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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.
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.
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.
Fun facts and tantalising trivia about Bassenthwaite. Click for more details.
Keswick Convention is a unique Christian event. Christians from all over the UK and from around the…
One of the most scenic half marathon routes in the country. The challenging course takes you around…
The village of Bassenthwaite lies around 1 mile east of Bassenthwaite Lake. The lake is the most…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…
Slap bang in the middle of Borrowdale is Castle Crag. It's rather small, this perfectly formed…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Hire a rowing or motor boat and explore Derwentwater and its islands under your own steam. No…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Choose between the 60km or 99km routes starting just outside Keswick. The route takes us into…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
The Disabled Ramblers is a small national charity working to help those with limited mobility to…
Keswick Mountain Festival is the UK's largest participatory, outdoors multi-sports event in the UK.…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…
Brought to you by the National Trust for Heritage Open Days. Come and join us for a rare…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 167
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Ireby
An elegant 18th century country house hotel set in its own extensive grounds in the stunning northern Lake District. Luxury accommodation, award-winning food and genuine hospitality. Dogs welcome.
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684 reviewsBassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Braithwaite, Keswick
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest. At the shortest day, we take our lead from Mother Nature; slowing down our bodies and minds to the rhythm of the forest.
Keswick
Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most complex needs. It’s what you can do that counts!
KESWICK
Central Long Stay Pay and Display Car Park.
Capacity 334, disabled spaces 5, motorcycles free in designated bays.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
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…
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Chalet Tearoom, Portinscale, Keswick.
A £1 charge applies for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays.
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
KESWICK
Located next to Booths Supermarket.
Pay and display parking.
Keswick
An all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter is now available for hire at the Theatre by the Lake, on the shores of Derwentwater.
The Tramper allows those with limited mobility to join these walks and explore the stunning scenery of the Lake District.…
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
Keswick
Explore the woodland and take in the dramatic scenery overlooking Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw in England’s highest mountain forest.
Two Trampers are available daily at the visitor centre from 10:30am onwards for 4 hours.
KESWICK
Long Stay car park with a capacity of 150 spaces, 4 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
KESWICK
Long Stay Car Park (next to the Pencil Museum)
77 spaces, 2 disabled spaces.
KESWICK
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wild Strawberry, Keswick.
A £1 donation to Another way environmental charity is requested for use of this facility.
Keswick
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Buy a Discovery Pass for Grizedale and/or Whinlatter forests and enjoy free car parking all year plus a range of other great discounts for you and your family.
KESWICK
Non-hired bikes can be charged for half an hour if they have been PAT tested and display the sticker at Cyclewise bike shop.
Electric Bike Charging Point, located at Cyclewise, Whinlatter Forest
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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