Looking to make a splash in the Lake District? Then dive right into our guide on the best places for wild swimming in the Lake District.
With 16 lakes and endless other stretches of water, it’s not surprising that wild swimming in the Lake District is popular. Whether you prefer bustling lakes, quieter pools, or an array of hidden gems, there is something for everyone!
Find the best wild swimming spots in the Lake District below…
Skip ahead to:
- Wild Swimming Lake District FAQs
- The Best Lake District Wild Swimming Locations
- Wild Swimming Lake District Map
Wild Swimming Lake District FAQs
Can you swim in the Lake District?
Yes of course you can swim in the Lake District! The Lake District is bursting at the seams with beautiful bodies of water ranging from its famous lakes to quaint tarns, trickling rivers and picturesque waterfalls. All idyllic spots for wild swimming in the Lake District!
Can you swim in Lake Windermere?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Windermere. Arguably the most famous lake in the Lake District, Lake Windermere is a wonderful place for Lake District wild swimming. Enjoy a refreshing dip in its waters before embarking on a day full of adventure.
What is the cleanest lake to swim in the Lake District?
The cleanest wild swimming spot in the Lake District is Ullswater. Renowned for its crystal clear waters, Ullswater is a pristine wild swimming spot in the Lake District.
Has anyone swam all the lakes in the Lake District?
Yes, someone has swam all the lakes in the Lake District! A triathlete, George Taplin, managed to conquer 13 lakes in just three days back in 2020, covering just over 70 kilometres in total. He did this to raise money and awareness for the clean water charity “Just a Drop”, for which he raised over £4000.
The Best Lake District Wild Swimming Locations
1. Buttermere, Buttermere
Found in the north-western part of the region and arguably one of the best hotspots for wild swimming in the Lake District is Buttermere. Stretching over two kilometres in length, it’s nestled between the fells of Robinson and High Stile and situated right by the namesake village of Buttermere.
One factor that makes this one of the best hotspots for wild swimming in the UK is the fact that boats aren’t allowed to operate on Buttermere, leaving it completely open for other leisure activities without being disturbed. Suzanna Swims offers guided swims for swimmers of all levels; ideal if you’d rather swim with company.
With plenty of places around the lake to safely enter and leave the water, there’s also a wonderful country path that winds its way around the entire lake that makes for a great place to go for a stroll after your swim. And with the village of Buttermere being so close to the lake, it also makes for a great place to stop off for a drink and a bite to eat; We’d highly recommend stopping off at Syke Farm Tea Room for a bit of rest and relaxation!
Co-ordinates: 54.5300182, -3.2697452
Parking: National Trust car park in Buttermere Village, Lanthwaite Wood and Honister Pass.
Parking Charge: Parking is free for members who scan their cards. There is also pay and display parking.
2. Coniston Water, Coniston
Towards the southern edge of this stunning national park you’ll find Coniston Water, another fantastic place for Lake District wild swimming! Nestled in a beautiful valley overlooked by the imposing Old Man of Coniston, one of the top peaks in the Lake District, the region’s fifth-largest lake makes for a brilliant place to get your adrenaline fix.
Although boats are allowed on this lake, their speed limit is restricted to just 10 miles per hour, making it a safe and popular place to go for a dip. Stretching over five miles in length and around 184 feet deep, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of your surroundings whilst swimming here as well as easy access to the village of Coniston which sits right by the lake. Here, you’ll find some great places to stop off after your swim, such as the Steam Bistro and The Crown Inn.
If you fancy doing something a bit different, you could always hop on the historic steam yacht gondola for a cruise of the lake, or make your way to the Coniston Boating Centre where you can hire your own kayak, paddleboard or motorboat.
Co-ordinates: 54.341701, -3.066509
Parking: LA21 8HL, car park offering 250 spaces.
Parking Charge: £6 all-day.
3. Buttermere Infinity Pool, Buttermere/Gatesgarth
The next spot on our guide to wild swimming in the Lake District takes us to Buttermere Infinity Pools. Located off the beaten track, Buttermere Infinity Pool is an idyllic wild swimming location thanks to its clear water and breathtaking views across Buttermere, the fells, and even Buttermere Lake!
