Wild Swimming in the Lake District: The Best Spots

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Need to know the deal with wild swimming in the Lake District? You’ve come to the right place! Read this guide before you get your bikini ready so you know exactly what you’re in for.

When most people think of the Lake District, they think of the long hikes and scrambling climbs.

Few think about all the opportunities of wild swimming, or the watersports that are so easily accessible on these wonderful lakes!

Are you planning on wild swimming in the Lake District? If so, you’re in the right place!

Any worries, fears or trepidation about wild swimming in the Lake District will be gone after reading this post.

Wild swimming in the Lake District is totally safe and is a popular outdoor activity.

Just the idea of wild swimming in the Lake District makes me excited. Wild swimming really is my favourite thing to do in the Lake District. 

But just WHERE can you wild swim in the Lake District? Is it safe to wild swim in every lake in the Lake District?

The answer: no, you cannot swim in every lake in the Lake District. That’s why guides like this are so important!

Why aren’t some lakes safe to swim in? Well, for one reason; the chemicals from our body can endanger the wildlife in the water. So it’s not just ourselves we need to protect, but the biodiversity of the lakes as well.

So, let’s find out where you can wild swim in the Lake District – safely!

Other Lake District posts you may like:

• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)

Wild swimming in the Lake District

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

Wild swimming refers to any swimming in a natural river or lake. It has become an increasingly popular thing to do in the UK’s national parks, especially when you’ve just finished a hefty climb or hike.

Most spots have areas around the water to stop and soak in the peace and quiet, and a place for you to lay your picnic blanket and eat lunch. 

Below I have listed a number of lakes, tarns, and rivers that I think are the best spots for wild swimming in the Lake District.

NOTE: wild swimming spots are known to change and some areas can become unavailable or under scientific study at various points. Be sure to check online before heading off. 

Whilst visiting the Lake District, I’d highly recommend wearing hiking boots. It made the walks a lot easier and I was much more stable when scrambling, especially in my favourite Columbia walking boots!

Wild swimming safety tips

• Always rinse yourself off after visiting the lakes, especially if you are going 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. 

• Make sure to enter the water slowly (toe dip first!) as the water can be extremely cold! I mean, it is England. Your body can take a while to adjust to the temperature.

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

• Try to avoid swimming alone. 

• Do not swim in rivers with strong currents. Even the strongest of humans can get caught up!

• 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, I recommend wearing a wetsuit. This gives you extra protection from the cold (you don’t want to be catching hyperthermia). 

• If you’re swimming in the evening, remember mosquito repellant!

• If you’re swimming during the day, remember sun cream (you will burn in the water a lot easier!)

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

Rydal Water

Best for calm and peaceful waters.

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. 

Perfect for taking an easy walk around the water, setting up a base and jumping in to cool down. 

📍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.

🗺️ My hiking must-have: If you’re out on a long hike and run out of water, you can use a filter water bottle to drink any water you may find along the way. From puddle to lake water, it purifies in seconds so you can safely drink and stay hydrated! It’s a must-have for visiting the Lake District.

Coniston Water

Best for scenery, boat hire and sailing courses

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. 

The current of Coniston can be quite choppy, so make sure you are not entering alone. Coniston is also a great place to launch your own kayak or water equipment for free. 

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!

I recommend purchasing a Dry Robe before visiting the Lakes, as it helps to keep you warm when entering and leaving the water. And you can easily get dressed and undressed in complete privacy, right in the middle of the beach! Mine is a lifesaver!

Coniston Water is surrounded by forest and green mountains, and I’ve read in quite a few places how visitors were surprised at just how beautiful it is when they arrived. It’s not one to be underestimated!

Oooh, and it’s also close to shops, cafes and pubs. The perfect day out!

📍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, or put LA21 8AD into your Sat Nav.

🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰

Black Moss Pot

Best for cliff jumping!

Black Moss is one of the most interesting places to go wild swimming in the Lake District.

With its deep, dramatic lagoon cut into the rock edge, it’s the perfect place to go for rock jumping and, as some say, skinny dipping.

The towering rocks give quite a bit of privacy to some swimmers, and legend has it people are known to go au-naturale in the lagoon. Fair play!

There’s even a waterfall to admire for the non-swimmers!

