Five Lakes in England’s Picturesque Lake District

The Lake District is a mountainous region in northwest England. A popular holiday destination, it is famous not only for its lakes, forests and mountains, but also for associations with the early 19th century poetry and writings of William Wordsworth.

It sits entirely within the county of Cumbria, containing 19 major lakes. See five of them below.

Derwent Water

Drained by the River Derwent, this lake is three miles long and a mile wide. It contains a few islands, one of which holds the Derwent Island House. It is believed to be one of the last remaining habitats of the vendace fish (Coregonus vandesius).

Bassenthwaite Lake

A shallow lake, Bassenthwaite has a maximum depth of 70 feet. It has also been called “Bassen Water” or “Broadwater.” One of the largest lakes in the lake district, it is four miles in length and is a popular spot for bird watchers tracking osprey.

Brothers Water

This lake lies in the eastern region of the lake district and is shallow and populated by reeds. Water lilies line its surface each summer. It is smaller than other lakes in the district.

Buttermere

Just over a mile long, Buttermere is considered a lake with great scenic value. Part of this is helped by its location in a valley, while still sitting 300 feet above sea level. Its name is said to come from an Old English term (butere mere) meaning “lake by the dairy pastures.”

Crummock Water

Crummock Water is 140 feet deep at maximum and two-and-a-half miles long. Its name comes from its crooked shape. The River Crocker begins to Crummock’s north, and then flows into Lorton Valley.