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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.
Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, the Best Western…
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The ONE 10 is an accurately measured and certified 10 mile road race. The race is sponsored by the…
"Three disasters. Two world wars, one bloody big depression. And every time, the band play on…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Cumbria
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This beautiful super moon illuminates our own personal harvest as we approach the Autumn Equinox, a time of balance and reflection.
Keswick
A few minutes’ walk from the market town of Keswick and Derwentwater Lake, the Keswick Country House Hotel is set in four acres of landscaped gardens. The perfect base for a relaxing break exploring the town and further afield, the hotel offers…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2335 reviewsBassenthwaite
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.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Keswick
Maple Bank is a magnificent Edwardian residence in the quiet valley of Braithwaite enjoying uninterrupted views across the Derwent Valley towards Skiddaw and Latrigg. We are only 2 miles from Keswick.
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.
Keswick
Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Bassenthwaite Lake, 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 luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Grain moon marks the beginning of super moon season, where the moon is at her closest to the Earth, and symbolises the beginning of our personal harvest as the season begins to slow.
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred…
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.
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563 reviewsHendersons Yard, Keswick
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is handcrafted in our Keswick workshop. Our beautiful surroundings are a constant source of inspiration and influence in our work.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
29 reviewsKeswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2335 reviewsKeswick
A National Park Volunteer-led guided walk along the Keswick to Threlkeld Trail
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 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.
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