Thirlmere Reservoir

Welcome to Thirlmere, home of great water!

Thirlmere is not just a beautiful place to visit. It plays a vital role in supplying about 11 per cent of the North West’s water supply – about one glass of water in every nine comes from here.

Thirlmere is a huge reservoir approximately three and a half miles long and one an mile wide and is surrounded by 2,000 acres of superb coniferous forest. It is a fantastic day out for all of the family with walks and activities to suit everyone.

Thirlmere yields about 220 million litres of precious water every day and also supplies communities in Keswick, Lancaster and the Fylde Coast. Thirlmere’s fascinating history and staggering beauty have earned it critics and admirers throughout its life. There’s a lot to see whether you like local history, native wildlife, fantastic feats of engineering or just somewhere nice to take the kids.

We also have two of the finest rock climbing crags in the Lake District right here – Raven Crag, near the dam, and Castle Rock, at Legurthwaite, which are granted free access for ever.

The forests around Thirlmere are home to lots of fascinating native species, some of which are difficult to find in other places. Red deer (Cervius elaphus) are the largest native British mammal. In summer their coat is dark red or brown, with occasional spots along the spine and a white or cream underbelly. In winter the coats are dark brown or grey.In the rutting season (October and November), you can occasionally hear stags roaring and clashing antlers. The pretty spotted calves are born in June. If you find a calf alone, don’t go near or touch it. Its mother will be nearby. Always keep your dog on a lead.

Thirlmere is also a national Red Squirrel Reserve. Look out for their round drays’, built of twigs, leaves, moss and grass, in the forks of trees. Chewed pine cones and scratch marks in tree bark are also signs they could be close by.

Site Facilities at Thirlmere include:

• toilets
• picnic area
• dogs allowed
• car parking: There are a number of pay and display car parks around the reservoir. Those at Swirls, Legburthwaite, Armboth and Dobgill have toilet facilities. Toilet blocks are usually closed overnight and may be closed if it’s icy, because the pipes can freeze.

And remember the weather can change very quickly in the Lake District, so take a waterproof or a change of clothes.

Opening times

Open all day every day. For more information contact our team in Thilmere on 01768 772 334 (During office Hours)

How to get there

Thirlmere is between Keswick and Ambleside on the A591. Take a look on Google Maps.

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