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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

Banquets, Conferences and Team Building at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa is a privately owned 17th century former stately home near to…

Functions and Meetings at Bassenthwaite Lake Station

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

Skiddaw via Longside Edge

A superb way to the summit of Skiddaw, which takes in the fine shapely ridge, Longside edge, that…

Couples Massage Tutorial with Lake District School of Massage

Does your partner ever ask you for a massage, and after a few minutes your hands start to ache?…

Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges

5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

Rooms36

The newly renovated family and dog-friendly Rooms36, VB 4-star silver award-winning bed and…

Massage Workshops - Lake District School of Massage

Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…

Old Coach Road

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

Full Moon Women's Circle - Pink Moon

The full Pink moon in Libra aligns with spring flowers bursting into life and symbolises happiness…

Blencathra

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

Skiddaw & Thirlmere

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

Keswick Brewery Shop

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

Hemmingways Angling Adventures

Join Eric Hope, renowned Cumbrian angler and environmentalist, for unique guided fishing trips and…

Keswick Tourist Information Centre

In the centre of Keswick and with a recently refurbished community room, the Moot Hall is the…

Lyzzick Hall Hotel

Beautiful Lakeland stone 19thC building in exquisite gardens. Spectacular mountain views with…

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…

Cafe Ambio, Whinlatter Forest

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

Cyclewise Whinlatter

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

Skiddaw Loop

One of the Lakeland classics. Bikers have been enjoying this route since the dawn of cycling. A…

The Bowder Stone and Watendlath

Tucked high amongst the fells in a secluded and hidden valley on the eastern side of Borrowdale is…

The Pencil Museum

Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…

Paddleboarding, Canoe, Kayak and Boat Hire from Derwentwater Marina

Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…

The Royal Oak, Keswick

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

The Puzzling Place

An interactive world of optical illusions including illusion rooms, holograms and interactive…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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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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Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens

Address

Mirehouse & Gardens, A591, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

Telephone
017687 72287

info@mirehouse.com

Keswick

Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…

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220 reviews
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Revelin Moss Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

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…

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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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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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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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Dine at Overwater Hall Hotel

Address

Overwater Hall, Ireby, Cumbria, CA7 1HH

Telephone
017687 76566

welcome@overwaterhall.co.uk

Ireby

Our restaurant is open to residents and non-residents alike, serving a delicious 3 course meal made from freshly cooked local ingredients. We pride ourselves on the selection of local food producers and supplier who we work with to bring you a…

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703 reviews
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Spout Force Car Park, Whinlatter

Address

Braithwaite, KESWICK, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

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.

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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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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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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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Wild & Fruitful

Address

Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

sales@wildandfruitful.co.uk

Keswick

Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made with local produce to ensure a great taste.

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Crooked River Brewing Co

Address

Crooked River Tap, 7 Packhorse Ct, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JB

Telephone
017687 21705

info@crooked-river.co.uk

Keswick

Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick

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Sun Inn

Address

Sun Inn, The Rake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4QP

Telephone
01768776439

suninn.bassenthwaite@gmail.com

Bassenthwaite

Country pub located in the heart of Bassenthwaite Village. Large beer garden with views of Skiddaw. Serving excellent food and real ales. Dog friendly. Awarded CAMRA Summer Pub of the Season 2023.

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Café Bar 26

Address

26 Lake Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DQ

info@cafebar26.co.uk

Keswick

Café Bar 26 is a fantastic eatery offering a 100% plant-based menu in the centre of Keswick.

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Nichol End Marine

Address

Nichol End Marine, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TY

Telephone
017687 73082

info@nicholend.co.uk

Keswick

Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.

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Afternoon Tea in the VIP PODs at Cafe Hope

Address

Cafe Hope, Lake Rd, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DG

Telephone
01768780844

cafehope@mail.com

Keswick

Set beautiful hope park, in the exclusive pods you will be served a classic afternoon tea that is perfect for any occasion, available 7 days a week.

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No Monkey Business

Address

No Monkey Business, 43 Main St, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DS

cafehope@mail.com

Keswick

Cumbria's 1st Lo and No bar. Brunch and amazing coffee by day, tapas and AF cocktails by night - both served with no regrets.

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Alpaca Walking at The Lingholm Estate with Alpacaly Ever After

Address

The Lingholm Estate, Portinscale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TZ

Telephone
017687 78328

info@alpacalyeverafter.co.uk

Keswick

Our multi-award winning Social Enterprise Alpacaly Ever After are delighted to offer alpaca walks through the stunning private grounds of the Lingholm Estate.

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1903 reviews
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The Keswick Cheese Deli

Address

The Keswick Cheese Deli, 9 Packhorse Ct, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JB

Telephone
01768773377

hayley@keswickcheesedeli.co.uk

Keswick

The Lake District's Specialist Cheese, Fine Foods, Wine and Gift Shop

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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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