: Cruises, easy access and a first Lake District visit
Visit details:
- The lake and surrounding towns are accessible throughout the year
- Boat services and attractions use separate timetables
- Road traffic is heavy during peak periods
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for parking and cruises
Windermere is England’s largest natural lake and the best-known gateway to the Lake District.
Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside provide cruises, museums and transport connections, while quieter shoreline paths reveal a more peaceful side of the lake. Its accessibility makes it ideal for first-time visitors.
The busiest central areas can feel commercial, especially in summer.
Pro tip:
Use a boat to connect different parts of the lake and walk away from Bowness for a quieter experience.
10. Visit Derwentwater
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Near Keswick, Lake District, England
Best for: Boat-and-walk combinations and mountain scenery
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- Launch services operate seasonal timetables
- Shoreline paths can be wet or flooded after heavy rain
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for parking and boat services
Derwentwater combines easy access from Keswick with some of the finest mountain scenery in the Lake District.
Wooded islands, broad bays and views towards Borrowdale and the surrounding fells make it ideal for boat trips and shoreline walks. The lake feels more spacious and less urban than Windermere despite being close to a major visitor town.
Its western shore is particularly rewarding for walkers.
Pro tip:
Use the launch to create a one-way shoreline walk rather than attempting the entire circuit in one day.
11. Explore Ullswater
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Lake District, Cumbria, England
Best for: Cruises, easy access and a first Lake District visit
Best for: Steamer trips, long scenic walks and dramatic Lake District scenery
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- Steamers operate separate seasonal schedules
- Mountain weather can affect surrounding routes
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for parking and boat services
Ullswater is one of the most dramatic lakes in England.
Its long, curving shape moves between open northern shores and increasingly steep mountain scenery towards Glenridding. Aira Force, steamer trips and sections of the Ullswater Way create a strong mix of activities.
The lake is large enough to justify several separate visits.
Pro tip:
Combine a steamer journey with one section of the Ullswater Way instead of trying to drive every shoreline road.
12. Walk around Buttermere
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Buttermere Valley, Lake District, England
Best for: A manageable full shoreline walk and dramatic mountain scenery
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- The full circuit is roughly 4.5 miles
- Parking is limited during peak periods
Price: Free
Buttermere is one of the Lake District’s most visually complete mountain lakes.
A straightforward circuit follows the shoreline beneath steep fells, woodland and waterfalls. The scale is manageable enough for a half-day walk, while the surrounding scenery feels much larger and more dramatic.
Its popularity means the village and parking areas become busy quickly.
Pro tip:
Walk the full circuit early in the day and include nearby Crummock Water if you want a longer outing.
13. Visit Wast Water
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Wasdale, Lake District, England
Best for: Wild scenery, remote atmosphere and serious mountain context
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- Road access is slow and narrow
- Weather can make the valley feel remote
Price: Free
Wast Water is England’s deepest lake and one of the most powerful landscapes in the Lake District.
The screes on its eastern shore and the surrounding high fells create a stark, almost severe atmosphere. Scafell Pike and Wasdale Head add further significance to the valley.
The lake is best experienced as part of a dedicated Wasdale visit rather than a quick detour.
Pro tip:
Allow plenty of travel time and stop at more than one viewpoint to appreciate how the scenery changes along the shore.
14. Explore Coniston Water
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Lake District, Cumbria, England
Best for: Cruises, easy access and a first Lake District visit
Best for: Boating, literary history and quieter Lake District atmosphere
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- Boat services and museums operate separate schedules
- Roadside parking is limited in several areas
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for parking and cruises
Coniston Water combines strong mountain scenery with boating, industrial history and literary associations.
The village of Coniston, the Ruskin Museum and the surrounding fells create a more grounded atmosphere than some busier Lake District centres. The lake is closely connected with Donald Campbell and Arthur Ransome.
Its western shore feels especially quiet and scenic.
Pro tip:
Take a boat trip or walk part of the western shore instead of seeing the lake only from the village end.
15. Discover Kielder Water
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Northumberland, England
Best for: Cycling, dark skies, wildlife and a large reservoir landscape
Visit details:
- The reservoir and surrounding forest are accessible throughout the year
- Visitor centres and activities use separate schedules
- Dark-sky visits require careful night-time planning
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for parking and activities
Kielder Water is northern Europe’s largest man-made lake by capacity and sits within one of England’s most remote forest landscapes.
