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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.
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Self guided walking holidays on The Dales Way, from Ilkley in Yorkshire to Bowness on Windermere.
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
Lindisfarne is a victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
North Sea Gas are Dave Gilfillan, Grant Simpson and Ronnie MacDonald. Over thirty-nine years and…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
Tuning In follows the story of Reagan, who comes home from a date covered in blood. After…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
A magical dark skies sing under a full moon, human voices in harmony making a spell-binding…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
The Manfreds return to Theatre By The Lake as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations.…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Keswick Climbing Wall is now relocated to Goosewell Farm, Keswick; a stunning and beautiful…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Self guided walking holidays through the fells of the northern Lake District.
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Celebrating and working with the energy of the full Harvest Moon and prenumbral eclipse to manifest…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Self guided walking holidays on The Dales Way, from Ilkley in Yorkshire to Bowness on Windermere.
Keswick
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.
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 breakfast.
Keswick
North Sea Gas are Dave Gilfillan, Grant Simpson and Ronnie MacDonald. Over thirty-nine years and stronger than ever! "North Sea Gas" is one of Scotland's most popular folk bands with great vocals and tremendous three part harmonies. Guitars,…
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
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Keswick
Tuning In follows the story of Reagan, who comes home from a date covered in blood.
After winning a competition to meet a local radio star, Reagan does his best to act 'normal', but he can't work out how to do that until it's too late.
We join…
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.
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.
Keswick
A magical dark skies sing under a full moon, human voices in harmony making a spell-binding soundtrack for forest bathing and moon gazing. With singers from Sing Owt! and Wild Chorus community choirs, and special guest singers!
Sing Owt! and…
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
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
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
The Manfreds return to Theatre By The Lake as part of their 60th anniversary celebrations. Considered one of the finest and most respected bands from the 1960s, their numerous hits were not just pop songs! Many were R&B-based with an undercurrent of…
Keswick
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.
Keswick
Keswick Climbing Wall is now relocated to Goosewell Farm, Keswick; a stunning and beautiful location, easily accessed from Keswick and the A66 and right next door to Castlerigg Stone Circle.
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
Keswick
Self guided walking holidays through the fells of the northern Lake District.
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