Two natural features in the Lake District have earned themselves the nickname "infinity pool" — spots where a waterfall pool's edge appears to drop straight into the fells and lake beyond, creating one of the most striking backdrops the national park has to offer.
TL;DR: The Thirlmere Infinity Pool, near Keswick, is a natural pool formed by Fisherplace Gill with Thirlmere and the fells behind. The Buttermere Infinity Pools, reached from Gatesgarth Farm, sit above Buttermere itself. Both require a genuine walk to reach and can get busy on sunny weekends, so an early start is worth planning for.
Thirlmere Infinity Pool
Formed by a cascading stream called Fisherplace Gill, this natural pool sits above Thirlmere reservoir, with the water and fells behind creating the illusion that the pool's edge simply disappears into the landscape. The walk in involves a steep but manageable climb, starting from a car park off the A591 near Keswick.
Buttermere Infinity Pools
Starting from Gatesgarth Farm car park, the walk toward Warnscale Beck passes early views of Haystacks and Buttermere itself before reaching a series of natural pools with the same striking infinity-edge effect, framed by the surrounding fells. The setting is genuinely spectacular, though the pools themselves are small.
Practical Notes for Both
Both locations have become genuinely popular on social media, which means sunny weekends can bring real crowds — an early morning visit gives the best chance of having the spot to yourselves for the moment itself. Both require sturdy footwear and a proper walk in, so they suit a couple who wants the effort of the journey to be part of the occasion.
Other Notable Viewpoints
Surprise View above Ashness Bridge and Gummer's How over Windermere both offer dramatic panoramas reached by considerably shorter walks, if the infinity pools' access proves too demanding or too busy on the day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lake District's infinity pool? There are two well-known natural infinity-edge pools: one above Thirlmere near Keswick, formed by Fisherplace Gill, and one above Buttermere, reached from Gatesgarth Farm.
Are the infinity pools busy? They've become popular through social media, so sunny weekends can bring genuine crowds — an early morning visit is the best way to get the spot to yourselves.
Last reviewed: July 2026 · À Vie Diamonds