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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

Full Moon Women's Circle - Pink Moon

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

Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

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

Derwentwater Marina Shop

Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…

Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…

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…

The Bowder Stone and Watendlath

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

Woodland Reset

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

Lake District Walking Holidays - The Carter Company

Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…

Borrowdale at The Lingholm Estate

Tucked beneath the eaves of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, our charming Borrowdale…

Ultimate Animal Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park

The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…

Family Friendly Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly half day workshop. Whinlatter's beautiful…

Derwentwater Round with Contours Holidays (Stile-Free)

Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…

Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop

Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…

Coledale Round

Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…

The Spa at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…

The Fernery at The Lingholm Estate

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

The Horse and Farrier Inn

Fine food, drink and accommodation at the foot of Blencathera. Dine unwind and stay in our finely…

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

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

Castlerigg Stone Circle

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

St Kentigern, Crosthwaite, Keswick

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

Red squirrel feeder walk

Walk with our Ranger and help to fill the squirrel feeders in the forest! Whinlatter is a red…

Derwentwater at The Lingholm Estate

Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the…

Barn Croft

Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…

The Pheasant Inn - Food & Drink

Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Full Moon Women's Circle – Blue 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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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 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 techniques of landscape…

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Keswick Film Festival

Address

Keswick Film Festival, The Alhambra Cinema, St John's St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5AG

Telephone
017687 72195

admin@keswickfilmfestival.org

St John's St, Keswick

Keswick Film Festival is Cumbria’s premiere cinematic event bringing the best of international and independent cinema from across the world for those who love films and the beautiful setting of the Lake District.

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The Spa at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Address

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RE

Telephone
017687 88900

thespa@armathwaite-hall.com

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.

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Tourism For All

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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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Old Coach Road

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

keswicktic@lake-district.gov.uk

Cumbria

The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are crossed by the Old Coach Road. This old track links Dockray with St John's in the Vale and provides an exciting high-level mountain bike route. The riding…

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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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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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The Fernery at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

The Fernery is the newest addition to The Lingholm Estate, a sophisticated one-bedroom sanctuary designed for ultimate relaxation on the ground floor of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. This is where high-end design meets the quiet calm…

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Full Moon Women's Circle – Flower 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…

More Details

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Svayti Duo by Candlelight

Address

Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DD

Telephone
01539 266 200

info@ldsm.org.uk

Keswick

Vivaldi - Sonata No.6 in B flat RV46
Elgar - Chanson de Matin
Fauré - Après un Rêve
Saint-Saëns - The Swan
Bruch - Kol Nidrei
Williams - Elegy and Theme from Schindler's List
Nadia Boulanger - Deux Pièces
Piazzolla - Oblivion
From St Paul's…

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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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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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Lark Rise to Candleford

Address

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

Telephone
+441768774411

rachel.price@theatrebythelake.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

This is a memory. It's also a story. The story of a girl called Laura.
Surrounded by golden fields and tinkling brooks, time trickles in the hamlet of Lark Rise. A home for Laura and her loving family, in their snug, thatched cottage. But, with…

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The Salutation Inn

Address

The Salutation, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQ

Telephone
01768779614

info@thesalutation.co.uk

Keswick

Flag stone floors, oak beams and roaring log fires create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at the 17th century Salutation Inn in the heart of the Lake District.
Popular with the "locals", the bar has the welcoming hospitality, warmth and…

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Tourism For All

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80 reviews
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Lake View at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated luxury. Once the private rooms of Lord Rochdale, the impressive main living space is now beautifully arranged in an open-plan design, incorporating a…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
510 reviews
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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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Hot Fingers

Address

Threlkeld Village Hall, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RX

Telephone
+447931679654

events@threlkeld.org

Keswick

Vintage acoustic jazz music from 1920's New York and sophisticated 1930's Swing. Plus the sound of the king of gypsy swing Django Reinhardt, the blues guitars of Eddie Lang and Lonnie Johnson, and the syncopated Latin rhythms of Argentinean Oscar…

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Keepers Cottage at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

Keepers Cottage was lovingly rebuilt in 2016 and now offers stylish four-bedroom accommodation with spectacular views of the surrounding fells, with the lake, playground, and squirrel hide just a short stroll away, it is perfectly placed for guests…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
510 reviews
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Altra 13 Valleys Ultra

Address

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

Telephone
07525732421

info@13valleysultra.com

Lake Rd, Keswick

13 Valleys celebrates the 13 unique valleys of the Lake District National Park which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status, by linking them all together. You can choose between one trail distance: 2 Valleys (22km) and three ultra…

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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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