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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.
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Host your next event at the magnificent Pencil Factory in the heart of the Lake District. Once the…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
A guided town walk with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide will take you off the beaten track, down…
Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade…
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 152
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
Keswick
Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
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Blencathra boasts two of the Lake District's finest ridges, Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. Sharp Edge is the more technical of the two and is usually viewed with mixed emotions; its lofty position and fine sculpted crest have the capacity to…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
KESWICK
A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.
Keswick
An all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is now available for hire at the Theatre by the Lake, on the shores of Derwentwater.
The Tramper allows those with limited mobility to join these walks and explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District.…
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
Ireby
Our restaurant is open to residents and non-residents alike, serving a delicious 3 course meal made from freshly cooked local ingredients. We pride ourselves on the selection of local food producers and supplier who we work with to bring you a…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
689 reviewsKESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL