At 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet deep, Windermere is the largest natural lake in both the Lake District and England and is fed by numerous rivers. The Romans built their fort of Galava at its northern end (Waterhead), and it has always been an important waterway for movement of heavy materials. Although the town of Windermere does not touch the lake (it took the name of the lake when the railway line was built in 1847 and the station was called "Windermere"), it has now grown together with the older lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere.

Esthwaite is a first class, well managed Trout fishery. It is a beautiful natural 280-acre water situated in the heart of the English Lake District with excellent facilities for boat or bank fishing.

Coniston is 5 miles long and is the 3rd longest lake. It has 3 islands, all owned by the National Trust. The lake was originally used to carry slate and ore from the mines around Coniston, to the Furness peninsular. In the 1850’s, a branch of the Furness railway came as far as Coniston village – this meant in Victorian times it was more accessible for tourists.

Rydal is one of the smallest lakes at 3/4-mile-long, 1/4-mile-wide and with a depth of 55 feet, but it is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth connections. Steps lead up from the western end of the lake to ‘Wordsworth’s Seat’ – reputedly the poet’s favourite viewpoint.

Grasmere at 1 mile long, half a mile wide and 75 feet deep, would be an attractive and popular tourist area even without its Wordsworth connections. ‘The most loveliest spot than man hath found’ was Wordsworth’s famous quote describing the area of Lakeland that he most loved. The small island in the middle of the lake was his favourite destination while he was staying at nearby Dove Cottage. The island is now privately owned, and visitors should not land there, tempting though it is.

Thirlmere at 3.5 miles long, 1.2-mile-wide and 158 feet deep, was originally two smaller lakes, which were purchased by Manchester City Corporation Waterworks in 1889. A dam was installed of which its greatest height is 104 feet, and the area became one vast reservoir. In the process, the settlements of Armboth and Wythburn were submerged, the only remaining building being the little church at Wythburn. The 96-mile-long aquaduct now supplies water to Manchester.

Bassenthwaite is owned by the National Park Authority and is one of the largest at 4 miles long and 3/4-mile-wide, but also one of the shallowest (70 ft). It is the most northerly of the lakes and has no major settlements on its shores. It’s is often full of sailing boats from Bassenthwaite Sailing Club. There is a shore path which runs the length of the west shore, but no access to the east side except at Mirehouse. Here there is a small open-air theatre, built in 1974 for the reading of ‘Morte d’Arthur’ to the Tennyson society at the place where it is thought that Tennyson, who often stayed at Mirehouse, composed much of the poem. Bassenthwaite is home to the vendace, a rare and endangered fish species found only here and in Derwentwater.

Derwentwater at 3 miles long, 1 mile wide and 72 feet deep, is fed by the River Derwent catchment area in the high fells at the head of Borrowdale and has a long historical and literary background. The Lake is very much a landscape of moods, varying from the dramatic waves splashing against Friar’s Crag when driven by southerly gales, to the absolute mirror calm of early mornings.

Situated between Loweswater and Buttermere. Often overlooked by its sister lake Buttermere, Crummock Water with the mighty Grassmoor on the west and the fells of Mellbreak on the east, it has unparalleled views from either side. It is 2 1/2 miles long, 3/4-mile-wide and 140 feet deep and is a clear, rocky bottomed lake flanked by steep fellsides of Skiddaw slate. The lake is fed by numerous streams including the beck from Scale Force, which with a drop of 170 feet is Lakeland’s tallest waterfall. The River Cocker starts from here, flowing towards Cockermouth where it joins the River Derwent.

Buttermere, the lake by the dairy pastures, is 1 1/2 miles long, 3/4 of a mile wide and 75 feet deep. The classic combination of lakes and mountains has made this popular with visitors since the beginning of tourism in the Lake District. A visit to Buttermere is principally for its natural attractions, as the area offers some of the best walking country in Lakeland. There is a footpath running around the perimeter of the lake, and lovely walks to the summits of Haystacks and Red Pike.