Lake District swimming spots

Thirlmere Infinity Pool - A 10 minute drive south of the town of Keswick, off the main A591 in the Lake District.

Thirlmere Infinity Pool is a breathtaking oasis nestled amidst the natural beauty of the Lakes. This natural marvel offers a mesmerizing view, seemingly extending to infinity, as the crystal-clear waters of the pool merge seamlessly with the reservoir and the surrounding lush greenery. Designed to blend harmoniously with its environment, the infinity pool provides a tranquil escape for visitors seeking relaxation and connection with nature - it’s hard to believe that this isn’t a man-made pool! The walk to the pool is not a difficult one and only takes around half an hour (around 1 mile). However, this is a small pool, so wouldn’t be recommended during warm school holidays/summer weekends as it can get crowded.

Black Moss Pot - Located within the Langstrath Valley in Keswick, the Lake District.

This picturesque natural wonder is a tranquil, mirror-like tarn nestled within the Langstrath Valley. The depth and length of the pool means it’s a great spot for those wanting to jump from the craggy ledges, and those wanting a proper swim. This deep lagoon pool is an hour walk (around 2 miles) from Stonethwaite village, but is absolutely worth the walk! Additionally, along your walk you’ll come across Galleny Force Waterfall, a beautiful, famous waterfall, with a rope swing overhanging a deep pool to jump in!

Coniston Water - Located in the centre of the Lake District National Park under the gaze of Coniston Old Man.

Coniston Water is a great spot if you love swimming in large open water. The crystal-clear waters of Coniston, surrounded by lush green hills and framed by the majestic Coniston Old Man mountain, provide a relaxing environment for swimmers. Coniston Water is a great spot to cool off after a grueling hike up the Old Man of Coniston, with plenty of shoreline you’ll have room to relax while you dry off too. Just down the road is the lovely Coniston village, filled with inns and shops including the Crown Inn- a great place to grab a hearty lunch after a chilly dip in the lake! Coniston water has plenty of layby’s directly next to the water, which make it a great spot for those with walking difficulties, people using wheelchairs or people with prams.

Whorneyside Falls - Situated at the head of Great Langdale valley, at the foothills of Crinkle Crags and Bow Fell.

Whorneyside is one of the most beautiful and peaceful falls in the lakes. The way in which the water flows down the rocks on the cliff is slow and delicate, meaning that the pool at the bottom is relatively still and shallow, while the water stays clear and cold. Additionally, there are no low cliffs nearby, which means it is not a popular jumping spot for teens, and you’re guaranteed a peaceful dip and picnic on the rocks. Although fairly long (around 4 miles total), the path to the falls is flat and well-defined right up till the last 10 minutes where it becomes a little more rustic, making it a great spot for those seeking an easy but long stroll. We recommend visiting in the morning, as the sun does not shine on the pool in the afternoon. For those more experienced walkers seeking a full day hike, Crinkle Crags walking route passes the falls, giving you a great spot to go for a dip mid-way up the summit.

Easdale Tarn & Sour Milk Ghyll - Situated in Grasmere (just off the A591), the main road that passes north to south through the Lake District.

This circular walk (around 3.5 miles) provides you with stunning panoramic views of the nearby mountains as well as two beautiful wild swimming spots. Following the stream, the route will take you to Sour Milk Ghyll - another calm waterfall with a small but beautifully formed pool at the bottom, with crystal clear waters. The path will finish at Easdale Tarn - a large and rural tarn, sitting 910 feet above sea level. Although the walk is classed as fairly easy, it is mostly uphill and includes some rocky and uneven patches, therefore we recommend that you are of decent walking ability. Easdale Tarn itself is massive, so if you do happen to bump into other people also enjoying it’s shores, there’s plenty of shoreline and space for privacy. Sour Milk Ghyll itself is surprisingly warm during summer, as it sits facing the sun most of the day. Easdale Tarn however is far larger and therefore a little cooler, therefore if the Ghyll didn’t properly cool you down, it’s only a short walk to the Tarn which will be well worth it.

Riston’s Force - Situated in the Lake District National Park, Cumbria - Close to Wasdale.

Although a little harder to get to for those without cars, Riston’s Force is a must see and is one of the most magical water holes in the lakes. The water here is so blue it could be easily mistaken for Costa Rica! The pools themselves are very small and fairly shallow, therefore are more plunge pools rather than proper swimming spots, however the walk from the car park is only around 10 mins, meaning that if you still have an itch for a proper swim after your visit you can easily pop down to the nearby Wastwater lake for a proper swim.

Tongue pot - In Eskdale Valley - a glacial valley and civil parish in the western Lake District National Park in Cumbria.

This path is beautiful and easy, filled with loads of swimming pools along the way- the first being about half an hour from the car park. After that it’s just pool after pool after pool, you could really spend hours and hours in this area, and if it’s busy, don’t stress- just keep walking and we’re certain you’ll find a quieter pool to relax in. The biggest pool, Tongue Pot, is long and deep, with pebbles which ease you in. Prefer to jump in? Tongue Pot is the perfect place for jumping, as the pool Is surrounded by cliffs that aren’t too high, and the water is really deep in parts- please be sure you properly check out which parts are the deepest before jumping. Although the water is deep, it is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom, giving the water a beautiful emerald colour!