Since moving to Cumbria in 2019 we have made an effort to explore our Lake District neighbourhood from lakes to fells. Over the last couple of years, we have taken family photos on the lakeshore of each of Cumbria's sixteen lakes. Read on to discover some interesting facts about the Lake District National Park, and the lakes we've visited. Plus, check out our family photos on the lakeshores too!

The 6 members of the Hassan family are facing the camera, it is dusk and the sun in low and they are stood on the shoreline with the tarn, lakeland fells and other scenery behind them.

About the Lake District National Park

How many lakes are there in the Lake District

Strictly speaking, only one! Bassenthwaite Lake is the only lake by name. That being said, the Lake District National Park lists 16 bodies of water as the main lakes of the Lake District.

Squidgy is sat on a small wall in a purple waterproof jacket with her back to the camera, facing out to look across Ullswater.

What are meres and tarns?

These terms are old Norse words that we still use today. A mere is a body of water that is shallow in relation to its size, whilst a tarn is linked to the Norse word tjörn meaning pond.

The Hassan family are stood together on a grassy hill with Tarn Hows in the background. Lakeland trees and the water itself sit below a blue sky with white fluffy clouds.

Which is the deepest lake in the Lake District

Wast Water is 243 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in the Lake District.

Squidgy is wearing sunglasses and smiling down at her little brother who is playing with pebbles on the lakeshore. They are sat next to Wast Water with the fells in the background on a blue sky, sunny day.

Which is the biggest lake in the Lake District?

At 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, Windermere is not only the biggest lake in the Lake District but the whole of England.

Pickle is in a blue floral dress and Squidy is in a pink pinafore. Both have bunches in their hair and are smiling at the camera. Behind them you can see Windermere with a boat driving and the trees along the shoreline with the blue sky above them.

If you're visiting the Lake District and Cumbria, use the smart map below to help organise your travel plans. Click on the drop pins to view the lakes of the Lake District I’ve shared listed below to start your holiday arrangements.

Family photos on the lakeshore

Bassenthwaite Lake

Interesting fact(s): Despite it being one of the biggest lakes; Bassenthwaite is the shallowest. At its deepest point it is only 70ft.

Bassenthwaite was our closest lake when we rented in Wigton. However, as beautiful as it is, you can find it quite difficult to park close by. We used the lakeshore at Bassenthwaite as our go-to spot for family photoshoots to celebrate new births, take maternity photos and more.

The Hassan family are stood together on the lakeshore of Bassenthwaite with the fells in the background to celebrate Munchkin's birth.

The Hassan family are on the lakeshore of Bassenthwaite together with Naomi pregnant and the lakeland fells behind them to take maternity photos.

Brothers Water

Interesting fact(s): This eastern lake was renamed from Broad Water after two brothers drowned in its waters in the 19th century.

You have to go for a wander along the side of Kirkstone Beck to find it, but Brothers Water is worth the walk. Stunning views of the Lake, Hartsop Dodd and more make this a stunning spot for a leisurely walk. Plus it offers plenty of flat beaches along the rocky shoreline and shadey areas to enjoy a nice picnic (and waterside paddle if you fancy too!)

The Hassan family are stood together with the baby in a sling and Munchkin sat on a rock at the front. They are smiling at the camera in the right of the image with Brothers Water to the left and Lakeland fells beyond.

Buttermere

Interesting fact(s): Buttermere's circular walk is partially closed between 1st April and 30th June to protect nesting sandpipers.

Buttermere is one a handful of lakes that has not only beautiful views but also the opportunity to do a full circular walk of the lake. It is not accessible all the way around, however, so will not be suitable for all.

The Hassan family are stood together on the lakeshore of Buttermere with the lake and lakeland fells behind them.

The Hassan family are stood on a rocky hillside above Buttermere with a small beck flowing down to their left.

Coniston Water

Interesting fact(s): Coniston has provided the setting for many world water speed record attempts including Sir Malcolm Campbell's world record in 1939; and then his son, Donald Campbell's four records between 1956 – 1959.

We visited Coniston Water and the nearby Tarn Hows together as a family and loved it. It's a beautiful area and offers plenty to do from the café by the lake to boat hire and more.

The 6 members of the Hassan family are stood on the lakeshore of Coniston Water. John has the baby in a black baby carrier on his front, the two older girls are stood in the middle and Naomi has Munchkin on her hip. The weather is beautifully sunny.

Crummock Water

Interesting fact(s): Crummock comes from the Celtic word meaning ‘crooked’ and so Crummock Water is believed to be named this due to its bending form.

Crummock Water is one of the most overlooked lakes in Cumbria due to its proximity to Buttermere; however it offers unparalleled views. We absolutely loved our visit, and would definitely go again.

The 5 members of the Hassan family are stood on the lakeshore of Crummock Water with the lake and lakeland fells behind them. The weather is overcast but they are all smiling and facing the camera together.

Derwentwater

Interesting fact(s): With its tall crags and woodland borders, Derwentwater is often named “Queen of the Lakes” and can be visited from numerous spots along its lakeshore.

We love Derwentwater and have been to its lakeshore a number of times from a variety of spots. For sure the most memorable was Peanut's newborn photoshoot near the Keswick Lakeside car park.

The 5 members of the Hassan family are stood on the lakeshore of Derwentwater with the lake and lakeland fells behind them. John is holding their baby son and the older girls are stood in the middle.

Ennerdale Water

Interesting fact(s): Ennerdale is the most westerly lake in the Lake District. The lake is owned by United Utilities and its water has been used to serve the Whitehaven area. However, as of 2022 it will be a protected area and water will be piped from Thirlmere instead.

We’ve actually attempted to visit Ennerdale Water twice, but the first time we couldn’t find a parking spot. There are not that many spots to park for this one, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. It was worth the return visit and second attempt, however, we had a lovely walk there despite the cooler weather.

Esthwaite Water

Interesting fact(s): Esthwaite Water is a natural lake which provides some of the best predator, trout and coarse fishing in the UK. It is known you can catch pike, brown trout, perch and roach here.

Image of family on lakeshore with text overlay saying this image is coming soon, stay tuned and @mebecomingmum

Grasmere

Interesting fact(s): Grasmere contains one, small island which is known as, ‘The Island’.

Haweswater

Interesting fact(s): Haweswater is a reservoir created by the building of Haweswater Dam and flooding of the valley.

A village was lost during the process of creating Haweswater, but in times of drought it can be seen when the water levels are low (like when we visited!)

The Hassan family are together in the right of the image, stood next to an old boundary wall with Haweswater and lakeland fells in the distance behind them to the left of the image.

A panoramic image of Haweswater. You can see an island in the centre and some lakeland fells in the background. The lake is very low.

Loweswater

Interesting fact(s): Loweswater is the only lake in Cumbria to drain towards the centre of Lakeland.

The Loweswater lakeshore was only a short walk down from the road and offered a beautiful spot to take photos. There is a circular walk here, and if you're lucky you may even be able to spot the deer and red squirrels who live to the South West in Holme Wood.

Naomi has Munchkin on her hip who is smiling towards his baby sister who is being held by John. The two older girls are stood in front of them. The family is stood on the Loweswater lakeshore with the lakeland fells in the background.

Rydal Water

Interesting fact(s): Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes in Cumbria, and to walk around it only takes around 2 hours.

Rydal is another often overlooked spot to visit, as the more well known Grasmere is just around the corner. You should definitely pop to Rydal however, with Rydal Caves, the Loughrigg Wainwright and of course Rydal Water itself to check out.

Naomi is bending down to hug Pickle next to John who has his arm around Squidgy and Munchkin in a sling. They are stood on the hillside on the pathway to Rydal Caves with Rydal Water and lakeland fells in the background.

Thirlmere

Interesting fact(s): Thirlmere is actually an artificial, purpose-built space designed to hold water as a reservoir.

We were lucky enough to be able to wander down onto the lakeshore at Thirlmere when we visited - something that is not always possible when the water level is at its normal height. This walk is not for the faint hearted, with some pretty steep sections to travel down from the car park, especially as you will have to get back up the steep route to return to your car. There is a circular route if you’re up to it, which will allow you to explore both Thirlmere and Helvellyn and the surrounding fells.

The Hassan family are stood on a rocky area of lakeshore with Thirlmere and Lakeland fells behind them.

Ullswater

Interesting fact(s): Ullswater often inspired the famous work of English poet, William Wordsworth. It is also referred to as the 'most beautiful' of Cumbrian lakes. Ullswater is also home to Aira Force, a 20m waterfall complete with circular walk.

Ullswater is now our closest lake since buying a house and moving to our new family home in Carlisle and has quickly become a top favourite to visit. There are so many places to visit along the shoreline, different walks to take and other wonderful places to explore in the local area.

The Hassan family are stood on the lakeshore of Ullswater in 2020.

The Hassan family are stood on the lakeshore of Ullswater in 2022.

Wast Water

Interesting fact(s): Wastwater is England's deepest lake. It is located in Wasdale, which is also home to England's highest fell.

Wast Water is John’s favourite, and although it’s a bit of a trek for us to get there I will do the travel again and again because I love it too! No matter which way you turn the surroundings are stunning, but parking can be a bit of a task so we always arrive early.

Read more about the Wasdale walks on my blog here.

The Hassan family are on a grassy section of Wast Water lakeshore with Wast Water and the Lakeland fells in the background.

Windermere

Interesting fact(s): Windermere is home to Bowness-on-Windermere; the Lakeland's most popular holiday resort.

Windermere is probably one of, if not the most famous of the Lake District lakes, and one that most everyone will have heard of. You don’t have to visit its lakeshore from the tourist trap of Bowness however and we love a wander along the western shore from the grounds of Wray Castle.

Read more about Wray Castle on my blog here.

Bonus:

Elterwater

Interesting fact(s): Elterwater is situated near a small village of the same name. The village of Elterwater is only 1/4 permanently occupied. The remaining 3/4 are holiday homes and accommodation.

Depending on who you ask, Elterwater is sometimes not including in the list of the official lakes of the Lake District, hence it being a bonus inclusion. That being said, it is 100% worth a visit as it offers some stunning views and photo opportunities. The car park gets extremely busy but you can find extra parking a little further out from the main one.

The 6 members of the Hassan family are stood on the lakeshore of Elterwater with the Lake and lakeland fells in the background. Naomi has Munchkin on her hip, John by her side and the girls are stood in front with the baby on Squidgy.

So, there you go! I hope you have enjoyed learning something new about the beautiful lakes we have on our back doorstep and loved seeing the photos of our (growing) family visiting them over the years.

For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you got a favourite spot to visit in the Lake District? We love to explore new areas, so feel free to share in the comments below.