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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 North Lakes Short Break with Contours Holidays

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

Forage and Cookery Course

Get ready for an adventure with a Totally Wild UK professional forager on our Forage and Cookery…

Landscape Photography Full day workshop

Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…

Keswick Market

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

Bassenthwaite Lake

Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…

Functions and Meetings at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

This stunning salon carriage offers the perfect location as a quirky and intimate venue for your…

The Royal Oak, Keswick - Food & Drink

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

Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

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

Easter Egg-venture at Go Ape Whinlatter

Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking'…

Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

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

Catbells Cottage at The Lingholm Estate

Catbells Cottage has been thoughtfully restored to create a stunning five-bedroom home, offering…

Keswick Mountain Festival

Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes,…

Skiddaw via Jenkin Hill

Skiddaw's simple symmetry appeals to the child in us all. Its form needs no explanation; it is a…

Forest Bathing & Wellbeing in Nature Walk – Summer

Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…

Go Ape Whinlatter

Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…

Full Moon Women's Circle – Blue Moon

Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…

Blencathra

Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…

Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

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

Elva Plain Stone Circle

The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…

The Royal Oak, Keswick

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

Derwent Retail Shop at The Pencil Museum

The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

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

So Unfair

A brand new show for 7-10 year olds and their grown-ups. Welcome to our interactive science demo –…

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…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Day Admission to The Lake District Wildlife Park

Address

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

Telephone
017687 76239

info@lakedistrictwildlifepark.com

Bassenthwaite

A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.

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Beyonk Online Booking
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BounceFest

Address

Keswick School, Vicarage Hill, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5QB

Telephone
07725 834699

info@bouncefestuk.com

Keswick

BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 0–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses, interactive games and a dedicated toddler area for little adventurers. Families book timed…

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Skiddaw

Address

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website@cumbriatourism.org

Skiddaw is one of the elite group of mountains in England whose summit eclipses the 3000 foot barrier. It overlooks Keswick and Derwent Water.

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Wine and Whisky Tasting Nights at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Address

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

Telephone
017687 76599

info@basslakestation.co.uk

Cockermouth

Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.

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Whinlatter Forest

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Keswick

Prepare to be wowed by England's only true mountain forest. Rising 1000ft above sea level and set in the middle of the stunning Lake District National Park, Whinlatter offers a fantastic day out for all!

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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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Forage and Cookery Course - Whinlatter Forest

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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Skiddaw via Sale How

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

Cumbria

The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells. They are gentler and run off in great sweeps to an area of high moors and rolling hills known collectively as the 'Back o' Skidda'. The only features…

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Nature's Nightlife

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.
Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky. Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.
Please bring a…

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Skiddaw 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 and steeped in history, Skiddaw served as a creative sanctuary for Beatrix Potter in the late 1890s. It was from these bedroom windows that she captured the view for her piece…

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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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Keswick Mountain Festival

Address

Crow Park, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Keswick

Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (15-17 May 2026) with trail runs, hikes, triathlons, live music, outdoor brands & more in the stunning Lake District. Book now!

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The Bowder Stone and Watendlath

Address

Keswick, Cumbria

keswicktic@lake-district.gov.uk

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,…

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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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Lake District Trail Running Festival 2026

Address

Keswick School, Vicarage Hill, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5QB

Telephone
07861030105

sam.calvert@runthrough.co.uk

Keswick

53k and 23k trail running races.

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Bikes, Boots, Boats – A Unique Triathlon Event

Address

YHA Kewswick, Station Road, Kewswick, Cumbria, CA12 5LH

Telephone
01903 680740

marnie.davidson@turning-tides.org.uk

Kewswick

Sign up to take on this unique triathlon event, while raising funds for Turning Tides, a homelessness charity supporting people in W Sussex!
Bikes, Boots, Boats
Sign up to take on this one-of-a-kind triathlon event, while raising vital funds for…

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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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The Lakes Distillery

Address

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

Telephone
017687 88850

info@lakesdistillery.com

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

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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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The Mystery of the Pirate Lagoon

Address

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

Telephone
+447931679654

events@threlkeld.org

Keswick

A comic radio play presented live on stage – with the help of the audience! Mad but fun! What is the mystery of the Pirate Lagoon? Join the crew of The Prospero on an adventure to find out. Will we find the treasure? Can we escape from the evil…

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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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