Despite being one of the many pools formed in Wansdale Beck, Buttermere Infinity Pool has gained notoriety amongst wild swimmers as a scenic location with a picture-perfect waterfall. However, there is a walk to find this hidden gem, but its beauty makes it worth the hike.
To get here, we’d recommend parking at Gatesgarth Farm before following Honister Pass left until you see a sign for Honister House. From here, continue along the path and marvel at the breathtaking views until you spot the waterfall in the distance.
Once you find a grassy path leading up to a small bridge, all you need to do then is continue up the slightly rockier path to find Buttermere Infinity Pool, as well as a collection of other serene hotspots for wild swimming in the Lake District.
Co-ordinates: 54.511342, -3.236525
Parking: Gatesgarth Farm, CA13 9XA.
Parking Charge: £4 for 24 hours.
4. Crummock Water, Loweswater
The next lake on our guide to wild swimming in the Lake District is Crummock Water. Once connected to Buttermere, Crummock Water is a 2.5-mile-long and 140-foot-deep lake and is the start of the River Cocker, which flows through and gives its name to the town of Cockermouth.
When you arrive here for your Lake District wild swimming session, you can park in Lanthwaite Wood and enjoy a scenic walk through the dense trees with glimpses of the river and the lake. Then, when you reach the lake shore, take the plunge and bask in the serenity of the refreshing water and the surrounding fells of Mellbreak.
With unbeatable views, it’s not surprising that Crummock Water is a popular choice for wild swimming in the Lake District. Rowing boats are also available to hire, so enjoy a paddle around the lake before heading back to the village or Syke Farm for well-earned refreshments.
Co-ordinates: 54.554547, -3.307579
Parking: Parking is available along the B5289, at Scalehill Bridge CA13 0RT, Lanthwaite Green Farm CA13 9UY and Laithewaite Wood 54.581301, -3.318399.
Parking Charge: Free roadside parking and pay and display. Please check charges on arrival.
5. Tongue Pot, Eskdale
Nestled deep within the Eskdale Valley is our next spot for wild swimming, Tongue Pot. Encircled by grassy hillsides and rocky slopes, this emerald pool is an idyllic Lake District wild swimming spot.
Boasting clear water and deep patches, Tongue Pot is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely swim away from the hustle and bustle of some of the larger lakes in the Lake District. It can be accessed after a walk through the Eskdale valley, an indulgent treat after a hike!
When you arrive, we’d recommend parking in either of the two main parking areas before embarking on your wild swimming adventure. To get to this Lake District wild swimming hotspot, follow Hardknott Pass and turn off when you reach a red phone box.
From there, continue past the farmhouse, walk past the bridge on the dirt track and bask in the stunning scenery of the Lake District whilst following the rocky terrain.
Passing through a gate then over a stile you can follow the river where pools are beginning to form, around 3km from the parking area you’ll find Tongue Pot; its refreshing waters are well worth the wait!
Co-ordinates: 54.511342, -3.236525
Parking: Two main parking areas, a large lay-by at 54.3997956, -3.2154583 and a flat grassy area, CA19 1TH.
Parking Charge: Free.
6. Derwentwater, Keswick
A popular choice for wild swimming in the Lake District, Derwentwater lies just a short walk from the centre of Keswick. This swimming lake is 5 miles long and 72 feet at its deepest, creating ample swimming space as well as room for watersports and boating, which are hugely popular here.
This bustling lake is surrounded by beautiful fells, peaks and ancient woodland, all of which will be waiting for you to explore. Join the Derwentwater Circular Walk spanning 10 miles and discover Frairs Crag viewpoint, The Hundred Year Stone, and a variety of sculptures and memorials along the way.
When you’re all finished up, why not return to the town of Keswick after your wild swimming adventure and dry off before indulging in delicious food in the town’s many eateries or a well-deserved coffee? After all, being one of the busiest towns in the region, there’s no shortage of brilliant places to stop off at in the town.
Not only that but Keswick is also packed to the brim with great attractions like Puzzling Place and the Keswick Museum, both of which are well worth visiting if you happen to have spare time to explore the town.
