Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots

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Looking to do some wild swimming in the Lake District? You’re in the right place! There are plenty of spots to choose from, and the locations below are some of the best (and some of my favourites) in the national park.

When visiting the Lake District for the first time, you’ll realise there are a lot of exciting things to do. From hiking to traditional English pubs, hearty Sunday roasts and lake cruises around Windermere, rock climbing and beautiful viewpoints – the list is endless. But one of the most popular activities, is, of course, wild swimming!

There is just nothing quite like taking a dip in a freshwater lake in the UK. From the cold shiver you’ll get from dipping your first toe in (even in the summer months), and the refreshing feel you’ll have for the rest of the day after; wild swimming is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in the Lake District.

But, not all lakes, tarns and bodies of water in the Lake District are safe or suitable to swim in. So where are the best wild swimming spots in the Lake District?

This post explains everything you need to know before wild swimming in the Lake District; from the best places to go, what to wear, how to stay safe and how to prepare.

Still have a question about the best wild swimming spots? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!

So, let’s get started!

Other Lake District posts you may like:

• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)
• Coniston Water Swimming: BEST Swim Spots
• Swimming in Lake Windermere: BEST Spots

Wild Swimming in the Lake District: A Summary

Wild swimming refers to any swimming in a natural river or lake and is often referred to as ‘open-water’ swimming. It has become an increasingly popular activity to do in the UK’s national parks, especially after the craze of ‘cold-water’ therapy and meditation (cough, cough, Wim Hoff).

And living up to its name, the Lake District is home to some of the best wild swimming lakes in England. If you’re visiting for the first time, swimming in an icy cold tarn or taking a dip after a long hike should be on the top of your Lake District to-do list, even if you’re not an avid cold water swimmer.

We visit the Lake District every year, and wild swimming is always something I make sure to make time for – regardless of the weather. But if you’re not keen on jumping in head first, you can rent a kayak, boat or paddleboard to ease yourself in. But shivering in the freezing water is part of the fun, I promise.

If you’re totally new to wild swimming, this can be daunting. As a newbie, one thing that I’d recommend bearing in mind is where you are. Look at what’s around you.

For example, we don’t tend to swim in the most touristic part of Lake Windermere, simply because there are so many large and powerful boats. We prefer quieter tarns or a calmer body of water like Coniston, Fell Foot or Millerground.

In addition to that, make sure you’re prepared. As I mentioned, even in the hotter months, the tarns and lakes in the Lake District are cold. Have a dry robe ready (or something to dry off with after), wear a wet suit in the winter and make sure you have dry clothes to put on after.

⚠️ Whilst wild swimming can be fun, it can be dangerous! Be sure to check the wild swimming tips below if you are new to swimming in lakes and natural waters.

Wild Swimming in the Lake District: Safety Tips

⚠️ Not every tarn, river, stream or lake in the Lake District is safe to swim in. Be sure to check before swimming.

💦 Always rinse yourself off after visiting the lakes, especially if you go from one to another. The transferral of non-native and invasive weeds being left in some of the waters causes problems preserving the lakes. 

🩴 Always wear suitable footwear! There are lots of rocks underwater which can become slippery from the undergrowing plants and weeds. 

❗️Be sure to enter the water slowly as the water can be extremely cold.

😬 If you want to jump in, make sure you’ve acclimatised by swimming in the same body of water first. 

👯‍♂️ Avoid swimming alone.

🏞️ Do not swim in rivers with strong currents.

🤕 Be careful of infection with open wounds and cuts. Wrap wounds in bandages or plasters. 

🏊🏼‍♀️ If you’re planning on swimming for a long time, wear a wetsuit. This gives you extra protection from the cold (you don’t want to be catching hyperthermia). 

🦟 If you’re swimming at dusk, remember mosquito repellant.

☀️ If you’re swimming during the day, remember sun cream.

Please check the Lake District Gov website for any updated changes before you swim.

Best lakes for wild swimming in the Lake District

1) Rydal Water

📍Postcode: LA22 9SE

🏘️ Nearest village: Ambleside and Grasmere 

💦 How to get to Rydal Waters: In the Sat Nav, enter the White Moss car park (LA22 9SE). From there, it’s around a 20-minute easy walk to Rydal Water.

