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, 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.
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage. When it comes to the…
We're not in Keswick anymore… From Aunty Em's Cumbrian cottage Dorothy dreams of returning to her…
Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 189
, currently showing 81 to 100.
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.
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
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!
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
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…
Keswick
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…
Keswick
Uplifting choral music for springtime and Easter with soloists. To include John Rutter "Songs for Springtime", Mendelssohn, Vaughan Williams, and others. With Nikki Martin, Jonny Hill. Accompanist: David T Shingler. Conductor: Ian Hare
Keswick
Lakesman Triathlons encompasses a middle distance triathlon, an aquabike and a duathlon. Swim event on Friday night and kids race on Saturday.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…
Keswick
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding fells. Spacious, cosy and with an abundance of walks from the doorstep. Garden with patio, garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking for 3 cars.…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of year, preparing for the winter months ahead. This is the time to welcome the darker months of the year, an opportunity for introspection and self…
Keswick
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?
Bassenthwaite 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.
Keswick
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired picnic with Alpkit in Keswick.
Keswick
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet. Before closing in…
Keswick
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Keswick.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL