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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

Lake District Calvert Trust

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

Full Moon Women's Circle – Harvest Moon

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

Lake Cruises on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.

Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…

The Fernery at The Lingholm Estate

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

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

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

Bob Graham Round with Contours Holidays

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

Lindisfarne House

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

The North Lakes Short Break with Contours Holidays

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

Borrowdale and Castle Crag

Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…

The Lodge at The Lingholm Estate

The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm…

The Puzzling Place

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

Conferences at The Lingholm Estate

At The Lingholm Estate, we know how valuable strong connections are within a team. Our Corporate…

Whinlatter Walking Trails

Whinlatter is the place to enjoy peaceful forest walks surrounded by stunning Lake District…

Woodland Reset

Woodland Reset ~ The Conscious Self's Signature Nature Day Come and join The Conscious Self for a…

Forage and Cookery Course

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

Free crafts in the Visitor Centre - just drop in!

Get Crafty! Drop in and join our team in the Visitor Centre for free craft activities. A great…

The Bowder Stone and Watendlath

Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…

Elva Plain Stone Circle

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

Day Admission to The Lake District Wildlife Park

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

Cafe Ambio, Whinlatter Forest

"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…

Forage and Cookery Course

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

Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

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

Easter Crafts – Clay Coil Pottery

Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft…

Castlerigg Stone Circle

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

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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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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Family Friendly Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

Address

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

Telephone
07827298695

steveblakephotography@gmail.com

Braithwaite, Keswick

Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly 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…

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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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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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Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and 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

Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.

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Paddleboarding, Canoe, Kayak and Boat Hire from Derwentwater Marina

Address

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

Telephone
017687 72912

info@derwentwatermarina.co.uk

Keswick

Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection of crafts to hire - go Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing or a Pedalo.

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Lake District Castle Inn

Address

Lake District Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RG

Telephone
0176 877 6401

info@lakedistrictcastleinn.com

Keswick

Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…

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1651 reviews
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Carriage Café at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Address

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

Telephone
017687 76599

info@basslakestation.co.uk

Cockermouth

The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…

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Keswick Market

Address

Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JR

Telephone
07753 934 540

Phil.byers@cumberland.gov.uk

Keswick

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

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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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182 reviews
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February half term outdoor adventure 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 February half term in Cumbria? Escape the
ordinary and head to Go Ape Whinlatter, set in the heart of Whinlatter Forest Park near Keswick, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families, friends, and…

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Derwentwater Marina Shop

Address

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

Telephone
017687 72912

info@derwentwatermarina.co.uk

Keswick

Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.

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Lake District Cycling Holidays - The Carter Company

Address

The Carter Company, Various locations in Cumbria, CA12 4RE

Telephone
0129663167

hello@the-carter-company.com

Various locations in Cumbria

Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.

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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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Whinlatter Running Trails

Address

Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to explore. Each junction is marked with a numbered post which is shown on the Forest guide map making it easy to create your own route.

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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

We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
894 reviews
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Friar's Crag, Derwentwater

Address

KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5DL

website@cumbriatourism.org

KESWICK

To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.

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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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Full Moon Women's Circle – Strawberry 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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Full Moon Women's Circle - Pink Moon

Address

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

Telephone
07810890528

jen@lakelandwellbeing.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness & optimism, a time to focus our energy on creating and manifesting our dreams and goals. It calls us to embrace balance, love, and the beauty of…

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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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