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Bassenthwaite The Lake District
Bassenthwaite The Lake District

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Bassenthwaite

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.

Culture & Heritage

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.

Surrounding Areas

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.

Did you know?

GLACIAL WATERS

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).

THE BISHOP OF BARF

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.

CELTIC SWORDS

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

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.

Highlights

St. Bega's Church, Bassenthwaite

The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…

Sleep under the stars at Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park

Here at Castlerigg Hall, our holiday park is well set up to help you enjoy a night under the stars.…

Paddleboarding, Canoe, Kayak and Boat Hire from Derwentwater Marina

Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…

The North Lakes Short Break with Contours Holidays

During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…

The Pheasant Inn

Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The…

Lake District Calvert Trust

The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing…

Wild Wednesday Nature Detectives

Sleuth your way through the forest and use clues to help you identify all the wonderful creatures…

Weddings at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…

Bramblewood Cottage Guest House

A 200 year old Cottage overlooking Fitz Park with stunning views of the River Greta, Skiddaw and…

Massage Workshops - Lake District School of Massage

Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…

Castle Inn Tavern

The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings,…

The Horse and Farrier Inn

Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…

The Cottage in the Wood

Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…

Couples Massage Tutorial with Lake District School of Massage

Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…

Brun Lea Guest House

We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…

Bob Graham Round with Contours Holidays

At Contours Holidays, we think that the Bob Graham Round is simply too good a route to be…

Banquets, Conferences and Team Building at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…

Wild Forest Sauna

Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…

Forest Art for Children

Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter. Let the forest inspire your little ones to create your own…

Day Admission to The Lake District Wildlife Park

A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…

The Pencil Factory

Host your next event at the magnificent Pencil Factory in the heart of the Lake District. Once the…

Carriage Café at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…

Go Ape Whinlatter

Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Go Ape Whinlatter

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
01603 895500

questions@goape.co.uk

Braithwaite

Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…

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The Pencil Museum

Address

Southey Works, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NG

Telephone
017687 73626

kes_museum@acco.com

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.

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The Cottage in the Wood

Address

The Cottage In The Wood, Magic Hill, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
017687 78409

relax@thecottageinthewood.co.uk

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.

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911 reviews
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Woodland Reset

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
07891 291847

hello@theconsciousself.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day
Come and join The Conscious Self for a wellness day like no other! Deep in the heart of the forest we will connect to nature and community!

Step into the woods and let your system exhale…

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Peel Wood

Address

East Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AQ

Telephone
015394 41456

coniston@nationaltrust.org.uk

Coniston

This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.

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Long Valley Yurts - Keswick

Address

Kestrel Lodge Campsite, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QX

Telephone
01539 267030

glamping@long-valley-yurts.co.uk

Keswick

With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from Keswick, our site at Kestrel Lodge Campsite makes for an ideal location for exploring the Lake District and northern fells. A quiet, family run, family…

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Nell Gwynn

Address

Theatre By The Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Telephone
+441768206076

laura.knights@theatrebythelake.com

Keswick

London, 1660. The theatres are alive, the monarchy's restored, and women are finally allowed on stage. One woman is about to take it by storm.
Orange-seller, wit, trailblazer, Nell Gwynn is a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go…

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Full Moon Women's Circle – Beaver Moon

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
+447810890528

jen@lakelandwellbeing.co.uk

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…

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Keswick Museum

Address

Keswick Museum, Station Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NF

Telephone
017687 73263

info@keswickmuseum.org.uk

Keswick

Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains. Giant map, musical stones and an immersive landscape gallery. Open daily 10-4.

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Tourism For All

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
338 reviews
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Keepers Cottage at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with spectacular views of the surrounding fells, with the lake, playground, and squirrel hide just a short stroll away, it is perfectly placed for guests…

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Tourism For All

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
530 reviews
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Day Admission to The Lake District Wildlife Park

Address

Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RD

Telephone
017687 76239

info@lakedistrictwildlifepark.com

Bassenthwaite

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.

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The Farmer's Wife

Address

Theatre By The Lake, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Telephone
+441768206076

laura.knights@theatrebythelake.com

Keswick

Welcome to the farm.
In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women from the same family – a daughter, a mother and a grandmother – share a kitchen, their stories overlapping as the past and present sit side by side…

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Derwentwater Round with Contours Holidays (Stile-Free)

Address

Cumbria, Cumbria

Telephone
01629 821900

info@contours.co.uk

Cumbria

Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the fabulous Derwentwater lake, ideal for first timers and young families. Beginning and ending in Keswick, this 12-mile route utilises easy,…

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Old Coach Road

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

keswicktic@lake-district.gov.uk

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…

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Cafe Ambio, Whinlatter Forest

Address

Cafe Ambio Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
01768778410

whinlatter@cafeambio.co.uk

Whinlatter Pass, Keswick

"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…

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53 reviews
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Pinocchio Live Outdoor Theatre

Address

Cumbria, Keswick, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA12 4QD

Telephone
01768772255

fundraising@calvertlakes.org.uk

Lowther, Penrith

Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning backdrop of Lowther Castle!
A wonderful event for the whole family, the talented Illyria Theatre Company celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in…

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Castlerigg Hall - Camping and Touring Pitches

Address

Castlerigg Hall, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TE

Telephone
017687 74499

info@castlerigg.co.uk

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.

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630 reviews
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Emergence: Ravel and Elgar

Address

St John's Church, Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DD

Telephone
01539 266 200

boxoffice@ldsm.org.uk

Keswick

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String Quartet
Ravel String Quartet in F
Elgar String Quartet in E minor
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman and the Haworth Trust
A journey from impressionistic…

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Wild Forest Sauna

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
07891 291847

hello@theconsciousself.co.uk

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…

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Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
0782729869

steveblakephotography@gmail.com

Braithwaite, Keswick

Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop
Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment is a perfect setting in which to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography.
You'll explore different elements and techniques of landscape…

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Bassenthwaite

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

GLACIAL WATERS

THE BISHOP OF BARF

CELTIC SWORDS

ALFRED TENNYSON

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