How many lakes in the Lake District?

It’s that sneaky quiz question.

The official answer is one, and that is Bassenthwaite Lake. But it’s not called the Lake District for nothing and the 16 ‘Lakes’ are the main lakes, meres and waters in the National Park.

The Lake District 'lakes' is a collection of waters, meres and lakes. A mere in simple terms, means its breadth is greater than its depth.

Our '16 Lakes of the Lake District' pays homage to those jewels nestled amongst the fells. Each one with its own character and outstanding views, from Coniston and Windermere starting in the south of the Lake District up to Bassenthwaite iself in the north.

There are also 197 tarns (mountain lakes) in the lake District so you’ll never go short on somewhere to swim or simply admire the stunning views.