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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

May Half Term at Go Ape Whinlatter Forest

Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…

The Royal Oak, Keswick

The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…

Lakeside Café Restaurant

Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the…

Altra 13 Valleys Ultra

13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of…

Day Admission to The Lake District Wildlife Park

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

Keswick Brewery Shop

Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans,  local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…

Catbells Cottage at The Lingholm Estate

Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering…

Svayti Duo by Candlelight

Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46 Elgar - Chanson de Matin Fauré - Après un Rêve Saint-Saëns -…

Derwentwater Marina

Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…

Wine and Whisky Tasting Nights at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…

May half term at Go Ape Whinlatter

Looking for things to do this May half term in Keswick? Head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest near…

Forest bathing & nature connection

Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing…

Functions and Meetings at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

This stunning salon carriage offers the perfect location as a quirky and intimate venue for your…

Bassenthwaite

The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most…

Pinocchio Live Outdoor Theatre

Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with Pinocchio performed to the stunning…

Forage and Cookery Course

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…

The Lakes Distillery

The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…

Low Briery Holiday Park

Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

From the heights of Skiddaw to the silvan beauty of Thirlmere, this accessible area is a delight to…

Keswick Market

Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.

The Royal Oak, Keswick - Food & Drink

The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…

Sunnyside Guest House

Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…

Sands Trek Together

Join Sands in the Lake District National Park for this one day event and take on either a 10 mile…

Swinside at The Lingholm Estate

Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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May Half Term at Go Ape Whinlatter Forest

Address

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

Telephone
01603 895500

questions@goape.co.uk

Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite

Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest, set among the rolling woodland just outside Keswick, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends,…

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The Royal Oak, Keswick

Address

The Royal Oak at Keswick, Main St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5HZ

Telephone
017687 73135

relax@royaloakkeswick.co.uk

Keswick

The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre. Let it be your base at the heart of the walking capital of the lakes.

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Lakeside Café Restaurant

Address

30A Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

theatrebythelake@baxterstorey.com

Keswick

Located next to Theatre By The Lake in Keswick, Lakeside Café Restaurant has perhaps some of the country's best views. Our locally-sourced produce helps us create delicious dishes to complement the fantastic views, making it truly an experience to…

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Altra 13 Valleys Ultra

Address

Theatre by the Lake, Theatre By The Lake, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Telephone
07525732421

info@13valleysultra.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, by linking them all together. You can choose between one trail distance: 2 Valleys (22km) and three ultra…

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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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Keswick Brewery Shop

Address

Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BY

Telephone
017687 80700

info@keswickbrewery.co.uk

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…

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Forage and Cookery Course

Address

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

Telephone
07423753212

info@totallywilduk.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…

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Catbells Cottage at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering comfortable and versatile accommodation for families or groups that's perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.

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Forest Bathing & Wellbeing in Nature Walk – Spring

Address

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

Telephone
07810890528

jen@lakelandwellbeing.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a 3-hour guided forest bathing experience with Hannah, inspired by Shinrin-yoku – the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection…

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Svayti Duo by Candlelight

Address

Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DD

Telephone
01539 266 200

info@ldsm.org.uk

Keswick

Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46
Elgar - Chanson de Matin
Fauré - Après un Rêve
Saint-Saëns - The Swan
Bruch - Kol Nidrei
Williams - Elegy and Theme from Schindler's List
Nadia Boulanger - Deux Pièces
Piazzolla - Oblivion
From St Paul's…

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Derwentwater Marina

Address

Derwentwater Marina, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5RF

Telephone
017687 72912

info@derwentwatermarina.co.uk

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.

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IKEBANA Workshop "Forage & Create"

Address

The Green House at The Lingholm Estate, The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
07515137178

hanasense2025@gmail.com

Portinscale, Keswick

"Time to connect with yourself and nature"
IKEBANA -Japanese Flower Art/Arrangement- is one of the finest ways to connect with oneself and nature.
A journey through the beautiful estate to gather seasonal treasures. We will wander, discover hidden…

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Wine and Whisky Tasting Nights at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Address

Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YL

Telephone
017687 76599

info@basslakestation.co.uk

Cockermouth

Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.

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May half term at Go Ape Whinlatter

Address

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

Telephone
01603 895500

questions@goape.co.uk

Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite

Looking for things to do this May half term in Keswick? Head to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest near Keswick for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Open throughout the school holidays and bank holiday, Go Ape offers two thrilling high ropes experiences…

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Forest bathing & nature connection

Address

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

Telephone
07904172349

hannah@renewyouholistictherapies.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Step away from the rush of everyday life and join Hannah for a 3 hour guided forest bathing experience, inspired by 'Shinrin-yoku' the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection with nature.
Forest bathing is not a hike or…

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Free crafts in the Visitor Centre - just drop in!

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Get Crafty!
Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great way to finish off your day in the forest with a simple but creative memento to take away!

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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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Forage and Cookery Course

Address

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

Telephone
07423753212

info@totallywilduk.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…

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The Lakes Distillery

Address

The Lakes Distillery, Nr Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria, CA13 9SJ

Telephone
017687 88850

info@lakesdistillery.com

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

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Forage and Cookery Course

Address

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

Telephone
07423753212

info@totallywilduk.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…

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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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