Cycling, walking, wildlife, sculpture and dark-sky experiences make it one of the UK’s strongest all-round reservoir destinations. Its scale and isolation create a very different experience from the Lake District.
The site is large enough that visitors should choose a particular area or activity in advance.
Pro tip:
Plan around one side of the reservoir and stay after dark only if you are properly prepared for remote conditions.
Best lakes to visit in Wales
16. Explore Llyn Tegid
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Bala, Gwynedd, Wales
Best for: Water sports, mountain views and an accessible Welsh lake break
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- Water sports and visitor facilities operate seasonally
- Weather can change quickly across the open water
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for parking and activities
Llyn Tegid is the largest natural lake in Wales and a major destination for water sports, walking and mountain views.
Bala provides the main visitor base, while quieter shoreline sections and nearby hills offer a more peaceful experience. The lake also has strong Welsh cultural and legendary associations.
Its openness makes wind a major factor in both water and shoreline conditions.
Pro tip:
Combine one water-based activity with a walk or viewpoint above the lake for a more complete visit.
17. Visit Llyn Padarn
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Llanberis, Eryri, Wales
Best for: Mountain views, heritage and easy access from Llanberis
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- Rail, museum and activity services use separate schedules
- Parking becomes busy during peak mountain days
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for activities
Llyn Padarn sits beneath the mountains of Eryri and beside the historic slate village of Llanberis.
The lake combines clear views, industrial heritage and easy access to walking, kayaking and heritage railways. Its position near Yr Wyddfa makes it one of the most visited lakes in Wales.
The quieter northern and western edges provide a calmer contrast to the busy village end.
Pro tip:
Walk beyond the main Llanberis waterfront to see the lake from a quieter angle.
18. Discover Llyn y Fan Fach
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Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Wales
Best for: Upland walking, Welsh legend and quieter mountain scenery
Visit details:
- The lake is accessible throughout the year
- A moderate walk is required from the nearest road
- Weather on the surrounding ridges can change rapidly
Price: Free
Llyn y Fan Fach lies beneath a dramatic escarpment in the western part of Bannau Brycheiniog.
The lake is associated with one of Wales’s best-known legends and forms part of a rewarding upland walking landscape. Its relative remoteness gives it a quieter atmosphere than more famous mountain lakes.
The route becomes more demanding if combined with the surrounding ridge.
Pro tip:
Carry navigation and proper clothing, even if you plan only to visit the lake rather than complete the full ridge walk.
19. Explore the Elan Valley reservoirs
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Near Rhayader, Powys, Wales
Best for: Scenic driving, walking and Victorian engineering
Visit details:
- The valley is accessible throughout the year
- Visitor centre and dam access use separate schedules
- Roads and paths can be affected by weather
Price: Free landscape access, with parking charges in selected areas
The Elan Valley contains a chain of reservoirs and dams within one of mid Wales’s most beautiful upland landscapes.
The combination of water, Victorian engineering, moorland and quiet roads creates a destination that feels both natural and carefully shaped. Walking, cycling and scenic driving all work well here.
The area is broad enough to reward a full day rather than a quick dam stop.
Pro tip:
Visit more than one reservoir and include a short walk so the scale of the whole valley becomes clear.
Best lakes to visit in Northern Ireland
20. Explore Lough Erne
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County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Best for: Boating, island visits and inland-water exploration
Visit details:
- The lough and surrounding countryside are accessible throughout the year
- Boat services, islands and attractions use separate schedules
- Weather can affect water-based travel
Price: Free landscape access, with charges for cruises and activities
Lough Erne is one of the UK’s most distinctive inland water landscapes.
The Upper and Lower Loughs contain islands, wooded shores, historic sites and long stretches of calm water around Enniskillen. Boating is central to the experience, but shoreline walks and island visits add significant depth.
Its network of channels and islands makes it feel more complex than a conventional lake.
Pro tip:
Take a boat trip or island visit rather than seeing the lough only from the road around Enniskillen.
Best UK lakes and lochs by type
Best for boat trips
Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Loch Katrine, Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Lough Erne are among the strongest choices for seeing the landscape from the water.
Best for mountain scenery
Loch Coruisk, Wast Water, Ullswater, Loch Maree and Llyn y Fan Fach offer some of the strongest mountain settings in this guide.
