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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.
In the centre of Keswick and with a recently refurbished community room, the Moot Hall is the…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel…
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings,…
A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Aquarelle Guitar Quartet Rossini Sinfonia from…
Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated…
To celebrate World Cucumber Day, Lake District Hotels are getting the party started early on Friday…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Braithwaite, Keswick
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest!
Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays at Whinlatter with the return of Wild Things Adventure Club. The club offers lots of brilliant forest activities that is sure to keep you're little…
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
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…
Portinscale
Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale apartment is full of character and atmosphere. Framed by the house’s striking chimneys, this unique space comfortably sleeps four across two inviting…
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,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Keswick
Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel
Step into an evening of rhythm, flavour and atmosphere at our Salsa Steps: Dance & Dine Latin Night at the Skiddaw Hotel in the heart of Keswick.
Hosted by Diane and Ashia…
Keswick
The song of the curlew is one of the iconic harbingers of spring, but the numbers of breeding curlews in UK have halved over the last 25 years. There is real concern that, if no action is taken, curlews will disappear within a few years, and curlew…
Keswick
You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital. She finds it hard to be happy.
So you start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for.
Ice cream
Water fights
Staying up past your bedtime and being…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest
Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and experience the powerful combination of heat, cold water and nature with our Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge sessions in Whinlatter Forest.
Set high among…
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
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…
Portinscale
The Fernery is the newest addition to The Lingholm Estate, a sophisticated one-bedroom sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation on the ground floor of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. This is where high-end design meets the quiet calm…
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
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
Join Sands in the Lake District National Park for this one day event and take on either a 10 mile or 20 mile circular route from the beautiful market town of Keswick. This full-day adventure, whether you're a seasoned hiker or tackling your first…
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join our experienced, knowledgeable ranger as they lead you around our amazing forest and show you just how much grows under the trees!
Our ranger will help you to spot what forest food you can eat and foods you should not along the way.
Please…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
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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