You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > 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.
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.
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).
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.
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 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.
Sunnyside Guest House is located in the picturesque town of Keswick and just a short walk from the…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
️ Conquer Whinlatter! – Trail Half Marathon & 10K – May 2026 ️ Are you ready to take on one of the…
A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…
Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the…
A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…
The Horse and Farrier has an excellent reputation for good food from our hearty Lakeland breakfast…
Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions,…
Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans, local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…
Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most…
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
The Royal Oak is an 18th-century coaching inn within the hustle and bustle of Keswick town centre.…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
This short 8 mile road route uses country lanes to the south west of Keswick on a circular ride…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 185
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Keswick
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal. if you are hosting a special occasion, private dining can also be arranged in one our of our function rooms. Set beneath some of England's highest…
Keswick
Looking for something fun-filled, action-packed and adventurous this autumn? Back for 2025, Sundown Adventures makes a return to Whinlatter Forest in the Lake District. Experience tree top thrills in a whole new light for a limited time between 17th…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Cumbria
Tucked away on the western side of Borrowdale is an old packhorse track. It descends towards Grange from part way down Honister Pass and nips behind the craggy ramparts of Castle Crag. It's a great descent on a mountain bike with a consistent…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a very family friendly festive walk around the forest at night.
The event starts in the yurt for Christmas treats and a short chat about the stars and the route Santa will take take in a few days time!!
The walk will cover…
Keswick
A luxury, family run country house hotel and restaurant near Keswick in The Lake District National Park. Lyzzick Hall is a perfect base for a walking, sight-seeing or relaxing break.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join Jo & Laura from JAG Outdoors for an evening of adventure, exercise, focus, fun, and wellbeing here at Whinlatter.
The evening will start with a gentle run/jog/walk, followed by an hour of yoga in the yurt, and finish with a short shivasna…
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…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.
Taster sessions are the perfect opportunity to 'dip your toe' into the world of landscape photography, exploring different elements and techniques.
£25 per person. Booking…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Cold moon in Gemini illuminates our deepest desires with her magical bright light. Whilst the world is at rest, our dreams for the year ahead are beginning to form in readiness for the return of the sun at the upcoming winter solstice,…
Braithwaite, Keswick
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting there will hopefully also be able to stop for some amazing…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Join JAG Outdoors for a walk around the forest at night.
The guided walk will cover 3-4 miles of trails enjoying the magic of the forest in the growing darkness using all your senses to explore the world after the sun sets. Weather permitting there…
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Keswick
Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the finest positions in the Lake District overlooking Derwentwater with breath-taking views of the surrounding fells.
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…
Cockermouth
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a carefully tended churchyard close to the River Derwent and the grounds of Isel Hall.
Braithwaite, Keswick
The full Beaver moon in Taurus is named for the beavers busily preparing for the winter months ahead. It is a reminder for us to do the same physically and mentally, aligning to the rhythm of the season. It invites us to embrace stability,…
Cumbria
Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is the picture perfect hamlet of Watendlath. It sits nestling in a glacier-carved hollow beside the mirrored waters of a tarn and surrounded by trees,…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL