Last updated: 30 October 2026
A swim beneath the Lake District fells can be a memorable part of a holiday. Ullswater, Coniston Water and Derwentwater offer very different surroundings from smaller waters such as Rydal and Buttermere. Choose a location around your experience, the conditions and a lawful place to enter and leave the water.
This guide is a starting point for planning, rather than a report of today’s water quality or a guarantee that any spot is suitable. Read the safety section before choosing your swim.
Compare the lakes · Prepare for your swim · Find somewhere to stay
Before you enter the water
Open water can stay cold in warm weather. A shallow edge, a sunny photograph or other people swimming does not establish that conditions are suitable for you.
- Go with company and a plan. Agree your entry and exit points, check the weather and tell someone where you are going.
- Enter gradually. Avoid jumping or diving into unfamiliar water. Keep close to the shore and within your swimming ability.
- Be visible. Wear a bright cap and use a bright tow float. Keep clear of boats, working jetties, moorings and ferry routes.
- Take suitable equipment. Consider a properly fitting wetsuit, carry a way to call for help, and have a towel, dry layers and a warm drink ready.
- Check the water and signs. Stay out if there are pollution warnings, suspected blue-green algae or unsuitable weather. Reconsider your plans after heavy rain.
Read the RNLI’s open-water swimming advice and the National Park’s Swim Safe Code. If you are new to outdoor swimming, consider a managed session with appropriate safety cover.
Where to go wild swimming in the Lake District
The National Park lists swimming as permitted at the five lakes below. Shore access, temporary restrictions and conditions still need checking. A quieter lake is not automatically an easier swim.
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| Lake | Area to plan around | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Ullswater | Glenridding and Pooley Bridge | Steamers, other boats and exposed water |
| Coniston Water | Coniston | Boat movements and suitable shore access |
| Derwentwater | Keswick and Borrowdale | Launch routes, jetties and busy shores |
| Rydal Water | Rydal, Ambleside and Grasmere | Individual recreational swimming; no paddleboard support |
| Buttermere | Buttermere village | Cold water, access and facilities |
Use the official lake-by-lake activities guide to check permissions, including rules for any support craft.
Choose a lake that fits your visit
Ullswater
Ullswater works well as a holiday base if you also want village stops and fell walks. Plan your swim separately from a sightseeing cruise: the Ullswater Steamers route is something to avoid while in the water. Do not assume a hotel’s lakeshore is open to non-guests.
Explore our Ullswater guide before choosing where to stay.
Coniston Water
Coniston combines a village base with lake and fell outings. Choose shore access where swimming is allowed, away from launching boats and working jetties. Boat hire should be treated as a separate activity, rather than a way to reach deep water for a jump.
See our Coniston guide for ideas around the village.
Derwentwater
For a break based in Keswick, Derwentwater is a natural lake to investigate. Think about your entire outing: reaching an appropriate entry point, storing dry clothes and returning afterwards. Follow local signs and keep out of launch approaches.
Browse our Keswick guide for nearby places to visit.
Rydal Water
Rydal Water is an option to investigate between Ambleside and Grasmere. Its smaller size does not remove cold-water risks. The National Park specifies individual recreational swimming; canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are not permitted, so do not plan to bring one as a support craft.
Our Rydal Cave guide offers a separate walking idea for your visit.
Buttermere
Buttermere offers a different base for a walking-and-swimming break. Swimming is listed as permitted, but a shoreline walk and an outdoor swim require different preparation. Check parking, access and where you will change before setting out.
Explore the Buttermere guide to plan the rest of your day.
Guided swims and first-time sessions
A guided session can help you choose an outing suited to your experience. Ask the provider about minimum swimming ability, equipment, safety cover and what happens if conditions change.
Suzanna Swims advertises guided Lake District swims for groups and individuals. Check the current programme and requirements directly; locations and availability vary.
Water quality, access and places to avoid
The National Park states that swimming is not allowed in Ennerdale Water, Haweswater, Thirlmere or Kentmere reservoir. Follow signs and landowner instructions elsewhere too.
For designated bathing waters, consult the Environment Agency’s bathing-water profiles. These do not cover every swim spot or provide a guarantee of conditions at the moment you arrive. Check local notices as well.
Waterfalls and river pools need a separate assessment of currents, submerged hazards and exits. This guide does not recommend waterfall pools or describe river swimming as suitable for children.
Before travelling, check our travel and weather alerts. Be prepared to choose a lakeside walk instead.
If someone gets into difficulty
Call 999 or 112 immediately and explain the location and what has happened. Do not enter the water to attempt an untrained rescue.
If you are struggling in the water, the RNLI’s Float to Live guidance advises floating on your back with your head tilted back and ears in the water. Control your breathing, then call for help or move to safety when able.
Stay nearby and leave time to warm up
Choose accommodation around your whole holiday, with time to change, warm up and travel after a swim. Confirm drying facilities and any private shore access directly with the property.
These are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. A booking does not include swimming access or a guided session.
For more options, browse our Lake District places to stay.
Useful sources for planning
A former British Military Officer, Eddie went on to study History and then Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University. A keen outdoorsman, he has co-written several books on Outdoor Survival and Wild Camping. Now living in Penrith, Ed is a keen fellrunner.
