Lake Windermere is the largest body of water in the aptly named, Lake District National Park. In fact, it is the largest lake in England. Windermere has attracted outdoor enthusiasts for hundreds of years, who have long reveled in its unsullied scenery. Windermere is a long, thin body of water, hosting some of Cumbria’s prettiest villages along its banks. Visitors whose main objective is to have fun on the water should base themselves in Barrow-on-Windermere, where a fantastic choice of water sports and leisure boating opportunities are available. If you’d rather someone else did the hard work, then take the car ferry from Bowness to Far Swarey where you can enjoy a meal and a wander before returning. Windermere is also the perfect base for exploring the rest of the Lake District. For something a bit different, take a Beatrix Potter tour and discover the true inspiration behind The Story of Peter Rabbit. 

We couldn’t possibly put together a list of top European lakes without mentioning at least one of the Great Italian Lakes. Whilst the crowds flock to Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, those of us who like to think we are more sophisticated take ourselves to the unforgettable shores of Lake Como. It’s a celeb-spotting dream and the setting for many a movie (including Ocean’s Twelve and Casino Royale), but the real reason for heading to Como is the chic Belle-Epoque architecture of the bank-side villas, the enchanting emerald waters and the natural beauty of the Alps beyond. If you can’t find Clooney to take you on his superyacht then you can always board a Como passenger ferry or a boat taxi to transport you to and from the main nearby towns. 

If Carlsberg made lakes, then this would surely be the result. Lake Bled is arguably one of the most beautiful and atmospheric bodies of water in Central Europe. Located 35km from the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, Lake Bled is famous for its central islet, upon which a Gothic church is nestled. Visitors are transported to the island by pletna, a traditional wooden boat. Upon disembarking, there are 99 steps to reach the front door of the Our Lady of the Lake Church. Discover the legend of the original Bled Bell, which was sunk to the lakebed in a storm and was replaced by a bell gifted by the pope in the 1500s. On the northeast bank of the lake is a second architectural wonder, the 11th century Bled Castle. This seriously historic castle was built upon a cliff top for added drama and truly ‘gram-worthy sights. The Alpine Lake Bled is also thought to have restorative powers for those who bathe in its crisp, turquoise waters. No visit to Slovenia is complete without adding a day in the capital, the chic and verdant Ljubljana. 

Lake Saimaa has plenty of boastful credentials. It is Finland's largest lake, it has the longest lake coastline on Earth (14,500km), the entire lake basin incorporates over 13,000 islands and it is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet. But beyond the statistics and the rankings, it truly is a place of natural wonder, where even the most troubled soul can find solace and tranquillity. Fauna includes the ringed seal, elk, hare, bears, and even wolves. The water is so pure it’s actually safe to drink in places. Base yourself at any one of the laid-back towns or villages found on the banks of Saimaa and enjoy local delicacies that combine freshwater fish with foraged berries and mushrooms. During summer the lake’s proximity to the Arctic delivers the midnight sun. If all of this already sounds like a dream come true, there’s more: you may also catch sight of the Northern Lights during your stay. 

You’ve probably seen a picture of the town of Hallstatt, on a computer wallpaper or television loading screen, sitting as it does on the banks of Lake Hallstatt. The town itself is often referred to as the perfect setting for an Alpine fairy-tale and it’s true that the beauty of both the town and the lake is unrivalled in the region. Located between Graz and Salzburg in the Austrian Alps, it is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Europe and rightly deserves its place on the UNESCO world heritage list. The lake itself is overlooked by the Dachstein Mountains and at approximately 8.5sqkm is big enough for a wealth of varied activities. Things to do both on and around the lake include scuba diving, surfing, hiking, boating, visiting the salt mines and ice caves, and even a trip to one of the lake’s two nude beaches, at Untersee and Obertraun. A lake that has it all; beauty, history, and adventure.