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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

The Royal Oak, Keswick - Food & Drink

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

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…

Cyclewise Whinlatter - Bike Hire & Guide

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…

Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique opportunity to enjoy…

Castlerigg Hall - Camping and Touring Pitches

Catering for families and couples, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Caravan Park occupies one of the…

Keswick Market

Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.

The Spa at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

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

Keswick Bridge

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

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…

Swinside at The Lingholm Estate

Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned…

Hemmingways Angling Adventures

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

Off-road mobility scooter hire at Whinlatter Forest

Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in…

The Pencil Factory

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

Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges

5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

The Farmer's Wife

Welcome to the farm. In The Farmer's Wife, one day holds a lifetime. Three generations of women…

Lake View at The Lingholm Estate

One of the apartments in the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house, Lake View exudes understated…

The Pheasant Inn - Food & Drink

Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.

The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden

Open every day, The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden has quickly become a popular Lakeland…

The Lodge at The Lingholm Estate

The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm…

Keswick Museum

Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains.…

Wine and Whisky Tasting Nights at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…

The North Lakes Short Break with Contours Holidays

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

Castlerigg Hall - Holiday Home Hire

Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Towns & Villages

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Full Moon Women's Circle – Grain 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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Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop

Address

Keswick Brewery Tours, Bar and Shop, The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5BY

Telephone
017687 80700

info@keswickbrewery.co.uk

Brewery Lane, Keswick

Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.

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Dam Mire Wood Community Day

Address

Dam Mire Wood, Just off Blease Road, Threlkeld, Cumbria, CA12 4RX

Telephone
01539 720788

info@fld.org.uk

Threlkeld

Come and join us at Dam Mire Wood on the edge of Threlkeld village to see what we have done here and explore this beautiful green space. There will be outdoor, family-friendly activities on offer that include nature trails, treasure hunts, and craft…

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Peel Wood

Address

East Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AQ

Telephone
015394 41456

coniston@nationaltrust.org.uk

Coniston

This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.

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Sundown Adventures- Go Ape Whinlatter Forest at Night

Address

Go Ape Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
01603 895500

questions@goape.co.uk

Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite

Looking for unique things to do in the Lake District this October? Back by popular demand, Go Ape Whinlatter's Sundown Adventures offer a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark. Experience the usual Go Ape thrills taken up a level as you…

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Tour of Skiddaw

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

Cumbria

North of Skiddaw lies an area of high moors and rolling hills. Bleak and lonely – these fells do not attract the crowds as do their southern neighbours. Great sweeps of open fells dominate the landscape relieved only by the becks. Penetrating this…

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Forest Art for Children

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter.
Let the forest inspire your little ones to create your own piece of art. With various materials provided, this is their chance to try out new mediums and methods.
Suitable for children aged…

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Carriage Café at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Address

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

Telephone
017687 76599

info@basslakestation.co.uk

Cockermouth

The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…

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Derwentwater Marina

Address

Derwentwater Marina, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5RF

Telephone
017687 72912

info@derwentwatermarina.co.uk

Keswick

Derwent Water Marina is situated in the peaceful and sheltered northwest corner of the lake in the picturesque village of Portinscale, just a 20-minute walk from Keswick.

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Bramblewood Cottage Guest House

Address

2 Greta Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4HS

Telephone
017687 75918

info@bramblewoodkeswick.com

Keswick

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

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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

We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
924 reviews
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Halloween Potion Hunt at Go Ape Whinlatter Forest

Address

Go Ape Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
01603895500

questions@goape.co.uk

Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite

Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family near Keswick? Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a 'spell-tacular' addition to Go Ape Whinlatter Forest's Treetop and Nets Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a…

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Watendlath

Address

Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5UW

Cumbria

Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal setting; the epitome of Lakeland. This route is unashamedly easy being mostly on tarmac and with few problems encountered on the off-road sections,…

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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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Cyclewise Whinlatter

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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
188 reviews
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Keswick Market

Address

Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JR

Telephone
07753 934 540

Phil.byers@cumberland.gov.uk

Keswick

Busy Weekly Market with 80 stalls. Food, Crafts and Gifts.

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Derwentwater at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

Derwentwater is a stunning first-floor apartment created from the former billiards room on the north side of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. Enjoy breathtaking views across the lake and surrounding fells from the light-filled open-plan…

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Tourism For All

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
536 reviews
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Lake District Walking Holidays - The Carter Company

Address

The Carter Company, Various locations in Cumbria, CA12 4RE

Telephone
0129663167

hello@the-carter-company.com

Various locations in Cumbria

Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.

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Lakeland Paws canicross series

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

debs@greenspaceevents.com

Braithwaite, Keswick

The 26/27 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This series…

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Lake District Calvert Trust

Address

Calvert Lakes, Little Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QD

Telephone
017687 72255

enquiries@lakedistrict.calvert-trust.org.uk

Keswick

The Lake District Calvert Trust is a unique outdoor adventure centre dedicated to providing life-changing experiences for people with disabilities. Set in the heart of the stunning Lake District, the centre offers fully accessible accommodation and…

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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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