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Tourists from all over the world throng to Yorkshire as this historic county in North England has plenty to offer and explore. Be it the stunning natural scenery or the vibrant cities, the cultural scene or the food, the festivals or the sports, Yorkshire does not fail to surprise as an exciting tourist destination. If you are looking to visit the lakes in Yorkshire, there is nothing to beat the tranquillity of a lakeshore or a quick swim in warm weather. You can enjoy boating, kayaking or fishing in the calm waters, or a quiet family picnic at the shore at any of the amazing lakes in Yorkshire.
Top Lakes in Yorkshire
Yorkshire boasts many scenic lakes for tourists to explore. These beautiful lakes in Yorkshire can offer memorable experiences and adventure to people of all ages.
1. Hornsea Mere Lake
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated on the western edge of the Hornsea Seaside Resort, is Hornsea Mere, Yorkshire’s biggest freshwater lake which is privately owned by the Wassand estate. This lake is surrounded by woods and farmland, and its easy accessibility makes it an ideal destination for a family outing. The key attraction of this lake is viewing diverse bird species at close proximity. You can spot wildfowls in winter, hirundines and swifts in summer. Rare grebes and ducks are also very common in this area. A birder’s paradise, the Hornsea Mere Lake is also home to seagulls, redshanks, sandpipers and woodpeckers. Whenever you decide to visit Hornsea, you are guaranteed to catch sight of a wide array of bird life, some very close.
Location: West of Hornsea in East Yorkshire
2. Gormire Lake
Photo: T Eyre / Wikimedia Commons
Gormire Lake is a natural lowland lake that is located at the foot of the Whitestone Cliff within the North York Moors National Park. The lake sits in a secluded woodland area along the Sutton Bank edge and below the rocky cliffs. From the lake point, the low-lying land of west York transforms into the higher levels of the Hambleton Hills and moorlands in the east. This hollow lake is in the shape of a half-moon and one mile in circumference. The lake is hidden and can be seen only from the cliffs above it. This idyllic lake is a great place to take a walk. You can begin your trek from Sutton Bank, continue along Cleveland Way, and follow the path to reach the serene shore of the Gormire Lake, admiring the views of the picturesque Boltby village on the way.
Location: Foot of Whitestone Cliff in North Yorkshire
3. Malham Tarn
Photo: Ian Greig / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Malham Tarn is a glacial lake and a nature reserve that lies 3.5 miles north of Malham village and 1.5 miles from Malham Cove. It is the highest-known marl lake in the UK because sediments of light-coloured limestone deposits have accumulated at this place for centuries. Fascinating wildlife such as roe, deer, water voles and herons can be spotted at this lake. Its unique flora includes pondweeds and stonewort algae. Rare invertebrate species found here include bullhead, crayfish, otter and grebe. The Malham Tarn drains into the Malham Water stream that disappears into the limestone.
Location: Yorkshire Dales National Park, near Malham Village
4. Scar House Reservoir
Photo: Paul Buckingham / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Scar House Reservoir lies in an area of stunning beauty below Little Whernside, North of Pateley Bridge in the Nidderdale area. This is the second of the three reservoirs of Upper Nidderdale in North Yorkshire. Around one million tonnes of stone were used to build this reservoir whose area was once home to over 1250 villagers. The surrounding moorland supports a vast range of bird species such as Hen Harriers, Black Grouse, and Curlew. The Car House Reservoir is a peaceful and remote area with breathtaking scenery. Along the route, you can admire the splendid architecture of the Angram Reservoir with its dramatic arches that are near Scar House.
Location: Nidderdale are, North Yorkshire
5. Blakeley Reservoir
Photo: Peter McDermott / Wikimedia Commons
Blakeley Reservoir is situated in the Wessenden Valley, with Marsden Moor in West Yorkshire. This reservoir is included in the popular multiple reservoirs walking routes in Yorkshire. The walking path is connected to other reservoirs such as Wessenden and Butterley reservoirs. Blakeley Reservoir is a small freshwater lake at an altitude of around 252m. This is a shallow lake with a shoreline that is a little over 1 km long. Over 152 bird species have been spotted near the Blakeley Reservoir Lake including Bad Eagle, Barn Owl, Blackbird, and Black Redstart.
Location: Colne Valley network, West Yorkshire
6. Semerwater
Photo: John H Darch / Wikimedia Commons
The second largest natural lake after Malham Tarn, Semerwater lake lies in the heart of Raydale in North Yorkshire, England. It is about ½ mile long and covers around 100 acres. IT is fed by River Bain. This lake is perfect for trout fishing, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. The lakeside offers spectacular views for anyone who wishes to just relax, have a picnic or watch wildlife. Some birds you can spot here in spring are curlew, redshank, oystercatcher and sand martin. There are several walking paths and trails for hikers and cyclists in Raydale.
Location: Raydale, North Yorkshire
7. Damflask Reservoir
Photo: Jonathan Clitheroe / Wikimedia Commons
Damflask Reservoir or a man-made lake is located near the village of Low Bradfield, in the Loxley Valley. Sitting right on the boundary of the Peak District National Park, the reservoir is surrounded by a beautiful countryside setting. The reservoir is just five miles from Sheffield. It is a 47-hectare area of open water, popular for water sports and angling. There are three active rowing clubs and the Viking Sailing Club that use the reservoir. The perimeter of the reservoir, including 3.25 miles of circular route, is great for walking. Several enhancements have been done to the route including wheelchair accessibility, tactile paving, information boards and a ramp till the waterside for fishing.
Location: Loxley Valley, South Yorkshire, England
Be it the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors or the stunning Yorkshire Coast, there is no dearth of places to visit in Yorkshire. The lakes in Yorkshire are an addition to the captivating natural beauty of this English county. Apart from the magnificent scenery, the place is also known for its cultural heritage, charming markets and quaint villages. If you wish to visit the lakes in Yorkshire and its other attractions, book your vacation with TripXL to this magical place.
Cover Photo: Pauline E / Wikimedia Commons
