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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 National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
The autumn 24/25 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions,…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
165 reviewsKeswick
Great Lake District Swim Challenge West.
The Lake District is England's largest national park and a world-class swimming destination, the Great Lake District Swim Challenge West is to swim all the swim-able Lakes in the Lake District. This trip…
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Keswick
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.
Keswick
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…
Keswick
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and Latrigg.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Lake Rd, Keswick
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays and has won multi-starred reviews.
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
826 reviewsKeswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles in the forest and out on to the fell tops just outside the forest bounds, depending on the weather and conditions.
This is a more challenging…
Cumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
Keswick
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
297 reviewsCockermouth
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery nights really are like no other. Seated on our stunning steam train and surrounded by 1930’s decor, you will be transported to an era gone by whilst the…
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night and be part of the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival!
Covering 3-4 miles of trails, and weather permitting, stopping for some amazing star gazing opportunities. As an amateur astronomer Jo can …
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