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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.
Formerly a Lakeland Hill Farm, Castlerigg Hall Caravan & Camping Park occupies one of the finest…
Borrowdale is a marvellous place to be; its crags, woodland, rivers and lakes make for an ideal…
Whinlatter is a great place for walking with many miles of gravel roads, paths and tracks to…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The fantastic "Derwent Fine Art Pencils" shop is a must for everyone, offering a wide range of our…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
Keswick Convention is a unique Christian event. Christians from all over the UK and from around the…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Experience Community for the Keswick Mountain Festival,…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Large Victorian house with private car park, situated in a quiet position approximately 3 minutes…
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie…
Coledale itself is a classic U shaped valley that is typical of many in the Lake District, but…
Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Set in Threlkeld, a quiet village just outside of Keswick with views of Blencathra and surrounding…
The northern and eastern slopes of Skiddaw are strikingly different than other Lake District fells.…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Whinlatter Forest is home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trail in the Lake District. At…
Rumoured to be one of Chris Bonnington's favourites in the Lake District, Blencathra's (868m)…
The full Beaver Moon is symbolised by busy beavers, preparing for the winter months ahead. It is…
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Residential outdoor adventure holidays for people with disabilities, including those with the most…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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…
Nr Keswick
Car Park with 90 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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
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
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
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…
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.
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