Don't Miss

Bassenthwaite The Lake District
Bassenthwaite The Lake District

You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Bassenthwaite

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

Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…

Castlerigg Hall - Camping and Touring Pitches

Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…

Full Moon Women's Circle – Grain Moon

Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…

Bikes, Boots, Boats – A Unique Triathlon Event

The Bistro At The Distillery

The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…

Blencathra

Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…

Svayti Duo by Candlelight

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

Afternoon Tea at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…

Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…

Keswick Tourist Information Centre

In the centre of Keswick and with a recently refurbished community room, the Moot Hall is the…

Whinlatter Forest Half Marathon and 10K 2026

️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…

Swinside Circuit

This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…

Forage and Cookery Course

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

The Art of Julian Cooper

Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria,…

Skiddaw

Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot…

The Spa at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…

Lindisfarne House

Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town…

Lakeside Café Restaurant

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

The Pencil Museum

Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…

Peel Wood

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

The Horse and Farrier Inn - Food & Drink

The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…

Room on the Broom Cauldron Walk

Iggety Ziggety Zaggety Zoom! Walk with a witch and her cauldron and broom! Help collect the…

Bramblewood Cottage Guest House

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

Derwentwater Marina

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

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Things to Do

What's On

Food & Drink

Towns & Villages

Number of results: 208

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Low to High A-Z High to Low

High to Low

Bassenthwaite Lake

Address

-

website@cumbriatourism.org

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.

More Details

More Details
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.

More Details

Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
620 reviews
More Details
Full Moon Women's Circle – Grain 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…

More Details

More Details
Bikes, Boots, Boats – A Unique Triathlon Event

Address

YHA Kewswick, Station Road, Kewswick, Cumbria, CA12 5LH

Telephone
01903 680740

marnie.davidson@turning-tides.org.uk

Kewswick

Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a homelessness charity supporting people in W Sussex!
Bikes, Boots, Boats
Sign up to take on this one-of-a-kind triathlon event, while raising vital funds for…

More Details

More Details
The Bistro At The Distillery

Address

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

Telephone
017687 88850

bistro@lakesdistillery.com

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.

More Details

More Details
Blencathra

Address

-, CA12 4SG

website@cumbriatourism.org

Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m) highlights include Narrow and Sharp Edges.

More Details

More Details
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…

More Details

More Details
Afternoon Tea at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Address

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RE

Telephone
017687 76551

reservations@armathwaite-hall.com

Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite

Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
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…

More Details

More Details
Whinlatter Forest Half Marathon and 10K 2026

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

info@wilddeerevents.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️
Are you ready to take on one of the toughest and most scenic trail events in the Lake District?
Join Wild Deer Events in May 2026 for the Whinlatter Trail Half Marathon & 10K, a…

More Details

More Details
Swinside Circuit

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

keswicktic@lake-district.gov.uk

Cumbria

This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride around Swinside Fell. The
route is on country lanes which can sometimes be busy during peak periods.

More Details

More Details
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…

More Details

More Details
The Art of Julian Cooper

Address

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

Telephone
+441768774411

enquiries@theatrebythelake.com

Keswick

Discover the work of acclaimed artist Julian Cooper at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick, Cumbria, where landscape, light and place are explored through striking and thought-provoking artwork.
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this exhibition…

More Details

More Details
Skiddaw

Address

-

website@cumbriatourism.org

Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.

More Details

More Details
The Spa at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Address

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RE

Telephone
017687 88900

thespa@armathwaite-hall.com

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.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Lindisfarne House

Address

Lindisfarne Guest House, 21 Church St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DX

Telephone
017687 73218

info@lindisfarne-keswick.co.uk

Keswick

Lindisfarne is a Victorian house quietly situated, but within a few minutes walk to the town centre, lakes, parks and Theatre By The Lake. We offer clean and comfortable accommodation in our four star guest house, with a hearty Cumbrian breakfast,…

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
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…

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
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.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
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.

More Details

More Details
The Horse and Farrier Inn - Food & Drink

Address

Horse & Farrier, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQ

Telephone
017687 79688

info@horseandfarrier.com

Keswick

The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast to our home cooked meals served in our intimate restaurant or bar. Our menus are interesting and varied making full use of seasonal and local produce…

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details

Don't Miss

Spring

Subscribe to our Newsletter

My Planner

Bassenthwaite

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Did you know?

GLACIAL WATERS

THE BISHOP OF BARF

CELTIC SWORDS

ALFRED TENNYSON

Highlights

Address

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

You may also like

Bookable Experiences

Download Guide

Gift Vouchers

Itineraries

E-newsletter Sign Up

Blog