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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

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…

Functions and Meetings at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

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

Skiddaw via Longside Edge

A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…

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?…

Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges

5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

Rooms36

The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…

Massage Workshops - Lake District School of Massage

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

Old Coach Road

The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…

Full Moon Women's Circle - Pink Moon

The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…

Blencathra

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

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

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

Keswick Brewery Shop

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

Hemmingways Angling Adventures

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

Keswick Tourist Information Centre

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

Lyzzick Hall Hotel

Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…

Bird of Prey Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park

An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…

Cafe Ambio, Whinlatter Forest

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

Cyclewise Whinlatter

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

Skiddaw Loop

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

The Bowder Stone and Watendlath

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

The Pencil Museum

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

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…

The Royal Oak, Keswick

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

The Puzzling Place

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

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Hush! Hush! by Mikron Theatre Company

Address

Threlkeld, Keswick, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RX

Telephone
07931679654

events@threlkeld.org

Keswick

Mikron Theatre company return with another of their humorous, entertaining and educational musical dramas. This time we invite you to enter a world of secrets, songs and cyphers as we get to know the heroes of Hut 3 at Bletchley Park where the code…

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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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885 reviews
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The Horse and Farrier Inn

Address

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

Telephone
017687 79688

info@horseandfarrier.com

Keswick

Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely refurbished facilities – locally sourced food, local real ales, open fires bedrooms and suites to suit all.

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Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges

Address

Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QZ

Telephone
01768776641

enquiries@blll.co.uk

Keswick

5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

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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,…

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Cara Dillon

Address

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

Telephone
017687 74411

enquiries@theatrebythelake.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

Cara Dillon, an extraordinary, multiple award-winning Irish folk singer, and acclaimed musician and producer Sam Lakeman, will captivate listeners once again with their exquisite and enthralling live performance.
Throughout an enviable career which…

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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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Black Tie Ball

Address

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

Telephone
017687 74411

enquiries@theatrebythelake.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

It's the glitziest night of the year, and everyone wants to be there, from the great to the good.
The Bentleys are parked, the Jazz Band has arrived, and the magician is magic; so pick up your invite for this fundraising frenzy.
But behind the bow…

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Castlerigg Stone Circle

Address

Castlerigg, Keswick, Cumbria, CA10 2AA

Telephone
0191 2691200

customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Keswick

Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.

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Skiddaw via Longside Edge

Address

Cumbria, CA12 4QG

website@cumbriatourism.org

A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…

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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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32 reviews
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Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Address

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

Telephone
017687 76599

info@basslakestation.co.uk

Cockermouth

The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…

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Rooms36

Address

Rooms36, 36 Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DQ

Telephone
01768772764

andy@rooms36.co.uk

Keswick

The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and breakfast is situated a short flat walk from Keswick town centre and about a 5-minute flat walk from Derwentwater queen of the lakes.

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167 reviews
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Skiddaw via Jenkin Hill

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

keswicktic@lake-district.gov.uk

Cumbria

Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a mountain simple as that, with steep slopes and a summit. It might lack the drama of the great crags of its peers, and its open flanks hold no secrets…

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Embleton Spa Hotel

Address

Embleton Spa Hotel, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9XU

Telephone
017687 76606

enquiries@embletonspa.co.uk

Cockermouth

Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel with delightful en-suite rooms, suites and apartments. Each room and apartment is individually designed to offer unique character and charm, and…

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Skiddaw Loop

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

Telephone
01539 822222

Cumbria

One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A cycling club called ‘The Rough Stuff Fellowship’ record following this route in the 1920s on their trusty touring bikes.

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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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181 reviews
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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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267 reviews
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Forage and Nibble with Alpkit in Keswick

Address

Alpkit Keswick, Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JJ

Telephone
+447852162142

info@foragebox.co.uk

Keswick

A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack at Alpkit Keswick.

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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…

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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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