If you’re feeling brave, there is a 6m cliff for jumping into the lagoon, or if you’d prefer an easier route, there is a shallower part to ease your way in.

Gives you time to build up your confidence!

📍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.

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

Derwent Water

Best for its ease of accessibility, close to a town yet still has incredible surroundings.

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. This makes it perfect for a before-lunch trip or a quick (free) walk from your accommodation!

I really like Derwent Water as it has little islands dotted in the middle. There are a few small islands in Derwentwater, 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 really can just choose where to dive on in.

📍Postcode: CA125DJ

🏘️ Nearest village: Keswick

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

🗺️ My wild swimming must-have: If you’re wild swimming, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every lake trip!

Wastwater

Best for swimming for fitness and long lengths!

Wastwater (or should it be called vast water), is a 3-mile long glacial lake, formed over time in a deep valley.

Known for being the deepest lake in England, the lake has depths of up to 258 feet! (Hence my renaming of vast water). 

Wastwater is an amazing place for wild swimming in the Lake District but be warned – the water can be extremely cold.

It’s a great place if you want to work up a sweat and really put your fitness to the test. 

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

The best time to swim in Wastwater is when the temperature is a little warmer.

The sun glistening on the glacial lake just makes it seem so special.

There are 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. 

And if you’re up for a hike as well as a swim, a circular loop will rack up around 8 miles.

📍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.

A bit of an over-packer? I have the answer! I use these handy packing cubes for every trip, meaning I can pack nearly 2 times as much as I could without! They are so worth investing in!

Blea Tarn

Best for accompanying non-swimmers who want to take a walk and admire the views of the Langdales.

Personally, Blea Tarn is one of my favourite places to go wild swimming in the Lake District. 

With epic views of the surrounding valley and Langdale Pikes, it’s an ideal spot to set up camp and just spend a morning in and out of the water. 

The tarn acts as a perfect mirror to its surroundings, with the mountains reflecting in detail on the surface of the water. 

Blea Tarn is very easy to access, with a car park nearby and accessible easy roads leading you around the water.

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

📍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.

Want to take photos or videos in the water? You need a GoPro! I use mine every time I wild swim in lakes or the ocean. It’s an incredible way to keep your memories forever!

Buttermere

Buttermere Lake is another one of my personal favourites!

It’s a really beautiful spot and the water is always crystal clear.

The best time to go for a swim is early in the morning when the sun is just starting to come up. The light reflecting off the water is just stunning.

Just make sure you pick a spot where it’s safe to jump from.

Swimming in Buttermere lake is definitely an experience that everyone should try at least once!

📍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).

🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)

Holme Fell Lake

Last on my list is the beautiful little Holm Fell Lake.

One of the smallest pools of water on my list, but also one of the best!

As it’s so small and shallow, it really warms up on a summer’s day, and is the perfect place to spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming.

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’re quite lucky to have the lake to yourself if you make it).

You also get some incredible views of Coniston Water when you’re up there.

📍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.

Wild swimming and have valuable tech on you? Don’t forget to buy a waterproof phone case (so you can still take photos!) and a dry bag. You’ll never have to worry about damaging expensive tech again!

Wild swimming in the Lake District: In a Nutshell

This list of wild swimming spots in the Lake District is definitely not exhaustive – there are many more lakes and tarns for you to explore!

I even enjoyed dipping my toes into some streams in some of the most random places we could find – I wouldn’t even know what they were called!

Most of the water in the Lake District you can swim in, but be sure to check before you dive in.

For example, wild swimming is prohibited in Tarn Hows due to scientific research on leeches.

Unfortunately, a group of pensioners didn’t see the sign and jumped straight in when we were there – fingers crossed they’re ok!

For me, wild swimming in the Lake District is one of the best activities you can do. There’s just nothing else quite like it.

I couldn’t recommend it enough (even if you’re not a water baby like me!)

Been wild swimming in the Lake District National Park? Let me know on Instagram!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 🙂 x

• Where to Stay in the Lake District: An Area Guide
• 10 EPIC Things to Do in Grasmere, Lake District (2022)
• 9 Easy Walks in the Lake District (That Still Have Incredible Views)

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Hey you! 🙋‍♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!

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