Best lakes around Stainton are located in Cumbria, a region known for its proximity to the Lake District National Park. Stainton is a village that provides access to several significant bodies of water. The area features a mix of large lakes and smaller reservoirs, offering diverse aquatic environments. These lakes are set within varied natural landscapes.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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The Holme Mills were originally a corn mills but change to flax in the 19th century and later to a coconut matting mill. The mill carried on being used for matting up until the 1970's. Apparently in its heyday as a matting mill it had up to 300 workers. The surrounding houses were built by the Quakers owners in the early/mid 19th century in order to house the workers at the mill.
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It is well worth visiting the castle and gardens. I was particularly impressed by the rock garden.
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I think Kenny's above tip refers to the Hawes Water in the Lake District.
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Hawes Water, sometimes called Hawes Tarn on the Gait Barrows National Nature Reserve is one of only two natural fresh-water lakes in Lancashire, along with Marton Mere. Unlike its big namesake in the Lake District it is a small lake but quite deep at 30 metres. Great centre for both birdlife and insects.
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Sizergh as a number of different gardens including a mirror lake, colourful herbaceous border, working kitchen garden, apple orchard and limestone rock garden.
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Hawes water, positioned as the easternmost lake within the Lake District, serves a crucial role as a reservoir. In 1940, the eastern side of the lake was dammed, resulting in the flooding of Mardale valley and the submersion of the village of Mardale. During periods of drought, the submerged village resurfaces, a highly anticipated event cherished by both locals and visitors.
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Good cafe to grab a tea, coffee and cakes. Good facilities. It is managed by the National Trust. And has a good shop to buy presents for family and friends.
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Visitors frequently enjoy the expansive views from Estuary and Clifftop Views of Morecambe Bay, which offers quiet and beautiful scenery. Another popular spot is Sizergh Castle and Gardens, known for its mirror lake and historical grounds. Hawes Water, a reservoir where the submerged village of Mardale can resurface during droughts, also draws significant interest.
Yes, several options are suitable for families. Sizergh Castle and Gardens is family-friendly, offering gardens, a mirror lake, and a cafe. Hawes Water is also noted as family-friendly. Additionally, Ullswater, a major Lake District lake near Stainton, provides steamboat rides and opportunities for boat hire, kayaking, and sailing, which are great for families.
You can explore Sizergh Castle and Gardens, a medieval fortified manor house with a mirror lake, extensive gardens, and a cafe. Another historical point of interest is the View of Holme Mills, which were originally corn mills and later used for flax and matting, with surrounding houses built by Quaker owners.
The area around Stainton offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like the 'Sedgwick House – River Kent Gorge loop' and 'Cunswick Scar summit cairn' which are detailed in the Hiking around Stainton guide. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as the 'Sedgwick and Holme loop' and touring bicycle options like the 'Lancaster Canal Trail', available in the Road Cycling Routes around Stainton and Cycling around Stainton guides respectively.
While specific dog-friendly designations for each lake are not always listed, many public footpaths and trails around the Lake District, including those near Ullswater and Killington Reservoir, are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock. Always check local signage for specific restrictions.
The Lake District, including the lakes accessible from Stainton, is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is popular for water sports and longer daylight hours, though it can be busier. Winter provides a tranquil, often snowy, landscape for those seeking quiet walks.
Yes, Sizergh Castle and Gardens has a cafe and shop on site. In the wider region, villages like Pooley Bridge and Glenridding near Ullswater offer pubs and cafes. Stainton itself and nearby Penrith also provide various dining options.
The lakes around Stainton are set within varied natural landscapes. You can expect to see glacial-carved valleys, expansive estuaries, and clifftop views, as seen from Estuary and Clifftop Views of Morecambe Bay. Reservoirs like Hawes Water offer unique sights, such as the resurfacing of a submerged village during droughts. The region is also known for its diverse aquatic environments, from large bodies of water to smaller, tranquil tarns.
Stainton is situated on the fringes of the Lake District National Park. While local bus services connect Stainton to larger towns like Penrith and Kendal, accessing specific lake shores often requires further connections or a car. Ullswater, for instance, has steamboat services that connect various points along the lake, and buses run to its main villages.
Hawes Water is unique because it serves as a reservoir, and during periods of drought, the submerged village of Mardale can resurface. This event is highly anticipated by both locals and visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the area's past.
Visitors particularly appreciate the quiet and beautiful scenery, especially the expansive views across the sands from locations like Estuary and Clifftop Views of Morecambe Bay. The historical charm of sites like Sizergh Castle and Gardens, combined with its tranquil mirror lake, is also highly valued. The unique natural phenomena, such as the resurfacing village at Hawes Water, also captivate visitors.


Still not found your perfect lake around Stainton? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.