To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
Added: | |
---|---|
![]() | Knitted Bible Stories Exhibition |
You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Bassenthwaite
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,...Read More
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.
The glacial waters of Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater were once joined together as one long lake until river-borne deposits from the rivers Derwent, Greta and Pow Beck silted up the central section to form two separate bodies of water. Both lakes are the shallowest in the Lake District, with an average depth of only 5.5 m (18 ft).
In 1783 the newly appointed Bishop of Derry was on his way to Whitehaven to take a boat to Ireland. He stopped for the night at an inn beside Bassenthwaite Lake and, after consuming several drinks, wagered that he could ride his pony to the top of Barf, a nearby hill. Halfway up the pony stumbled at a large rock and fell, killing both horse and rider. The large rock (known as Bishop Rock) is painted white in remembrance of this futile act, while at the foot of the slope is another white-painted rock known as The Clerk where the bishop and his pony were buried.
In the early 1800s, one of the finest Celtic swords ever found in Britain was discovered in a field near Wythop Mill. The sword and its highly decorated sheath are now on display in the British Museum.
Alfred Tennyson stayed at Mirehouse, Bassenthwaite in 1835 and composed the lines on Excalibur for Morte d’Arthur whilst sitting on the lakeshore. It is said that the lake was a model for the lake into which Excalibur was thrown. A memorial stone depicting the sword and a hand rising from the water, erected by the Tennyson Society, stands by the lake shore.
Read LessConnoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Can you conquer WHINLATTER in 2025? Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Discover the secret places of the Lake District only accessible by kayak, just waiting for you to…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with…
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 190
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Keswick
In this unique double bill, two actor-writers perform their own one-person shows,
each directed by the other. Working with acclaimed sound artists Mark Melville and José
Guillermo Puello and set designer Martin Johns, they have created two…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Keswick
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come along on our intermediate navigation course to find out how.
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.
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.
Hendersons Yard, Keswick
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works. Enjoy a sophisticated café culture serving local artisan coffee by Carvetti, speciality teas, handmade chocolates by Huttons of Windermere and some of…
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.
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Keswick
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Keswick.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Strawberry moon is a time to lean into the vibrant energy of the season. As the strawberries begin to ripen, how can you create more lusciousness and juiciness in your life? It encourages us to embrace freedom, adventure, and the limitless…
Keswick
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!
Keswick
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Full Wolf Moon holds a special spiritual significance for many, symbolising strength, intuition, and the power of community. It is a powerful time for coming together to harness our inner strength, embrace our wild and intuitive nature, and…
Cockermouth
A 6-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and using them to prepare dinner.
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
We are now retrieving your search results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds
Supporting the Destination
Quality Guarantee
We are now retrieving real time availability results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds.