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

Pinocchio Live Outdoor Theatre

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

Carriage Café at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…

Three Musketeers Live Outdoor Theatre

Join us for a fun-filled evening of live outdoor theatre with The Three Musketeers performed at the…

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…

Full Moon Women's Circle – Hunter's Moon

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

The Pencil Factory

Host your next event at the magnificent Pencil Factory in the heart of the Lake District. Once the…

Whinlatter Walking Trails

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

The Lakes Distillery

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

Wild Forest Sauna

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

Svayti Duo by Candlelight

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

Forest bathing & nature connection

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

St Kentigern, Crosthwaite, Keswick

Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…

Bramblewood Cottage Guest House

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

Lakeside Café Restaurant

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

The Pheasant Inn - Food & Drink

Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.

The Horse and Farrier Inn - Food & Drink

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

Wild Things at Whinlatter Adventure Club

A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…

Lake District Cycling Holidays - The Carter Company

Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…

Alpaca Walking at The Lake District Wildlife Park

Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…

Boat Hire on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.

Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…

Keswick Film Festival

Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and…

Keswick Bridge

At Keswick Bridge, you will find a mixture of 1-3 bed lodges. We can cater for up to 8 guests (sofa…

The North Lakes Short Break with Contours Holidays

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

Emergence: Ravel and Elgar

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String…

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: 224

, currently showing 201 to 220.

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

High to Low

Threlkeld Old Station Car Park

Address

Threlkeld, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4TT

KESWICK

A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.

More Details

More Details
Noble Knott Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…

More Details

More Details
Dodd Wood

Address

Bassenthwaite, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Nr Keswick

Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…

More Details

More Details
Hope Park

Address

Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

Keswick

Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…

More Details

More Details
Hobcarton Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…

More Details

More Details
Dodd Wood Car Park

Address

Bassenthwaite, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Nr Keswick

Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.

More Details

More Details
Spout Force Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.

More Details

More Details
Tythebarn Street Coach Park, Keswick

Address

Elliott Park, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NZ

KESWICK

Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.

More Details

More Details
Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre Car Park

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Keswick

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – please pay on exit.

More Details

More Details
Rawnsley Centre Car Park, Keswick

Address

Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NP

KESWICK

Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.

More Details

More Details
Afternoon Tea in the VIP PODs at Cafe Hope

Address

Cafe Hope, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

Telephone
01768780844

cafehope@mail.com

Keswick

Set beautiful hope park, in the exclusive pods you will be served a classic afternoon tea that is perfect for any occasion, available 7 days a week.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Bryson's of Keswick

Address

42 Main Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JJ

contact@brysonsofkeswick.co.uk

Keswick

From breads, pies and pasties, to cakes, biscuits and sandwiches, this family-owned business has been producing quality produce on the same site in the heart of Keswick for 70 years.

More Details

More Details
No Monkey Business

Address

No Monkey Business, 43 Main St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DS

cafehope@mail.com

Keswick

Cumbria's 1st Lo and No bar. Brunch and amazing coffee by day, tapas and AF cocktails by night - both served with no regrets.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Sun Inn

Address

Sun Inn, The Rake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4QP

Telephone
01768776439

suninn.bassenthwaite@gmail.com

Bassenthwaite

Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.

More Details

More Details
Crooked River Brewing Co

Address

Crooked River Tap, 7 Packhorse Ct, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JB

Telephone
017687 21705

info@crooked-river.co.uk

Keswick

Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick

More Details

More Details
Swim on the Wild Side

Address

Swim on the Wild Side, Lakeside, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Telephone
017687 85135

info@swimwildside.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

Swimming in the lakes is good for the mind, body and soul. Be at one with nature and join us for a swimming adventure with a coach and safety provision.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Cafe Hope

Address

Cafe Hope, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

Telephone
01768780844

cafehope@mail.com

Keswick

CA family friendly venue (that includes the dog). Serving coffees, cakes, breakfast and lunch, alongside beautiful gardens and games.

More Details

Tourism For All

More Details
Wild & Fruitful

Address

Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

sales@wildandfruitful.co.uk

Keswick

Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.

More Details

More Details
Alpaca Walking at The Lingholm Estate with Alpacaly Ever After

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 78328

info@alpacalyeverafter.co.uk

Keswick

Our multi-award winning Social Enterprise Alpacaly Ever After are delighted to offer alpaca walks through the stunning private grounds of the Lingholm Estate.

More Details

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1942 reviews
More Details
Nichol End Marine

Address

Nichol End Marine, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TY

Telephone
017687 73082

info@nicholend.co.uk

Keswick

Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.

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

Address

Address

Address

Address

Address

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Address

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

Address

Address

Telephone

Address

Telephone

Tourism For All

You may also like

Bookable Experiences

Download Guide

Gift Vouchers

Itineraries

E-newsletter Sign Up

Blog