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The national nature reserve of Bassenthwaite Lake is a tranquil finger of water sitting in the lofty shadow of Skiddaw. This wildlife-rich body of water is fringed with a mosaic of reed beds, fen marshland, woodlands and wildflower meadows, and is perhaps best known for the spectacular sight of ospreys diving into the waters for fish. A new lottery-funded scheme, Bassenthwaite Reflections, is helping to protect the lake’s vulnerable plant and animal life through community involvement.
The peaceful village of Bassenthwaite, centred on its old inn, sits in a quiet valley at the north end of the lake. To the south is Mirehouse, an 18th century house and garden with literary links to Tennyson, Coleridge and Wordsworth.
The earliest known settlement is at Castle How, an Iron Age hill fort on the western shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, but it wasn’t until the arrival of Christianity in the middle of the 6th century that mankind’s deeper footprint became visible. Saint Saint Kentigern is believed to have preached at Crosthwaite (east of Keswick) in AD 556 while a few years later Saint Bega is thought to have founded a church bearing her name on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake – even if the current church only dates to around AD950.
Bassenthwaite village probably got its name from the Vikings who settled here after chopping down a few trees. After 1066, the whole area came under the rule of the Earls of Egremont, with the Manor of Bassenthwaite now part of the Barony of Allerdale. The locals made their living from farming and fishing, but also did some mining and some weaving from the wool of Herdwick sheep: the area became known for a rough-spun, undyed cloth known as ‘Skiddaw Grey.’ Over time the weaving process became mechanised and several mills were built, including one at Millbeck on the flanks of Skiddaw that produced large large quantities of caps, blankets and flannels for export to slave plantations in the Americas.
Nearby Mirehouse has been owned by the Spedding family since 1802. During the early 19th century, the house became a literary hotbed for the Lake poets – William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey and Thomas Carlyle. Alfred Tennyson stayed here in 1835 and composed the lines on Excalibur for Morte d’Arthur whilst sitting on the lakeshore.
The construction of the railway line between Penrith and Cockermouth in 1864 brought Victorian tourists in their droves, all eager to enjoy the wild scenery around Keswick and Bassenthwaite so lyrically described by Wordsworth and the other Lake poets. Most of the area’s older hotels and guesthouses date from this time.
Whinlatter - Whinlatter is England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level, the forest and visitor centre provides a whole range of outdoor activities for everyone. Start at the visitor centre where the staff will give information and help plan your day.
Keswick - It's central location makes Keswick the perfect place to stay when planning to explore the Lake District. The town is surrounded famous Lakeland hills such has Grizedale Pike, Skiddaw and Catbells.
Skiddaw - Skiddaw dominates Bassenthwaite Lake and at 931 metres it is one of the largest peaks in the Lake District.
This mountain is one of the oldest formations in the Lake District (and indeed in Europe). This fell is also an extinct Volcano.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about Bassenthwaite. Click for more details.
This small and friendly guest house is located a short walk from the town centre and many of the…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Join our experienced, knowledgeable Ranger as they lead you around our amazing WOW Trail! The Wow…
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to…
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 174
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Keswick
This small and friendly guest house is located a short walk from the town centre and many of the rooms enjoy fine views of the surrounding fells. Bedrooms are well equipped and the breakfast room overlooks the small front garden.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
193 reviewsBassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and 70ft deep and home to the rare vendace fish species.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Keswick
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the warmest of welcomes and leisure facilities that provide the opportunity to unwind after a long day.
Crow Park Road, Keswick
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our experienced, knowledgeable Ranger as they lead you around our amazing WOW Trail!
The Wow trail is a 4.5-mile walking trail showcasing the wonders of Whinlatter, England's only true mountain forest.
Be prepared to enjoy fantastic views,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This beautiful super moon illuminates our own personal harvest as we approach the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance and reflection.
Cumbria
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…
Keswick
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Keswick
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
Cumbria
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.
Keswick
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself. Lakeland Wellbeing offers a range of relaxing and mindful activities & retreats to connect you with nature and our beautiful and ancient Lakeland Landscape. Forest bathing, mindfulness, foraging, full…
Portinscale, Keswick
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland destination for Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Tea.
Cumbria
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…
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