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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.
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
The world's most famous detective gets a hilarious makeover in this spectacularly theatrical…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…
Do you know what to do when the mist comes down or how to accurately take and follow a compass…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…
Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, the Best Western…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal session to round off the evening.
Keswick
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with immediate access to superb walks and forest trails. Located on a lower slope of Skiddaw mountain.
Embleton
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake and maybe try something new.
Lake Rd, Keswick
The world's most famous detective gets a hilarious makeover in this spectacularly theatrical comedy
A terrible murder, a terrifying family curse, a killer on the loose and a gigantic beast on the moor; this sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes!…
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a walk to the inspiring viewpoint at Broomhill Point.
Keswick
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into England's only mountain forest (Whinlatter) and into beautiful remote trails in this amazing national park. A challenging but very rewarding early summer…
Cumbria
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days.
Come and join us for a rare opportunity to visit the processing mill at Force Crag Mine.
To make this event more inclusive, we would like to offer transport for those who may have…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsVarious 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.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer chutney. We have a great beer selection to drink in or take away. Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2…
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…
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
Keswick
The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
163 reviewsNr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Cumbria
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
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