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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

Afternoon Tea at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…

Castlerigg Hall - Holiday Home Hire

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

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…

Embleton Spa Hotel

Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel…

Peel Wood

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

Keswick Brewery Shop

Visit our beer shop selling bottled beers and cans,  local gins and cider, merchandise and beer…

Whinlatter Forest Trail Runs

10km and half marathon trail runs within Whinlatter Forest

Cyclewise Whinlatter - Bike Hire & Guide

Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…

Castlerigg Stone Circle

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

Bassenthwaite

The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most…

The Spirit of the Guitar

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Aquarelle Guitar Quartet Rossini Sinfonia from…

The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden

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

Lake District Walking Holidays - The Carter Company

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

St Kentigern, Crosthwaite, Keswick

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

St. Bega's Church, Bassenthwaite

The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…

Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

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

Weddings at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

A special day requires a special place and at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa we understand this…

The Horse and Farrier Inn

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

Old Coach Road

The flanks of Clough Head and Matterdale Common at the northern end of the Helvellyn range are…

St Michael and All Angels, Isel

Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a…

The Lakes Distillery

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

Dining at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…

The Royal Oak, Keswick

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

Tours at The Lakes Distillery

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

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Towns & Villages

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Emergence: Ravel and Elgar

Address

St John's Church, Ambleside Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4DD

Telephone
01539 266 200

boxoffice@ldsm.org.uk

Keswick

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Nadejda String Quartet | Resol String Quartet
Ravel String Quartet in F
Elgar String Quartet in E minor
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman and the Haworth Trust
A journey from impressionistic…

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Keswick Convention 2026

Address

The Pencil Factory, The Pencil Factory, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NG

Telephone
017687 80075

info@keswickministries.org

Keswick

The annual Keswick Convention has been taking place since 1875. A completely free event offering life-changing Bible teaching, worship and fellowship, with fantastic Kids & Youth programme for 3-18 year olds, in the heart of the beautiful Lake…

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Easter Crafts – Clay Coil Pottery

Address

Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NF

Telephone
01768773263

info@keswickmuseum.org.uk

Keswick

Looking for a family-friendly creative activity during half-term? Look no further than our craft sessions at Keswick Museum! Roll, shape, and paint, your very own clay coil pottery. We provide everything you need, and yes… it may get messy (in the…

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Borrowdale Tour

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

Cumbria

An 18.7 miles (30.2km) circular cycling route around Borrowdale, taking in spectacular scenery and some wonderful Lake District views.

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Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Address

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

Telephone
017687 76551

reservations@armathwaite-hall.com

Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite

The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.

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The Bistro At The Distillery

Address

The Lakes Distillery, Nr Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria, CA13 9SJ

Telephone
017687 88850

bistro@lakesdistillery.com

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.

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Alpaca Walking at The Lake District Wildlife Park

Address

Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RD

Telephone
017687 76239

info@lakedistrictwildlifepark.com

Bassenthwaite

Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…

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Beyonk Online Booking
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New Keswick Women's Institute

Address

Davidson Park,, Crow Park Road,, KESWICK, CUMBRIA, CA12 5EG

Telephone
+447429618956

joannefavell@hotmail.co.uk

KESWICK

Open evening to help shape a new Women's Institute for Keswick

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Derwentwater Marina Shop

Address

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

Telephone
017687 72912

info@derwentwatermarina.co.uk

Keswick

Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our friendly & helpful staff are always on hand to help you make the right choice of kit.

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Sands Trek Together

Address

Lower Fitz Park, Ripon, Keswick, Lake District, CA12 4NF

Telephone
0203 897 3471

teamsands@sands.org.uk

Keswick

Join Sands in the Lake District National Park for this one day event and take on either a 10 mile or 20 mile circular route from the beautiful market town of Keswick. This full-day adventure, whether you're a seasoned hiker or tackling your first…

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The Lodge at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

The Lodge is a spacious five-bedroom retreat set within its own private garden at The Lingholm Estate, offering comfort, privacy, and plenty of room to unwind. Designed with togetherness in mind, The Lodge is perfect for large families or groups of…

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517 reviews
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Full Moon Women's Circle – Buck 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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Swinside at The Lingholm Estate

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 74238

stay@thelingholmestate.co.uk

Portinscale

Swinside is a beautiful and exceptionally spacious duplex apartment for four, perfectly positioned at the front of the estate's Grade II listed Victorian house. The elegant sitting room enjoys sweeping views across the main lawn towards Swinside…

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517 reviews
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The North Lakes Short Break with Contours Holidays

Address

Cumbria, Cumbria

Telephone
01629 821900

info@contours.co.uk

Cumbria

During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through Borrowdale and onto Buttermere via the Honister Pass, before returning to Keswick through the Newlands Valley. This short trail through some of the finest…

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Ultimate Animal Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park

Address

Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RD

Telephone
017687 76239

info@lakedistrictwildlifepark.com

Bassenthwaite

The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!

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Beyonk Online Booking
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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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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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Skiddaw via Longside Edge

Address

Cumbria, CA12 4QG

website@cumbriatourism.org

A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that extends north from Carl Side and is separated from the main massif by the deep trench of Southerndale. From a distance the crest of Longside Edge looks…

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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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Forage and Cookery Course

Address

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

Telephone
07423753212

info@totallywilduk.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery Course. Join them on a journey to learn about the hidden world of wild edibles that surrounds us. And that's not all! Enjoy a delicious wild food meal…

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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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Tourism For All

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