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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.
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night. The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles…
Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake, the Best Western…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Get in the festive spirit with our fun Whinlatter Welly Walk! Suitable for all the family, our…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
A half day massage training experience for you to learn a soothing, effective, deep tissue back…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…
Watch the latest movies, book a film that means something special to you and your guests, or bring…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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!
Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The walk will cover up 5 - 7 miles in the forest and out on to the fell tops just outside the forest bounds, depending on the weather and conditions.
This is a more challenging…
Keswick
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with immediate access to superb walks and forest trails. Located on a lower slope of Skiddaw mountain.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Get in the festive spirit with our fun Whinlatter Welly Walk!
Suitable for all the family, our jolly rangers will lead you on a fun filled walk around the forest. Expect festive songs, a bit of festive decorating and an all round great time! Let…
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Bassenthwaite
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.
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
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
79 reviewsKeswick
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the English Lake District.
Discover the freedom a self catering holiday in the Lake District offers.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
175 reviews3 The Heads, Keswick
A half day massage training experience for you to learn a soothing, effective, deep tissue back massage. Enjoy practising and receiving massage to equip you with a powerful home treatment routine. Suitable for individuals or friends. This takes…
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Keswick
Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache? With this tutorial you learn an easy, effective home treatment, ideal for soothing tense shoulders.
St Johns in the Vale, Keswick
Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and casting tuition for individuals, groups, and corporate clients. Featured on TV with our friend Matt Hayes and on the BBC and ITV News.
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…
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
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
Keswick
We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We have a range of comfortably furnished rooms all with colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and serve an excellent breakfast.
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.
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