Co-ordinates: 54.595469, -3.141552
Parking: A variety of National Trust car parks including Great Wood, CA12 5UP and Kettlewell CA12 5UN.
Parking Charge: Parking is free for National Trust members or £5 for up to 2 hours, £7 for up to 4 hours and £8.50 for all day.
7. Grasmere, Grasmere
Next on our list of best places for wild swimming in the Lake District is Grasmere. This quaint village is famous for its literary connections to the lake poet Wordsworth. With its breath-taking lake, it’s easy to see why he fell in love with Grasmere and called it his home.
Explore the countryside that encompasses the lake before taking to the water for a spot of wild swimming. Despite being one of the smaller lakes in the Lake District, there is plenty of room for swimming and even rowing. Boats can be hired, weather permitting, on the southwest shore.
After wild swimming in Grasmere, venture back into the village where you can explore the village’s literary connections at the Wordsworth Museum. Here, you will uncover lots of things you probably didn’t know about William Wordsworth.
Alternatively, why not treat yourself to the village’s famous Grasmere Gingerbread? The recipe dates back to the Victorian era!
Co-ordinates: 54.455045, -3.029471
Parking: Parking is available in the village, LA22 9PU.
Parking Charge: £1.80 for up to an hour, £3.20 for up to 2 hours, £4.20 for up to 3 hours, £5.40 for up to 4 hours, £6.60 for up to 6 hours and £8.00 for up to 10 hours.
8. Lake Windermere, Windermere
Arguably the most famous Lake District lake on our guide to Lake District wild swimming hotspots is Lake Windermere.
Recognised as England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long and 219 feet deep, it is no surprise that Windermere is a popular choice for wild swimming and other outdoor activities. Once the place where many water speed records were broken in the 1950s, today you won’t find boats speeding along the water here as local bylaws now restrict them to a 10mph limit. As a result, this lake is now one of the best spots for wild swimming in the Lake District.
This vast lake is popular with both locals and tourists and offers canoeing, kayaking, boating and paddle boarding and some of the other best outdoor activities in the UK. If you’re looking for somewhere quiet to start your wild swimming session, head to the Ambleside part of the lake where Borrans Park at Waterhead provides shallower waters with fewer boats.
Other great entry points for lake swimming on Windermere include Millerground, Harrowslack, Low Wray and Fell Foot. If you’re looking to swim with like-minded wild swimmers, why not join the Great North Swim that takes place here each year?
Co-ordinates: 54.381400, -2.921909
Parking: Rayrigg Meadow, LA23 1BP and Broad Street Car Park, LA23 2AB.
Parking Charge: £1.80 for up to an hour, £3.20 for up to 2 hours, £4.20 for up to 3 hours, £5.40 for up to 4 hours, £6.60 for up to 6 hours and £8.00 for up to 10 hours.
9. Wasdale Emerald Pool (Fairy Pools), Wasdale Head
The last entry in our guide to wild swimming in the Lake District is the Wasdale Emerald Pool, situated firmly within the gorgeous Wasdale Valley.
Likened to the breathtaking fairy pools on the Isle of Skye, this stunning pool boasts views across the rolling countryside and is overlooked by the famous Scafell Pike, making it a fantastic spot for Lake District wild swimming.
To reach Wasdale Emerald Pool, follow the trail past Lingmell House until you cross the wooden bridge. Continue straight on the path until you reach a fork in the road, then choose the right-hand path running alongside the beck. Be sure to wear suitable shoes as this trail can be rocky and wet.
Then finally, follow the beck until you reach Wasdale Emerald Pools, the home of two cascading Lake District waterfalls that feed into this stunning wild swimming pool.
Although it looks small, this wild swimming spot is the perfect place to soothe aching muscles after a hike. Rejoice in its crystal-clear waters and admire the unbeatable views across the fells – A truly magical and picturesque wild swimming setting!
Co-ordinates: 54.511342, -3.236525
Parking: Wasdale Head Car Park for Scarfell Pike, CA20 1EX
Parking Charge: Free
Wild Swimming Lake District Map
Ready to make a splash? Begin your wild swimming adventure in the Lake District! Alternatively, browse these cottages in the Lake District with a pool, so you can enjoy swimming whatever the weather!