Do you enjoy spontaneous walks down off beaten tracks? Maybe your heart feels most full on wild camping holidays or forest holidays. As humans we are hardwired to explore and seek out nature’s most breath-taking locations. If you are tapping into your keyboard ‘beautiful lakes near me’ and you’ve arrived here, welcome!
We are about to delve into the UK’s most popular lakes, unique lakes, fishing lakes, photogenic lakes and lots more. Whatever the lake and whatever the occasion, we have the perfect tranquil spot for you!
Scotland
Loch Morar
The loch also has a fascinating history with ties to World War II. North of the loch you will find Swordland Lodge which was used as a special ops training school between 1930’s – 1940’s. You’ll also find one of the shortest rivers in the British Isles too, called the River Morar.
Planning a beach day out? The silver/white sands of Morar are located 1/2 mile south of Morar village, west of Loch Morar. It’s a lovely and tranquil day out with the kids for sure. Dogs are welcome onto the beach and the sea is perfectly clear so you can feel a little more at ease about letting your kids in there.
Loch Morar, Lochaber, Highland, Scotland, PH40
Free
Northern Ireland
Lough Neagh
Like Loch Morar in Scotland, the Lough Neagh is tied into an enchanting mythological tale that binds Scotland and Ireland together… The story goes that Finn was chasing a Scottish giant across Ulster. He picked up a large piece of ground and hurled it at the giant. It went over the giants head and fell into the Irish Sea forming the Isle of Man while the massive crater left behind filled up with water and formed Lough Neagh.
Dip your toes in if you dare… Lough Neagh is known for its high-quality eels. Try an eel or two at the local fish & chip shop, set up a picnic and watch the sunset or go on one of many nature trails nearby! You can go on scenic boat trips or try your hand at windsurfing – the list is endless!
17 A Shore Road, Lough Neagh, Glenavy BT28 2LQ (sandy bay address)
Free
North East
Kielder Water
Families love Kielder Water & Forest and not only for its wonderful panoramic views of nature. It’s an excellent activity-based location where visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, archery, crossbow, swimming, sailing, waterskiing, fishing, and wildlife spotting! Make sure to check out our Zip Wires Near You blog, you’ll find lots of great information about the Kielder Zip Wire activity.
This unsuspecting man-made attraction can be whatever you want it to be whether that’s a relaxing spot for your picnic or an outdoor activity centre!
Kielder Water, Kielder, Hexham, NE48 1ER
Free
North West
Windermere
There are many beautiful lakeside towns and villages you can explore too like Bowness-on-Windermere. Here, you can board ferries and cruises to Hawkshead. You can also find wonderful art galleries, antique shops and cafes.
The lake itself is the largest body of water in the Lake District. It is one mile wide, 10.5 miles long and 220 feet deep! Keen to learn some cool trivia about Windermere? The Lake District was a haven for an Irish princess called St Bega. She fled from an arranged marriage to a Norse prince in the 7th century and became a nun in a small local church. Uncover all the local tales and history on your next charming trip to Windermere!
Windermere, Brockhole on Windermere, LA23 1LJ
Free
East Midlands
Carsington Water
Carsington Water is a well known fishing hotspot. The reservoir is mainly home to both brown and rainbow trout. You can spot wildlife from the shoreline or hop aboard a local vessel to go bird watching. Find the likes of greenshank, avocet, Bairds’s sandpiper and Teminck’s stint, snipe, redshank, lapwing and oystercatchers!
There are also horse riding opportunities, watersports, and cycling routes available for families. There are Public footpaths that lead to Stones Island nearby too. It takes around 3 hours to explore Carsington Water.
Big Lane, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1ST.(This is the address for the Visitor Centre and the main car park).
Free
West Midlands
Blackroot Pool
Located in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, you can walk around seven lakes, extensive ancient woodland and there’s even a golf course too! Kids can channel all their energy on the adventure playground nearby or go birdwatching!
Grab your canoes and kayaks and head into the lake! Dig out your fishing rods and head to the shoreline – it’s an angler’s paradise! Give a wave to the donkeys in the donkey sanctuary or finish up your day with a picnic on the grassy banks. There are lots of food kiosk dotted around Sutton Park so you won’t have to worry if your little ones are hungry and you haven’t packed any snacks.
National Nature Reserve Park Road, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield B73 6BU England
Free
West Midlands
Blackroot Pool
Located in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, you can walk around seven lakes, extensive ancient woodland and there’s even a golf course too! Kids can channel all their energy on the adventure playground nearby or go birdwatching!
Grab your canoes and kayaks and head into the lake! Dig out your fishing rods and head to the shoreline – it’s an angler’s paradise! Give a wave to the donkeys in the donkey sanctuary or finish up your day with a picnic on the grassy banks. There are lots of food kiosk dotted around Sutton Park so you won’t have to worry if your little ones are hungry and you haven’t packed any snacks.
National Nature Reserve Park Road, The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield B73 6BU England
Free
Wales
Llyn Cau
Llyn Cau is a large glacial lake that is set beneath 400 metres of high mountain walls. It is recommended that only experienced swimmers should tackle this lake as it isn’t the most accessible. The lake is a great backdrop for a picnic if swimming isn’t for you. Families can also cycle and hike up by the lake and mountains too.
Llyn Cau, Dolgellau, LL36 9AJ
Free
South West
The Blue Pool
Meet shy Dartford Warblers, perch in the yellow flowering gorse and watch rare Green Sand Lizards bask on the sandy banks. When was the last time you saw a dragonfly? Watch their metallic and opal bodies hover over the lilies, while sika deer move silently through the thickets of rhododendron. Keep a keen eye on the wild squirrels and buzzards that circle overhead. Psst, you may even see a badger!
There are many fun activities that the kids can get stuck into during their visit to The Blue Pool. Follow your senses, uncover clues and giggle away at the different nature trails for kids. Go squirrel spotting and head to the cafe for an end of the day treat! It’s the perfect destination if you are looking to escape city life or the hustle and bustle of the everyday. Go and create some mindful memories here with your little ones!
The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Rd, Wareham, BH20 5AR
£5 adults, £2.50 Children.
South East
Swanbourne Lake
This lake is very popular with young families in particular as there are lots of ducks and swans to feed. Families can hire out a boat as well as take their kids to the playground. Any chance for a spot of golf? YES! There’s an excellent putting green too.
After a day of swan feeding, boating and exploring the leafy lakeside, families can unwind with some light bites from the Swanbourne Lake cafe. Before you leave make sure to take a peek at the 1,000 year old Arundel Castle!
Swanbourne Lake, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9PA.
Free
We hope you’ve found the perfect lake near you to fit your family day out. From lakes with beautiful views, huge reservoirs and even lakes with their own activity centres – there’s something for everyone. So, grab your walking boats, pack your waterproof mac and load up your backpack with hearty snacks and head to your nearest and dearest, beautiful forest lake.
If you’ve resolved your ‘lakes near me‘ query and are looking to plan your next adventure then head over to our things to do page. We’ve got everything from theme parks, water parks, events and outdoor activities fit for all the family!