Best for easy access
Windermere, Loch Lomond, Llyn Padarn and Llyn Tegid provide relatively straightforward access to visitor facilities, viewpoints and activities.
Best for quieter scenery
Loch Maree, Loch Shiel, Llyn y Fan Fach and parts of the Elan Valley are stronger choices for visitors who want less commercial surroundings and a slower pace.
Best for walking
Buttermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater, Loch an Eilein and Llyn y Fan Fach all reward visitors who want the water to form part of a proper walk rather than a roadside stop.
Best for families and mixed groups
Windermere, Loch Lomond, Llyn Tegid and Kielder Water offer a wide enough range of activities and facilities to work well for visitors with different interests or activity levels.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best lakes and lochs to visit in the UK?
Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Loch Maree, Loch Coruisk, Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater, Wast Water, Llyn Tegid and Lough Erne are among the strongest all-round choices in this guide. The best destination depends on whether you want easy access, boat trips, mountain scenery, walking, water sports or a quieter landscape.
What is the best loch to visit in Scotland?
Loch Lomond is one of the strongest all-round choices because it combines accessibility, boat services, villages and varied scenery. Loch Maree is stronger for a quieter Highland experience, while Loch Coruisk offers the most dramatic mountain setting in this guide.
What is the best lake to visit in England?
Windermere is the easiest major choice for a first Lake District visit because of its cruises, towns and transport. Derwentwater is especially strong for combining boats and walking, while Wast Water offers the wildest mountain atmosphere.
Which UK lakes are best for boat trips?
Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Loch Katrine, Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Lough Erne all offer strong boat-based experiences, though services vary by season.
Which lakes and lochs are best for walking?
Buttermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater, Loch an Eilein and Llyn y Fan Fach are among the strongest walking choices in this guide. Some routes are gentle shoreline circuits, while others enter remote or mountainous terrain.
Which UK lakes are best for water sports?
Llyn Tegid is one of the strongest options in this guide for water sports. Windermere, Loch Lomond and Kielder Water also offer broad activity options, subject to local rules and weather conditions.
When is the best time to visit UK lakes and lochs?
Late spring to early autumn generally provides longer daylight and the widest range of boat services and activities. Autumn can be especially rewarding for woodland colour around lochs and lakes, while winter offers quieter landscapes but shorter daylight and more variable conditions.
Can you swim in UK lakes and lochs?
Open-water swimming is possible in some locations, but it should never be assumed to be safe or permitted everywhere. Water can remain very cold, depths change quickly and wind can make returning to shore difficult. Check local guidance before entering the water.
Do you need a car to visit these lakes?
Not always. Windermere, Derwentwater, Ullswater and Loch Lomond can be explored partly by public transport or boat services, and one-way walks can reduce the need to drive. More remote places such as Loch Coruisk, Loch Maree and Llyn y Fan Fach require more planning.
How to plan a lake or loch visit in the UK
The strongest lake and loch visits usually combine the water with another experience. A boat trip, shoreline walk, village, mountain viewpoint, forest trail or historic site gives more depth than a brief roadside stop.
Weather matters greatly. Wind can transform calm water into a difficult environment for kayaking, paddleboarding or boat travel, while rain and low cloud can obscure the surrounding mountains. Check local conditions before committing to water-based activities.
Parking and access vary significantly. Windermere, Loch Lomond, Derwentwater and Llyn Padarn have extensive visitor infrastructure, while Loch Coruisk, Llyn y Fan Fach and some Highland lochs require more planning and self-sufficiency.
Wild swimming should never be treated casually. Water temperatures remain low for much of the year, depths can change suddenly and wind can make returning to shore difficult. Anyone entering open water should understand the local conditions and use suitable equipment.
Public transport can improve several visits. Boats and buses around Windermere, Ullswater, Loch Lomond and parts of the Lake District make one-way walks possible and reduce pressure on busy roads and car parks.
Many of these landscapes are protected and environmentally sensitive. Keep dogs under control around livestock and wildlife, take litter away and avoid damaging shoreline vegetation or disturbing nesting birds.
Final thoughts
No single lake or loch is best for every visitor. Loch Lomond, Windermere and Llyn Tegid are especially strong for activities and accessibility; Loch Maree, Wast Water and Llyn y Fan Fach for wild scenery; and Derwentwater, Loch Katrine and Lough Erne for boat-based exploration. The best choice depends on whether the priority is walking, water sports, history, wildlife or simply a quiet view.
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