The United Kingdom is dotted with lakes that shape local landscapes, wildlife and leisure activities, from quiet upland tarns to broader lowland meres. They offer quick snapshots of regional geology and are useful reference points for walkers, anglers and anyone studying freshwater habitats.
There are 29 Lakes in United Kingdom, ranging from Bassenthwaite Lake to Windermere. For each lake you’ll find below Region (county / country),Type,Area (km^2), making it straightforward to see where each sits, what kind of waterbody it is, and how large it is—you’ll find below the full list and details.
How were these 29 lakes chosen?
The list focuses on named lakes with available area data that are commonly recognised on maps and in local records; it includes natural and artificial lakes where those names are in regular use. Sources combine official mapping, local authorities and published lake registers to ensure consistency while excluding very small, unnamed or seasonal pools.
How can I best use the Region (county / country),Type,Area (km^2) columns?
Use the Region column to group lakes geographically, the Type column to separate natural lakes from reservoirs or meres, and Area (km^2) to compare size—keep in mind measurement methods and seasonal water levels can affect exact area figures, so treat them as consistent comparators rather than absolute, unchanging values.
Lakes in United Kingdom
| Name | Region (county / country) | Type | Area (km^2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lough Neagh | Northern Ireland | lough | 388.00 |
| Loch Lomond | Scotland | loch | 71.12 |
| Loch Ness | Scotland | loch | 56.40 |
| Loch Awe | Scotland | loch | 38.50 |
| Loch Maree | Scotland | loch | 28.60 |
| Loch Morar | Scotland | loch | 26.70 |
| Loch Tay | Scotland | loch | 26.40 |
| Windermere | Cumbria | lake | 14.73 |
| Rutland Water | Rutland | reservoir | 13.33 |
| Kielder Water | Northumberland | reservoir | 10.86 |
| Ullswater | Cumbria | lake | 8.90 |
| Loch Lochy | Scotland | loch | 16.50 |
| Loch Leven | Scotland | loch | 13.40 |
| Loch Rannoch | Scotland | loch | 19.30 |
| Loch Shiel | Scotland | loch | 19.00 |
| Bassenthwaite Lake | Cumbria | lake | 5.23 |
| Derwentwater | Cumbria | lake | 5.20 |
| Coniston Water | Cumbria | lake | 4.71 |
| Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) | Gwynedd | lake | 4.56 |
| Grafham Water | Cambridgeshire | reservoir | 8.70 |
| Lough Erne | County Fermanagh | lough | 113.20 |
| Loch Katrine | Scotland | loch | 8.90 |
| Llyn Brenig | Conwy | reservoir | 3.71 |
| Ladybower Reservoir | Derbyshire | reservoir | 3.70 |
| Wastwater | Cumbria | lake | 1.48 |
| Loch Achray | Stirling | loch | 1.26 |
| Buttermere | Cumbria | lake | 0.62 |
| Grasmere | Cumbria | lake | 0.19 |
| Loch Rannoch | Perth and Kinross | loch | 19.30 |
Images and Descriptions
Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh sits in Northern Ireland and is the largest lake on these islands by surface area. It serves as a key wildlife habitat and a historic fishing area. Include it because it defines the scale of UK lakes and regional geography.
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond lies in Scotland and is the largest freshwater loch by surface area in Great Britain. It features many islands and sits in a national park. Mention it for its size, recreation, and scenic importance.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness sits in the Scottish Highlands and holds the largest volume of freshwater in Britain. It is very deep and famous for its strong cultural and touristic profile. Note it for depth and widespread recognition.
Loch Awe
Loch Awe lies in Argyll, western Scotland, and is a long, ribbon-shaped freshwater loch. It has historic castles on its shores and supports fishing. Include it for its length and cultural sites.
Loch Maree
Loch Maree sits in Wester Ross, Scotland, and is known for its many wooded islands and clear waters. It supports rare wildlife and offers scenic views. List it for conservation and landscape interest.
Loch Morar
Loch Morar lies in the Highlands and ranks among the deepest freshwater bodies in the UK. It has rugged shores and remote surroundings. Include it for its depth and wild character.
