Skip To Main Content

  • Accommodation
    • NEW Special Offers
    • Don't Miss
      • Sustainable Stays
      • Dog Friendly Accommodation
      • Family Accommodation
      • Accommodation with a Swimming Pool
      • Accommodation with Gyms
      • Accommodation with Hot Tubs
      • Group Accommodation
      • Luxury accommodation
      • Something a Bit Different
      • Spa Breaks
    • Accessible Accommodation
    • B&Bs & Guesthouses
    • Camping, Glamping & Caravanning
    • Holiday Homes for Sale
    • Holiday Parks
    • Hostels
    • Hotels
    • Lake District Cottages
    • Pubs with Rooms
    • Restaurants with Rooms
    • Self Catering Accommodation
    • Cottage Agencies
  • What's On
    • What's On in the Lake District
    • What's On in Cumbria
    • Challenge Events
      • 13 Valleys
      • Great North Swim
      • Tour of Britain
      • Windermere Marathon
      • Cross-Bay Walks
      • Traditional Sports
      • Gurning Festival (Egremont Crab Fair)
      • World’s Biggest Liar
    • Cultural Events
    • Festivals
      • Cumbria Dark Skies Festival
      • Lake District Summer Music Festival
      • Marmalade Festival at Dalemain
      • Wild GOAT Festival
    • Food Events
    • Galleries & Exhibitions
    • Markets
    • Add your event
  • Things to Do
    • Bookable Experiences
    • Lake District Activities
    • Lake District Attractions
    • Adventure Activities
      • Adventure on the Water
      • Adventure Training
      • Extreme & Off Road
      • Rocks & Ropes
    • Arts and Culture
      • Culture in South Lakes
      • Deep Time
      • Famous Artists, Poets & Writers
      • Festivals
      • Galleries & Exhibitions
      • Independent Cinema
      • Museums
      • Theatre & Live Performance
      • TV & Film Locations
    • Experiences
      • Aerial Experiences
      • Animal Experiences
      • Bushcraft Experiences
      • Craft Demonstrations & Workshops
      • Food & Drink Masterclasses
      • Gift Experiences
    • Guided Tours
      • Blue Badge Guides
      • Coach & Minibus Tours
      • Guided Cycling
      • Guided Walks
      • Nature & Wildlife Tours
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Forest Bathing
      • Gym & Swim
      • Massage
      • Wild Swimming
      • Yoga
    • History and Heritage
      • Cumbrian Castles
      • Cumbrian Churches
      • Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens
    • Outdoor Activities
      • In the Air
      • On the Land
      • On the Water
      • Cycling in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Walking in the Lake District, Cumbria
      • Boat Hire
      • Horse Riding & Pony Trekking
      • Lake Cruises & Boat Trips
      • Sporting Activities
      • Hen & Stag Activities
      • Team Building activities
      • Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Shopping
      • Cumbrian High Street Shopping
      • Local Produce
      • Shop Online
    • Accessible Activities
    • Family Days Out
    • Traditional Sports
    • Wildlife & Nature
    • Safety/Adventure Smart
  • Food and Drink
    • Dog-friendly places to eat
    • Family-friendly places to eat
    • Afternoon Tea
    • Breweries & Distilleries
    • Cafés
    • Fine dining
    • Foraging & Bushcraft
    • Local Produce
    • Pub Food & Gastro Pubs
    • Restaurants
    • Vegetarian & Vegan
    • Interviews with Cumbrian Food Producers
    • Recipes from The Lake District, Cumbria
  • Explore Cumbria
    • Areas of Cumbria
      • The Lake District
      • Carlisle & Hadrian’s Wall
      • Eden Valley & North Pennines
      • Morecambe Bay
      • Western Lakes & Coast
      • Where The Lakes Meets The Dales
      • Ambleside
      • Coniston
      • Keswick
      • Windermere & Bowness
    • Sustainable Stays
    • Dark Sky Cumbria
    • Mountains and Fells
    • Year of the Coast
    • World Heritage Cumbria
    • Access for all
    • Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens
    • Wainwrights
    • The National Trust in the Lake District
    • Lakes and Rivers
    • Cumbrian Castles
    • Cumbrian Churches
    • Harbours & Marinas
    • Travel
      • Getting To Cumbria
      • Getting Around Cumbria
      • Sustainable Stays
      • Buses
      • Trains
      • Airports
      • Car, Minibus & Campervan Hire
      • Cycle Hire in the Lake District Cumbria
      • Boat Hire
      • Guides & Tours
      • Taxis
      • Car Parking and Car Charging
      • Group Travel
      • Travel Inspiration – Itineraries
    • Tourist Information Centres
  • Ideas and Inspiration
    • Rainy day ideas
    • Sunny day ideas
    • Selfie Guide
    • Suggested Itineraries
    • Spa Breaks
    • Romantic Breaks
    • Family Holidays
    • Dog Friendly Holidays
    • Bespoke Holidays
    • The Inn Collection Group in the Lake District
    • Sustainable Stays
    • Caring for the environment
      • Lake District Foundation
      • Safety/Adventure Smart
    • Live, Work and Study in The Lake District, Cumbria
  • Weddings
    • Wedding Venues
      • Exclusive Use Venues
      • Venues with Accommodation
    • Wedding Suppliers
    • Wedding Fairs & Events
    • Stag & Hen Parties
    • Honeymoon & Minimoon
    • Transport
    • Spa Treatments
  • Conferences & Event Spaces
    • Conference venues with rooms
    • Attraction Venues & Meeting Spaces
    • Functions, Banquets and Corporate Event Venues
    • Team Building
    • Event Organisers, Catering & Suppliers
  • Offers, Prizes & Guides
    • NEW Special Offers
    • Subscribe to our special offers Newsletters
    • Prize Draws
      • WIN a two-night stay at Another Place
      • Win 2 tickets to see Ben Fogle: Wild at The Coro
      • Win a Via Ferrata Xtreme Adventure at Honister
      • Win a 2-night 'Walk Inn' package from the Angel In
      • Win a £500 holiday voucher from holidaycottages
      • Win an overnight stay for 2 at Low Wood Bay Resort
      • Win a luxury overnight stay for 2 at Low Wood Bay
    • Gift Vouchers
    • Free Downloads
      • Download Free Desktop Wallpaper
      • Download Free Mobile Wallpaper
      • Download Free Lake District Zoom Backgrounds
      • Download Free Wainwright Podcasts
    • Order a free holiday guide
    • Download Free Guides
  • Blog

Don't Miss

  • Whinlatter Forest

    Whinlatter Forest

  • The Lake District, Cumbria Adventure Guide

    View the new digital Adventure Guide

  • Site Logo
  • Print Logo
Site Search Icon

My Planner

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

Already saved an Itinerary?

List All My Saved Itineraries

Language
  • DE
  • EN
Menu
  1. Swimmers on Ashness Jetty, Derwentwater
    Wild Swimming in the Lake District, Cumbria

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Health & Wellbeing > Wild Swimming

Wild Swimming

The Lake District, Cumbria is one of the best places in the world for wild swimming.

From river swims and lake dips to a good soak under a waterfall, have plenty of spots spread right across the county that are ideal for a truly immersive Lake District experience!

With the exceptions of Ennerdale Water, Haweswater and Thirlmere, visitors are free to swim in any lake, tarn or river!

Busier spots often have mooring areas and jetties in regular use by boats and remember that weather conditions can change in an instant – so always be vigilant and plan ahead.

Of course, we do remind you to take care while enjoying a dip and recommend weaker swimmers stay safe and sound on shore.

Further information is available on the Lake District National Park website here, and be sure to make sure you come well-prepared and ‘Adventure Smart’, here.

Windermere

As England’s longest lake, Windermere is a place that without doubt must be experienced at least once by every visitor.

From Lakeside at the southern tip, to Ambleside in the north, it is an essential place to tick off on your Lake District adventure. Sure to whet the appetite for all the other lakes on offer, Windermere has been made easy to explore and enjoy thanks to countless attractions working together to provide a full day-out without the need to use the car.

With public and private boats cruising on the lake, it is vital that visitors pay extra attention to their surroundings while enjoying the cool water during any swimming activities.

A good starting point is from the shore at Fell Foot Park, at Newby Bridge – where National Trust members can park for free! Alternatively, easy lake access is also available at Brockhole, The Lake District Visitors Centre between Windermere and Ambleside.

For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555

Ullswater

At nine miles long and forged by a glacier, Ullswater is the second-longest lake here in the Lake District, Cumbria, making it another big one to add to your list of places to take a swim.

As with Windermere, extra care must be taken due to Ullswater ‘Steamers’ cruises sailing along the full-length of the lake from Pooley Bridge in the north, to Glenridding in the south, via Howtown about halfway in between.

The A592 runs along its entire western side, making it easy to find and enjoy – so all you need is a map, your swimming costume and of course, water safety at the forefront of your mind.

For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555.

Bassenthwaite

At four miles long and around three quarters of a mile wide, Bassenthwaite is the most northerly lake on this list, so after swimming in the two longest lakes listed above, the most northerly is another ‘must do’, right? Another of the largest lakes here in Cumbria, Bassenthwaite bathes in the shadow of the mighty and imposing fell of Skiddaw.

Flanked by the A66 on its western shore, Bassenthwaite is easy to get to if you fancy a swim, thanks to it being accessible by road and public transport, with plenty of lay-bys to pull over and soak up the views as well as taking a dip. For a quieter moment, why not take the A591 on the lake’s eastern side and follow a public footpath to the shore for a more tranquil moment?

For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555

Coniston

To swim in the ripples of giants, a dip in Coniston Water is essential. Perhaps most famous for the adventurous exploits of Donald Campbell in his legendary Bluebird craft, Coniston water is one of the South Lakes’ most popular lakes, surrounded by famous villages including Coniston Village and stunning woodlands.

Enjoy a wild swim under the Old Man of Coniston fell, which looms above. Coniston Water is also famous for being the scene of the classic children’s tale, Swallows and Amazons. Why not bring a canoe along, as well as your swimming costume, and re-live their adventures for yourself?

The trip to get there is just as picturesque as the views upon arrival, too.

For more information, contact the Lake District National Park: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk | 01539 724555

Wastwater

Another lake carved into the landscape by a glacier, Wastwater (or Wast Water, depending who you ask), holds the bragging rights for the title of ‘deepest lake in England’ – and is one of The Lake District, Cumbria’s best-known wild-swimming spots.

Owned by the National Trust, the lake also enjoys seclusion, with access being from along the A595, which hugs Cumbria’s western coast.

Wastwater’s northern tip is at Wasdale Head – the site of a remote campsite and the last pub for miles – popular with walkers taking on a climb of England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike.

Accessible by a remote road and with a circular lake walk available, the feeling of rugged wilderness is hard to beat. Powered craft are not permitted on Wastwater, making a wild swim here essential.

For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.

Derwent Water

If you fancy combining a wild-swimming trip with a spot of camping, a break doesn’t get much more convenient than a visit to Derwentwater.

With the Keswick Campsite right on the shoreline, this lake boasts no fewer than seven lakeside marinas and several little islands to explore.

Sci-Fi buffs would especially enjoy a swim here, as the lake was a film location used during the filming of some scenes in Star Wars: Episode VII, The Force Awakens.

The B5289 runs along the lake’s eastern shore and makes a great day out when combined with a visit to the dog-friendly town of Keswick itself. Perhaps your four-legged friend would like to accompany you in the water too?

Crummock Water

Another spot very popular with wild swimmers, Crummock Water is off the beaten-track, but well worth a visit.

Accessed via the B5289, Crummock Water’s close neighbours Buttermere and Loweswater can also both be enjoyed during the same journey.

For a big adventure day, hike three lakes in a day and finish up with a re-energising wild swim in Crummock Water itself, where near-silence is guaranteed as the use of powered craft is not permitted.

For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.

Buttermere

One of the smallest lakes in Cumbria, Buttermere offers peace and tranquillity in spades due to rules which prohibit the use of any form of powered craft.

With only one road passing the shore for a short distance on its eastern tip, a drive over the Honister Pass brings you out to a perfect place to pull over and head down to the water’s edge with your snorkel and a lovely fluffy towel.

For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.

Loweswater

Loweswater holds the unenviable and unofficial title as the lake that nobody seems to remember the name of – but that is a good thing, because you might find you are the only soul taking a wild-dip.

Completing a row of three lakes – which also includes Buttermere and Crummock Water, this small, picturesque lake is a welcome addition to any western Lake District itinerary.

As powered craft are not permitted to sail on any of these three lakes, the only sound you will hear is the breeze, the birds, and the cool water lapping against your skin.

