Water skiing is a thrilling sport that will leave you buzzing with adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skier, the UK offers a great choice of lakes set in beautiful locations. It’s a fun family day out, with many venues also offering other water activities such as wakeboarding and paddle boarding. 

Here are five of the biggest and best water skiing lakes in the UK. 

Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire

Lakeside Ski & Wake at Cotswold Water Park is a purpose-built watersports venue that is an ideal place for beginners to learn. The sheltered lake offers friendly and expert tuition to children as young as three years, and for the more experienced, there’s a slalom water ski course that will test your skills out to the max.  

Thorpe Lakes, Surrey

Thorpe Lakes is set in over 150 acres of lakes and parklands, and is just a short distance from London. It caters for all levels of experience and abilities in a safe and sheltered environment. There are dedicated water skiing lakes for the advanced, plus cable boarding lakes with coaching available for individuals, parties, and corporate away days. 

Tallington Lakes, Lincolnshire

Tallington Lakes is a world-class waterskiing venue that offers tuition for all levels from beginners to advanced. The lake also stages competitions throughout the season and caters for parties, schools, corporate events and other large groups. 

Lake Windermere, Cumbria

Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England set amid the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake District National Park. There are several watersports centres where you can hire equipment and learn to waterski or wakeboard. 

It is possible to launch your own boat if you have the necessary licence and comply with bylaws, but be aware that there are speed limits in force, so if you are very advanced you may find that the pace is not fast enough for you. It is best suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers. 

Llangorse Lake, mid Wales

Llangorse Lake in mid Wales is a 400 acre lake situated in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, not far from the town of Brecon. It is a mecca for all watersports fans, and it is possible to bring your own craft for water skiing or wakeboarding. You can pay for launch and permit charges on a daily, five-day, or seasonal basis. 

You will also need to show proof of BWSW Membership, insurance documents, and proof of completion of either the BWSW Ski Boat Driver 1 course or the RYA’s Powerboat Level 2 course. There’s a campsite next to the lake where you can pitch tents or touring caravans, or hire a luxury static caravan.