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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.
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…
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Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…
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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…
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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
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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…
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Flower (or Hare) moon in Scorpio aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and symbolises fertility, growth and change; blossoming into your fullest potential! It brings an invitation to transform, heal, and empower ourselves…
Braithwaite
Braithwaite House is a newly renovated 18th century house, hosting four private en suite apartments, and an old village shop & tea room on the ground floor. Our aim is to pay homage to village life and keep it alive here in Braithwaite; whilst also…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months ahead. It is a reminder for us to do the same physically and mentally, aligning to the rhythm of the season. It invites us to embrace stability,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
This May, Forestry England will be offering a series of mental wellbeing walks in partnership with charity Mind Over Mountains. These walks will be gentle, half day strolls through our forest guided by a Mind Over Mountains walk leader who will show…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Jane Austen's most iconic love story is brought dazzlingly to life on stage.
When it comes to the subject of marriage, headstrong Lizzy Bennet is determined to resist the mounting pressures and expectations from society. But can she resist love,…
Keswick
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Buck Moon in Capricorn celebrates the vibrant energy of the summer, when the young male deer begin to grow their new antlers, an indication of growth, potential and virility. It calls us to step into our power, take responsibility for our…
Lake Rd, Keswick
BANFF Mountain Film Festival 2025
Fri 28 Feb – Sat 1 Mar
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of thrilling adventure on the big screen!
The Banff Mountain Film Festival is back with a brand-new line-up of captivating short films…
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…
Lake Rd, Keswick
Inspired by remarkable true events.
"It's built for us, isn't it? The Spitfire. Built for women."
New Year's Eve, 1959.
Decades after answering the call, two women separated by the war meet again as the rain hammers down on the windows of The…
Keswick
Experience the beauty of the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in this triathlon-style team challenge. Combining biking, hiking, and paddling, teams of two or four will race from dawn to dusk, pushing their limits across…
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…
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
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
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
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
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…
KESWICK
Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
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