Plus, a circular walk means visitors can also enjoy views across the water or looking up at the surrounding fells from any point along its shoreline after getting towelled-down.

For more information, contact The National Trust on 015394 35599.

Grasmere

Another of the smaller lakes on the wild swimming permitted list, a visit to Grasmere – right next to its village namesake, is definitely one to add to your Lake District getaway itinerary.

Located on the Lake District’s central artery, the A591, you cannot miss it – and if you are driving, the earlier you set off, the better.

Set the alarm and be among the first people to welcome a new day almost slap-bang in the middle of the National Park, with a wild-swim to remember.

A peaceful swim is assured, as powered craft are not permitted on Grasmere. Just remember that as tempting as it may be to swim onto the lake’s small islands, they are off-limits.

For more information, contact Lowther Estates on 01931 712577.

Rydal

Rydal Water goes hand-in-hand with Grasmere, with this small lake sharing a cosy, rural location with its slightly larger cousin.

Separated by less than one mile, if you take a swim in one, you may as well experience them both.

Rydal is suitable for individual recreational swimming only, with all commercial activity to be agreed with Carter Jonas at Rydal Estates.

Like Grasmere, powered craft are not permitted to sail on Rydal, so a peaceful dip is guaranteed.

For further information, contact Carter Jonas land agents on 01539 722592.

Here's some places to try

  1. Bassenthwaite
    Bassenthwaite
    Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
  2. Buttermere
    Buttermere
    Buttermere is ringed by the crags and peaks of Haystacks, Feetwith Pike and others. The 4 mile walk around the lake boasts impressive views.
  3. Coniston Water
    At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his children's book Swallows and Amazons on the Lake.
  4. Crummock Water
    Crummock Water
    Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate.
  5. Derwentwater
    Derwent Water is a local beauty spot that is frequented by walkers who hike around the eastern shore of this quiet lake.
  6. Rowing on Grasmere
    Grasmere
    Grasmere lake lies to the south of Grasmere village, around which there are some gentle walks for those that prefer the lower ground.
  7. Loweswater
    Loweswater
    Nestled in a wooded valley in the far west of the Lake District, in the Vale of Lorton, Loweswater is a peaceful lake that is often bypassed.
  8. Rydal Water
    Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes and is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth connections. Steps lead up to 'Wordsworth's Seat'.
  9. Wastwater
    Wastwater is probably the most scenic of all the lakes. It is surrounded by mountains, Red Pike, Kirk Fell, Great Gable and Scafell Pike.
  10. Windermere
    Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England at 12 miles long and has delightful towns and villages nestled on the shore.

The Greatest  wealth is Health

Search
  • Accommodation
  • Things to Do
  • What's On
  • Food & Drink
Accommodation
Check Availability
Arrival Date
Add Room
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By
Site Features
Leisure Facilities
Property Facilities
Room/Unit Facilities
Parking
Other
Things to Do
Type
Refine By
Beyonk Online Booking
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
What's On
Dates
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Food & Drink
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Accommodation
Check Availability
Arrival Date
Add Room
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Refine By
Site Features
Leisure Facilities
Property Facilities
Room/Unit Facilities
Parking
Other
Things to Do
Type
Refine By
Beyonk Online Booking
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
What's On
Dates
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword
Food & Drink
Type
Area
Location
Within miles
Keyword

You may also like

  • Bookable Experiences

  • Download Guide

  • Gift Vouchers

  • Itineraries

  • E-newsletter Sign Up

  • Blog

Stay in Touch

Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media

Sign up for E-newsletter

Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria

Sign Up
  • Cumbria Tourism Website
  • Advertise on VisitLakeDistrict
  • Press & Media
  • Cumbria Tourism Business Videos
  • Contact Us
  • Live, Work and Study in The Lake District, Cumbria
  • Jobs in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Site Map
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe to our special offers Newsletters
  • Sustainable Stays
  • World Heritage Cumbria
  • Wainwrights
  • Romantic Breaks
  • Selfie Guide
  • Accommodation
  • What's On
  • Things to Do
  • Food and Drink
  • Lake District Weddings
  • Access for all
Contact Us

Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL

Made by Simpleview Logo
Beyonk Logo
Experience Booking Powered by Beyonk

Ratings Powered By

tripadvisor

Cumbria Tourism

© Cumbria Tourism