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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

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…

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

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

Brun Lea Guest House

We are a long established, 1981, family-run guest house, with friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We…

Cafe Ambio, Whinlatter Forest

"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…

Castlerigg Hall - Camping and Touring Pitches

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

Castle Inn Tavern

The Castle Inn Tavern at the Lake District Castle Inn Hotel and Spa offers cosy surroundings,…

The Cottage in the Wood

Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…

Keswick

Keswick is an attractive traditional small market town, which offers a variety of attractions,…

Long Valley Yurts - Keswick

With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…

Blencathra

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

Bird of Prey Experience at The Lake District Wildlife Park

An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…

The Royal Oak, Keswick

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

The Cottage in the Wood

We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…

Landscape Photography Full day workshop

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

Woodland Reset

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

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

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

Sands Trek Together

Join Sands in the Lake District National Park for this one day event and take on either a 10 mile…

Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

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

Herdy Keswick

Welcome to Herdy Keswick – a cheerful little shop in the heart of the Lake District, inspired by…

Embleton Spa Hotel

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

Functions and Meetings at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

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

Wild Forest Sauna

Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…

Forest Art for Children

Join us for an arty day at Whinlatter. Let the forest inspire your little ones to create your…

Low Briery Holiday Park

Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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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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Boat Hire on Derwentwater with Keswick Launch Co.

Address

Keswick Launch Co, Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ

Telephone
017687 72263

info@keswick-launch.co.uk

Keswick

Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No boating experience is necessary as we provide full safety instruction and life jackets for everyone on board. Keswick Launch also offers 50-minute cruises…

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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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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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534 reviews
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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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81 reviews
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Tythebarn Street Coach Park, Keswick

Address

Elliott Park, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NZ

KESWICK

Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.

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Derwent Pencil Factory Site Car Park, Keswick

Address

Carding Mill Lane, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NH

KESWICK

Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.

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Bell Close Car Park

Address

Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5JD

KESWICK

Pay and display car park with 116 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.

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Rawnsley Centre Car Park, Keswick

Address

Main Street, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5NP

KESWICK

Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.

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Dodd Wood

Address

Bassenthwaite, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Nr Keswick

Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network of walking trails will guide you deep into the woodland and onto walking trails leading to the Skiddaw massif. For spectacular views over…

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Woodend Brow Car Park, Bassenthwaite

Address

Thornthwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5SJ

KESWICK

A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.

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Noble Knott Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…

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Hope Park

Address

Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

Keswick

Keswick’s Hope Park is located between Derwentwater and the Keswick town centre. Visitors can enjoy the park’s magnificent floral displays, putting, pitch and putt, boules and obstacle golf, visit the bird viewing area or have a drink or snack in…

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Keswick Otley Road Car Park

Address

Otley Road, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5LE

KESWICK

Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.

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Whinlatter Forest & Visitor Centre Car Park

Address

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

Telephone
017687 78469

whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Keswick

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) – please pay on exit.

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Dodd Wood Car Park

Address

Bassenthwaite, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Nr Keswick

Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.

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Blencathra via Sharp Edge

Address

Blencathra, -

website@cumbriatourism.org

-

Blencathra boasts two of the Lake District's finest ridges, Sharp Edge and Hall's Fell Ridge. Sharp Edge is the more technical of the two and is usually viewed with mixed emotions; its lofty position and fine sculpted crest have the capacity to…

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Threlkeld Old Station Car Park

Address

Threlkeld, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 4TT

KESWICK

A small free car park with donation box and 8 spaces. Located on the site of the Threlkeld, off the A66. From the A66, turn into the B5322 and take the 2nd left, the car park is on your left.

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Hobcarton Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

KESWICK

Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…

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Lakeside Car Park, Keswick

Address

Lake Road, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

KESWICK

Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.

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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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