--- title: "Lakes | Visit Keswick, Lake District" url: https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes description: "The lakes around Keswick — Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Thirlmere and Crummock Water, and the ways to get out on the water." --- A dark tarn among rough grass with the fells closing round it ## Six lakes, and a great many tarns Mile-wide Derwentwater, island-studded and with Keswick on its shores, is probably the busiest. Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater lie close together in the lovely and peaceful Vale of Lorton. Nearby, Bassenthwaite Lake — the only true lake — and Thirlmere, the reservoir for Manchester, are both dominated by the steep slopes of their shoreline mountains. Loading map… - [Derwentwater](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/derwentwater) - [Bassenthwaite Lake](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/bassenthwaite-lake) - [Buttermere](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/buttermere) - [Crummock Water](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/crummock-water) - [Thirlmere](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/thirlmere) - [Keswick](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/town) Derwentwater under a clear sky with the fells reflected in the water 15 minutes on foot Derwentwater The lake Keswick sits on, with seven landing stages, four islands and a launch service with seasonal timetables. Check current operating dates before travelling. bassenthwaite lake in winter Ospreys Bassenthwaite Lake The only body of water in the district actually called a lake, with breeding ospreys watched from Dodd Wood. fleethwith pike at the foot of buttermere lake and mountain reflections on the water A four-mile walk Buttermere Set in an amphitheatre of mountains over the Honister Pass, with a level path the whole way round. lush green grass and mountain fells with dark blue lake Scale Force Crummock Water Buttermere’s larger neighbour, once the same lake, with England’s highest waterfall a mile up the beck. misty clouds on top of water with woodland fells Red squirrels Thirlmere A reservoir that drowned two lakes and a hamlet, and now supplies Manchester — with a red squirrel refuge in the woods around it. red tarn between the paths up helvellyn ## And then there are the tarns Hundreds of them are dotted over the uplands — permanent standing water, varying from almost small lakes to very large puddles, and usually with nobody else there. Innominate on Haystacks, where Wainwright’s ashes are scattered; Tewet below High Rigg with Blencathra behind it; Watendlath, Bowscale, Harrop and the rest are on the [tarns page](https://visitkeswick.com/explore/lakes/tarns) . A paddleboarder standing out on flat calm water below the wooded fells ## Safety on the water The water can look appealing but even in summer it can be particularly cold. Follow these swimming do’s and don’t’s to have fun and stay safe. [Safety on the fells and water](https://visitkeswick.com/visitor-info/safety-on-the-fells) ## Things to do on the lakes Keswick Launch do ### [Keswick Launch](https://visitkeswick.com/do/derwentwater-lake-cruises) Scenic lake cruises and boat hire on Derwentwater with year-round operations and heritage service. [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/do/derwentwater-lake-cruises) Derwent Water Marina ### [Derwent Water Marina](https://visitkeswick.com/do/derwent-water-marina) Watersports marina in Portinscale offering hire, moorings and trained instruction near Keswick. [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/do/derwent-water-marina) Keswick Adventures ### [Keswick Adventures](https://visitkeswick.com/do/keswick-adventures) Lake District adventure centre with kayaking, canyoning, packrafting and workshops. Family restaurant with camping barn. [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/do/keswick-adventures) Rocqua Adventures ### [Rocqua Adventures](https://visitkeswick.com/do/rocqua-adventures) Discover the Lake District with Rocqua Adventures, a family-run outdoor adventure company offering ghyll scrambling, canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling, paddleboarding and unforgettable adventure days around Keswick. [Details](https://visitkeswick.com/do/rocqua-adventures) ## Start your trip here Plan your perfect escape with our Keswick guide. From places to stay and things to do, where to eat, explore and unwind. ## Stories from our blog [See all blog posts](https://visitkeswick.com/blog) The Moot Hall and Keswick main street lit with Christmas lights Blog ### Keswick Victorian Fayre Keswick's Christmas fayre returns to the Market Square on Sunday 6 December 2026, with free entertainment, charity stalls and a children's funfair. 30 October 2026 derwentwater keswick ### Planning Your Stay In Keswick Keswick is a vibrant and lively town nestled in a stunning part of the Lake District and theres something for everyone here. Read on for some inspiration and ideas for where to stay and what to do whe Original publication date not recorded ### Festive Walks to do over the Christmas Period If you are staying in Keswick or the North Lakes over the Christmas period, you are probably planning on going for a walk? ## For AI agents - API catalogue: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/api-catalog - Guide for AI agents: https://visitkeswick.com/llms.txt - A2A agent card: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/agent-card.json - MCP server card: https://visitkeswick.com/.well-known/mcp/server-card.json - Live availability and booking: the site's tools above (MCP connector at https://visitkeswick.com/mcp).