As one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, Rydal Water is a peaceful and serene place to go for a wild swim. It’s also one of the smallest lakes in the National Park and is popular because of its Wordsworth connections. The famous poet’s favourite Lake District viewpoint is at this very lake, aptly named ‘Wordsworth’s Seat’.

Surrounded by valleys and mountains that look like they’re straight off a postcard, the reflections of the emerald-green trees are mirrored in the water. 

Want to make a day of it? Head to the Rydal Caves before your swim. You can experience 200-year-old history first-hand, then cool off in the calm waters of Rydal. Oh, and take a picnic to enjoy in the middle!

Related posts: Loughrigg Fell from Ambleside walking guide | Rydal Caves: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting

2) Coniston Water

📍Postcode: LA21 8AD

🏘️ Nearest village: Coniston or Ambleside

💦 How to get to Coniston Water: There’s parking available in the small village of Coniston, or in multiple spots along the western side of the lake. If in doubt, head to Coniston and follow the signs to the Monk Coniston car park. Need the best swimming spots and car parks? Check out my full Coniston Water post here.

Even though Coniston is one of the larger and busier lakes, we found a remote spot north of the lake to stop and take a swim. Surrounded by forest and green mountains, so it’s beautiful to look at.

The current of Coniston can be quite choppy depending on where you are entering the water from. Both Monk Coniston and Brown Howe wild swimming spots are relatively calm and have plenty of shallow areas for you to ease yourself in.

Coniston Water is also a great place to launch your own kayak or water equipment for free, or you can hire from the Coniston Boating Centre.

The water temperature is quite warm in the summer, but can really drop in the winter. Be sure to acclimatise before fully submerging yourself, and wear a wet suit in colder months!

We love wild swimming by the Monk Coniston car park. There’s just something about the views, the water, how accessible it is and how beautiful the area is. Plus, it’s close to Coniston town centre, so you can head to the pub after!

Related posts: Coniston Water Swimming: BEST Swim Spots

3) Black Moss Pot

📍Postcode: LA22 9SE

🏘️ Nearest village: Keswick

💦 How to get to Black Moss: Park in the small village of Stonethwaite, and walk around 2 miles to the Black Moss Pot.

Black Moss is one of the most interesting places to go wild swimming in the Lake District, as it is best for cliff jumping (for the crazy adrenaline junkies). With its deep, dramatic lagoon cut into the rock edge, it’s the perfect place to test your limits and jump…or go skinny dipping in private!

The towering rocks mean Black Moss Pot is quite shielded by onlookers or people passing by, so many swimming go au-natural. This decision, of course, is up to you!

There’s also a waterfall to sit next to, enjoy a picnic and admire the iconic Lake District views.

To enter Black Moss Pot, you can either muster the courage to jump off a 6m cliff or use an easier, shallower route around the rocks.

Want to make a day of it? I recommend hiking Eagle Crag if you’re an avid rambler. A quiet hike with a fair bit of scrambling but incredible views. Then stop off at the pub for dinner!

4) Derwent Water

📍Postcode: CA125DJ

🏘️ Nearest village: Keswick

💦 How to get to Derwent Water: Derwent Water is a short 10-minute walk from the town of Keswick.

Another well-known, larger lake (which can get quite busy), is Derwent Water. It may be popular, but swimming in the water here is something special. 

Just under 5km in length and 72ft deep, Derwent Water is just a short walk from the busy town of Keswick. Derwent Water also has little islands dotted in the middle, with the biggest being Derwent Island. Others include Lord’s Island, Rampsholme Island, Otter Island, and Otterbield Island.

Derwent Water has many wild swimming access points. The lake has a footpath circling most of it, so you can choose different points to enter from.

5) Wastwater

📍Postcode: LA23 1AH

🏘️ Nearest village:

💦 How to get to Wastwater: You can either park in a tiny hamlet of Wasdale Head, or on a lake shore National Trust car park.

Wastwater is before for swimmers who are keen on increasing their fitness levels and doing some hardcore lengths of the water. Wastwater (or should it be called vast water), is a 3-mile-long glacial lake, formed over time in a deep valley.

It’s beautiful, but it’s not for beginners or those not looking to do some serious swimming!

