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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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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Keswick
Three day-long, dog-friendly guided Lake District walks, taking in some of the area's iconic sights and experiences.
Over three consecutive days you can join our guide and a small group of fellow walkers for moderate hikes into the fells to summit…
Keswick
The newest adventure in the Wizarding World created by J.K. Rowling. Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him…
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
The Cottage in the Wood Country Hotel and restaurant is a former 17th Century coaching inn situated in the heart of the Whinlatter forest near Keswick, in one of the most beautiful and dramatic areas of the Lake District national park.
Keswick
Summer, 1827. In a red barn Maria Marten awaits her lover. A year later her body is found.
It had all the hallmarks of a classic crime drama – a missing body, a country location, a disreputable squire and a village stuck in its age-old traditions…
Keswick
An OLdham Coliseum Theatre Production by Maxine Peake.
Beryl Burton: quite possibly the most successful woman you've never heard of.
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Keswick
Nicolas Cage stars as...Nicolas Cage in the action-comedy, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent… Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalized version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a…
Keswick
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Keswick
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Keswick
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Keswick
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Keswick
After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove that he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations.…
Keswick
A range of cycling holidays following the route of the Hadrian's Cycleway, 174 miles of cycle route running mainly on country lanes and quiet roads. ride through some of England’s most dramatic and wild countryside where you can “get away from it…
Keswick
Busy Marina on Derwentwater offering boat hire, watersports shop & chandlery, berthing & launching, boat sales and self-catering apartments.
Keswick
Lights on low, sound a bit quieter than usual, this is a screening for parents & babies, and/or accessible for those who might be a bit jigglier or noisier than your usual audience - it's a no tutting environment.
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Keswick
Blacks is a leading outdoor high street retailer for all your adventurous needs. From camping, to cycling, climbing, hiking and more, you can get equipped at Blacks for wherever your adventures take you.
Keswick
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Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.
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