Loch Tay
Loch Tay sits in central Scotland and stretches along Highland and Perthshire landscapes. It supports fisheries, tourism, and historic sites. Mention it for its mix of natural beauty and human use.
Windermere
Windermere lies in England’s Lake District and is the largest natural lake in England by surface area. It draws boating, walking, and tourism. Include it as a core Lake District landmark.
Rutland Water
Rutland Water is a large man-made reservoir in the county of Rutland, England. It functions as a drinking water supply and a major bird reserve. List it for recreation and wildlife interest.
Kielder Water
Kielder Water sits in Northumberland and is a large reservoir set in a forested landscape. It supports water supply, recreation, and dark-sky tourism. Include it for scale and engineered landscape value.
Ullswater
Ullswater lies in the Lake District and offers long, glacially formed valleys and scenic routes. It is popular for boating and walking. Mention it for classic Lake District scenery.
Loch Lochy
Loch Lochy sits in the Great Glen of Scotland and forms part of a chain of inland waters. It has open moorland shores and supports fishing. Include it for its role in Highland geography.
Loch Leven
Loch Leven lies in eastern Scotland and is known for its islands and rich birdlife. It has historical links and conservation importance. List it for natural and historical interest.
Loch Rannoch
Loch Rannoch sits on the edge of Rannoch Moor in Perthshire, Scotland. It borders wild peatlands and offers mountain views. Include it for its remote highland landscape.
Loch Shiel
Loch Shiel lies in the west Highlands and runs through remote glens with forested slopes. It has cultural and natural value and hosts wildlife. Mention it for scenic, less-developed Highland lochs.
Bassenthwaite Lake
Bassenthwaite Lake sits in the Lake District, Cumbria, and is one of the few bodies there called a ‘lake’. It supports important bird habitats. Include it for naming quirks and ecological interest.
Derwentwater
Derwentwater lies in the central Lake District and sits below dramatic fells. It supports boating and short walks and is close to Keswick. Mention it for classic tourist access and scenery.
Coniston Water
Coniston Water sits in the Lake District and is known for calm waters and mountain backdrops. It carries a history of speed-record attempts and local industry. Include it for heritage and recreation.
Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
Llyn Tegid, also called Bala Lake, lies in north Wales and is the largest natural lake in Wales. It supports boating, fisheries, and local tourism. List it for national significance and Welsh geography.
Grafham Water
Grafham Water is a reservoir in Cambridgeshire, England, used for water supply and outdoor sports. It provides sailing, fishing, and cycling routes. Include it for recreational and utility roles.
Lough Erne
Lough Erne lies in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, and consists of Upper and Lower lakes linked by waterways. It supports boating, angling, and island settlements. Include it for complex lake systems and local culture.
Loch Katrine
Loch Katrine sits in the Trossachs, Scotland, and serves as a historic water supply for nearby towns. It features wooded slopes and steamship tourism. Mention it for utility and scenic value.
Llyn Brenig
Llyn Brenig is a reservoir in North Wales set amid moorland. It supports recreation, wildlife, and water management. Include it for modern reservoir uses in rural Wales.
Ladybower Reservoir
Ladybower Reservoir lies in the Peak District, Derbyshire, and forms part of a connected reservoir system. It supports flood control, water supply, and walking routes. List it for engineered landscape and public access.
Wastwater
Wastwater sits in the Lake District and is the deepest lake in England. It has steep mountain slopes and stark scenery. Include it for extreme depth and dramatic landscape.
Loch Achray
Loch Achray lies in the Trossachs region of Scotland and sits beside mixed woodlands and hills. It offers quiet recreation and scenic views. Mention it for small loch character and accessibility.
Buttermere
Buttermere sits in the central Lake District and is surrounded by classic fells. It provides popular walking circuits and tranquil views. Include it for typical high-country Lake District scenery.
Grasmere
Grasmere lies in the Lake District and is small but famous for village links and poetic associations. It supports local boating and walks. List it for cultural ties and central location.
Loch Rannoch
Loch Rannoch sits on the edge of Rannoch Moor in Perthshire, Scotland. It borders wild peatlands and offers mountain views. Include it for its remote highland landscape.