Known for being the deepest lake in England, the lake has depths of up to 258 feet, which again, isn’t ideal for beginners! Being so deep, the water can get extremely cold, so be sure to dip your feet in before plummeting in.

The surrounding craggy mountains add to the mysterious atmosphere of the lake. If the sky looks a bit grey, Wastwater can look like the last place you’d want to jump into. But trust me, it’s worth it!

There are also several resting spots dotted around the water, and for non-swimmers, it’s a perfect place to just soak in the incredible views of the mountains. 

Want to make a day of it? If you’re up for a hike as well as a swim, the circular loop around the lake is around eight miles.

Related post: 13 Tips for Walking in the Lake District

6) Blea Tarn

📍Postcode: LA22 9PG

🏘️ Nearest village: Ambleside

💦 How to get to Blea Tarn: Head to the car park on the Little Langdale to Great Langdale road for the easiest access to the lake.

Blea Tarn is another great wild swimming spot in the Lake District. It’s often relatively quiet, so you can enjoy the surrounding views of the magnificent Langdale Pikes in peace!

Blea Tarn is also a popular easy walk in the Lake District, so you can explore the area, and then set up for a picnic and a wild swim near the water.

The tarn acts as a perfect mirror to its surroundings, with the mountains reflecting in detail on the surface of the water, making it the perfect place for those who don’t want to swim and just want to enjoy the view. 

The tarn is also easy to access, with a car park nearby and accessible easy paths leading you on a circular trail around the water.

Just be sure to check the temperature first – tarns are known to be colder than lakes (even on a hot day!)

Related posts: Blea Tarn Walking Guide | Latrigg Walk, Lake District

7) Buttermere

📍Postcode: CA13 9UZ

🏘️ Nearest village: Keswick

💦 How to get to Buttermere: There is a pay and display car park at Buttermere village (CA13 9UZ) which the lake is a short walk away from. Alternatively, you can park at Lanthwaite Wood (CA13 0RT).

Buttermere Lake is a beautiful spot with crystal-clear water. The best time to go for a swim is early in the morning when the sun is just starting to rise. It’s a good place for jumping into the water, but be sure to pick somewhere safe before going for it!

Buttermere is also a popular area in the Lake District to go for a hike. If you want to make a day of it, do the circular trail around the lake, ending with a wild swim and a picnic or pub lunch!

8) Holme Fell Lake

📍Postcode: LA21 8DH

🏘️ Nearest village: Coniston

💦 How to get to Holm Fell: Follow a sign south of the Skelwith Bridge on the A593 labelled “Hodge Close only”. Continue on to find parking for the lake. It’s around a 45-minute walk from here.

Last on my list is the beautiful Holm Fell Lake. One of the smaller pools of water, but one of the prettiest nonetheless. As Holme Fell Lake is small and shallow, it warms up quickly on a summer’s day.

Surrounded by trees and grasslands, it’s a picturesque wild swimming spot not to be missed in the Lake District National Park!

However, you do need to hike a little to reach it! The lake is 317m above sea level (meaning you’ll have the lake to yourself if you make it). You’ll also get some incredible views of Coniston Water from the top.

What to pack for wild swimming in the Lake District

If you are wild swimming for the first time, or feel a little out of your depth (pun intended), here are some packing must-haves!

• Swimwear – For women, I highly recommend a full swimsuit rather than a bikini. The water is cold, and you’ll have to move around quite a bit to stay warm! Wearing a bikini is a little too impractical for the wild swimming world in the Lake District!

• A wetsuit – If you’re visiting the lakes in the winter months, a wetsuit is highly recommended. The tarns are cold throughout the year, and you’ll see locals and avid swimmers wearing wetsuits even in the summer months.

• A microfibre towel – I rave about these all over my blog, because they really are the best type of towel for avid travellers. They dry quickly, wrap up into a tiny ball and keep you dry and warm. A must-buy for any wild swimmers!

• A dry robe – Dry robes are one of the best investments you can make when wild swimming – not just in the Lake District, but on the beaches of Cornwall or the fairy pools of Scotland. Allowing you to change clothes anywhere, they not only give you privacy but keep you warm! I highly recommend purchasing a dry robe if you’re going to be wild swimming in the Lake District.

