From the stunning Scottish Highlands to the glistening lakes just outside of London, here is a list of the ten best lake holidays in the UK.
The grey clouds of winter have dispersed and the rains have finally waned, and this means one thing: summer is on its way! Take advantage of the few glorious weeks of sunshine this upcoming season and spend some quality time with loved ones on holiday at one of these lakes.
1. Windermere, Cumbria
Once a significant Roman waterway, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England’s Lake District and boasts spectacular sailing conditions. Boats glide across this deep blue wonder while charming historic homes line its shores. Lovely bed and breakfasts, lodges and guest homes make planning a luxurious lakeside holiday at Windermere easy this summer.
2. Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), Bala
Wales’ largest natural lake, Llyn Tegid is a great place for water sports like canoeing, sailing and windsurfing as well as for trekking in the lush surrounding hills. If you like fishing, Llyn Tegid is home to a wide variety of fish, including Pike that grow up to 40lbs (2.8 stone).
3. Loch Awe, Scotland
Located within the stunning Scottish Highlands and home to the iconic ruins of Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe is a wonder to behold. Spend your holiday exploring ancient castle fortresses amongst rolling hills of green, have a picnic or if you’re a strong swimmer, test your endurance and swim the one-kilometre width or forty-one kilometre length of this great waterway.
4. Buttermere, Cumbria
Boasting some of Lakeland’s most beautiful walkable countryside, Buttermere Lake offers visitors lovely trails along its perimeter as well as to the summits of Haystacks and Red Pike. Easily accessible, Buttermere is perfect for a family holiday filled with stunning scenery, relaxing picnics and a refreshing swim or two.
5. Derwentwater, Lake District
The family-friendly Derwentwater Lake has lots of fun activities to choose from and all the necessary water safety equipment for beginners. Great for swimming, canoeing, walking, fishing, camping, Derwentwater is a lake holiday paradise. Treat yourself to a stay at a lakeside bed and breakfast.
6. Loch Lomond, Scotland
Located forty-five minutes from Glasgow, Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs National Park is a natural sanctuary. A wonderful spot for nature lovers, the area is home to many fairy-tale like trails with vibrant moss-covered rocks, wooden walking bridges over trickling streams and cascading waterfalls. The lake also hosts a variety of activities, and there are plenty of restaurants and inns nearby.
7. Loch Ness, Scotland
Another magnificent lake in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is a lake home to majestic views and of course, the iconic legend of the Loch Ness monster, known colloquially as ‘Nessie’. Even if you don’t get to see the legendary monster yourself, the area isn’t short of things to do. Explore the many whiskey distilleries, Urquhart Castle ruins, Ness Islands, the beautiful Cairngorns National Park and much more.
8. Loch Shiel, Scotland
Loch Shiel casts a magical spell on all those who behold it due to its steep surrounding mountainous cliffs, wild scenery and long ribbon-like appearance. Its mystical atmosphere made it the perfect filming location of the ‘Black Lake’ near Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Let Loch Shiel transport you to another world.
9. Bewl Water, Kent and East Sussex
About an hour-and-a-half drive from London, Bewl Water Lake in Kent and East Sussex is a fantastic holiday destination with tons of outdoor recreational activities like cycling, boating and fishing. You can also visit the lovely Scotney Castle and relax on the patio of one of the many restaurants.
10. Llyn Gwynant, Wales
A great choice for a camping adventure, Llyn Gwynant Lake is located in the heart of Snowdonia and is open all year long. With many campsites and facilities such as public toilets, hot showers, baby changing stations, campfire sites and drinking water taps all around the lake, Llyn Gwynant provides a fun and comfortable camping experience.
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