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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.
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.
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.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about Bassenthwaite. Click for more details.
A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Pop in for a coffee at Keswick’s latest tourist attraction and Cumbria’s first Jewellery Works.…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Central Keswick on pedestrianised Lake Road. Three beautiful, spacious apartments. Each sleeps 4,…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
We are a family run business that has been making fine jewellery for over 30 years, all of which is…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
The full Harvest moon shines bright in the sky, giving light for the gathering of crops. This…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Flower (or Hare) moon aligns with the colourful early summer flowers blooming and symbolises fertility, growth and change; blossoming into your fullest potential!
Calling in the elements & directions we cast a sacred circle to celebrate…
Keswick
Join our Head Chef Chris Lyon and our restaurant team for an experience you wont forget.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2335 reviewsLake Rd, Keswick
Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of any sort of… disappointed love.
Catherine Morland knows little of the world, but who needs real-life experience when you have novels to guide you? Catherine seizes her chance to escape her…
Keswick
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…
Braithwaite, Keswick
A women's cacao ceremony in the forest to honour Yule, the Winter Solstice.
Celebrating the release of the dark and return of the sun as from now on each new day grows longer.
KESWICK
To some, including the famous writer, poet and great thinker John Ruskin, Friar's Crag represents Keswick's best view.
Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The Whopper is a 6hr or 12hr looped trail race set within Whinlatter forest.
Each loop is approximately 4.16 miles long (replicating the distance of a Backyard Ultra). You can run continuously, to clock up as many miles as you can, or complete 1…
Keswick
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our world famous products with something to suit all ages and interests. Renowned across the globe for generations of the highest quality pencils, the…
Keswick
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to plan and follow a route from a map.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsBraithwaite, Keswick
How exciting that the summer solstice & full Strawberry moon coincide; the high vibing peak of energy of the solstice married with the love, joy & magic of the Strawberry full moon!
In this magical ritual I share my own personal practice with you,…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Keswick
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also available to hire.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
808 reviewsKeswick
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Keswick
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views southwards. Ideal for fell walking, touring, water sports and ready access to north and central Lakes. Arrival time 16.00, departure 10.00.
Bassenthwaite
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and endangered species like Gibbons and Asian Fishing Cats, plus family favourites like lemurs and Meerkats. A great day out for all the family.
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.
Cumbria
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed little peak, but it nevertheless managed to resist the erosive forces of the valley glacier and remains today with its head high above the trees. A walk…
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