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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…

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

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

The Fernery at The Lingholm Estate

The Fernery is the newest addition to The Lingholm Estate, a sophisticated one-bedroom sanctuary…

Sally's Cottages

Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…

Salsa Night: Dance & Dine Latin Evening

Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel Step into an evening of…

Hemmingways Angling Adventures

Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…

The Cottage in the Wood

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

Catalan Nights: A Spanish Tapas Experience

Back by popular demand – and with even more flavour – Chef Bobby invites you to a night of…

Cyclewise Whinlatter - Bike Hire & Guide

Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…

The Pencil Museum

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

Lakeside Café Restaurant

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

Coledale Round

Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…

The Royal Oak, Keswick - Food & Drink

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

Peel Wood

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

The Puzzling Place

An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…

Elva Plain Stone Circle

The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…

Whinlatter Forest

Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set…

The Royal Oak, Keswick

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

Wild Forest Sauna

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

Spa and Leisure at The Lake District Castle Inn Hotel & Spa

A welcoming leisure and spa destination for locals and guests alike, featuring pool, gym, tennis…

St. John's Church, Keswick

The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…

Whinlatter Mountain Biking Trails

Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District.…

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…

Skiddaw Loop

One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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St. Bega's Church, Bassenthwaite

Address

St. Bega's Church, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QZ

vicar@binsey.org.uk

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.

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The Fernery at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

The Fernery is the newest addition to The Lingholm Estate, a sophisticated one-bedroom sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation on the ground floor of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. This is where high-end design meets the quiet calm…

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524 reviews
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Sally's Cottages

Address

7 St John's Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5AP

Telephone
017687 80571

sally@sallyscottages.co.uk

Keswick

Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 700 dog-friendly cottages.

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Salsa Night: Dance & Dine Latin Evening

Address

Skiddaw Hotel, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BN

Telephone
01768772071

SkiddawHotel@lakedistricthotels.net

Keswick

Salsa Night in Keswick | Dance & Dine Latin Evening at the Skiddaw Hotel
Step into an evening of rhythm, flavour and atmosphere at our Salsa Steps: Dance & Dine Latin Night at the Skiddaw Hotel in the heart of Keswick.
Hosted by Diane and Ashia…

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Hemmingways Angling Adventures

Address

Hemmingways Angling Adventures, c/o Shundraw, St Johns in the Vale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RR

Telephone
017687 78575

eric@hemmingwaysfish.co.uk

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.

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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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Tourism For All

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
905 reviews
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Catalan Nights: A Spanish Tapas Experience

Address

Skiddaw Hotel, Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BN

Telephone
01768772071

SkiddawHotel@lakedistricthotels.net

Keswick

Back by popular demand – and with even more flavour – Chef Bobby invites you to a night of authentic Spanish hospitality, inspired by his 20 years living and cooking across Spain, with a special love for the bold, rustic dishes of Catalonia.
Expect…

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Cyclewise Whinlatter - Bike Hire & Guide

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78711

enquiries@cyclewise.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…

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Tourism For All

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
186 reviews
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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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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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Coledale Round

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

Cumbria

Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but unlike others it has no habitation. In fact the only obvious sign of human presence is the remains of the old barytes mine at the valley head and the…

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The Royal Oak, Keswick - Food & Drink

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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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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The Puzzling Place

Address

Museum Square, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DZ

Telephone
017687 75102

info@puzzlingplace.co.uk

Keswick

An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive exhibits to amaze the whole family, young and old! Do you believe your eyes?

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Elva Plain Stone Circle

Address

Eva Plain, Nr Smetmurphy Common, Embleton, Cockermouth

website@cumbriatourism.org

Embleton

The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.

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Whinlatter Forest

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

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!

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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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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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Spa and Leisure at The Lake District Castle Inn Hotel & Spa

Address

Castle Inn Hotel by BW Signature Collection, Keswick, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RG

Telephone
01768776401

info@LakeDistrictCastleInn.com

Keswick

A welcoming leisure and spa destination for locals and guests alike, featuring pool, gym, tennis and relaxing spa treatments in a beautiful Bassenthwaite setting.

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St. John's Church, Keswick

Address

Ambleside Road, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4DD

Telephone
01768 775855

KESWICK

The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.

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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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