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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.
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
The full Hunters' moon, is named for the hunting our ancestors would have done at this time of…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
"Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength,…
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest. Each loop is…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, the Best Western…
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 174
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Keswick
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK. In addition to outdoor sports, people can enjoy activities, live music, inspirational speakers, and an incredible array of outdoor brands, plus…
Cumbria
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Buck moon aligns with the potent & virile energy of the young buck, bringing strength, ambition & abundance, fuelled by the long days and balmy nights!
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to celebrate and connect…
Cumbria
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…
Keswick
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival, join us for a challenging guided walk through Great Wood.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa.
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
Keswick
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and breakfast holiday accommodation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
965 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
154 reviewsCockermouth
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the Lakes Distillery (www.lakesdistillery.com) and is named after their iconic "The One" whisky. The course starts and finishes at the distillery, taking…
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsKeswick
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
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
565 reviewsLake Rd, Keswick
Theatre by the Lake has a setting on the shores of Derwentwater no other professional theatre in Britain can match. Each year it stages up to nine of its own productions of classic, modern and new plays and has won multi-starred reviews.
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!
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…
Cumbria
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…
Keswick
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…
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