• Goggles – not a must-have, but a great one if you want to see anything below the murky water. You can get lucky and spot some interesting fish in some of the lakes!

• Waterproof phone case – I wouldn’t go near the water without mine (even on the lakeshores, everything gets wet). Be prepared and keep your tech safe! Plus, they’re great if you want to take photos in the water!

• Go-Pro: Again, not a must-have, but a great buy if you like taking underwater photos or videos. We bought our Go-Pro around five years ago, and it still works perfectly, so it’s definitely worth the investment!

Where to stay in the Lake District

If you’re only staying in the Lake District for a few nights, I recommend staying in Ambleside. Ambleside is known as the ‘heart of the Lake District’, and is one of my personal favourite areas, as it’s within walking distance of Lake Windermere.

If you’re only visiting the Lake District briefly, it’s an easy way to see some of the quintessential grey slate buildings, traditional pubs, and modern Lake District restaurants. Ambleside is also only a ten-minute drive from the Helm Crag walk starting point.

• If you’re a solo traveller in Ambleside, I recommend staying in the YHA Hostel. It’s a short distance from the centre of Ambleside, and you’ll be able to meet other solo backpackers. ➡ BOOK THIS HOSTEL NOW!

• Want a cute and cosy cottage in Ambleside? Our favourite is Grayling Cottage. It’s just a one-minute walk from Ambleside town centre and is beautifully decorated. ➡ BOOK THIS COTTAGE NOW!

• For a luxurious one-night stay in Ambleside, check out The Ambleside Inn. It’s an 18th-century hotel which will give you a true ‘English countryside’ experience. ➡ BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!

Wild swimming in the Lake District: FAQs

1) What is the nicest lake to swim in in the Lake District?

There are many lakes in the Lake District that are good for wild swimming. Some of the best include Coniston Water, Grasmere, Crummock Water and Buttermere.

2) Can you wild swim in Windermere?

Yes, you can swim in Lake Windermere! The best spots include either Millerground, Fell Foot or Low Wray. You can find out more about the best Lake Windermere swimming spots here.

Due to the amount of large motorised boats and cruises, the lake can become overcrowded and dangerous to swim in, so make sure you pick a secluded part suitable for swimming.

3) Can you swim in waterfalls in Lake District?

Yes, there are plenty of waterfalls you can swim or jump into in the Lake District! Some of the best waterfalls for wild swimming include Aira Force, Ritson’s Force, Tom Gill Waterfall (near Tarn Hows) and Tongue Pot in Eskdale.

4) Can you swim in Brothers Water at the Lake District?

Brothers Water is a small lake in the Hartsop Valley, and can be found just above Lake Ullswater. It is a safer and more secluded wild swimming spot than Lake Ullswater. It is also a popular walking and hiking area in the Lake District.

5) Is it safe to swim in Ullswater?

Yes, although Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District, and can be dangerous to swim in if you are not an experienced swimmer. If you are new to lake swimming, stay close to the shore and always swim with somebody else present. For advanced swimmers, it is recommended that you avoid the centre of the lake, due to depth.

6) Is Coniston Water safe to swim?

Yes! Coniston Water is one of the best lakes in the Lake District for wild swimming. The current is calm and the views surrounding the water are incredible. Large, motorised boats are not allowed on Coniston Water, so it’s the perfect place to jump in for a wild swim.

Check out my full Coniston Water post for more details about the best swimming spots and how to get there!

7) Do I need a car to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re visiting the Lake District and are short on time, I recommend hiring a car. However, it is possible to get around the Lake District using public transport.

If you’re looking to hire a car in the Lake District, we rent our cars from this company. They’re reliable, cheap and have car rentals all over the world!  ➡ You can check out the prices for car hire in the UK now!

Related posts: Getting around the Lake District without a car.

8) Do I need a SIM card to visit the Lake District? 

If you’re not from the UK, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive. 

ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!

Wild Swimming in the Lake District: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best wild swimming spots in the Lake District. When you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Lake District content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other posts you might like:

• Lake District Road Trip: 3 EPIC Routes
• Loughrigg Fell From Ambleside: Complete Beginner Guide
• Lake District in September: Why It’s the BEST Time to Visit
• 23 Things to do in the Lake District in Winter

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